Eve's Wine 101

The 2023 Rhone Rangers Experience

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(Paso Robles) – The national Rhone Rangers will host the 15th “Rhone Rangers Experience” on Sunday, February 19, 2023, in Paso Robles, CA. A full day is planned during the annual Presidents’ Weekend event, including a “Rhone Essentials” seminar, Vintners’ Luncheon, Grand Tasting of 200+ wines, and a Silent Auction benefitting the Rhone Rangers Scholarship Fund. Rhone Rangers from throughout the organization will be represented, including wineries from Paso Robles, Santa Barbara County, Monterey County, Napa, Sonoma, Lodi, the Sierra Foothills, Oregon, and Texas.

The Rhone Rangers, who are dedicated to the education and the promotion of American Rhone varietal wines, will present a top example of each of the principal categories of Rhone wines during the seminar. The morning session will be moderated by Jess Lander, wine reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle and author, with a panel of winemakers and principals who have chosen the Rhone Ranger route. Rhone Rangers representing the nine essential categories include: Viognier –Eberle Winery-Paso Robles, Obscure White-Rhone Varietal (Picpoul) – Bonny Doon Vineyard,-Central Coast, White-Rhone Blend – Acquiesce-Lodi, Dry Rosé – Margerum Wine Company-Santa Barbara County, Grenache – Starfield Vineyards-El Dorado, Mourvèdre – J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines-Paso Robles, Syrah – Cline Family Cellars- Los Carneros, Sonoma County, Obscure Red Varietal (Counoise) – Adelaida Vineyards & Winery-Paso Robles, and Red-Rhone Blend – Stolpman- Ballard Canyon, Santa Barbara County.  Following the seminar, participants will enjoy an al fresco luncheon prepared by Chef Jeffery Scott.

The afternoon segment of the Rhone Rangers Experience will include a Grand Tasting of 200+ wines from Rhone Rangers members, including top single Rhone varietals and the best in Rhone blends. Throughout the tasting, guests are invited to bid on auction lots donated by Rhone Ranger member wineries, with proceeds benefitting the Rhone Rangers educational and scholarship fund.

An “All-Access” package is available, including the Welcoming Coffee Bar/Auction Preview, Seminar, Luncheon, and early-entry into the Grand Tasting and Silent Auction ($165 per person + tax/fees), or guests may select the Grand Tasting/Silent Auction afternoon segment ($75 per person + tax/fees). Trade and media inquiries may be sent to kim@rhonerangers.org. For additional information and to reserve tickets, visit the Rhone Rangers website, www.rhonerangers.org.  

About the Rhone Rangers

Founded in 1998, the Rhone Rangers are a group of 100+ wineries throughout the United States dedicated to making wines from the 22 grape varieties originally made famous in France’s Rhône Valley.  With a mission to educate and promote American Rhone varietal wines, the organization holds special events and fundraisers throughout the year to raise funds for the Rhone Rangers Scholarship Fund, which benefits students studying viticulture, enology and wine business.

Milam And Greene Whiskey Releases Distillery Edition Batch Three Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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BLANCO, TEXAS (PRWEB) – Milam & Greene Whiskey is releasing its third annual grain-to-glass bourbon, Distillery Edition Batch Three Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a Certified Texas Whiskey produced in Blanco, Texas. Like previous batches, it is pot-distilled by master distiller, Marlene Holmes, in a 300-gallon copper still, is non-chill filtered, and bottled at barrel proof. This extremely limited-edition bourbon is a batch of only four barrels. The Distillery Edition Batch Three Straight Bourbon Whiskey is now available exclusively at the Milam & Greene Whiskey distillery and select retailers in Texas while supplies last.

“Our Distillery Edition Straight Bourbon Whiskey is made with Texas-grown corn, and the entire process from mashing, fermenting, distilling, to aging is done on-site to create a Certified Texas Whiskey,” says Marlene Holmes, master distiller, Milam & Greene Whiskey. “We want to create a whiskey with an exuberant character that appeals to adventurous whiskey drinkers while retaining the classic bourbon personality of sweetness and spice. We are meticulous with our distilling techniques to achieve that balance.”

