L.A.’s Epic Culinary Festival Los Angeles Food and Wine Returns Aug. 22-25, 2019

August 10, 2019 by evebushman

LOS ANGELES – In a collision of cuisine and culture, Southern California’s number-one food and wine festival, Los Angeles Food & Wine, is ramping up to its ninth rendition, August 22-25. Festival-goers will rub shoulders with the nation’s hottest chefs during the four-day epicurean extravaganza, with events spanning the City of Angels. Fans of fine food can score tickets a la carte at lafw.com.

Among the culinary supernovas on the festival marquee are the legendary Jeremiah Tower (“The Last Magnificent”), native Angelenos Nancy Silverton, Jet Tila and Alvin Cailan, and several celebrity chefs who have made the city their own, like Curtis Stone, Tim Hollingsworth and Antonia Lofaso. The festival will also showcase wines from across California and the world.

Los Angeles Food & Wine launches Thursday evening with a series of dinners at restaurants across the city. The action then shifts to the historic Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Airport, one of LA’s premier event spaces, for the rest of the weekend. Among the 14 culinary star-studded events:

· The Legends Dinner at Chi SPACCA: The widely credited father of California cuisine Jeremiah Tower joins queen of the Mozza-Plex Nancy Silverton at her white-hot Chi SPACCA. This epic, one-night-only pairing promises a lifetime of bragging rights to the 40 festival-goers fortunate enough to snag a ticket.

· Dinner at Otium: Fans of Netflix’s “The Final Table” can pull up a chair to watch 2018 season winner Tim Hollingsworth share the spotlight with rising star chef Travis Swikard at Hollingsworth’s downtown masterpiece, The Broad museum-adjacent Otium.

· The Epic Burger Throwdown with Alvin Cailan: In a city known for great burgers, the best are going bun to bun to win the coveted LAFW Golden Burger Show Trophy. Host Alvin Cailan, star of YouTube’s “The Burger Show,” will join celebrity judges Seth Rogen, Tiffani Thiessen and Adam Richman in this juicy battle of the beef.

· LA’s Faves & Craves: In one short stroll, festival-goers can take in the breathtaking diversity of L.A.’s culinary landscape as the city’s own Jet Tila hosts a showcase of the most crave-worthy dishes of 25 local chefs. L.A’s finest tacos, pizza, hot dogs, donuts, fried chicken and a wealth of Asian-inspired specialties will all share one location for one afternoon only.

· Meat Me at LAFW’s Great Steak-out & BBQ: Meat master Curtis Stone of Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant and 25 other great tamers of the flame are bringing their A+ game to LAFW. Surf, sides, caviar and Big Cabs will complement the slabs at this event evoking the nation’s greatest steakhouses and BBQ joints.

· Sunday Brunch So Hard: Those lucky enough to score one of the very limited VIP tickets to LAFW’s grand finale enjoy rare pre-event access to Jeremiah Tower, the illustrious self-taught chef dubbed “The Last Magnificent” by Anthony Bourdain. Standard tickets are anything but shabby, too, at the culinary legend’s brunch-to-end-all-brunches.

Find a full event listing here.

Event Sponsors

The 9th annual Los Angeles Food & Wine welcomes best in class partners like Chase Private Client, Food & Wine magazine, Guinness, Suntory Whiskey and Bulleit Whiskey, among others.

Ticket Information

For tickets and more information, visit lafw.com.

12th Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival Returns, April 11-14

April 8, 2019 by evebushman

PEBBLE BEACH, CALIF. – The West Coast’s premier epicurean lifestyle event, Pebble Beach Food & Wine returns for a 12th year this spring with four days of culinary decadence, April 11-14. Coinciding with Pebble Beach Resorts’ year-long centennial celebration, the 2019 event is pulling out all the stops as 100 of the world’s top celebrity chefs and 250 acclaimed wineries come together on the spectacular central California coastline. Event-goers will enjoy rare access to the very pinnacle of talent in the food and wine world—from upstarts and rising stars to James Beard and Michelin-star award winners— at a series of wine tastings, cooking demos, and some of the most exclusive and original dining experiences in the world.

Among this year’s luminaries are names like l’Arpege’s Alain Passard, Misiòn 19’s Javier Plascencia, Ludo Lefebvre of Ludo Bites, Masaharu Morimoto of Morimoto restaurants from New York to Napa, internationally renowned Argentinean grill master and featured chef on the Netflix original series Chef’s Table Francis Mallmann, DAMA’s Antonia Lofaso, Richard Blais of Trail Blais, Michelle Bernstein of Café La Trova, Dean Fearing of Fearing’s Restaurant, and the chef dubbed “The Last Magnificent,” Jeremiah Tower. A prime opportunity for event-goers to rub shoulders and snap photos with a veritable “who’s who” of culinary legends will take place at the Lexus Grand Tasting Tent on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, which will feature 30 chefs and more than 300 wines from top-notch producers around the world. Other event highlights include:

A Celebrity Chef & Winemaker Golf Tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links. This exclusive opportunity to share a bucket-list golf experience with the top masters of food and wine is priced at $1,000 per ticket. Players compete for 18 holes of Team Scramble tournament play, fueled by food, wine and beverage stations strategically placed along the course.

An exclusive, aptly named Decadence Dinner with Chef Alain Passard of the three-Michelin-starred L’Arpège in Paris, whose high-risk gamble to embrace an all-vegetarian menu paid off in spades and was documented in Netflix’s Chef’s Table docuseries.

Aviary Live from Pebble Beach—a chance to meet the “den of chefs” behind what is widely considered the world’s best bar as they tell the story behind the creation of the bar and their new, groundbreaking Aviary Cocktail Book.

