Eve's Wine 101

THE 13th ANNUAL HALL CABERNET COOKOFF

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ST. HELENA, CALIFORNIA – HALL Napa Valley hosted its thirteenth annual Cabernet Cookoff on Saturday, April 30 at HALL St. Helena Winery, with $105,00 dollars raised to benefit non-profit organizations. The event, hosted by Vintner Kathryn Hall, featured an impressive lineup of renowned culinary teams vying for a chance to win proceeds for a charity of their choice by participating in a food and wine pairing competition.

“It was so exciting to be back in person for the Cabernet Cookoff this year,” said Vintner Kathryn Hall. “This event makes a difference for many lives in our community. The twelve chef teams competing this year really impressed all of us – such colorful, delicious dishes with incredibly artistic presentations. I am absolutely thrilled to be able to bring together some of the best restaurants in the Bay Area and help support non-profit organizations near and dear to them.”

Hundreds of guests packed HALL St. Helena to sip on one of HALL’s most popular Cabernet Sauvignon wines, Jack’s Masterpiece, and celebrate the 2019 vintage. The sold-out event included a panel of celebrity Judges such as Natalie Morales, co-host of the CBS’s The Talk, celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey, NBC Bay Area’s Raj Mathai, and two stars from BRAVO’s Southern Charm, Shep Rose and Austen Kroll.

Each of the four winning chef teams helped hand out $23,000 each to the winning non-profit organizations. Additionally, all twelve non-profit teams participating in the 2022 event were given a $1,000 check from the Craig & Kathryn Hall Foundation as a thank you for being involved.

The four 2022 HALL Cabernet Cookoff Chef team and non-profit winners included:

• Judges Choice: InterContinental Mark Hopkins – Chef: Brian Sepulveda
Dish: Lamb Barbacoa sopes, adobo masala, pickled radish, queso cotija, salsa negra Charity Partner: Firefly Autism

“We will proudly and graciously put the winning funds directly to our programs and services,” says Dr. Amanda Kelly, Executive Director/CEO of Firefly Autism. “Specifically looking to impact our home-based services, this amount will cover one year of part-time in-home services for one of our deserving clients. Thank you, Chef Brian and HALL Wines, for making this possible!”

• Judges Choice Runner-Up: One Market Restaurant – Chef: Mark Dommen Dish: Octopus a la Plancha, braised beef cheek, kalamata olive vinaigrette Charity Partner: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

“JDRF is extremely grateful to HALL for hosting this fun and high profile-event. Special thanks to Chef Mark Dommen of One Market Restaurant who won second place and chose our organization to receive a donation of $23,000,” says Kellee Hearn, Executive Director, JDRF Northern California Chapter. “The funding will help propel our mission to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, treat, and prevent type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its complications. This generous gift will make a difference and improve the lives of millions of people around the world impacted by T1D.”

• People’s Choice: Hotel Nia – Chef: Chad Bayless Dish: Beet tartare, whipped brie, spiced berry Charity Partner: World Central Kitchen

“We are grateful for Chef Chad’s shared belief that food is a universal human right,” said Jason Collis, World Central Kitchen’s VP of Relief. “This support will help WCK continue to provide fresh, nutritious meals to people impacted by crises around the world.”

• People’s Choice Runner Up: Tarla Mediterranean Grill – Chef: Jason Naaman
Dish: Pomegranate-Cabernet braised short ribs, roasted mushroom, white truffle risotto, beef au jus Charity Partner: St. John’s Lutheran School

“St. John’s Lutheran School will be using the $23,000 to update our STEM program with new technology to further our students’ knowledge in coding and robotics,” says Principal of Napa’s St. John Lutheran School, Christy Wood. “Our purpose is to help students grow in their relationship with Christ and develop the knowledge and skills to be confident, academically capable individuals who serve Christ, His church, and His world.”

Sponsors for the 2022 HALL Cabernet Cookoff included Chefs Life by Brian Malarkey who served as title sponsor for the VIP Culinary Stage as well as Evan Healy, Cypress Grove, Corkcicle, Alastin Skincare, Re-Think Ice Cream, Kollar Chocolates, Proforma and Napa Sonoma Magazine. Since inception, the HALL Cabernet Cookoff has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for non-profit organizations. For more information and to get involved as a culinary team, sponsor, or non-profit organization, please visit www.hallwines.com/cabernetcookoff.