The mash bill for Milam & Greene Distillery Edition Batch Three Straight Bourbon Whiskey of 70 percent corn, 22 percent malted rye, and eight percent malted barley and proprietary yeast recipe has remained consistent for each of the three batches. What sets Batch Three apart is the impact of the Texan terroir on the barrels as they age for three years with the final months of aging in 2022 punctuated by exceptional heat. The resulting whiskey is the most vigorous, spicy, and lively spirit of the Milam & Greene portfolio. It is hand-bottled at barrel proof (56.94% ABV / 113.88 Proof) to show off the intricacies that the distilling team painstakingly nurtured along the whiskey-making process.

“While we age and batch whiskies from various states together with our own Texas whiskey to make our Triple Cask Bourbon, we create our Distillery Edition Straight Bourbon to be an expression of Texas,” says Milam & Greene Whiskey CEO and blender Heather Greene. “Our Batch Three is certainly a reflection of the unique environment in Texas. Milam & Greene Distillery Edition Batch Three conveys the qualities that the hot and dry Texas Hill Country climate drives into the spirit under the care of skilled whiskey makers. The past hot two months of extreme heat really added something unusual to it. It’s a “Texas heat finished” whiskey and this is our most robust and feisty Distillery Edition yet.”

Milam & Greene Distillery Edition Batch Three Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Glowing deep amber in the glass, Distillery Edition Batch Three is non-chill filtered for weight and viscosity. It has rich aromas of honey-baked grain, vanilla, fresh tobacco, and black tea with a hint of citrus that is brought out even more when served with ice. The palate is robust and piquant, with peppers and spice layered with cinnamon, caramel, and clove. The finish is cozy warm and lingers like a Hill Country sunset. It is a complex, high-proof banger of a whiskey. Enjoy Distillery Edition Batch Three Straight Bourbon sipped over ice in the shade protected from the hot Texas sun.

Pricing and Availability
Milam & Greene Distillery Edition Batch Three Straight Bourbon Whiskey is available at the distillery in Blanco, Texas, and at select retailers in Texas for $119.99. This whiskey is extremely limited. Please call your local retailer to determine availability.

About Milam & Greene
Milam & Greene Whiskey is made by some of the world’s most experienced whiskey professionals, including CEO, master blender, and author, Heather Greene and 30-year veteran and master distiller, Marlene Holmes. The Milam & Greene team distills in Blanco, Texas on small 300- and 1,000-gallon pot stills as well as in Kentucky on classic column stills, using its proprietary yeast and grain recipes. Aging takes place in rickhouses located in four states in different casks for a variety of flavors resulting in the most thorough array of casks made and collected by any craft distiller. These casks become the ingredients from which its award-winning American whiskey range is batched to create perfection. Milam & Greene Whiskey believes in using the best people and ingredients to create delicious, award-winning whiskey for whiskey lovers. For more information visit: milamandgreenewhiskey.com. Connect with Milam & Greene Whiskey on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Milam And Greene Releases The Castle Hill Series Batch Two, a Limited-Edition Batch of 13-Year-Old Casks

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BLANCO, TEXAS (PRWEB) – Milam & Greene Whiskey is introducing The Castle Hill Series Batch Two, the second release of its limited-edition batch of 13-year-old hand-selected straight bourbon whiskies bottled at barrel proof. The Castle Hill Series celebrates the art of batching well-aged casks, one of the many methods Milam & Greene enlists to create its award-winning range of whiskies. Just 26 vintage barrels were married to create this superb whiskey, making it the most limited release from the acclaimed distillery that was recently lauded for its “Best in Show” whiskey at The American Craft Spirits Association competition.

The Castle Hill Series carries the oldest age statement in the Milam & Greene family of whiskies, and each batch includes the distillery’s most exclusive casks. The series is named for the historic Texas Military Institute, also known as “The Castle,” in Austin, Texas. While the Milam & Greene distillery operations and warehousing are in Blanco, Texas, The Castle is home to Heather Greene’s blending lab, and its old-world elegance serves as an inspiration for the Milam & Greene CEO and master blender.

Greene is renowned for her exceptional whiskey blending skills, and The Castle Hill Series showcases her ability to select the right casks to blend to develop complex flavors. Greene honed her tremendous whiskey blending skills while evaluating Scotch whisky for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society in Scotland, as well as while working with numerous distilleries around the globe before bringing her talent to Milam & Greene in 2018. Under Greene’s direction, whiskey blending is essential to creating core Milam & Greene whiskies including the Triple Cask Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Port Finished Straight Rye Whiskey.