Two events with culinary legend Jeremiah Tower—a Fireside Chat complete with champagne, bites, and storytelling by “The Father of California Cuisine,” and a Power Lunch at Casa Palmero with Chef Tower and his proteges Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier of Maine’s critically acclaimed MC Perkins Cove.

Wonder Women in the Kitchen—a Power Lunch with some of the nation’s gutsiest female chefs who have survived the trenches to rise to top of their industry: Tanya Holland of Oakland’s Brown Sugar Kitchen; Top Chef Masters Alumni Elizabeth Falkner; Antonia Lofaso of L.A.’s white-hot DAMA, Scopa Italian Roots and Black Market Liquor Bar; and pastry chef Kelsey Larson from Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley.

Two Gone Fishin events with Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. In the first, the global restaurateur demonstrates the proper way to butcher a whole tuna. In the second, He joins top seafood chefs Ryan Caldwell, Ravin Patel, Michael Ginor, and Alvin Cailan to vie for bragging rights as the “best fisherman” at the four-day fest.

Ridge Monte Bello Wine Seminar. This epic event features five decades of one of the world’s most legendary wine producers. Led by winemaker Eric Baugher, guests will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to sample vintages dating back to 1975 as well a barrel tasting of the unreleased 2017 vintage.

Steakhouse Feels: Big Cabs & Big Slabs. Festival-goers will live large at this strolling “beachside steak-out,” which will pair the world’s best masters of the grill and BBQ with a martini bar, whiskey on the rocks, big red wines, and a caviar station.

Dining with The Michelin Stars. This over-the-top dinner will blend the talents of out-of-this-world chefs into one kitchen. Michelin starred culinary greats, including Peter Armellino, Rogelio Garcia, Janina O’Leary and Rupert and Carrie Blease, will serve up a memorable meal at this one-of-a-kind event.

Find a full event listing here.

Package Deals

Four package options let event-goers craft their ideal festival experience. The Magnum is a great value for those looking to enjoy all the daytime and afternoon events at Pebble Beach Food & Wine along with the Opening Night Reception. Package holders save more than $300 and gain VIP access, including to the Lexus Grand Tasting, and discounts on Jeroboam and Imperial level wine seminars.

The Jeroboam covers premium day and night events over the full weekend. Package holders save more than $1,000 on a $2,950 ticket and gain VIP access.

The Mastercard Exclusive includes upgraded experiences and access on select day and night events, including the fireside chat with Jeremiah Tower, the hands-on Perfect Blend wine event, Private Dining Room Dinner—a world-class wine pairing meal overlooking the famed 18th Green of Pebble Beach Golf Links, plus access to the Chef, Winemaker and VIP after-hours party Saturday night, and VIP premium gift items. The package is only available for purchase with a Mastercard.

The Imperial gives package holders carte blanche for the full weekend—the highest level of access available and exceptional perks—and is available only to a select few due to space limitations on the rare wine seminars. Package holders save as much as $2,400 and enjoy VIP access and preferred seating at all wine seminars and cooking demos, complimentary access to the Chauffeured Lexus Luxury Vehicles for travel between events, and access to the Chef, Winemaker and VIP after-hours party each night.

Event Sponsors

The 12^th annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine welcomes best in class partners like Food & Wine magazine, Chase Private Client banking, Lexus, Mastercard, Barilla pasta and many more.

Ticket Information and Reservations

For tickets, packages and more information, visit pbfw.com. For more information on Pebble Beach Resorts and overnight reservations, visit pebblebeach.com or call 888-251-9790.

About Prodigal Events, LLC:

Prodigal Events, LLC (Prodigal), creates unique experiential opportunities in the hospitality, entertainment, and experiential world. Prodigal produces two of the world’s most loved and recognized culinary events, Pebble Beach Food & Wine and the Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival, both recognized for the curation of the highest caliber of culinary and wine talents to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

About Pebble Beach Company

Pebble Beach Company, headquartered in Pebble Beach, Calif., owns and operates the world-famous Pebble Beach Resorts®, including The Lodge at Pebble Beach™, The Inn at Spanish Bay™, and Casa Palmero®. The company also operates four renowned golf courses: Pebble Beach Golf Links®, Spyglass Hill® Golf Course, The Links at Spanish Bay™, and Del Monte™ Golf Course. Its other famed properties include scenic 17-Mile Drive®, The Spa at Pebble Beach™, Pebble Beach Golf Academy™, and Pebble Beach® Equestrian Center. It annually hosts premier events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, TaylorMade Pebble Beach Invitational presented by Dell Technologies, Pebble Beach Food & Wine, and the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee. Future site of the 2019 U.S. Open, 2023 U.S. Women’s Open and 2027 U.S. Open Championships, Pebble Beach Golf Links® has hosted five U.S. Opens, five U.S. Amateurs, one PGA Championship, and numerous other tournaments. For reservations or more information, please call 800-654-9300 or visit pebblebeach.com.

UNCORKED: DERBY DAYS COMING BACK WITH A NEW TWIST!

November 4, 2018 by evebushman

Uncorked Wine festivals is partnering up with the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club to bring you Uncorked: Derby Days at the race track.

Del Mar, CA – Ladies, wear your hats. And gents, grab your bow ties! Uncorked Wine Festivals is bringing its national wine tour back to CA. The third Uncorked: Derby Days Wine Fest will take place on Saturday, November 17th at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. This is more than just your average wine tasting. This event features over 100 wines to sample, a Champagne bar, gourmet food trucks, live music by the California Feetwarmers, best “Derby Dame and Dapper Dan” contest (with amazing goodie bags for the winners sponsored by several of our wineries), special seating in the grandstands and a fun atmosphere trackside where you can enjoy your wines while the horses race past you.

