The World of Fine Wine in association with Gaggenau, announces the 2019 World’s Best Wine Lists Awards winners

October 20, 2019 by evebushman

London – the World’s Best Wine Lists in association with Gaggenau have been announced, with Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient, receiving the honor of Wine List of the Year, Best Hotel Wine List in the World, and Champions’ League World’s Best By-the-Glass Wine List 2019.

Stock photo, not associated with event.

The World’s Best Wine Lists celebrated its sixth anniversary with a prestigious judging panel. Chaired by Neil Beckett, World of Fine Wine Editor, and featuring writer and broadcaster, Andrew Jefford; award-winning sommelier, Andreas Larsson; publisher and writer Ch’ng Poh Tiong; wine writers Elin McCoy, Francis Percival and Alder Yarrow; sommelier Luciana Girotto; and wine writer and lecturer Anne Krebiehl MW. They assessed over 1,000 of the world’s best wine lists to determine the shortlist. The nominees and winners are based on a range of criteria including breadth, depth, interest, quality, value, clarity and accuracy.

Hidden in the Crocodile River Valley in the lush Francolin Conservancy, Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient is one of South Africa’s finest luxury hotels – featuring one of the country’s best loved and most respected restaurants, worthy of its supreme praise and three top recognitions at the World’s Best Wine Lists Awards 2019. The creative cookery of Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient is well matched by a superb modern wine list containing over 5,000 selections. Described by our judges as “a phenomenal list that is a joy to explore”.

The awards are renowned as the Michelin Stars of the wine list world and include a number of best-in-class category winners including HIDE for Best Spirits List in the World; The World Residences at Sea for Best Cruise Ship Wine List in the World; Nº5 Wine Bar for Best Wine Bar List in the World; Air France for Best Airline Wine List in the World and for the sixth year in a row, Pix Pâtisserie for Best Champagne & Sparkling Wine List in the World. The night was also a celebration of new restaurants, with Chicago’s The Purple Pig being awarded Best By-the-Glass Wine List Without Coravin® in the World; and Lake Buena Vista, Florida’s Wine Bar George taking Best Micro Wine List in the World.

Best Long Wine List in the World 2019 – Geranium, Copenhagen

Best Medium-Size Wine List in the World 2019 – Sager + Wilde Hackney Road, London

Best Short Wine List in the World 2019 – Blue Hill, New York

Best Micro Wine List in the World 2019 – Wine Bar George, Lake Buena Vista

Best Regional Wine List in the World 2019 – The Yeatman, Vila Nova de Gaia

Best Champagne & Sparkling Wine List in the World 2019 – Pix Pâtisserie, Portland

Best Dessert & Fortified Wine List in the World 2019 – Antica Bottega del Vino, Verona

Best Spirits List in the World 2019 – Hide, London

Best By-the-Glass Wine List Without Coravin® in the World 2019 – The Purple Pig, Chicago

Best By-the-Glass Wine List With Coravin® in the World 2019 – Nº5 Wine Bar, Toulouse

Best Wine Bar List in the World 2019 – Nº5 Wine Bar, Toulouse

Best Hotel Wine List in the World 2019 – Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient, Pretoria

Most Original Wine List in the World 2019 – Terroir, New York

Best Designed Wine List in the World 2019 – The Restaurant at Meadowood, Napa

Best Airline Wine List in the World 2019 – Air France

Best Cruise Ship Wine List in the World 2019 – The World Residences at Sea

Wine List of the Year 2019 – Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient, Pretoria

Best Sake List in the World 2019 – Saké, The Rocks, Sydney

Champions’ League World’s Best Wine List 2019 – Eleven Madison Park, New York

Champions’ League Best Champagne & Sparkling Wine List 2019 – Eleven Madison Park, New York

Champions’ League Best By-the-Glass Wine List 2019 – Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient, Pretoria

Champions’ League Best Dessert & Fortified Wine List 2019 – Robuchon au Dôme at Grand Hotel Lisboa, Macau

Champions’ League Best Spirits List 2019 – The Barn at Blackberry Farm, Tennessee

The full list of winners will be announced soon.

Vintage Eve Circa 9/2016: Black Vintners Wine Experience

September 24, 2019 by evebushman

Hello Eve, An increasing number of wineries in South Africa are engaging in transformation through the production of socially sustainable wines made by a new generation of Black winemakers…and with that I was invited to attend a “Black Vintners Wine Experience” hosted by the South African Consulate-General and the Wines of South Africa USA.

What I already knew about South African wines I learned long ago from my WSET and COC Wine Studies instructor DiMaggio Washington. They were known for their Chenin Blanc and Pinotage, the latter being a grape variety that is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault grapes. Both became my favorites as their expressions were unique in my opinion.