“The guiding principle in blending The Castle Hill Series is to create a traditional bourbon that whiskey drinkers will love,” says Heather Greene, Milam & Greene CEO and master blender. “Each cask used to create The Castle Hill Series has a different personality. Those personality traits are developed through aging over a long period of time with influences from the environment. We hand-selected each barrel aged between 13 years, 10 months, and 17 days at the youngest, and 14 years, two months, and 13 days at the oldest, to identify specific characteristics that we want in the finished product. The result is a multifaceted bourbon with layers of nutty, spicy, fruity, and oak flavors.”

Milam & Greene The Castle Hill Series, Batch Two Tasting Notes
Milam & Greene The Castle Hill Series Batch Two shines in the glass with a deep burnt amber color. On the nose it is a dichotomy of youthful vigor and aged splendor with scents of warm peach cobbler, brown sugar, and vanillas with hints of almond and milk chocolate. Bottled at cask strength of 111 proof (55.5 % ABV), this potent straight bourbon whiskey features velvety, opulent flavors of caramel, cinnamon, cherry, vanilla, and tobacco with a warming and long finish.

The Castle Hill Series Batch Two Barrel Information
Twenty-six barrels were used to create The Castle Hill Series Batch Two. The ages of each barrel are detailed below:
4 barrels aged 13 years, 10 months, 17 days
8 barrels aged 13 years, 10 months, 18 days
4 barrels aged 13 years, 10 months, 19 days
4 barrels aged 13 years, 11 months, 6 days
2 barrels aged 14 years, 1 month, 20 days
2 barrels aged 14 years, 2 months, 13 days
1 barrel aged 14 years, 2 months, 16 days
1 barrel aged 14 years, 3 months, 6 days

Pricing and Availability
The Castle Hill Series Batch Two is available for a suggested retail price of $149.99 at select retailers that can be found on Milamandgreenewhiskey.com. This whiskey is extremely limited with only 3,000 bottles released around the country. Please call your local retailer to determine local availability. Milam & Greene whiskey is distributed by Southern Wine and Spirits, Empire Merchants, Heidelberg Distributing, Brescome Barton, and Winebow Fine Wine and Spirits.

About Milam & Greene
Milam & Greene Whiskey is made by some of the world’s most experienced whiskey professionals, including CEO, master blender, and author, Heather Greene and 30-year veteran and master distiller, Marlene Holmes. The Milam & Greene team distills in Blanco, Texas on small 300- and 1,000-gallon pot stills as well as in Kentucky on classic column stills, using its proprietary yeast and grain recipes. Aging takes place in rickhouses located in four states in different casks for a variety of flavors resulting in the most thorough array of casks made and collected by any craft distiller. These casks become the ingredients from which its award-winning American whiskey range is batched to create perfection. Milam & Greene Whiskey believes in using the best people and ingredients to create delicious, award-winning whiskey for whiskey lovers. For more information visit: http://www.milamandgreenewhiskey.com. Connect with Milam & Greene Whiskey on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Wine Country Resorts to Visit This Summer

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ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. – When planning summer vacation time, travelers from far and near seeking natural beauty, exquisite food and wine experiences, unique-to-the-location adventures and attractions and luxurious getaway amenities and hospitality should consider one or more of these wine country resorts – all with special programming and easy access to the country’s finest wineries.

Silverado Resort and Spa – Napa Valley

Tucked into the rolling hills of legendary Napa Valley, Silverado Resort and Spa offers wine aficionados proximity to over 400 wineries, and the resort’s Best of the Valley wine tastings on Saturdays feature sommelier-led tastings of selections from highly respected local wineries. Outdoor activity enthusiasts will love the two championship golf courses, 10 tennis courts, bike and hiking trails and three swimming pools at the resort. Other customized features for Wellness guests to enjoy are the spa’s 30 fitness classes offered weekly and over 30 spa treatments available.