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HALL Family Wines produces high quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel under the HALL, WALT and BACA brand monikers. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, the family-owned winery produces artisan wines that express the unique and diverse character of the wine country’s soils and climates through meticulous attention to detail in the vineyards and throughout the winemaking process. The family’s luxury wine portfolio, led by Winemaker Megan Gunderson, sources fruit from some of the most prominent vineyards up and down the West Coast and includes twelve Estate vineyard including Sacrashe, Bergfeld, Hardester, Cook, Deller-Freidkin, Walt Ranch, Rainin, Beller, Lamoreaux, Bob’s Ranch, Clos Pepe and The Corners. The HALL St. Helena winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification for its high-tech production facility and Tasting Room in 2014. Since the inception of HALL in 1995, the three luxury wine brands have earned over 700 ratings of 90 points or above from the industries top critics, including seven 100-point scores from the industry’s most notable wine critics. Visit www.hallwines.com, www.waltwines.com, www.bacawines.com for more information, or call 707-967-2626.

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.

Singular bottle of 27-litre 2003 Sine Qua Non The Inaugural Syrah to Command Auction

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Los Angeles – The Legacy Cellar Foundation will unveil its first fundraiser in grand fashion with a wine of legends: the singular 27-liter bottle of 2003 Sine Qua Non The Inaugural Syrah. The 100-point wine, a generous donation from The Wine Advocate founder, Robert M. Parker, Jr., will be served at “A Goliath 60th Celebration” benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and its mission of “Finding cures. Saving children.®” on Saturday, May 14. The wine will be served alongside dinner prepared by James Beard award winning chef, Nancy Silverton and Steve Samson, chef and owner of Superfine and Rossoblu.

Legacy Cellar Foundation Director Garth Hodgdon.

The intimate, unprecedented affair will be held at a private residence in Bel Air, California. The opportunity to savor the one-of-a-kind wine and dinner is limited to 60 St. Jude supporters to commemorate the 60th anniversary of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, founded in 1962. The evening will honor the legacy of St. Jude founder Danny Thomas and his family, which has carried on his dream. Thomas’ vision for the organization was as rare today as it was then: a research hospital where children with catastrophic diseases receive care and treatment regardless of their ability to pay.

“Through the generosity of Robert M. Parker, Jr. we are thrilled to support his desire to raise much- valued resources for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with this incredible wine, the only bottle of its kind,” said Garth Hodgdon, director of The Legacy Cellar Foundation. Attendance is in such high demand that much of the event is already committed and Hodgdon estimates that a minimum of $3 million will be raised through the once-in-a-lifetime dinner. Tickets may be purchased by contacting St. Jude here.

Because of generous donors and events like this, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live. Plus, treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since it opened in 1962. St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.

“We are so very grateful that the Legacy Cellar Foundation will help celebrate 60 years of St. Jude advancing lifesaving research and treatment,” said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., president and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “The funds raised from this gala will make a difference now and in the future of childhood cancer patients by helping St. Jude with its six- year, $11.5 billion strategic plan which includes tripling its global investment and impacting more of the 400,000 kids around the world with cancer each year.”

The inaugural fundraiser for The Legacy Cellar Foundation champions its mission “to convert wine collections into charitable donations – bringing a previously untapped source of funding to the philanthropic sector, enabling greater positive impact and ensuring curated wine collections will be enjoyed by future enthusiasts.” Parker, who plans to pull from his impressive wine collection to raise money for causes important to him and his family, personally selected St. Jude for this initial donation.

More than 20 years ago, Parker, who is widely regarded as the most influential wine critic in the world, recognized the exceptional quality of the harvest and tasked Sine Qua Non’s winemaker, Manfred Krankl, with a commemorative, Goliath bottle. He sought to one day open the bottle for a special occasion, and now, in recognition of the bottle’s tremendous worth, is donating the wine to raise money for St. Jude.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of the inaugural fundraiser for The Legacy Cellar Foundation, which provides an innovative new model that makes it possible for me to give 100% of the proceeds from the donation of this wine to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” said Parker. “This incredibly special one-of-a-kind bottle from my personal cellar will be converted into a multimillion-dollar gift to honor St. Jude’s Goliath 60th anniversary and advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.”

The 2003 Syrah is the first made entirely from Sine Qua Non’s Eleven Confessions’ vineyard in the cool Santa Rita Hills appellation. Made from 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier, the wine was bottled in 2007 after 38.5 months of aging in French oak. The 2003 vintage precipitated what has become a storied and magical career for Krankl. Parker’s 100-point review of the wine by The Wine Advocate described it as:

“The mind-boggling 2003 The Inaugural Syrah is an emotional experience to taste as well as drink. Aged 38 1/2 months in French oak, it was fashioned entirely from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard, which is planted with Syrah clones #470, 174, and the Estrella River and Alban field selections. This stunning Syrah boasts a magnificent bouquet of spring flowers, blueberries, blackberries, charcoal, licorice, and roasted meats. It hits the palate with remarkable intensity, purity, and full-bodied power, but it somehow manages to dance across the taste buds with the gracefulness of a ballerina.”

