My “Favorite” Wine and Cocktail

December 10, 2021 by evebushman

One of the questions I get every year, like clockwork as the saying goes, is “What’s your favorite wine?” And though I’ve definitely been lucky to have been exposed to more wine tastings than the average wine lover, there has never been – or will there ever be – a clear-cut answer to that question. Same thing is true for spirits and cocktails. Let me cite some of the broad reasons as to why no one should have a clear cut answer to that question.

I’ll Have What She’s Having

More common than I like it a person I’m dining with will order whatever I’m ordering, from wine to cocktails. I like that they appreciate my palate and taste, but that in no way transfers to what their palate or taste may like. Instead it would be a little wiser to ask me why I selected a certain wine or cocktail, what the flavor profile is, and if that still sounds good to you, go for it.

Looking at the Wine or Cocktail List Before Ordering

I always look the wine list or cocktail menu before ordering what I want to drink with dinner. If I find something that sounds really good, then I will look at the dinner menu that should have something meant to pair it with. Then I order. You can certainly do it the other way around but this way I can get my “favorite” drink for that particular time.

Depends On What I’m Eating

Yes, you should be thinking about what you are eating when you select a wine. Your current favorite may be a nice oaky Chardonnay but that isn’t going to break down the fat in a steak like a red wine with lots of tannins. (so if you are going to order the same drink as me, you should be ordering the same food!) Which brings me to:

Think About What Goes Into Your Mouth

A few years back I was teaching a wine lesson to two local television hosts. When one commented that she just wants to drink and not think about it, I admonished her and said something like, “You should really think about what goes in your mouth”, to which she replied by spitting out the wine she had in her mouth as she was laughing so hard. (This was all on camera so it turned out to be a really fun show!) I bet from that moment on she spent a little more time reflecting about what she eats and drinks. I’ve also been quoted to say something like, “Those that spend the time thinking about the aromas and flavors in wine, and the work the winemaker put into it, are also more likely to notice their surroundings in general, and appreciate them as well.”

The Season

Yes, wine and cocktails can be seasonal. Whites and pinks in the hot months and reds in the cold months. I’ve been known to slightly chill light reds in the summer months too. Some people even enjoy clear spirit cocktails in the summer and brown spirit cocktails in the winter, that hasn’t mattered that much to me.

Price

I’ve learned that while bottles of wine can be triple the cost in a restaurant, and totally respect mark-up, I may lean toward a cocktail for a better price. I also think twice about spending hundreds of dollars on wine that is meant to age for a while. At my age I don’t want to plan on waiting 10 or 20 years to enjoy a bottle of wine.

Following a Winemaker

Two winemakers come to mind when I mention this, but they shall remain nameless to protect the winery they have left behind. I’ve followed them both to their new wineries as their work is impeccable, no matter where it takes them. They are always favorites of mine. I hope that in your wine journey you find a few winemakers to follow too.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits

Loaded with Holiday Bonuses: “Fesstive Getaway” Package at Fess Parker Wine Country Inn // Los Olivos, CA

November 21, 2021 by evebushman

The famed Fess Parker Wine Country Inn (www.fessparker.com/inns-and-cabins/our-inn), located in Los Olivos, in the heart of Santa Barbara County wine country, is currently offering a special holiday stay / play / shop / dine / drink package, the “Fesstive Getaway” Package – available now through January 2, 2022.

As part of the package, guests will arrive to an in-room bottle of Fesstivity from Fess Parker Winery’s sparkling wine program, plus a $150 dining credit to Nella Kitchen & Bar (www.nellakitchen.com), the onsite restaurant from the team behind Santa Ynez Valley’s esteemed S.Y. Kitchen.

The Fesstive Getaway package is also helpful for those looking to tackle holiday shopping, with exclusive offers and discounts at a handful of local shops and boutiques.

The special package also includes wine tasting for two at Fess Parker Winery and Epiphany, as well as 2-for-1 tastings at ten additional local wineries.

Included Amenities:

Luxury accommodations with gas fireplace
Daily pastries and coffee for two
Wine Tasting for two at Fess Parker Winery and Epiphany
Two-for-one wine tasting at ten other local wineries and tasting rooms
Bottle of Fesstivity chilled upon arrival
$150 Nella Kitchen & Bar dining credit (Nella is open from 12 noon, Thursday through Monday)
Exclusive offers and discounts at:

Olive Hill Farm

Coco-Belle Cabana

Los Olivos General Store

Favour (in the town of Santa Ynez)

Heaven Scent (Santa Ynez)

Wendy Foster (Los Olivos location)

J. Woeste

Wildflower Women Boutique

Package rates are open midweek and weekend, with certain exceptions: Package is closed for arrival on Tuesdays, and Wednesday arrivals have a two-night minimum. Fesstive Getaway Package is also closed for Christmas Day. The Fess Parker Wine Country Inn has a two-night requirement on Saturday stays (can be Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday nights). Midweek rates start at $605++; weekend rates start at $685++.