New This Summer: Daily yoga classes in the historic, tranquil Mansion Garden

Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa – Texas Hill Country

Located along 290 Wine Road between Johnson City and Fredericksburg in rugged, naturally beautiful Texas Hill Country, Carter Creek is the only winery resort in this wine country –which is home to over 50 wineries – that also houses a brewery, producing seasonal craft beers that beer lovers will want to savor. The winery’s award-winning wines include blended Plateau Red and white blended Gloriosa, and for music lovers, there’s live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night. Vacationers will want to be outdoors for all the nearby recreational offerings: hiking, biking, bird watching, kayaking, boating, horseback riding, golfing, fishing, caving and more.

New This Summer: Full-service Spa opening with five treatment rooms featuring organic ingredients

Carter Estate Winery and Resort – Temecula Valley

The resort is situated on 109 pristine acres, near more than 40 other esteemed Temecula wineries and many visitor attractions, including Harveston Lake Park for walking, jogging and summer boating, and the location is known for hot air ballooning adventures and horse-drawn carriage rides through the vineyards. Wine lovers appreciate that Carter Estate has a roster of award-winning wines and is especially known for its delicious méthode champenoise sparklings. For comfort and pampering, there are 60 luxurious villas with private patios steps away from the winery vineyards.

New This Summer: Exclusive Méthode Champenoise Tasting Experience in collaboration with Grazing Theory Cheese, available on Saturdays and Sundays

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa – Temecula Valley

Beautifully situated on 63 lush acres of rolling vineyards, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and is the only full-service resort and spa in the valley. For oenophiles and new wine appreciators, this multi-award-winning winery has been distinguished as a four-time winner of California Winery of the Year and offers over 45 wines to taste. Gourmet dining attracts food lovers to The Vineyard Rose Restaurant with appealing summer al fresco dining on the landscaped patio. For vacation pampering, GrapeSeed Spa touts 22 treatment rooms with patios with fountains and features a yoga studio.

Happening This Summer: Rhythm on the Vine® Concert Series featuring jazz, pop and country performers

Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach – Central Coast

An idyllic beachfront boutique resort along the Pacific with near proximity to Central Coast’s famed wine regions of Arroyo Grande, Edna Valley, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo and Cambria, this noted region for wine lovers includes more than 250 wineries. Vespera Resort hosts regular wine dinners with outstanding wine partner participation. After a day of wine tasting, guests can enjoy Vespera Resort’s beachfront location and, at night, its Stargazing Program with in-room collapsible telescopes to take outside to the Starlight Lawn. Special attraction for dog owners is the Pismo Pub Club that welcomes best furry friends to the resort with all kinds of amenities.

New This Summer: Tacos & Beer Menu offered along with live entertainment on Starlight Lawn on Saturday afternoons overlooking the Pacific

The International Sommelier Guild Has Received Gerard Basset Foundation Scholarship

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FRISCO, TEXAS (PRWEB) – The International Sommelier Guild is the only North American sommelier education program to be granted the Gerard Basset Foundation Scholarship for 2022. The prestigious scholarship, which focuses on global diversity, equity and inclusion for wine professionals, is awarded based on the quality of education and the inclusion efforts exemplified by wine and sommelier education programs across the world.

The Gerard Basset Foundation selects a limited group of sommelier education programs that conduct educational programs, which fit within the foundation’s mandate to “fund diversity & inclusivity education programmes in wine, spirits and hospitality globally.”

Educational programs at the International Sommelier Guild are helping make a material difference in the world of wine by educating individuals from all different backgrounds. No matter where a student comes from, if they have the talent and the skill, they are welcome at the International Sommelier Guild. Unfortunately, this is still not the norm throughout the industry.

Students love attending the International Sommelier Guild. The website features countless reviews from students who have completed the challenging program.

“Having just completed the online IWC program and its final exam, I would highly recommend the course to anyone interested in pursuing wine knowledge, whether professionally or as a hobby! It is comprehensive, easy to follow and totally adaptable to your own schedule and timeline, but don’t get me wrong, it is a challenging course! The staff proved to be available and helpful throughout the course as well making it easy to ask questions or seek guidance without ever feeling intrusive or like I was asking a “dumb” question. I’ve already started the AWC online course and can’t wait to delve even further into my studies with ISG.”