There are two ticket options to choose from. VIP admission at 12pm, providing an extra hour to taste, an exclusive tip sheet from DMTC and features special wines to be poured during only that hour. General admission begins at 1pm and the event ends at 4pm. Admission is $75 for VIP and $65 for general admission, and includes all wine tastings with food sold separately.

This event is 21 and over only.

www.uncorkedwinefestivals.com

Vintage Eve Circa 7/2015: Garagiste in the Wiltern!

October 2, 2018 by evebushman

There is nothing like a wine event held in a new venue to rev my engines/salivary glands, and The Garagiste Festival Urban Exposure held inside the Wiltern theater, with the auditorium seats moved over to the side to accommodate wine tables and guests, made for a grand showcase for so many grand wines!

Michael D Larner sharing his Larner Vineyard & Winery 2010 Reserve Syrah – OMG delicious.

We were offered an early tasting of the “Rare and Reserve” (R&R) wines and took full advantage of it. To the point that after selecting no less than 30 wines to taste, I took a break to abate palate fatigue…and still had difficulty going back to the tables to taste everyone’s full line-up. My conclusion had to be that if I loved their R&R I would most likely dig more!

So this is what I noted for you thirsty readers:

Rare and Reserve (R&R) Note: Wines denoted with the acronym GSM are a Rhone blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, but Grenache is not automatically predominant though listed first.

Alma Sol Winery: 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley – $60 – 50 cases.

Alta Colina Vineyards: 2011 Block 2 Bio Syrah – $55 – 110 cases.

Archium Cellars: 2012 Haven Grenache – $34 – 74 cases.

Artisan Uprising: Pre-release, 2013 Merlot – $32. (My husband loved their 2012 Malbec and the rest of their line-up.)

Bellissimo Cellars: Barrel sample, 2014 Chardonnay, Mount Eden. (I love winemaker Lora Marie Taylor’s current 2013 Chardonnay as well!)

Bon Niche Cellars: 2010 “Voutes” Bordeaux Blend – $50 – 97 cases.

Caliza Winery: Loved tasting the older 2006 Estate Syrah – $70 – 230 cases.

Cholame Vineyard: 2012 Grenache – $45 – 90 cases.

Cordon Wines: 2011 Highway 1 Blackbird Cuvee of Merlot and Cabernet Franc – $26 – 90 cases.

DENO Wines: 2010 Two Bill’s Zinfandel Grenache blend – $35.

Dilecta Wines: 2011 Tillers Grenache Syrah blend – $46 – 75 cases.

Halcon Vineyards: Loved them all: a Marsanne/Roussane blend, Pinot Noir, Grenache Mourvedre blend, Syrah and a Petite Sirah as well as the R&R 2011 Alturas Syrah – $70 – 180 cases.

Harrison Clarke Vineyards: 2012 Syrah Whole Cluster – $68 – 25 cases.

Imagine Wines: Another lovely older Syrah, the 2007 “Winged” Syrah, Paradise Mountain – $80 – 146 cases.

Incendium Wines: 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa – $32.50.

Kaleidos Winery: The entire line-up (Pinot Gris/Viognier blend, two GSMs and two Syrahs) including the 2012 Preying Mantis (Syrah) R&R – $55 – 24 cases.

Kessler-Haak Vineyards: 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Starlane Vineyard – $45 – 47 cases.

Larner Vineyards: 2010 Reserve Syrah – $72 – 106 cases. (I love all of Michael Larner’s wines!)

Mattina Fiore: 2012 Grenache, Murmur Vineyard – $60 – 312 cases.

Overland Wines: 2010 “Kick Ranch” Petite Sirah – $45 – 66 cases. (And I also enjoyed a very golden colored and honeyed 2011 late harvest Sauvignon Blanc.)

Powell Mountain Winery: 2011 Alta Montana blend of Tempranillo, Grenache and Mourvedre – $32 – 61 cases. (Another favorite table of my husband’s.)

Prizm Winery: 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, barrel sample $60 – 175 cases.

Pulchella Winery: 2013 Block 6 Syrah Reserve, La Vista Vineyard, yet to be named. OMG can’t wait for this one!

Ser Winery: A low acid and low alcohol but incredibly tasty 2014 Dry Orange Muscat $16 – 45 cases.

Shai Cellars: 2009 Adome blend of Syrah and Grenache…I’m a long time fan of winemaker Shawn Shai Halahmy.

STANGER Vineyards: 2009 Pinot Noir, Library Reserve – $114 – Club Only. The only Pinot I’ve ever had that doesn’t taste like a Pinot! Deep, dark and spicy. A must try! Hubby loved their 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tercero Wines: 2009 Les Deux Comtes Rhone blend – $45 – 88 cases.

The Central Coast Group Project (CCGP): 2013 Barrel sample.

Tlo Wines: 2012 Reserve Petite Sirah – $35 – 90 cases.

Vinemark Cellars: 2009 Primitivo – $32 – 1st Vintage.

Vines on the Marycrest: Sangiovese – $36 – 60 cases None available so instead I tasted and LOVED everything else Victor and Jennifer Abascal shared: 2014 Summertime GSM and Zinfandel blend, 2012 Zinfandel, 2010 Syrah and 2012 My Generation blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, Mourvedre and Petite Sirah.

Story in photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10206033352380288.1073741922.1455706632&type=1&l=b35921aa8d

Credits

Thanks must go out to the fabulous planning team that includes founders Doug Minnick and Steward McLennan, event director Lisa Dinsmore, great PR from Melanie Webber and a wonderful group of winemakers, wine reps, food vendors and knowledgeable volunteer sommeliers.