Fess Parker Wine Country Inn, and Nella Kitchen & Bar, are located at 2860 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA 93441. To reach the Inn directly, please call 805-688-7788. Reservations may also be booked online, at www.fessparker.com/inns-and-cabins/offers.

TASTE THE DIFFERENCE campaign kicks off

November 6, 2021 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – From October to December 2021, TASTE THE DIFFERENCE programme will be casting a new light on European PDOs – Protected Denomination of Origin – and PGIs – Protected Geographical Indication – thanks to an intense activity calendar. Aimed at increasing the perceived value of wines with protected origin and national cultural heritage, while ensuring an image of European excellence and tradition, the campaign addresses both press and trade professionals and will be focusing on quality wines made in Spain and Italy.

The campaign is the result of the joint efforts of Prodeca, a Spanish state-owned company supporting agri-food and forestry products from the north-east of the country, and UIV, Italy’s most important wine association representing 660 companies and a total of 150.000 growers.

The lively series of activities, to be run both in person and online, includes active participation in events such as TEXSOM – where TASTE THE DIFFERENCE will support the Volunteer Dinner – the arrangement of dedicated masterclasses in October and November with GuildSomm in major cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Austin, alongside with an open-to-all virtual seminar series that will remain available online. In addition to this, a Grand Tasting will be run in New York featuring upwards of 40 producers from Italy and Spain and seminars showcasing the peculiarities of the many appellations involved.

The wide series of activities will strengthen the awareness of PDO and PGI symbols and broaden the knowledge of related appellations among journalists and bloggers, wine influencers, key opinion leaders, as well as sommeliers, beverage directors and retailers, thanks also to a social campaign.

About TASTE THE DIFFERENCE PROGRAM
The program: European quality wines: taste the difference is a project financed by the European Union and managed by Unione Italiana Vini and PRODECA for the promotion of PDO and PGI European wines abroad in China and US. In order to achieve this objective, the TTD.EU program will organize wine seminars, workshops and b2b meetings both in these countries and in Spain and Italy, inviting wine professionals to join study trips to Europe. The program, realized in the span of three years (2021-2023) aims at creating awareness about European quality wines, in particular Italian and Spanish, which share a long tradition and a high standard of quality.

The beneficiaries: Unione Italiana Vini is the oldest and most commissioned Association of the Italian wine market. It represents cooperative, private and agricultural wine-companies, bottlers, consortia, associations and wine-making machines or wine cellars / laboratory manufacturers, located throughout the Italian territory. Promotora de Exportaciones Catalanas (PRODECA) is a public company established in 1986 and added to the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Government of the “Generalitat de Catalunya.

Walla Walla’s Newest Businesses – And A Luxury Wine Resort – Spotlight the Valley’s Bounty

October 9, 2021 by evebushman

WALLA WALLA’S NEWEST BUSINESSES SPOTLIGHT THE VALLEY’S BOUNTY
From a luxury winery resort to a refurbished 1930’s Showroom, Walla Walla’s new businesses further the valley’s connection to character and place.

(WALLA WALLA, Wash.) – Walla Walla is so nice, they named it twice. Honored for the second consecutive year as America’s Best Wine Region, and boasting a flourishing farm-to-table culinary scene, this rural-chic town in central Washington has earned a reputation for continually building upon its successes as opposed to resting on its laurels. With its sweeping landscape of wheat fields, vineyards, and farmland, not to mention its health and safety-minded Peace of Mind Pledge, Walla Walla continues to delight and entice visitors with no fewer than 11 new businesses opening their doors in recent months.

Yellowhawk Resort, photo from their Facebook page.

Among the most notable, a new luxury winery resort, three new restaurants, three new tasting rooms, and four other businesses, including a curated grocery store, an elevated general store, an artisan showroom, and an educational hops tour.

“It gives me great joy to see these new businesses opening their doors,” Says Robert Hansen, Executive Director of Visit Walla Walla and Walla Walla Valley Wine. “The common theme running through these new businesses is a unified connection to place and community supporting the local landscape, artisans, and history that makes Walla Walla so genuinely unique.”