Chef Jim Spurlin, ISG Intermediate Sommelier

Those looking to learn more about the International Sommelier Guild and why they have been selected by the Gerard Basset Foundation are encouraged to visit: https://www.internationalsommelier.com/

About International Sommelier Guild:
Established in 1982 the international Sommelier Guild is a global provider of Sommelier, Oenology and Wine Business education. The ISG is affiliated with governments, constantly expanding list of host schools, universities, and distributors includes locations throughout America, as well as Europe, Asia, South America and Africa. The ISG offers the most comprehensive, structured multi-disciplined education including full oenology, wine management & business and nutrition programs. The ISG is the only Sommelier, Oenology and Wine school that created and published standardized Curriculum, its’ own learning materials, text books, as well as a cutting edge technology for online and live on line learning. The ISG was proclaimed as the best sommelier adulation for professionals by Liquor.com. For more information: https://www.internationalsommelier.com/wine/.

The Best Whiskeys in Texas from the Texas Whiskey Festival!

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AUSTIN, TEXAS (PRWEB) – Each year the Texas Whiskey Festival hosts a competition to determine who has the best Texas Bourbon, Rye, and Malt Whiskey. With a panel of judges, we conduct the competition with a method known as blind judging. The brands and specific whiskeys they are tasting are unknown to the judges. “Our panel of judges smell and taste their way through each whiskey, rating the aroma, taste complexity, and finish,” says Co-Founder Jake Clements.

Bourbon: Grain to Glass

  • Still Austin Whiskey Co. – Cask Strength Straight Bourbon
  • Shire Distilling Co. – Cask Strength Percheron Bourbon
  • Ironroot Republic Distilling – Harbinger 115 Straight Bourbon

Bourbon: Aged and Bottled in Texas

  • Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery – 6 year Single Barrel Bourbon
  • Oak & Eden – Bourbon & Vine
  • Luckenbach Road Whiskey – Straight Bourbon

Rye Whiskey: Grain to Glass

  • Tahwahkaro Distilling – Texas Rye Malt Whiskey
  • Maverick Whiskey – Straight Rye Whiskey
  • Devils River Whiskey – Straight Rye Whiskey

Rye Whiskey: Aged and Bottled in Texas

  • William Price Distilling – Straight Rye finished in bourbon barrels
  • Oak & Eden – Rye & Rumba
  • Old Humble Distilling Company – Double Oak Straight Rye

Malt Whiskey: Grain to Glass

  • Andalusia Whiskey Co. – Stryker Smoked Single Malt
  • Acre Distilling Co. – Texas Single Malt
  • Spirit of Texas Brewing and Distilling – Pfluger Single Malt Whiskey

Other Whiskeys: includes whiskeys aged in used barrels, blended whiskey, and light whiskey.

  • Austin Craft Spirits – Austin 85 Light Whiskey
  • Maverick Whiskey – Straight Triticale Whiskey
  • Dripping Springs Distilling – Republic Whiskey

“These are their winners, but remember the best whiskey is the one you like,” says Co-Founder Jake Clements. Festival attendees will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite distillery to decide on the people’s choice award.

You can taste the best Texas whiskeys and many more. It doesn’t matter if you are an avid whiskey drinker or think you might like whiskey this is an opportunity for you to try new whiskeys and meet the people that make them. You will get to choose from 70+ whiskeys made by the 34 distilleries participating.

It is a night of sampling new whiskey, meeting friends, and enjoying food, cigars, and music. Get your tickets HERE!

Thank you to the Crowded Barrel Whiskey Co for hosting us. A big thank you to our talented judges.

  • Nino Kilgore-Marchetti is a whiskey writer and the owner/editor in chief of The Whiskey Wash, an award winning whiskey lifestyle website.
  • Mark Shilling is the CEO at SUSTO Mezcal and Partner at Big Thirst.
  • Big Thirst represents some Texas brands, but Mark does not work on production of any brands in the whiskey category.
  • Lance Kotal, Friend of the Festival, Tejas level and a big fan of whiskey.

About the Texas Whiskey Festival
The festival’s mission is simple: To help promote and enhance the brands of the many great distilleries throughout Texas. We want to promote and educate whiskey lovers about the whiskeys produced in our great state. We’re doing it all while having fun, drinking great whiskey, and building memorable experiences. As an organization, we know that Texas has some of the best distilleries and whiskeys globally. The Texas Whiskey Festival is an opportunity to showcase that. For more information, please visit https://txwhiskeyfest.com.