Fast forward nearly a decade and both the Wine Spectator, and the Marketing Manager for Wines of South Africa USA, Jim Clarke, report that those wine varieties – specifically Pinotage – are no longer in fashion.

I had no doubt the fashion calls for Bordeaux blends and Sauvignon Blanc, the big sellers in new world wines (new world areas include the U.S., Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Chile and South Africa) and the wines we were to taste incorporated those varieties and others as well.

Tasting – aromas and flavors separated by ;

Seven Sisters “Twena” Pinotage Rose 2015

Strawberry, yellow peach and wet stones on the nose; then flavors of strawberries dipped in sugar, fruit cocktail with a low acid. 88 Eve pts.

Fairvalley Sauvignon Blanc 2015

Green grass, cheddar cheese and limeade; lime, lemon with a medium acidity. 88 Eve pts.

Solms-Delta Chenin Blanc 2015

Pear, lemon, white pepper, grapefruit; bright, tingly, refreshing, peach and pear. 88 Eve pts.

De Bos “Sure Lie” Chenin Blanc 2014

Powdery, slight earthy notes, crisp apples; nice balance of fruit and acid, easy to drink, subtle fruit. 89 Eve pts.

Fairvalley Pinotage 2014

Plums, black licorice, grilled meat, mushroom, eucalyptus; dry, tobacco, dried plum, black pepper. 89 Eve pts.

Solms-Delta Syrah 2014

Black cherry, milk chocolate and green peppercorn; young, black cherry, dry with firm tannins. 90 Eve pts.

Suo Red collection #2 2014 (Bordeaux Blend)

Black fruit, mint, black pepper; big, dark fruit, blueberry, blackberry. 91 Eve pts.

Mvemve Raats MR de Compostela 2014 (Bordeaux Blend)

Barnyard, earthy, dark chocolate, plum and smoke; brighter fruit in the mouth than the nose indicated, yet still tannic, dark and dusty. 90 Eve pts.

Average retail prices: The whites were all less than $20, the reds ranged from under $20 to $35 on the Suo Red to $65 on the Mvemve Raats. These wines may or may not be available all over the U.S. so please check you local retail outlets. If you don’t see South African wines represented – please ask for them!

From Marketing Manager for Wines of South Africa USA, Jim Clarke:

The winemaking area of South Africa is a small region, about 245,000 acres, located in the Western Cape near Cape town.

South Africa is the seventh or eighth largest wine producer in the world.

Ninety-five percent of the wineries are certified sustainable.

South Africa is the largest producer of Chenin Blanc.

The World Cup put attention on the region.

South Africa has always been a “beer and brandy” drinking area, now there is a new culture that enjoys wine tasting.

Pinotage wine production have gone down from 12 percent to seven percent, however, those making it are serious about doing it well.

The wines of South Africa are more diverse than before.

From more than one member of the consulate:

I asked about the promotion of Black South Africans, specifically vintner scholarships and assistance in winery start-ups.

(The programs) are a good motive for the government to assist Black winemakers…and to get all involved in the country.

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

Vintage Eve Circa 8/2016: The Plunder from Down Under

August 27, 2019 by evebushman

Once again the organizers at LA Scotch Club put together a mighty tasting. This time it would be whisky from Argentina, Australia, Tasmania, South Africa and New Zealand. And if trying whisky from these areas wasn’t unique enough, they took it one step further and decided to pair the EIGHTEEN samples with regional food.

I was not at the event as press, so it wasn’t until I got home that I smacked my forehead and thought, “gee, that was something to write about.” So my notes are brief, just a little of what I thought was remarkable. However, at the event, all of us had a grand time describing the aromas and flavors we found. I can recollect that my descriptors included banana peel, toasted marshmallow, praline almond, cream, vanilla, chocolate, smoke, cigar and many others.

Invitation

This is the event that we have been waiting for two years for. The LA Scotch Club will be turning the whisky upside down in more ways than one as we head to the other side of the world to experience the whiskies of Argentina, Australia (and Tasmania), New Zealand, and South Africa. There has never been another whisky tasting like this anywhere in the world. Many of these bottles had to travel the continents in suitcases to arrive here as they are not sold outside of their home country…

During the whisky tasting of 18 different pours (20 for LASC members) we’ll enjoy the cuisine and music from the countries we are visiting. Argentine steak, empanadas, South African Boerewors and more will be shared as we bbq over wood coals.

LAscotchclub.com

DINNER

Vacio (flank steak) cooked over wood coals – Argentina
Assortment of Empanadas – Argentina
Boerewors (sausage) – South Africa
Billatong jerky – South Africa
Australian Potato Salad – Australia
Kiwi fruit – New Zealand
Pavlova – Australia

(I found the sausage and jerky too gamey – dry and darkly spiced – for my tastes but I could see how it could complement the whiskeys. The potato salad, empanadas and fruit were very yummy. My favorite dish was the Vacio flank steak, especially when I covered it in sauce.)