Following is a list of some of the notable businesses that have opened their doors in Walla Walla in recent months:

LODGING
Yellowhawk Resort (formerly Basel Cellars): Yellowhawk Resort is an 84-acre hillside retreat on Walla Walla’s south side. The resort features a sparkling winery and tasting room with farm-to-table dining, a swimming pool and cabanas, lodging, and event space for weddings, reunions, and corporate retreats. As you enter the gate and wind up the hill to the estate house, the elevated setting provides a sweeping outlook on the fields of wheat, lush vineyards below, and the Blue Mountains in the distance. The property was purchased in December 2020 by Pacific Northwest hospitality leaders Dan Thiessen, Chad Mackay, Scott Clark, Philip Christofides, and Paul Mackay, and is part of the Revelers Club loyalty program. Winemaker George-Anne Robertson leads Yellowhawk’s sparkling wine program.

DINING & RESTAURANTS
AK’s Mercado: One of Walla Walla’s top eateries, Andrae’s Kitchen, which Food and Wine magazine’s Ray Isle once described as “hands down the best restaurant inside a working gas station in America,” recently relocated to its own space on Main St. in the heart of downtown Walla Walla. Focusing on tacos, smoked meats, and other street food, Mercado is inspired by Chef Andrae Bopp’s love for the cuisines of Oaxaca and New Orleans, among other places, with a craft cocktail program curated by local mixology legend Jim German. The venue also features various popups from Secret Squirrel wine, Daylight Plant Co, Walla Walla Cheese Co. and others.

The Kitchen at Abeja: Those with a taste for wine country living have yet another reason to visit Abeja, a 38-acre historic Walla Walla farmstead and home to the acclaimed Abeja winery and bucolic Inn at Abeja. The Kitchen at Abeja, which opened July 13, offers a fine dining experience showcasing innovative wine country cuisine and celebrating the Pacific Northwest’s seasonal bounty. Dinner guests choose from a five or seven-course prix fixe menu, as well as an optional wine pairing menu. Executive Chef Elodie Li, who returns to her home state after two years of cooking in Michelin two-star restaurants in Provence, France, collaborates with Abeja winemakers Dan Wampfler and Amy Alvarez-Wampfler on the menus, updated weekly. Surrounded by the winery’s vineyards and gardens, The Kitchen at Abeja is a rich, refined wine country experience.

The Kinglet at Whitehouse-Crawford (opening early 2022): Farther on the horizon is The Kinglet at Whitehouse-Crawford, a new bistro eatery in the historic Whitehouse-Crawford Planing Mill building, from acclaimed Seattle Chef Maximillian Petty. A multiple James Beard semifinalist, Petty’s menu will range from exuberantly curated items, which built his reputation at Eden Hill, to a bar and lounge area that will stay open later with a snack-heavy lineup, including a pizza oven and an extensive cocktail program.

TASTING ROOMS
Moonbase Cellars: The Blue Mountains and rolling wheat fields of Walla Walla enticed Laine and Drew Pauk to call the valley their home. That, and their desire to make wine with a straightforward approach amidst an ideal viticulture climate. Moonbase Cellars’ philosophy is to find fantastic vineyards suited for a specific grape variety, sourcing excellent fruit from premier vineyard sites in the Walla Walla Valley, including multiple locations within the coveted The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA. As for the name, Drew has always been fascinated with space. Though his dream of becoming an astronaut didn’t work out, he managed to combine his love for wine and space with Moonbase Cellars.

Kinhaven Winery : This new family-owned small lot winery and vineyard is perched atop a picturesque knoll in the Southside winery district of Walla Walla. The property, with 8 acres of Merlot, Cabernet, Carmenere and Malbec, enjoys unobstructed views of the Blue Mountains and is the perfect setting for family and friends to connect while enjoying their thoughtfully crafted wines. Purchased in 2019 by Terry and Lisa Davenport, who also own the recently renovated Boyer House. From dining in the vines to weddings, the combination of Kinhaven Winery and Boyer House sets up for the perfect family and friend gathering.

5 Dollar Ranch Brewing : Self-proclaimed as “Walla Walla’s best new brewery in 2021,” this newcomer opened in June 2021. Located on the south side of town along the Oregon border on twelve acres of farm property, with sweeping views of the Blue Mountains. An evolving menu of hop offerings is fit to appease the novice to beer connoisseur. The location is both dog and kid-friendly. According to brewer and owner Josh Hulett, while he loves all of his beers, the Hazy’s are not to be missed.