Robin Thicke, Mýa, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and More to Headline Célébrez en Rosé Wine & Music Festival

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UNITED STATES (U.S.) – Organizers of Célébrez en Rosé (formerly La Fête du Rosé) wine and music festival have announced an all-star lineup of headline performers for its 2022 events in Atlanta on May 7 (Mother’s Day Weekend), Houston on May 28 (Memorial Day Weekend), Washington, D.C. on June 11 (National Rosé Day), and Chicago on June 25 (International Rosé Day).
This year’s festival will feature world-renowned contemporary R&B artist and hitmaker Robin Thicke in Atlanta, Houston, and D.C.; Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and actress Mýa in Houston and Chicago; hip-hop legend DJ Jazzy Jeff in Atlanta, Houston, and D.C.; and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and producer Tamia in D.C.; among others.
Founded in 2018, the picnic-style event has garnered national attention through previous years’ music lineups, which featured prominent artists like Lupe Fiasco, Estelle, DJ Cassidy, Marian Hill, and more, as well as the high fashion, Instagram-worthy photo installations, VIP experiences, and culinary offerings from celebrity chefs like Wolfgang Puck and Kelis that attendees have come to expect.
The festival will be making its third appearance in both the Atlanta and D.C. markets and debuting for the first time in two new cities, Houston and Chicago, in 2022.
“Since the event’s inception, we’ve continued to improve the experience and music for our guests, and this year will be no different,” said Cleveland Spears, III, founder of Célébrez en Rosé. “Music is a huge part of that experience, and I’m proud to say that there will truly be something for everyone at each of the four Célébrez en Rosé events in 2022. We look forward to being back in D.C. and Atlanta with a few new and exciting surprises in store, and introducing our new audiences in Chicago and Houston to a rosé all day experience like nothing they’ve seen before.”
Célébrez en Rosé (French for “Celebrate in Pink”) has continued to grow in popularity and attendance since it launched four years ago under the name of La Fête du Rosé in Atlanta. The festival sold out its second annual appearance in Atlanta and inaugural event in D.C. the following year, attracting thousands of attendees dressed in their finest pink and white summer attire. Watch the official recap of last year’s Célébrez en Rosé event in D.C. here.
Additional local acts and a full entertainment lineup will be announced in the coming weeks, paying homage to the unique cultures and audiences of each of the four cities.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit celebrezenrose.com.

Delysia Chocolatier Honored As 2022 Best Chocolatier in the Americas

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AUSTIN, TEXAS (PRWEB) – Continuing its award-winning run, Delysia Chocolatier has been named as 2022’s Best Chocolatier and Confectioners in the Americas with the highest honor, Six Star Award: Grand Master Chocolatier by the International Chocolate Salon Awards and Taste TV. The Austin-based chocolatier recently won a Gold medal for their Golden drinking chocolate at the Hot Chocolate Awards in December (2021), as well as a Gold medal for their Merlot Cherry chocolate truffle at the 1st Annual Ruby Chocolate Awards (2021).

Delysia Chocolatier has been awarded a Grand Master Chocolatier in the Americas title a total of nine (9) times, recognizing the chocolatier’s continual excellence in creating delicious, handcrafted confections using only the freshest ingredients and the finest quality of chocolate from sustainably and ethically sourced cacao. The International Chocolate Salon is one of the premier international bodies honoring artisanal and premium chocolate confectioners. To qualify for this title, Delysia Chocolatier received the most votes from the panel of judges, which included national and regional magazines, newspapers, and expert chefs who evaluated hundreds of fine chocolate artisans and large-scale producers.

“It is a true honor to be recognized internationally for a ninth time for our ability to craft unique and delightful confectionery treats across multiple product categories,” says Delysia chef-owner and chocolatier, Nicole Patel. “We push beyond the boundaries of traditional culinary trends by incorporating innovative flavors into our artisanal chocolates. To be recognized once again as a Grand Master Chocolatier is the highest of accolades. We are grateful to all of those who have been a part of our journey to achieving such distinction, and to our dedicated clientele who support our small business.”