If you missed this Garagiste Festival event sign up for their newsletter to keep track of the next one: http://garagistefestival.com

Wine List

Alma Fria Winery, Alma Sol Winery, Alta Colina Vineyards, Archium Cellars, Artisan Uprising, Ascension Cellars, Bellissimo Cellars, Blair Estate, Bon Niche Cellars, Caliza Winery, Carucci Wines, Casa Dumetz, Cholame Vineyard, Cloak & Dagger Wines, Coda Wines, Cordon Wines, Cutruzzola Vineyards, DENO Wines, Diablo Paso, Dilecta Wines, El Lugar, Falcone Family Vineyards, Frequency, Graef Wines, Halcon Vineyards, Harrison Clarke Vineyards, Imagine Wines, Incendium Wines, Kaleidos Winery, Kessler-Haak Vineyards, Larner Vineyards, Last Light Wine Co., Levo Wines, Maidenstoen Wines, Mattina Fiore, MCV Wines, Moonwalker Cellars, C. Nagy Wines, Overland Wines, Pace Family Wines, Powell Mountain Winery, Prizm Winery, Pulchella Winery, Rendarrio Wines, Ryan Cochrane Wines, Ser Winery, Shai Cellars, STANGER Vineyards, Tercero Wines, The Central Coast Group Project, The Farm Winery, Theopolis Vineyards, Tlo Wines, Travieso Winery, Turiya Wines, Two Shepherds Wines, Valley Floor Vineyard, Vinemark Cellars, Vines on the Marycrest and Weatherborne.

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

Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Music Festival Teams Up with Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort

September 20, 2018 by evebushman

Fort Lauderdale, FL – Walgreens Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Music Festival Presented by UHealth Clinics at Walgreens today announced that it has paired up with its official hotel sponsor, Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort and Spa, to offer a new Gridiron Grill-Off Weekend Staycation Package. This special offer is valid on minimum two-night stays November 7 through November 14, 2018 and includes two general admission tickets to the festival, daily buffet breakfast for two, complimentary Wi-Fi and shuttle service between the resort and event location on November 10, 2018. Savings are valued at $135.*

“We’re fired up to have Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort and Spa as our official hotel partner again this year as we prepare to take the Gridiron Grill-Off to an entirely new level,” said John Offerdahl, founder of the event and former Miami Dolphins All-Pro Linebacker. “The new staycation package we’re introducing is great for those looking to kick back and relax with fun, sun, food and music, enjoying our event and taking in all that the area has to offer.”

Walgreens Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Music Festival is a weekend-long celebration that pairs celebrity chefs in South Florida with NFL legends to create signature grilled dishes and raise money for the Broward College Foundation. Making its return to the Pompano Beach Amphitheater beginning Friday, November 9, this year’s event will include new additions, with three nights of live concerts and a family-friendly BBQ Pit Masters competition.

Ideally situated on Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa is less than 20 miles from the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport and close to major attractions, including the Pompano Beach Amphitheater and Isle Casino and Race Track. The 4-star hotel offers beachfront access, a fitness center, two swimming pools, a wide range of water sports, and Funky Fish Ocean Camp (a kids club open daily for children ages 4-17). Guests can dine on fresh seafood in the hotel’s oceanview restaurant, grab an evening cocktail at the stylish bar or enjoy a massage at SiSpa.

Tickets to the BBQ Pit Masters event are $10 for adults and free for kids four and under, which includes (ten) one oz. samples of BBQ for voting (All other food and drinks are available for purchase and does not include access to the Grill-Off). General admission for the Gridiron Grill-Off are $85 per person, including all food and beverages at the Saturday event. VIP tickets, which include a gift bag and access to a private tent on-site with seating, shade, food and beverages, are $125 per person.

*Double occupancy; two-night minimum stay required; based on availability.

For more information and to book the Gridiron Grill-off Weekend Staycation package, visit www.gridirongrilloff.com/sponsors-2018/ or call 800-228-9290, using promotional code WKD.

Follow the event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gridirongrilloff or Instagram @gridirongrilloff and Twitter @GridironGriller for real-time participant additions and announcements.

About Walgreens Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Music Festival

Walgreens Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Music Festival is a weekend-long celebration that pairs celebrity chefs in South Florida with NFL legends to create signature grilled dishes while raising money to positively impact South Florida. Since 2010, the festival has raised money to support foster care and homeless agencies across South Florida and became a subsidiary of the Offerdahl’s Hand-Off Foundation in 2013. The annual event continues to grow each year drawing an average of 3,000 attendees. This year’s ninth annual Gridiron Grill-Off will feature three nights of concerts, a BBQ Pit Masters Competition and unique tailgate experience during the Dolphins versus Packers game on Sunday, November 11. The Live Concert Series powered by the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB’s partnership with AEG Presents will feature performances by Vince Gill, Barenaked Ladies, and Daughtry. Attendees will enjoy the grilling competition, complemented by several additions including new sponsors, live entertainment, a cornhole tournament, a refreshed silent auction and more. Participating restaurants this year include Beach House Pompano, Oceans 234, Naked Taco and Pelican Landing, among many others.

About Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa

Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa is a boutique-style resort that caters to leisure and business travelers alike with the simple pleasures of Florida beach living. It is set on the oceanfront in Pompano Beach, a city ripe for discovery and recently named one of the top 10 “up-and-coming” U.S. destinations by TripAdvisor. Guests of Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach enjoy fresh local fare at the Resort’s on-site restaurant, sea-inspired treatments at SiSpa, poolside relaxation and beach access with water sports. Private balconies with Atlantic views are afforded to all of its generously appointed 194 guest rooms and 25 suites. The resort is managed by Urgo Hotels and Resorts. Learn more at www.pompanomarriott.com.