Hoquetas Wine Company: Located at the Port of Walla Walla wine incubator facility in the Walla Walla Airport District, Hoquetas Wine Co. opened its doors in September of 2021. Started by musician turned winemaker Robert Gomez and his family, the winery focuses on producing wines that are both expressive and representative of the region’s terroir. Hoquetus, a musical method where vocal parts alternate to create a single melody, speaks to Gomez’s musical approach to winemaking, where the ingredients are carefully composed to create a melodious pour.

Runway Market : Located in the airport district of Walla Walla’s wine region, Runway Market is a sparkling wine bar serving up local bubbles. The Market serves an assortment of food options, including picnic boxes, paninis, flatbread pizza, and various other grab-and-go options. All tastings include complimentary gourmet popcorn. Cathy Bay and her husband opened Runway Market in 2021 with the hopes of being a stop for not only bubbles and food, but laughter and celebration.

SPECIALTY, ACTIVITIES & OTHER
Showroom at Colville: The Showroom on Colville was built in the 1930s as a showroom for auto sales in the center of downtown Walla Walla. In October of 2019, the Showroom on Colville underwent extensive renovations which unveiled the beautiful bones of the structure, and from there the story began to blossom. A corner of downtown Walla Walla honors local history to gather and celebrate the community with local-centric artisans and purveyors. Shops include TMACS, The Market by Andy’s, Wildlings Co. kids boutique, and many more.

Walla Walla General Store: A new home, kitchen & gift store founded by Jean Bender and Peggy Frasse. The store opened to locals & visitors alike on May 6, 2021. From small delights, such as penny cent candy to homewares from makers such as Simon Pierce, Walter G textiles, Riedel and Staub – there is something for everyone at the Walla Walla General Store. Much more than just a retail space, co-founders Jean & Peggy envision the store as a space for community. Following a successful summer Art Series, resident Allison Palmer will host a continuation of “Make for Joy” there this fall. Weekly Monday-Wednesday classes will begin in September, and continue through December.

Walla Walla Brews Cruise : Walla Walla is known for wine, but it’s also home to plentiful craft beer and cider. Alongside thousands of acres of vineyards are century-old wheat fields and orchards stretching across the valley. Generations of wheat farmers have made their home in Walla Walla and now support a growing community of brewers. Walla Walla Brews Cruise tours are knowledge-based tours where you will learn about the process of brewing beers and crafting cider, with a guided discussion of varying styles of alcohol.

Foodscape Walla Walla : Foodscape could technically be described as an online grocer, but it’s so much more. It’s a place to acquire food, talk about food, or gather meaning from food. It was started by Hannah MacDonald, a longtime chef, local, and significant influencer on the Walla Walla food scene over the past decade. Foodscape highlights the area’s bounty, from food to all the agriculture offerings: produce, meat, and seafood. They also directly import hundreds of spices from all over the world, as well as other specialty products like olive oil, seafood, and vinegar. Foodscapes give locals and visitors alike the tools that they need to cook any cuisine under the sun.

About Walla Walla:
As the unofficial capital of Washington wine country, Walla Walla is home to more than 120 wineries, a nationally recognized culinary scene, access to an abundance of outdoor recreation, and an arts & entertainment scene that rivals cities many times its size. This community of just over 30,000 residents is known for many things, including its friendliness and hospitality, the quality of its wine, and of course the famous Walla Walla Sweet Onion. An easy and scenic four-hour drive from Seattle, Portland, or Boise, Walla Walla can also be accessed via Alaska Airlines’ daily non-stop flights from Seattle. For more information and to begin planning a trip to Walla Walla, visit www.wallawalla.org.

Watershed Distillery® Releases Highly Anticipated Batch 002 of Barrel Strength Bourbon Finished in Apple Brandy Casks

September 28, 2021 by evebushman

COLUMBUS, Ohio, /PRNewswire/ — Watershed Distillery announces its most mature spirit to date—a highly limited barrel strength bourbon—released on Saturday, September 18, at the distillery with limited allocation in Ohio retail agencies and select markets across the U.S. to follow. The highly anticipated 2021 Watershed Barrel Strength Bourbon Batch 002 follows the release of Batch 001 in September 2020 for the distillery’s 10-year anniversary, which sold out in under three hours.