In December 2021, Delysia Chocolatier won a Gold medal in Best Overall Drinking Chocolate with the first-ever Golden dark drinking chocolate. Delysia Chocolatier’s Golden Dark drinking chocolate is made with high-quality chocolate that is a luxury in itself. This exceptional beverage gets a glittering shot of opulence courtesy of pure gold chocolate that makes this extravagant beverage as dazzling as it is delicious. The Golden Dark drinking chocolate is intensely rich and flavorful, handcrafted using 72 percent bittersweet chocolate with morsels of gold chocolate dotted throughout the mix. Delysia Chocolatier’s Golden Dark Chocolate was one of three of the brand’s hot chocolate flavors which swept awards at the competition.

In addition to winning multiple recent awards for its drinking chocolates, Delysia Chocolatier won Gold for their Merlot Cherry chocolate truffle and Bronze medal for their Chipotle Orange chocolate truffle at the 1st Annual Ruby Chocolate Awards competition, announced in January 2022. Both of these award-winning ruby chocolate truffles can be enjoyed by purchasing the brand’s Sensual Ruby Collection of chocolate truffles.

Delysia Chocolatier is a woman-owned business, founded by engineer-turned-chocolatier Nicole Patel in 2008. In addition to handcrafting luxurious chocolate confections for life’s every occasion, the brand is well-known for creating overall engaging experiences. Chocolate lovers indulge in the essence of Delysia Chocolatier by unwrapping beautiful, elegantly packaged handmade chocolates, enjoying new and unique flavors infused into chocolates, and learning about how to taste chocolate like a professional in their virtual tasting sessions led personally by the chocolatier. Shoppers can view the brand’s award-winning products and tasting experiences online at Delysia.com.

About Delysia Chocolatier
Delysia Chocolatier is an award-winning artisan chocolate company based in Austin, Texas. Chef-Owner & Chocolatier Nicole Patel, named a Six Star Award Grand Master: Best Chocolatier in the Americas nine (9) times, handcrafts its creations with the care and attention people savor in every flavorful bite. Delysia Chocolatier uses only the finest quality chocolate from sustainable sources and freshest ingredients to create something unique, something memorable, something remarkable. Connect with Delysia Chocolatier on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Carter Creek Winery Earns 10 More Medals

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JOHNSON CITY, Texas – Carter Hospitality Group is pleased to announce that its Carter Creek Winery in the heart of Texas Hill Country was awarded 10 prestigious awards at the 2022 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (SFCWC), which took place January 11 to 14 with over 55 industry professionals serving as judges as they evaluated 5,700 wines from more than 1,100 wineries throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The SFCWC is the largest competition in North America and over its 22 years has become one of the world’s most respected wine competitions. Its esteemed judges come from the worlds of winemaking, media, trade, education and restaurant/hospitality industries.

“These awards, including two Best of Class, one Double Gold and two Gold are very important to us and our team, led by veteran winemaker Jon McPherson, as they validate our experience, expertise and dedication to the wines we produce at Carter Creek Winery. We look forward to displaying the awards from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition in our handsome tasting rooms,” said Jeff Carter, president of Carter Hospitality.

Carter Creek’s vineyards in Texas Hill Country produce varietals especially unique due to the combination of an extremely warm growing season and an early harvest delivering softer, earth-driven wines. The 2022 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Awards for Carter Creek Winery include Best in Class for NV Dominum Tinto and for NV Sangria. A Double Gold award was given to NV Sparkling, and Golds were earned by 2016 Plateau Red and 2018 Viognier-Roussanne. NV Brut, 2017 Maverick, 2018 Maverick and 2017 Viognier-Roussanne earned Silver designations. A Bronze award was given to 2016 Tempranillo.

Producing award-winning wines since 2016, Carter Creek Winery is a sister winery to Temecula, California’s award-winning South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and Carter Estate Winery and Resort. Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa features 78 luxury villas, a spa, tasting rooms, restaurant, its own onsite microbrewery creating small batch craft beers and an outdoor event center, which features top musical acts.

About Carter Hospitality Group

Established in 2011, Carter Hospitality Group, LLC. is a family-owned hospitality company with four hotels and resorts as well as three wineries across the United States. Based in Orange County, California, the company manages and owns a portfolio of luxury properties including South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Temecula, California; Carter Estate Winery and Resort, Temecula California; and Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa, Texas Hill Country. Carter Hospitality Group additionally serves as the owner-franchisee for Red Lion Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista South, Orlando Florida. For more information, visit www.carterhospitality.com.