WHISKY (My favorites – before bottle fatigue set in – are noted as #FINDMORE)

Argentina

La Alazana Patagonian Single Malt

Mainland Australia

Lark Distiller’s Selection
Smith’s of Angaston 14yr #FINDMORE
Limeburners Single Whisky (cask M97)
Starward Wine Cask

Tasmania

Tasmanian Heartwood – Four Corners of Ross
Sullivan’s Cove Small Batch French Oak Casks #FINDMORE
Sullivan’s Cove Cask Strength Bourbon Cask #FINDMORE
Overeem Port Cask #FINDMORE
Cradle Mountain 18yr Cadenhead’s

New Zealand

Waitui Manuka Mead Barrel
Old Hokonui
Lammerlaw 10yr
Thomson Two Tone Release #FINDMORE
Milford 10yr
South Island 21yr

South Africa

Draymans Solera Reserve
Three Ships 10yr
Bain’s Cape Single Grain Whisky

LASC Member-Only Bottles

Bakery Hill Doublewood
Tasmanian Heartwood – Four Corners of Ross

Surprises At Our Local Bev Mo

June 28, 2019 by evebushman

Whenever someone messages me looking for wine of course I suggest our local wine bars and stores as we all support locally owned businesses. However, if they are looking for a larger selection then they simply must go to BevMo. There really isn’t any other option for us locals. And lucky us we have two to choose from in the Santa Clarita Valley. I happen to choose the one in Stevenson Ranch, on the Old Road, as I’ve been successful finding what I need there from spirits to wine.

Lucky me again when fellow wine writer, Carl Kanowsky, invited me to join him for a tasting with store manager Brian Ilvento and Wine Specialist Doug Characky a few weeks ago. They promised to expose us – and our readers – to some of their broad selection, and specifically to lesser known wines that they carry.

Our invitation read that we would be doing a tasting of “… wines that are a bit under the radar… (and are) considered ‘undiscovered’ and ‘hidden gems,’ as well as some from other regions.”

Characky, a local who had taken the wine studies program offered by Elizabeth Schweitzer and DiMaggio Washington at College of the Canyons, said they are seeing a lot of wine from up and coming areas that include Chile, South Africa and Greece. He also noted the popularity of Spanish Cavas and kosher wines from Israel. He commented, “I think this is a place where people that love wine will find paradise.”

Ilvento, who keeps staff trained with tastings among other things, said that everyone in the store can help shoppers find what they’re looking for. He added, “We’re here to find the perfect drink for every glass.”

We had six wines in our tasting lineup, most hovering about $20 and a couple toward $40. These are my tasting notes with the aromas and flavors separated by ; and, I enjoyed them all:

Honig 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley: Green apple, fruit cocktail, flint; same flavors as on the nose with a mouth coating viscosity and medium acidity.

Burgans 2017 Albariño, Spain: Crisp citrus fruits, wet pebbles fresh fruit, crisp, medium acid and stainless steel.

Frog’s Leap 2016 Chardonnay, Napa: Butter, oak, bruised apple and white flower; then that same oak and butter, popcorn kernel and almond.

Hahn 2016 Estate Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands: Dark cherry, stems, cigar, mushroom and wet earth; same aroma profile for the flavor as well.

Michele Chiarlo Il Principe Langhe 2015 Nebbiolo, Italy: Barnyard blew off within a couple of swirls, then came toast, chalk, hard grape candy, and Characky also noted lots of cranberry and pomegranate that I had to agree with; noted much more of that red fruit Characky had found, a bit tight (so decant this one) and a long length.

Quilt Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, Napa Valley: Ilvento explained that he liked this wine for its six-Cabernet blend and winemaker Joe Wagner. Aromas of dark fruit, spice, black pepper, perfumy; balanced and smooth, pepper and fruit working perfectly together, a wine that’s good to go now.

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 15k 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.

Experiencing the Universal Whisky Experience 2019

May 17, 2019 by evebushman

In the three years we’ve been lucky enough to attend the Universal Whisky Experience, aka the Nth, I’d have to say it just keeps getting better and better. This year we covered less ground (husband and I split the room – at the Wynn in Las Vegas – in two) and still only tasted maybe a quarter of what was being poured. And even though we each had two tickets for Super Pours, the brand ambassadors offered us everything they had – or it at least seemed that way! (If you just want a synopsis you can go here for photos alone.)

Last time I can share this banner…with yours truly on the top right next to The Nose!

This year I spent my first hour giving some attention to a few Bourbon tables; though I usually make a beeline for the oldest single malts in the room, I mixed it up this time. It might be because there was a large table set up with pre-measured pours, pens and tasting notes drawing my attention to the back of the main hall.