Upcoming Classes from The Wine House WLA

September 16, 2018 by evebushman

The Wine House is thrilled to be named one of ten of the “World’s Best Wine Shops” in Food & Wine! In addition to being described as a “wine geek’s dream destination” with modest markups and excellent small-production offerings, we were noted for having “an impressive lineup of classes.” Here are our current offerings!

SUMMARY OF UPCOMING WINE HOUSE CLASSES AND EVENTS

In-Store Tasting of Sicilian Wines from Passopisciaro
Monday, September 17, $20

Planeta Wine Dinner with Alessio Planeta at Upstairs 2
Tuesday, September 18, $115

International Grenache Day In-Store Tasting *NEW*
Friday, September 21, 3 to 7 PM, Only $1 (No reservation required, just stop by TASTE)

Sake Fest
Sunday, September 23, $55

What You Absolutely Need to Know About Wine
Monday, September 24, $58

In-Store Wine Safari
Wednesday, October 3, $40

Scotch: Introduction to Single Malt Whisky
Friday, October 5, $79

Italian Wine Specialist Certificate in Four Parts
October 7, 13, 20 and 27, $675

Italian Sangiovese In-Depth
Monday, October 8, $55

WSET Level 2 Intermediate Award in Wines & Spirits
Begins October 14, $795

The 35th Annual Cabernet Fest
Sunday, October 28, General Admission $75; V.I.P. $99

Paul Wagner Wins 2018 Award of Merit from The American Wine Society

May 13, 2018 by evebushman

Napa, CA – Paul Wagner, Founder of Balzac Communications & Marketing, noted author, wine radio show cohost (Bottle Talk with Rick & Paul), and Napa Valley College professor has been awarded the prestigious 2018 Award of Merit from the American Wine Society.

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From the Balzac Facebook page

David Falchek, executive director of the American Wine Society (AWS) commented “Paul has been a great friend not only to our organization, but also to the wine industry. Working in the background as a marketing professional and an educator, Paul has influenced the way the public drinks wine and thinks about wine. His passion and work has aligned with the AWS mission to promote wine appreciation through education.”

“It’s really lovely that they have done this,” said Wagner, who will attend the organization’s national conference in November to accept the award.

“I have great respect for John Hames, who recently retired as the executive director of the AWS, and I am delighted that he is being honored with the Member of the Year Award at this same conference. And I have loved the many sessions at that national conferences that I have taught. The members are so appreciative and energized. I think I get more from them than they ever get from me.”

“Paul has been my mentor and has provided me with the insight and wisdom to lead Balzac for the next 25 years,” states Michael Wangbickler, President. “In my 14 years at Balzac, I’ve had the pleasure to learn, grow and mature under Paul’s tutelage and guidance – I couldn’t be more thankful and am so proud to learn of Paul winning this award.”

Wagner, who recently retired from running Balzac, continues to teach about wine – in Barcelona at the WinTour Wine Tourism MBA program in July and October, leading a wine cruise and tour through Bordeaux this spring, and teaching at Napa Valley College.

His schedule this year has included joining the U.S. tour of the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux, giving the keynote address at the Vancouver International Wine Festival, judging the California State Fair Wine Competition, and giving lectures at Fresno State University and for the Cambridge University Executive MBA program.

Wagner will teach the Wines of Germany class this spring at Napa Valley College, and in the fall, he will return to teach Wine Marketing and Sales and A Cultural Appreciation of Wine.

In addition, Wagner will publish two new books this year: “Artisan Public Relations” from Board and Bench Publishing, and “Wine Sales and Distribution” from Rowman and Littlefield. The latter was written with co-authors John Crotts of the College of Charleston, and Byron Marlowe of Washington State University. And the third edition of Wagner’s “Wine Marketing & Sales” will also be published this year by Board and Bench.

About American Wine Society – www.americanwinesociety.org

The American Wine Society (AWS) is a consumer organization that appreciates, celebrates, and shares knowledge about wine. With a membership base of over 8,000 people, they host local wine tastings in 180 chapters across the United States. This year, the AWS celebrates its 50th Anniversary and is the largest consumer-based wine education organization in North America. Membership is open to anyone aged 21 and over who is interested in learning about wine.

About Balzac Communications & Marketing – www.balzac.com

Founded in 1991, Balzac Communications & Marketing is a marketing communications agency with a no-nonsense approach to combining the strategies and tactics of marketing, public relations, event management, digital marketing, advertising, and creative services to assist the business goals of its clients. The experience, creativity, and determination of the staff distinguish Balzac from their competition. They use these assets to develop and execute cost-effective campaigns which have won international communications awards. The agency is in Napa, California, and provides services to companies and organizations throughout the world. www.balzac.com

Catskills Wine & Food Festival Announces Unique Lineup

May 10, 2018 by evebushman

BLOOMINGBURG, N.Y. (PRWEB) – Today, Catskills Wine & Food Festival (CWFF) announces its lineup of celebrity chefs and musical acts for its inaugural event in upstate New York this October 6 – 7.

From website.

The event is a one-of-kind experience in which guests will be treated to intimate cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs as well as live music, private tastings, a smorgasbord of good eats, and an impressive selection of beer, wine, and cider, all carefully curated. For the full experience, guests can rent on-site cabins that sleep up to 18 people and stay overnight on the magnificent event grounds, nestled in the beautiful mountains of upstate New York.