Created from some of the last remaining barrels of Watershed Distillery’s original five grain mash bill of corn, wheat, rye, barley, and spelt—an ancient grain grown primarily in Ohio and nod to the distillery’s craft roots—Barrel Strength Bourbon Batch 002 was created from copper pot-distilled bourbon aged four years in virgin char #4 White Oak barrels and finished for 34-45 months in Watershed’s own Ohio apple brandy casks. Bottled without chill filtration at 120.8 proof, this rare and complex spirit was created from barrels 100% distilled, aged, and bottled on-site, and represents the oldest bourbon ever released by Watershed Distillery.

“When selecting the barrels for this batch of our Barrel Strength Bourbon, our Barrel Master Anne Dimmick and I set out to highlight the true depth and complexity of the bourbon we make at Watershed Distillery,” shares Head Distiller Aaron Harris. “We are always looking for that ‘magic’ in a barrel—a rich and bold bourbon with balanced sweetness that truly stands apart from the rest, and we think Batch 002 captures that perfectly.”

Watershed is releasing just 3,060 bottles of this highly anticipated limited offering to seven markets—Ohio, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, New York and Michigan. Suggested retail price is $89.99. Tasting notes for Barrel Strength Bourbon Batch 002 are as follows:

Appearance: Deep Amber
Aroma: Dark brown sugar caramel, roasted oak and rich vanilla
Flavor: The palate brings with it a full-bodied rich viscosity, with complex notes of fig, peripheral spice, and a touch of black cherry and toasted nuttiness
Finish: Robust and balanced with lingering complexity
Age: 6-8 years
Proof: 120.8

Watershed Barrel Strength Bourbon Batch 002 was released to the public at Watershed Distillery (1145 Chesapeake Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43212) on Saturday, September 18, before making its way—in small quantities—to select retail outlets in Ohio and to Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Lexington, New York City and Tampa.

To celebrate this limited release, Watershed Distillery hosted a special preview dinner, “The Evolution of Character,” on Thursday, September 16. This event featured a curated menu by Executive Chef Jack Moore, and allowed attendees to experience the special journey this particular bourbon took from grain to glass. All dinner participants had the opportunity to purchase up to two bottles of Watershed Barrel Strength Bourbon Batch 002 in advance of the public release on Saturday, September 18.

This limited release is the latest offering in Watershed’s premium family of aged spirits. This summer, the distillery moved to a fully-aged stated bourbon portfolio with the launch of Watershed Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon and the relaunch of their flagship Watershed Distillery Bourbon as a 4-6 year blend of three bourbons. For more information on Watershed Distillery, its spirits or to purchase a ticket to the “Evolution of Character dinner,” please visit www.watersheddistillery.com.

ABOUT WATERSHED DISTILLERY
Watershed Distillery is the largest independent Ohio distillery and producer of award-winning craft bourbons, gins, vodka and a variety of specialty spirits. Founded in 2010 by Greg Lehman, Watershed Distillery was inspired by the vision of creating great spirits and shared experiences that bring people together. Watershed Distillery offers seasonal curated events, daily tours and tasting experiences, and is home to Watershed Kitchen and Bar—consistently named one of the top restaurants and cocktail bars in Columbus. Find Watershed online at http://www.watersheddistillery.com or @watershedistillery.

EMERIL LAGASSE FOUNDATION’S BOUDIN BOURBON AND BEER GOES “BACK-TO-THE-TABLE”

September 8, 2021 by evebushman

NEW ORLEANS, LA—The Emeril Lagasse Foundation has announced that it will bring Boudin, Bourbon and Beer “Back-to-the-Table” in 2021. In response to the devastating impact the pandemic had on the hospitality industry, the organization has chosen to forego its traditional festival format and celebrate at individual restaurants during the month of November.

“While our industry is still struggling, we are excited to be able to encourage our loyal Boudin, Bourbon & Beer patrons to dine out during November to provide support to our restaurants and sponsors,” said Chef Emeril Lagasse. “We greatly appreciate the ongoing generosity the restaurant community has provided over the last ten years in raising awareness of our mission to inspire, mentor, and enable youth to reach their full potential.”

The “Back-to-the-Table” event will include restaurants across New Orleans that will craft special boudin dishes and feature Abita Beer and cocktails from Buffalo Trace and Sazerac brands. Chefs confirmed to date, include Frank Brigtsen, Adolfo Garcia, Donald Link, Susan Spicer, Stephen Stryjewski, as well as Atchafalaya Restaurant. Additional chef and restaurant participants will be announced as they are confirmed.

In addition to the “Back-to-the-Table” dining campaign, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation will continue the mentorship components of Boudin, Bourbon & Beer through a special internship program. Participating restaurants will welcome student mentees from program beneficiaries into the kitchen for an unmatched learning opportunity.