The table I’m referring to was set up Maker’s Mark Bourbon. The tasting experience that Maker’s Mark “Diplomat” Phil Olson talked me through was amazing. I learned about the different oak expressions, and the aromas and flavors each had. I noted that I liked the Seared French Cuvee, Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength (46 is the name of the particular wood), Roasted French Mocha and Toasted French Spice – this final one was my favorite. All four used French oak. I also noted that as my palate “warmed” so did my preferences. (Phil had me go back and revisit a couple.) I could’ve spent the entire evening there, and never made it to his finale where you are meant to blend your favorites, then get a few pals to agree with your choice = your own 15k barrel!

Moving on, though it was hard, I was in the mood for Bourbon and quickly found a Las Vegas based distiller, Smoke Wagon Bourbon. I enjoyed all three bottles they poured, and could see why they had won several gold and double gold medals at the San Francisco Wine and Spirits Competition.

Alpine Distilling, located in Park City, Utah, was a surprise for me. The botanicals in their “Summit Gin” slayed me. Now I just have to figure out how to get it from Utah here in So Cal! Also of note for me was their “Spur” Whiskey.

Then I got very much side-tracked by That Boutique-Y Whisky Company. I tasted everything in their line-up. Completely blown away with whiskeys from Japan, So. Africa and England. I think there were a dozen I tried, and a few in the back I got my hands on too. If you ever have an opportunity to taste this whisky brand don’t miss it.

The Scotch Whisky Syndicate 58/6 was a new thrill for me to taste, according to their Facebook page it is “an award-winning 12 Year Old specialist Blended Scotch Whisky, finished in Sherry butts for a distinctly richer fruity character.”

Glenfiddich had 12, 14 and 15 year olds, but I went straight to the 21 year old – as I had visited the distillery in Scotland and had done more than my fair share there. (If you ever get to Scotland don’t skip Glenfiddich – very generous pours. And while you’re at it reserve your kilted driver, aka tour operator, via Rabbie’s.)

I definitely had to stop at the Dewars’s blended Scotch whisky table, as Brand Ambassador Georgie Bell had made me a fan at a past Universal Whisky Experience event where we tasted through all of the single malts that go into Dewar’s. This year I sampled 21, 27 and 32 year olds, all “double double aged for ultimate smoothness.”

Had to taste from Westward American Single Malt Whiskey…when whisky pal and leader of the So Cal Whiskey Club Ries Michael manned the booth.

Finally, I’d like to give a special shout out and thanks to founder Mahesh Patel and organizer Mit Patel, can’t imagine anyone else pulling anything like this off but the Patels and their team.

More Brands Seen at the Show (keep in mind that each of these brands had several pours.)

Macallan

Old Pulteney

John Craggie

Glencairn Crystal (Great nosing glass!)

The Dalmore

Highland Park and Glenrothes

Johnnie Walker

Tomatin

Total Wine

Benromach

Gordon and MacPhail

Facundo Rum

John Dewar Malts

Hardy

Borderies Cognac

Suntory Whiskey

Whistle Pig

Sazerac Rye

Glenfarclas

Dictator

Royal Salute

The Glenlivet

Aberlour

Loch Lomond

The Balvenie

And even though I was lucky enough to be featured in the 2019 Facebook banner ad and don’t expect the honor again, I will be stalking the website and Facebook pages listed below to see if the event photographers caught me “in the act” of having the time of our lives. See you in 2020!

https://universalwhiskyexperience.com/

https://www.facebook.com/universalwhisky/

https://www.instagram.com/universalwhisky/

You Can’t Get This Here YET: South Africa’s Ginny Fowl Handcrafted Gins

March 1, 2019 by evebushman

One of my husband Eddie’s coworkers, Brandy W., had been excitedly telling us for months about her upcoming trip to South Africa. Brandy and her boyfriend would be visiting just around the past Christmas holidays. We knew there would be a safari, sightseeing, amazing landscapes, and Brandy’s Facebook was filled with pictures – but not just of wild animals.

There seems to be a very active cocktail culture in South Africa, and the pair took full advantage of it sipping drinks at the end of some of their days. I was somewhat surprised that she brought home a gift of gin – Eddie is a whisky fan – but even more surprised to learn that these interesting looking and sounding gins were distilled in South Africa as well. (Thanks again Brandy, for thinking of your friends at home!)

There were five “Flavoured” gins in the sampler pack, they are listed below with my notes on aroma and flavor. (I tasted them in an order of what appeared to be the least strongest flavor to the richest.) Below that are tasting notes and cocktail suggestions Ginny Fowl’s Founding Partner, Shane Douglas-Evans emailed over to me. I tried each alone, without tonic, but will be back to try in some of their cocktails.

My Sampler

1 – Resurrection Classic Gin

Classic aromas filled with juniper, as well as lemon zest, orange peel, lilac. The taste was classic as well, lots of juniper, and then a bit of white pepper, orange and licorice.