A limited number of presale tickets will go on sale April 18th at 11 AM, and are only available at CatskillsFestival.com. Ticket prices will increase in May. The lineup of celebrity chefs includes:

Jordan Andino (Flip Sigi and TV personality)
Donatella Arpaia (Prova Pizzabar and Iron Chef judge)
Sarah Blair (Culinary Producer)
Josh Capon (Bowery Meat Company, Lure Fishbar, and more)
Michael Chernow (The Meatball Shop and Seamore’s)
Gail Simmons (BRAVO’s Top Chef)
Alex Guarnaschelli (Butter)
Amirah Kassem (Flour Shop)
Bobbie Lloyd (Magnolia Bakery, The Next Great Baker judge)

Musical guests include:

Lord Huron (Sunday’s headliner)
Moon Taxi
Chris Robinson Brotherhood
Drake White and the Big Fire
Ripe
Escort
Dwayne Gretzky
The Dip
Rebecca Perl

Additional chef attendees and musical acts, including Saturday’s headliner, will be announced on an ongoing basis.

Unlike other food, wine, and music festivals, CWFF is an intimate event, allowing guests to get up-close to the action—whether that’s a musical performance or a cooking demonstration. This is a unique opportunity to taste homemade creations cooked “live” by some of the nation’s most acclaimed chefs. Because of this, tickets are limited and will go fast.

General admission two-day passes, available at CatskillsFestival.com, are $285. This package includes food and wine tastings, access to cooking demonstrations and live music, access to activities throughout the campground, access to the Sunday Market–a culinary curation of the Catkills and beyond–and shuttles to and from select hotels in the area.

All-access two-day VIP passes are available for $549. These passes includes all the general admission events, plus access to VIP Village where celebrity chefs will be holding Meet & Greets and VIP guests can enjoy intimate dining experiences curated by CWFF celebrity chefs, a Saturday evening VIP dinner and a Sunday VIP brunch (all-inclusive), various open bar events, and an exclusive swag bag.

CWFF will also host a private launch event on Friday evening (10/5) for festival sponsors and influencers. This invite-only experience will kick off the festival weekend. For more information, email hello@catskillsfestival.com.

This is 21+ event. For more information about the festival or to sign up to receive advanced updates as new musical guests and celebrity chef attendees are confirmed, visit CatskillsFestival.com.

About Catskills Wine & Food Festival:

Catskills Wine & Food Festival is an intimate VIP experience in which guests can watch and learn from some of the nation’s top celebrity chefs. The event features celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations, private tastings, live music, and a dynamic selection of beer, wine, and cider. For more information, visit CatskillsFestival.com.

Garagiste Wine Festival Comes to the Heart of Sonoma Wine Country in May

April 16, 2018 by evebushman

PASO ROBLES, Calif. (PRWEB) – Garagiste Events today announced that its internationally renowned Garagiste Wine Festival comes to the heart of Sonoma, California on May 12th for the very first time. The festival will showcase the rich variety of small-production wines currently being crafted by some of the most innovative winemakers in Sonoma, Mendocino, Livermore, Lodi, and Napa, as well as other California regions. The non-profit event will be held at the Sonoma Veterans Building near Sonoma’s historic downtown plaza. Tickets are on sale today at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1st-annual-garagiste-festival-northern-exposure-tickets-43108506704

Like many small production wineries, over ninety percent of participating wineries are without a tasting room where they can meet the public, making the premier Sonoma Garagiste Festival a one-of-a-kind opportunity for consumers to discover, and meet, 40 winemakers while tasting 150+ wines made from over 15 varieties. This is why The Garagiste Festival, which always sells out, has been dubbed ‘wine tasting Nirvana;” ‘a wildly exuberant and fun wine event,’ and “not-to-be missed’ by the LA Times.

“Sonoma-area winemakers and wine lovers have been asking us for quite some time to bring the Garagiste Festival further north,” said Garagiste Festival Co-founder Douglas Minnick. “On May 12th, at last, we are able to offer this fertile and creative winemaking community the opportunity to share their delicious wines in the intimate and unique Garagiste Festival setting. Bringing these winemakers onto the radar of passionate wine fans on the lookout for new wine discoveries is one of the great pleasures of the festival.”

“And, if you think you know the garagiste line-up, think again…” added Festival Co-founder Stewart McLennan. “Over half of these wineries are brand new to the festival, as are many of the Northern California regions represented. In the wake of the Northern California fires, we are glad to spread the word that this part of California not only remains open for business, but is thriving.”

Known for high quality wines, first-time and ‘soon-to-break-out’ discoveries, diverse grape varieties, a ‘no snobs allowed’ policy and a renegade and fun-loving spirit, the non-profit Garagiste Festivals are the only festivals in the US dedicated to micro-production winemakers. Garagiste Festivals have introduced hundreds of outstanding artisan winemakers (who produce under 1500 cases of wine) to thousands of passionate wine consumers, members of the trade and media, raising the profiles of many of the winemakers nationally for the first time, and raising thousands of dollars for the education of future winemakers.

Cris Carter owner and winemaker of Weatherborne Wine Corp, and who owns a vineyard in the Anderson Valley, has showcased his wines at multiple Garagiste Festivals. “The Garagiste Fest is the perfect place for small-production, family-run wine brands to meet their audience. Winery owners meet face-to-face with interested and engaged consumers who often wind up being their most loyal customers and brand advocates,” says Carter. “Attendees get to pick the brains of the people actually making the wine and running the business, learning the wine’s story in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. For the wine trade, it’s a great place to unearth the next wave of exciting California producers; a true opportunity to find hidden gems for your wine list or portfolio.”