The Foundation has distributed $15.5 million to date, focusing on children’s education programs and funding to support basic childhood needs. As part of its mission, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation created a signature program, Emeril’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen. This national education initiative integrates gardening and cooking concepts in elementary and middle school curriculums. This one-of-a-kind program offers an engaging experience that connects kids to the world of food and nurtures skills that benefit them not only in the kitchen but also throughout life. Currently, there are three kitchens in operation, with one to be completed in September and a fifth in 2022.

About Emeril Lagasse Foundation: Founded in 2002 by Chef Emeril Lagasse and his wife Alden, Emeril Lagasse Foundation is a 501c(3) public charity headquartered in New Orleans. The Foundation’s mission is to create opportunities to inspire, mentor and enable youth to reach their full potential through culinary, nutrition, and arts education. For more information visit emeril.org.

Union of Sweet Bordeaux Wines Announces Participation in the New Campaign “The Charming Taste of Europe” in the U.S. and Canada

June 5, 2021 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Union des Vins Doux de Bordeaux has announced the start of a new communication program in Canada and the U.S. to promote its wines and territory in conjunction with other exquisite European products, such as the wines from Abruzzo, Italy, the cherries from Rachi Pieria, and kiwis from Kavala in Greece.

“The Charming Taste of Europe” is a three-year campaign promoted by the Vini d’Abruzzo consortium, the Union of Sweet Bordeaux wines, the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Kavala (EAS Kavala), and the Agricultural Cooperative of Rachi Pieria “AGIOS LOUKAS,” co-financed by the European Union. This campaign will focus on raising awareness of these high-quality products in the American and Canadian market.

With the slogan, “Enjoy it! It’s from Europe,” this campaign will awaken the senses and create a new culinary consciousness by connecting food, cultures, and territories.

“We are very honored to be a part of this European project,” says Daniel Sanfourche, Union des Vins Doux de Bordeaux President. “It will showcase the heritage, gastronomy, and know-how of Europe through three countries: Italy, Greece and France. The cultivation of quality products is a major issue for our organizations. From juicy kiwis, to cherries and sparkling Abruzzo wines, the campaign will make its symbols shine in the hearts of American and Canadian consumers.”

Starting in the spring of 2021, these agricultural jewels of Europe will be the protagonists of numerous initiatives and events dedicated to consumers, media, and trade professionals both in the U.S. and Canada to educate these markets about their merits, elevate quality standards, and thus increase their competitiveness and create new export opportunities.

Some of the most important appointments of 2021 include the participation in New York’s Restaurant Week and the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco. Throughout the year, there will be seminars and educational activities with sommeliers, culinary schools, and clubs, together with some dinners dedicated to trade and media.

To learn more about “The Charming Taste of Europe Campaign,” visit charmingtasteofeurope.eu, where it highlights the characteristics of the selected European products. Pages dedicated to “The Charming Taste of Europe” can be found on all main social networks, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. The Consortia invites everyone to join the social media campaign using the hashtag #charmeu.

About the Union des Vins Doux de Bordeaux:
The Union des Vins Doux de Bordeaux is an association of four organizations, ODG des Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieurs, ODG des Premières Côtes de Bordeaux et Cadillac, ODG des Liquoreux de Bordeaux, and ODG des Côtes de Bordeaux Saint Macaire, that ensures the protection of origin and quality standard of the sweet wines produced in 8 appellations of the Bordeaux region: Bordeaux Moelleux, Bordeaux Supérieur, Cadillac, Cérons, Côtes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire, Loupiac, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, and Sainte-Croix-Du-Mont.

With a diversity of soils that are perfectly drained and its favorable microclimates, the sun-drenched terroirs of Sweet Bordeaux were predestined for success. Their 8 appellations (Protected Designations of Origin) stretch over slopes on both banks of the Garonne, and the river plays a crucial role in the creation of an ideal microclimate. Notably, the morning mists that generate in the fall enable the development of the Botrytis Cinereal fungus, the secret to the riches of the great sweet Bordeaux wines.

The golden wines of Bordeaux are produced from their own unique sets of soils, gentle slopes, and a terroir which features different degrees of gravel, clay varying types of sand, and limestone that reside over an alluvial filled bed.

This exceptional terrain gave birth to the varietal aromas of the Sémillon, Sauvignon, and Muscadelle grape varieties.