2 – Lemongrass, K. Lime Leaf and Fennel Gin

As the name suggests, lots of fresh lemonade, green grass, limeade, fennel and orange. On the palate I got that fresh citrus as well as a bit of mint. I thought this would do well in a Vesper, aka a Casino Royale, with vodka and Lillet Blanc.

3 – Chamomile and Bay Leaf

Sweet steeped Chamomile tea, black tea, green tea, and strawberry hard candy for a surprising finish on the nose; I had a Grappa with Chamomile and it was somewhat reminiscent of that. Interested to taste, the flavor was a lovely combination of sweet tea and green leaves, and that expected juniper.

4 – Wild Hibiscus and Naartjie

Rose in color, I got more sweet aromas and less burn than the others, with strawberry and raspberry candy, rose petals and cream. Another I was curious about what it would taste like I was rewarded with a sweet fruity start and then the surprise of bright juniper and spice, and then that fruit came back on the finish.

5 – Sipping Gin – Black Sesame and Cacao

The last gin in my sampler was bourbon like in color. I got espresso, toast, nuts, dark chocolate, dried dark berries and candied plums all on the nose, then the taste was filled with cognac, bourbon, tea, coffee, anise, dried fruits and berries. Definitely something to sip leisurely.

I did ask Shane if the gins are available in California to which he answered, “Sadly no they’re not available in the States. We would love to be able to do that but we are a really small artisanal gin producer, and looking to get an international distributor on board. We do contract gin through Deep South Distillery which is in Kommetjie, Cape Town.” So, as you read over these recipes keep them in mind for your current favorite gins…until we get Ginny Fowl here.

From Ginny Fowl

Classic Resurrection – Michelangelo Double Gold Medal 2018

A subtle, dry gin of eight botanicals, one of which is the Resurrection Herb. Pine and eucalyptus, adding forest freshness to juniper and spice. Food pairing, mushrooms, tomatoes, caperberries.

Hibiscus and Naartjie (Mandarin)

Surprisingly dry, with the sweet astringency of hibiscus and the unique citrus of naartjie. Great with light meals, salads, quiches etc. or any fruit based desserts.

Lemongrass, Lime Leaf and Fennel

Typically Asian style flavours appeal to a more savoury palate. Fresh and dry.

Excellent for food pairing with spicy foods or fatty foods like chorizo, salmon, sushi or cheeses.

Chamomile and Bay Leaf

Beautiful floral, honey nose with savoury back note. Gentle infusion that also works well in cocktails. The tonic accentuates the savoury note.

Perfect for afternoon G&Tea. Cucumber sandwiches, scones and fruit tarts.

Sipping Gin – Michelangelo Trophy for Most Innovative Spirit 2018

Rich warming flavours. Nuttiness from toasted Black Sesame, smooth mouth feel from the chocolate of Cacao, with the sweetness of orange zest.

This is the perfect digestif, instead of whiskey or brandy, it rounds off the meal nicely. A great alternative to a dessert wine especially for chocolate based desserts.

https://www.facebook.com/ginnyfowl1/

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. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Vinexpo New York Returns to the Big Apple March 4-5, 2019

November 7, 2018 by evebushman

NEW YORK – Returning for its second year, Vinexpo New York – the leading international exhibition for wine and spirits professionals in North America – will take place March 4-5, 2019 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The exhibit is strategically organized to ensure the creation and growth of business relationships between international producers and American importers, distributors, retailers, brokers, e-commerce representatives, on-trade buyers and sommeliers. Registration for attendees is now open, with an early bird rate offered through Nov. 30, 2018.

Jointly organized with Diversified Communications, Vinexpo New York is open exclusively to trade professionals and features two days of business meetings, educational conferences, master classes, tastings and networking events. Mary Larkin, executive vice president of Diversified Communications remarked, “After the remarkable success of Vinexpo New York 2018, we are thrilled to partner with Vinexpo for another year and welcome back the international wine and spirits industry to the world’s largest wine-consuming market.”

Signature offerings like Vinexpo’s complimentary One to Wine Meetings matchmaking service will return to New York in 2019, and exhibitors and attendees can also look forward to new features like WOW! World of Organic Wines, an exhibit and tasting area devoted exclusively to organic and biodynamic wines and spirits from around the world. Complete 2019 programming will be announced shortly.

“As last year’s exhibit showed, the demand to break into the U.S. market is greater than ever before,” said Christophe Navarre, president of the Vinexpo Supervisory Board. “With a list of exhibitors that is constantly expanding, Vinexpo New York will once again be the single best opportunity for U.S. importers, distributors, sommeliers and other trade professionals to meet hundreds of international producers in one location.”