The Sonoma Garagiste Festival will kick off at 11:30 am on Saturday, May 12th, with a signature tasting seminar: “The Garagiste Variety Show: Exploring the Diversity of Small-Production Winemaking.” The seminar will focus on the range of wines being produced by Garagiste winemakers, and investigate why garagiste winemakers have stepped away from Cabernet and Chardonnay to work with grapes considered under-the-radar in Northern California. Moderated by McLennan, panelists include: Paul Gordon of Halcon Vineyards and Randy Hester of Lightning Wines. In the afternoon is the main event: the Grand Tasting, which runs from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Like all Garagiste Festivals (and unlike many larger wine festivals), the Sonoma festival will limit ticket sales to give attendees a comfortable and relaxed tasting experience with personal winemaker interaction.

For the full schedule, more information, go to: http://garagistefestival.com or follow us on Twitter (@GaragisteFest) or Facebook. For breaking festival news and special discounts sign-up for our free newsletter, The Dirt at http://garagistefestival.com/sign-up/.

Winemakers already scheduled to pour include:
Betwixt Wines, Calstar Cellars, Camlow Cellars, Chenoweth Wines, Crux Winery, Enoteca Five, Fallon Place Wine, Fields Family Wines, Gordenker Wines, Gregory James Wines, Halcon Vineyards, Kendrick Vineyards, La Pitchoune Winery, Lightning Wines, Magna Vita Cellars, Mastro Scheidt, Merisi Wines, Montagne Russe, Montemaggiore, Murder Ridge, Nowell-Smith Wines, Parmeson Wines, Piezo Winery, T. Berkley Wines, Trojak-Knier Winery, Von Holt Cellars and Weatherborne Wine Co.

Sponsors include: ETS, Laffort, Glenn Burdette, Digital Dogma, mWEBB Communications, Farm Credit, and G3

For sponsorship info, email info@garagistefestival.com.

About The Garagiste Wine Festivals
The Garagiste Wine Festivals (http://www.garagistefestival.com) are the first and only wine festivals dedicated to the undiscovered and under-recognized American artisan ‘garagiste’ producers who are making some of the best, most exciting, handcrafted small-lot production wines in the world. Founded by fellow garagiste winemakers Stewart McLennan and Douglas Minnick, the Garagiste Festivals are committed to discovering the best and most innovative limited-production winemakers and promoting and showcasing them to a broad audience of discerning wine consumers. In addition to its flagship annual festival in Paso Robles, CA, the Garagiste Festival line-up includes Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure, featuring Santa Ynez Valley garagistes; the Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure, in Los Angeles; the Garagiste Festival, Northern Exposure, in the Bay Area; winemaker dinners, a newsletter, garagiste profiles and more.

The festivals were named one of the ‘Top Nine Incredible Epicurean Vacations’ in the world by ABC News,* “one of the premier wine events of the year,” by the LA Times and “Best Festival” by Sunset Magazine’s ‘Best of the West.’ The festivals are produced by Garagiste Events, a non-profit dedicated to furthering the education of future winemakers and those training for employment within the wine industry. Garagiste Festivals Inc. is a 5013c non-profit organization and proceeds from the festivals support the Garagiste Festival Scholarship fund of the California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo Wine and Viticulture Department.

**Garagistes (garage-east) is a term originally used in the Bordeaux region of France to denigrate renegade small-lot wine makers, sometimes working in their “garages” (anything considered not a chateau), who refused to follow the “rules,” and is now a full-fledged movement responsible for making some of the best wine in the world.

FUNGI SEASON IN MENDOCINO COUNTY

October 15, 2017 by evebushman

IT’S MUSHROOM MADNESS IN MENDOCINO COUNTY AS THE 19^TH ANNUAL MUSHROOM, WINE & BEER FEST SALUTES MR. FUNGI WITH FOREST FORAGES, HUNTS BY HORSEBACK AND PINOT & PORCINIS

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MENDOCINO COUNTY, CALIF. – As the flavors of fall arrive in Northern California’s Mendocino County so does the annual crop of coveted candy cap, chanterelle, porcini and hedgehog mushrooms. Straddling historic Highways 1 and 101 with nearly 2,500 sq. miles of live oak and stately redwood groves, the region is a natural hotspot for some 3,000 mushroom varieties, 500 of which are edible.

The annual haul is nothing short of historic, nurturing nirvana for local chefs, winemakers and fungi foragers. Add to the mix regional mushroom-laced menus, 20 winemaker and brew events, and a host of art and educational seminars and the annual salute to Mr. Fungi is nothing short of fantastic. www.visitmendocino.com/event/mushroom-wine-beer-festival; 866.466.3636.

Visitors can take a walk on the wild side with a litany of mushroom-inspired events including hunts by horseback, fungi foraging and key food and wine gatherings including Yorkville Cellar’s Annual Malbec and Mushroom Feast (Nov. 4-5). Also on tap is the first Homebrew Festival (November 4, 2017) celebrating artisan beer and mushroom-inspired cuisine in Ukiah; www.mendohomebrewfest.com; $30.

To cap the fest, 25 regional hotel properties are offering special packages throughout November.

FUNGI FORAGING

Pack a sense of adventure as mushroom foraging season hits full stride this fall. During the festival, visitors can track and taste Mr. Fungi in a variety of formats. Top excursions include:

Mushroom Foraging at UC Hopland Research and Extension Center — New!

Join local naturalists and fungi experts for an educational stroll through the madrone woodland followed by a selection of canapés. November 4; Hopland; 707.744.1424, www.ucanr.edu; $20.