Producing sweet wines requires a huge amount of patience and is not without risk for the winegrower, but thanks to the unique, hands-on approach to the production method, it provides a fabulous human adventure that goes back more than 400 years. Today, over 350 families help to perpetuate and protect these unique ancestral skills, and they cannot wait to meet you!
For more information, visit sweetbordeaux.com/en

About Colangelo & Partners:
Colangelo & Partners (http://www.colangelopr.com) is the leading fine wine and spirits integrated communications agency in the United States, sought after by top brands and industry players for the quality of their results, creativity, and return on investment. The professionals at Colangelo & Partners work with integrity and passion to influence how US audiences perceive their clients: Earning consistent, high-quality positive media coverage; organizing signature events; strategizing and executing standout digital campaigns; and implementing trade programs that strengthen relationships within the industry. Colangelo & Partners’ clientele includes global, instantly-recognizable brands and passionate, up-and-coming vignerons and distillers; regional and national institutions; and technology and e-commerce companies innovating in the beverage alcohol sector.

Starting June 3 for One Month: It’s Tiki Time! The Front Yard at Ellis Island Hotel, Casino and Brewery Transforms Second Floor into The Island at Ellis, a Hidden Tiki Bar Pop-Up

May 25, 2021 by evebushman

LAS VEGAS /PRNewswire/ — Prepare to be transported into a one-month-only mid-century tiki dream at The Front Yard at Ellis Island Hotel, Casino & Brewery, where the restaurant’s second floor will be transformed into a delightfully kitschy, tiki bar escape, called The Island at Ellis. The summer soiree will run from June 3 until July 4.

Stepping into this all-day oasis, sponsored by Bacardi, guests will be greeted by a 15-foot swordfish, staff decked out in Hawaiian-themed attire and tiki-style vignettes throughout the space. But no tiki bar is complete without tropical favorites, and The Front Yard’s Tiki Bar will be serving up dishes such as a Teriyaki Chicken Burger, Tiki Quesadilla, and Coconut Shrimp, only available on the second level of the restaurant. Ten boozy island-themed specialty drinks will also be available, with beer cocktails and Ellis Island spins on Tiki classics, multiple served as individual cocktails or in punch bowls for a crowd. For high-res photos of some of the menu items, click HERE.

In addition to the specialty Island at Ellis offerings, The Front Yard’s brunch and dinner menus will be available, with fan favorites like Stuffed Crunch Toast, Salmon and Lox Flatbread, Bacon Mac & Cheese, a Giant Pretzel, and more. All of Ellis Island’s iconic beers will also be on the menu, served in glassware made specifically for the pop-up.

And it would not be Vegas without a little gambling! Two blackjack tables will add some Sin City flare and a variety of slots will be available to play in a lounge area located by the Terrace Bar.

“We can’t wait for the launch of The Island at Ellis,” said Director of Marketing, Christina Ellis. “We have really enjoyed decorating and transforming the restaurant, and we knew now was the perfect time to take it to the next level.”

Starting June 3, the Tiki Bar will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 3pm and 4pm to midnight; Mondays from 10am to 3pm and 4-10pm; and Tuesdays through Thursdays from 4-10pm. Reservations are available through OpenTable and people can follow this special pop-up on Instagram at @islandatellis.

About The Front Yard

The Front Yard is a two-story indoor/outdoor beer garden, providing a casual brewpub atmosphere in the heart of Las Vegas at Ellis Island Hotel, Casino & Brewery. With a premium bar and a full-service restaurant, The Front Yard offers some of the Ellis family’s favorite recipes along with dishes curated by Executive Chef John Ales, providing a little something for everyone.

Retractable ceiling shades, expansive windows, and Instagram-worthy garden walls present a lush outdoor atmosphere where patrons can come together for brunch on the weekend or enjoy a game on the restaurant’s 18-foot big screen.

The Front Yard is open for dinner daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Brunch is served Saturday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Front Yard is located at 4178 Koval Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89109 and can be reached by calling (702) 733-8901. Follow The Front Yard on Instagram and Facebook at @thefrontyardlv.

PASO ROBLES’ STABLES INN HONORED AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST NEW HOTELS IN TRAVEL + LEISURE’S 2021 IT LIST

May 22, 2021 by evebushman

PASO ROBLES, CA – Stables Inn Paso Robles, the newest member of the Hotel Cheval LLC family, has been named to the newly released 2021 Travel + Leisure’s It List honoring the best new hotels of the year. The 2021 It List celebrates 73 of the most impressive openings of the past year, including 30 hotels in the United States.