Exhibitors at Vinexpo New York will represent wine-producing regions from around the globe, including many that are introducing products to the North American market for the first time. To date, countries returning to exhibit include: Argentina, Austria, France, Germany, Greece and Italy, as well as Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain and the United States. New to the 2019 show floor, thus far, are exhibitors from China, Romania and Serbia.

For more information or to register to attend, visit https://www.vinexponewyork.com/.

About Vinexpo

Since its establishment in Bordeaux in 1981, on the initiative of Bordeaux Gironde’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vinexpo has been a leading organizer of events for the wine and spirits industry. In 37 years, Vinexpo has developed a unique understanding of the market and an extensive network of key distributors around the World. The brand currently runs exhibitions in four set locations (Bordeaux, Hong Kong, New York and soon Paris), and the touring event Vinexpo Explorer. The Group also publishes every year the Vinexpo/IWSR Report, which is the most comprehensive survey of the global consumption of wine and spirits. For more information, visit www.vinexpo.com. Join Vinexpo on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

The 10th Annual “STARS of Cabernet”

October 13, 2018 by evebushman

Beverly Hills – Were you aware that Cabernet Sauvignon, the most cultivated grape in the world, is the result of a marriage between the Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc grape varietals?

In celebration of Cabernet Sauvignon, “STARS of Cabernet” is the premier tasting event of the year! More than 30 of the best Cabernet producing wineries in California–and the world, will showcase their Cabernets and other wine varieties. Come and taste over 100 different wines hailing from Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, France, Argentina and Chile.

List of wineries set to pour: Wines of South Africa, Trujillo Wines, Vineyard 29, Alpha Omega, Palazzo Wine, Frank Family Vineyards, Roy Estate, CAMi Vineyards, Bernardus Winery, Addendum, Allegretto Wines, Hawk and Horse Vineyards, axr, Hestan Vineyards, Jonata, Ladera Vineyards, Moraga Bel Air, Roca Family Vineyards, Hertelendy, The Debate, Clark-Claudon Vineyards, Michael Rolland, Duckhorn Vineyards. Merryvale Vineyards, JACK Winery, Almaviva Winery, S.R. Tonella Cellars, The Unfiltered Collection, VGS Chateau Potella & many more!

The evening will commence at 6pm with a VIP-access-only vintage tasting, followed by a PENINSULA catered dinner buffet- Acquaint yourself with the world of Cabernet while enjoying exquisite tray-passed appetizers! From 9-9:30pm, guests will enjoy a delicious dessert after-party.

A silent auction containing collectable and large format wines will benefit The TJ Martell Foundation–the music industry’s largest entity funding innovative medical research focused on finding cures for leukemia, cancer and AIDS, as well as sourcing/supporting early-stage research projects aimed at developing more effective clinical treatments for patients who otherwise cannot afford a panacea. Learn more at tjmartell.org.

Tickets now on sale!
For information and ticket purchasing, please visit Stars of Cabernet. STARS of Cabernet thanks its generous sponsors: Peninsula Hotel, Los Angeles Magazine, Evian, Robb Report, The Somm Journal and Tasting Panel Magazine.

About Peninsula Hotel:

The only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star-rated hotel in Southern California every year since 1993, The Peninsula Beverly Hills offers 194 guest rooms, including 38 suites and 16 private villas, nestled among lush tropical gardens in the heart of Beverly Hills. The Peninsula is located at the intersection of Wilshire and South Santa Monica Boulevards and within comfortable walking distance from the legendary Rodeo Drive.

About WineLA:

WineLA is about enhancing the wine culture of Los Angeles one event at a time. To do so, wine must be in rhythm with fashion, music, food and other beverages. It must take advantage of the geography, the architecture and the centers of interest. Los Angeles is a giant playground with an amazing array of venues, spaces, wine bars, restaurants, beaches, rooftops, gardens, and magical views. We are a part of the LA lifestyle, the wine lifestyle, and celebrate the people, the place and the passion.

The World of Fine Wine Announces the 2018 World’s Best Wine Lists Awards winners

October 7, 2018 by evebushman

London – the World’s Best Wine Lists in association with Gaggenau have been announced today at the Vintners’ Hall, with The Barn at Blackberry Farm, Walland Tennessee, receiving the honor of Wine List of the Year, Best Designed Wine List in the World, Best Long Wine List in the World and Champions’ League World’s Best Wine List 2018.

The World’s Best Wine Lists celebrated its fifth anniversary with a prestigious judging panel – chaired by Neil Beckett, World of Fine Wine Editor – featuring: writer and broadcaster, Andrew Jefford; award-winning sommelier, Andreas Larsson; publisher and writer Ch’ng Poh Tiong; wine writers Elin McCoy, Francis Percival and Alder Yarrow; sommelier Luciana Girotto; and wine writer and lecturer Anne Krebiehl MW. They have assessed over 1,000 of the world’s best wine lists to determine the shortlist. The nominees and winners are based on a range of criteria including breadth, depth, interest, quality, value, clarity and accuracy.