Mushroom Exploration Tours at Stanford Inn

Join local enthusiast Adrienne Long for a walk and talk among the local forests and meadows. November 3-5; 11-12; Mendocino; 707.937.5615; www.stanfordinn.com; $45 adult/$20 children.

Foray with Mario Abreu “Mushroom Walk for Beginners”

Scout about with local expert Mario Abreu in this informative walk focused on the Fort Bragg coastal headlands. November 5. Fort Bragg; 707.964.2020;free.

Ride with the Hunt – Mushroom Hunt at Ricochet Ridge Ranch

“Mushroom Hunt” horseback rides every day during the festival. Equine, wine & hotel packages also available.

Ricochet Ridge Ranch, Fort Bragg; 707.964.9669; www.horse-vacation.com; prices vary.

Mushrooms at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Join staff mycologist Mario Abreu for a series of mushroom workshops and walks at the Botanical Gardens.

November 6, every Monday November 20 – December 18, 2017; Fort Bragg; 707.964.4352×16; www.gardenbythesea.org; free with garden admission $15.

Mushroom Foray and Cooking Class at Jade Court

Strap on those boots and hit the hills for a foray into the forest followed by a cooking class featuring wild mushroom dishes paired with wine, brews and ciders. November 11. Fort Bragg; 707.961.9687; www.assaggiare.com; $65.

Fungi Finale – A Walk on the Wild Side

Tap into a tasty day with local mycologist and mushroom cookbook author Eric Schramm. Enjoy a guided hike and fungi nibbles at Jughandle Creek Farm. November 12. Caspar; 707.937.3498; www.jughandlecreekfarm.org; $22.

POWER TO THE PORCINI

The bounty of the county comes full circle in November as restaurants, wineries and breweries salute the season with a myriad of special repasts. Key events include MacCallum House Inn & Restaurant and Graziano Wild Mushroom and Winemaker Dinner (Nov. 3), CORO Winemaker Dinner at the Golden Pig (Nov. 3), Afternoon Tea at Glendeven Inn paired with mushroom tea sandwiches (Nov. 4); Mad Fritz Brewing Company at the Bewildered Pig (Nov. 4), Ravens Restaurant Medicinal Mushroom Breakfast (Nov. 5), Pennyroyal Farm Mushroom Brunch (Nov. 5), Blue Collar Winemaker Dinner with Steele Wines at Cucina Verona (Nov. 7), BARRA of Mendocino Winemaker Dinner at Crush (Nov. 8), Wild Fish Winemaker Dinner (Nov. 8), Little River Inn Annual Mushroom and Belgian Beer Dinner (Nov. 10), Maple Creek Winery/Artevino Mushroom Hike & Forage (Nov. 11), Saracina Mushroom foraging and Gourmet Luncheon (Nov. 11), Jaxon Keys Winemaker Dinner (Nov. 11), Yamakiri Winery and Ravens Restaurant Mushroom and Winemaker Dinner (Nov. 11) and Campovida Winemaker Dinner (Nov. 11).

Throughout the county, 35+ wineries and breweries celebrate the harvest with a bevy of tasting room specials including Caps Off! Wine and Mushroom Pairings at Yorkville’s Meyer Family Cellars, weekend tastings slated at Goldeneye Winery, wine and mushroom pairings at Handley Cellars and complimentary fungi bites at Phillips Hill Winery, Seebass Family Wines and Brutocao Cellars, among others.

PERFORMING ARTS, INSTALLATIONS & SIDEKICKS

During the festival, enjoy an evening with acclaimed guitarist Alex de Grassi at UC Hopland Research and Education Center (Nov. 4), discover the aphrodisiac properties of mushrooms at “Bars, Bordellos and Mushrooms,” at the Kelley House in Mendocino (Nov. 5) or dig into an afternoon with a Mycelium in Art & Industry talk at the Mendocino Art Center (Nov. 5) or Live Mushroom Exhibit at Ford House Museum in Mendocino through November. In addition, visitors can tap into the Skunk Train for a ride into the ancient redwoods (pups included), visit Point Arena Lighthouse or step into the wilds via daily tours of endangered African hoof stock at B. Bryan Preserve.

MUSH “ROOM” DEALS

A bevy of 25 local hotel deals round out the seasonal celebration including Albion River Inn’s savings of 30 percent on an ocean view guestroom, Mendocino’s AAA-Four Diamond Brewery Gulch Inn’s 15 percent savings on midweek rates with a two night booking, and a complimentary third night free via Glendeven Inn’s “Mushroom Special. On the coast, Little River Inn’s “Mushroom Mania” ocean-view guestroom package comes in with a cool savings ($165.00/dbl.) or the newly-renovated Sacred Rock Resort in Elk by the sea, which is offering a 15 percent savings on accommodations. Black-out dates and restrictions apply, based on availability. For a complete listing of local deals, visit: www.visitmendocino.com/mushroom-wine-and-beer-festival.

BACKGROUND

Mendocino County welcomes nearly 1.8 million visitors annually who explore its 90 miles of prime Pacific coastline, 90+ wineries and 10 diverse AVAs (earning the highest percentage of organic and biodynamic vineyards in the United States), 24 state/national parklands and 450+ unique accommodations. Straddling scenic Highways 1 and 101, “The Redwood Corridor,” the County delivers an ideal vortex of waves, wines and redwoods laced with historic villages and outback adventures. Located 114 mi./184 km. north of San Francisco, the region’s gateway airports are San Francisco International (SFO), Oakland International (OAK), Sacramento International Airport (SMF), and Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS). Visit Mendocino County is a non-profit destination marketing organization designed to enhance the economic vitality of the community by increasing tourism revenue. For more information, go to www.visitmendocino.com.