Photo credit: Stables Inn Paso Robles.

Selected by the editors of Travel + Leisure, the hotels on this 16^thannual list provide experiences that are sure to inspire wanderlust, offering travelers more reasons to make plans to get up and go. Stables Inn Paso Robles and the 2021 It List is featured in the May issue of Travel + Leisure, on newsstands now, and online here. Below is the excerpt from Travel + Leisure:

“Reinventing an American roadside inn is hardly a novel concept, but few have the elegance and attention to detail of the Stables Inn, in Paso Robles. Owners Robert and Sherry Gilson (who also own the ivy-clad Hotel Cheval, nearby) gave the midcentury motel an equestrian-themed overhaul with farmhouse furnishings. The 18 guest rooms, including a bunkhouse that sleeps six, feature details like cowhide rugs and colorful Pop art by Anne Laddon. On a visit with my family, I was impressed by the perks and attentive service despite the reasonable price, including a complimentary breakfast of locally roasted coffee and pastries, served each morning in the Tack Room, a shared space with sliding barn doors, decorated with vintage black-and-white photos and an early 1900s galvanized-metal windmill tail vane. A towering magnolia tree anchors another communal area with a firepit and Adirondack chairs, where guests can station themselves for a glass of inky Syrah (from one of the region’s wineries) before or after dinner. stablesinnpaso.com; Doubles from $155. —Casey Hatfield-Chiotti”

Stables Inn is located in the award-winning Paso Robles wine region. The 18-room plus one bunkhouse property has been completely reimagined and renovated, top to bottom, and opened to welcome guests in June of 2020. Inspired by the timeless charm of horses, riders and traditional whitewashed stables, the result is a celebration of the outdoors, located just three short blocks from Paso Robles’ historic downtown park. Featuring modern, stylish and unpretentious accommodations, with touches of Western chic, it is a place unlike any other in Paso Robles.

The Stables Inn offers two room types: California King or Double Rooms with plush, pillow-top mattresses, Egyptian cotton sheets and luxury bedding. Each guestroom is outfitted with a private en-suite bathroom with shower, 43” Flat Screen Smart TV, individual air conditioning and heating, mini fridge, original artwork and complimentary high-speed WIFI is available throughout the property.

Guests are invited to enjoy complimentary coffee and tea served in the Tack Room every morning. And in the afternoon and evenings, a central outdoor communal fireplace located beneath a spectacular, mature magnolia tree beckons. Stables Inn is dog-friendly welcoming guests and their K-9 companions. An Electric Vehicle Charging Station; (Level 2 | 240 volt) is also on property.

Stables Inn Paso Robles is located at 730 Spring Street in Paso Robles, California 93446. For more information, visit www.stablesinnpaso.com or call (805) 296-3636. Room rates start at $155 USD per night.

Lucky’s Malibu is officially open!

May 12, 2021 by evebushman

Opened in December 2020 (for takeout only due to COVID restriction), and in Spring 2021 for onsite dining, Lucky’s is the 2^nd location of Lucky’s Steakhouse in Montecito, the premier steakhouse in Santa Barbara County known as much for its highly acclaimed USDA Prime steaks and live lobster as its world class, yet warm and inviting service. Classic cocktails, an award-winning wine cellar and a staff that remembers your name round out a dining experience that has become legendary with locals and celebrities alike. Lucky’s, located in Malibu Country Mart, is part of The Montesano Group founded by Gene Montesano, which also includes Lucky’s Steakhouse (Montecito), Tre Lune, Joe’s Café and D’Angelo Bakery.

Lucky’s Malibu is located within Malibu Country Mart at 3835 Cross Creek Road, Unit 18, Malibu, California.

For more information, please visit https://www.luckysmalibu.com/

About The Montesano Group

Founded by Lucky Brand entrepreneur Gene Montesano, The Montesano Group is a collection of restaurants in Santa Barbara – and now in Los Angeles — County including Lucky’s Steakhouse, Tre Lune Restaurant, D’Angelo Bakery and Joe’s Café, along with retail clothing store Civilianaire, located in Montecito.

About Malibu Country Mart

Located in the heart of Malibu, nestled against the majestic mountains and just a stone’s throw from the beach, lies Malibu Country Mart, California’s premier location for shopping, dining, and relaxing. Feeling more like a beachside oasis than a shopping center, the mart is home to countless exclusive and luxury boutiques, health and wellness shops, art galleries, and restaurants, attracting the affluent beach set and neighbored families since its opening more than four decades ago.