Nestled among the Great Smoky Mountains of Eastern Tennessee, Blackberry Farm is a rural idyll, playing host to one of America’s finest luxury hotels – in turn featuring one of the country’s best-loved and most respected restaurants, worthy of its supreme praise and four top recognitions at the World’s Best Wine Lists Awards 2018. The Barn’s creative cookery is well matched by a superb modern wine list containing over 9,000 selections. Described by our judges as “a phenomenal list that is a joy to explore” with a “wonderful variety and half-bottle selection to die for”.

Newly opened restaurants awarded in their regions included HIDE and Tenshino at Pullman Bangkok King Power.

HIDE, London, United Kingdom

Tenshino at Pullman Bangkok King Power, Bangkok, Thailand

The awards are renowned as the Michelin Stars of the wine list world and include a number of best-in-class category winners including The NoMad Hotel, New York for Best Spirits List in the World; Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient for Best Hotel Wine List in the World; Pilu at Freshwater for Best Regional Wine List in the World; Nº5 Wine Bar returning to take Best Wine Bar List in the World; and Air France claiming Best Airline Wine List in the World.

The NoMad Hotel, New York, USA

Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient, Pretoria, South Africa

Pilu at Freshwater, Sydney, Australia

Nº5 Wine Bar, Toulouse, France

Air France

On the awards, World of Fine Wine Editor Neil Beckett commented: “In its fifth year running, and at its first live ceremony, the World Best Wine Lists Awards was honored with the presence of guests from every continent apart from Antarctica. I think that the geographical spread of our top winners speaks volumes for the global spread of fine wine and also for the global scope of these awards”.

The Winners

Best Long Wine List in the World 2018

The Barn at Blackberry Farm

Best Medium-Size Wine List in the World 2018

La Dame de Pic London

Best Short Wine List in the World 2018

Bar Boulud

Best Micro Wine List in the World 2018

28°-50° Wine Workshop & Kitchen, Maddox Street

Best Regional Wine List in the World 2018

Pilu at Freshwater

Best Champagne & Sparkling Wine List in the World 2018

Pix Pâtisserie

Best Dessert & Fortified Wine List in the World 2018

Bern’s Steak House

Best Spirits List in the World 2018

The NoMad Hotel, New York

Best By-the-Glass Wine List Without Coravin® in the World 2018

Terroir

Best By-the-Glass Wine List With Coravin® in the World 2018

Morrell Wine Bar & Café

Best Wine Bar List in the World 2018

Nº5 Wine Bar

Best Hotel Wine List in the World 2018

Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient

Most Original Wine List in the World 2018

Frasca Food and Wine

Best Designed Wine List in the World 2018

The Barn at Blackberry Farm

Best Airline Wine List in the World 2018

Air France

Best Cruise Ship Wine List in the World 2018

The World Residences at Sea

Wine List of the Year 2018

The Barn at Blackberry Farm

Champions’ League World’s Best Wine List 2018

The Barn at Blackberry Farm

The winners full list of results can be found here

Results of 2018 Airline Wine Competition Released

September 5, 2018 by evebushman

YARDLEY, PA. – Global Traveler, the only AAM-audited magazine for luxury business and leisure travelers, releases the results of its 15th annual Wines on the Wing Airline Wine Competition.

Photo from 2017 competition, Global Traveler.

The competition, held May 31, took place at The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, in New York City. Expert judges participated in the blind tasting of 22 airlines’ white, red and sparkling wines. The judges hailed from a wide range of specialties, including sommeliers, wine shop owners and winemakers. In total, 18 Champagnes/sparkling wines, 39 white wines and 39 red wines were tasted.

Airlines are required to submit five different wines — two red wines, two white wines and one sparkling wine/Champagne — to be eligible for the overall Best International Business-Class Wines on the Wing award or the Best International First-Class Wines on the Wing award. This year, the winner for Best International Business-Class Wines on the Wing was Delta Air Lines, and the winner for Best International First-Class Wines on the Wing was All Nippon Airways.

In the white wine category, Best International Business-Class White Wine was La Capra Chenin Blanc 2016, South Africa, submitted by Aeroflot. For first class, the winner was EL AL Israel Airlines with Yatir Winery Viognier 2015, Israel.

The best business-class Champagne was American Airlines’ Lanson Black Label Brut, NV. The best first-class Champagne was All Nippon Airways’ Krug Brut Champagne 2004.

When it came to red wine, American Airlines reigned supreme in the first-class category with Valduero Reserva 2012, Ribera del Duero, and United Airlines took the No. 1 business-class spot with Les Graviéres du Roy Sauvion 2016, France.

For the 10th consecutive year, Global Traveler awarded the Best North American Wines on the Wing. North American airlines submitted first-class and business-class wine samples, depending on their domestic flight offerings.

American Airlines was named Best North American First-Class/Business-Class Wines on the Wing, and also won for its red wine, Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Reserve Selection, Napa Valley, California, and its white wine, Joseph Drouhin Pouilly-Vinzelles 2015, Mâcon, France. JetBlue’s Raventós de Nit Brut 2015, Spain, won Best North American Champagne/Sparkling Wine.

For the seventh year, Global Traveler awarded the Best Alliance Wines on the Wing. The participating airlines were divided by airline alliance. The overall points for each airline were tallied and averaged to determine the alliance with the highest total. Congratulations to oneworld, represented by American Airlines, LATAM and British Airways.

Competition director Eunice Fried spent months preparing for the blind tasting. Fried, an accomplished wine journalist and respected wine expert, resides in New York City.

Global Traveler is the only U.S.-based publication to conduct such a survey in the United States.

The top airlines in each category are:

BEST INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS-CLASS WINES ON THE WING
1. Delta Air Lines
2. United Airlines
3. All Nippon Airways
4. Brussels Airlines
5. British Airways

BEST INTERNATIONAL FIRST-CLASS WINES ON THE WING
1. All Nippon Airways
2. British Airways
3. American Airlines
4. United Airlines

BEST CHAMPAGNE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CLASS
1. American Airlines
2. Aeroflot
3. All Nippon Airways
4. United Airlines
5. Brussels Airlines

BEST CHAMPAGNE INTERNATIONAL FIRST CLASS
1. All Nippon Airways
2. American Airlines
3. British Airways

BEST WHITE WINE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CLASS
1. Aeroflot
2. British Airways
3. British Airways
4. Delta Air Lines
5. Brussels Airlines

BEST WHITE WINE INTERNATIONAL FIRST CLASS
1. EL AL Israel Airlines
2. British Airways
3. All Nippon Airways
4. American Airlines
5. British Airways

BEST RED WINE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CLASS
1. United Airlines
2. Brussels Airlines
3. Alitalia
4. Alitalia
5. American Airlines

BEST RED WINE INTERNATIONAL FIRST CLASS
1. American Airlines
2. All Nippon Airways
3. British Airways/United Airlines (TIE)
4. United Airlines
5. EL AL Israel Airlines

BEST NORTH AMERICAN WINES ON THE WING
1. American Airlines
2. Delta Air Lines
3. United Airlines
4. JetBlue

BEST NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPAGNE/SPARKLING WINE
1. JetBlue
2. Delta Air Lines/United Airlines (TIE)
3. American Airlines

BEST NORTH AMERICAN RED WINE
1. American Airlines
2. American Airlines
3. Delta Air Lines
4. United Airlines
5. United Airlines

BEST NORTH AMERICAN WHITE WINE
1. American Airlines
2. American Airlines
3. JetBlue
4. United Airlines
5. Delta Airlines

BEST ALLIANCE WINES ON THE WING
1. oneworld
2. SkyTeam
3. Star Alliance

For more information on the competition, check out the August 2019 issue of Global Traveler or visit globaltravelerusa.com.

About Global Traveler
With nearly 300,000 readers, Global Traveler connects with U.S.-based frequent, affluent, international travelers. According to MediaMark Research (MRI), GT readers have an average net worth of $2 million and 50 percent are CEOs and owners of companies. Our readers average nine domestic flights per year and 93 percent travel internationally on a regular basis, mostly in first and business class. More than 55 percent stay in 4- and 5-star hotels, at an average 60 nights per year. Four special editions — Leisure Lifestyle Edition, Global City Guidebook, Class Act Guide and The Trazee Book — complement 12 monthly issues. Each year, Global Traveler awards the GT Tested Reader Survey awards, the Leisure Lifestyle Awards and the Wines on the Wing awards.

About Global Traveler Digital
Global Traveler’s website, globaltravelerusa.com, which unveiled a new design in late 2016, offers unique daily content catering to the lifestyle and travel interests of our audience of premium travelers. Other digital offerings include eFlyer USA (20,000 double-opt-in subscribers); eFlyer Asia (4,000 Asia-based, double-opt-in subscribers); custom e-newsletters; sponsored content; Publisher’s Picks, GT on the Go and Premium eDeal e-newsletters; and a weekly On the Road with Global Traveler slideshow. More than 1 million visitors monthly rely on globaltravelerusa.com as their travel resource.

About FXExpress Publications, Inc.
FXExpress Publications, Inc., based in Yardley, Pa., is a privately held company publishing Global Traveler, eFlyer USA, eFlyer Asia, Trazee Travel, WhereverFamily and several annuals; and also operating globaltravelerusa.com, globaltravelerusa.com/blog, trazeetravel.com, whereverfamily.com and FX Excursions.