Enlisted to prepare a main course to match such an exceptional wine is none other than Silverton, who famously founded La Brea Bakery and later Campanile with her former husband, the late Mark Peel, and Krankl, who led the wine program for the James Beard Award-winning restaurant. After the sale of La Brea Bakery in 2003, Krankl dedicated his full efforts to Sine Qua Non and it was that same year that the 27-litre bottle of Sine Qua Non The Inaugural Syrah was bottled.

Silverton attended Le Cordon Bleu in London and launched her culinary career in the early 1980s as pastry chef of Wolfgang Puck’s original Spago, during which time she penned her first cookbook, “Desserts.” After selling La Brea Bakery, which had become the largest artisanal bakery in the United States, she opened Osteria Mozza, Nancy’s Fancy and Pizzette. Silverton was most recently named Culinary Ambassador of The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn.

More information about The Legacy Cellar Foundation can be found at www.legacycellar.org; and more information about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital can be found at www.stjude.org.

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About The Legacy Cellar Foundation:

The Legacy Cellar Foundation is a 501c3 donor-advised fund that will collect, authenticate and liquidate wine collections for charitable purposes. The organization’s mission is to convert wine collections into charitable donations – bringing a previously untapped source of funding to the philanthropic sector, enabling greater positive impact and ensuring curated wine collections will be enjoyed by future enthusiasts. More information about The Legacy Cellar Foundation and upcoming events can be found on the website at www.legacycellar.org, as well as on Facebook and Instagram.

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food so they can focus on helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.

Sammy Hagar Shares His Favorite Cocktail Recipes in “Sammy Hagar’s Cocktail Hits: 85 Personal Favorites from the Red Rocker”

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LOS ANGELES – “Sammy Hagar’s Cocktail Hits: 85 Personal Favorites from the Red Rocker,” the third book by legendary rocker, spirits trailblazer and #1 New York Times bestselling author, Sammy Hagar, is officially available. Published by Skyhorse Publishing and Culinary Book Creations and co-authored with James Beard Award-winning cookbook author, James O. Fraioli, the book is available for order now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target and other top retailers.

Hagar’s debut cocktail book brings his party rock anthem, “Mas Tequila!” to life with a collection of recipes paired with some of the Red Rocker’s greatest memories. “I wrote this book for the Redheads,” said Hagar of his dedicated fans. “I have been working and studying the art of making and drinking cocktails for decades now and have finally pulled together all of my favorites, my knowledge on how to do it, and what you need to throw the best parties with the best cocktails. I guarantee this is the only cocktail book you will ever need.”

The collection of cocktail recipes are crafted with the Red Rocker’s award-winning spirits portfolio including Santo Tequila Reposado, Santo Tequila Blanco and Santo Mezquila, a partnership with bigger-than-life award-winning chef and TV personality, Guy Fieri; and Beach Bar Rum, a partnership with fellow GRAMMY award winner, Rick Springfield.

Hagar’s longtime friend, Fieri wrote the forward for the book, in which he notes, “One of the greatest things about Sammy is how he loves to share all of these experiences with his friends, family and fans, and this book is a perfect example of that.” The recipes have earned praise, which are documented in the book, from famed foodies and rockstars alike. They include world-famous chefs Emeril Lagasse and Michael Mina, music legend, Toby Keith, Patrón Spirits founder, John Paul Dejoria and Campari Group Chairman, Luca Garavoglia.

In addition to bartending basics and cocktail foundations, chapters of the book include: Splash of Aloha!, Hawaii’s coolest cocktails; Mas Tequila, South of the Border cocktails; Sinful Signatures, Vegas-inspired cocktails; Tinseltown Twists with Cleveland Pre-Funk, an original mix of Hollywood and Cleveland’s best cocktails; and Encore, more of Sammy’s personal favorites.

Signature cocktail recipes include the Coconut Mojito, Maui Mama, Tiki Swizzle, Blanco Gimlet, Coco Loco, Coronarita, Santo Oaxaca, Santo Paloma, Brazilian Kiss, Vojito, Strawberry Surf, Black & Blue Lemonade, and more.

Hagar created his Cabo Wabo Cantinas and Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grills as a place where people could hang out with their friends and families while enjoying cocktails and soaking up the unique cultures of the places he enjoys most; the recipes in Sammy’s Cocktail Hits: 85 Personal Favorites from the Red Rocker reflect those differences.

“Sammy Hagar’s Cocktail Hits: 85 Personal Favorites from the Red Rocker” is priced at $29.99 for hardcover and $19.99 on Kindle. Additional information is available at http://www.redrocker.com/cocktailhits.

About Sammy Hagar:

For more than four decades, Sammy Hagar has been recognized as one of the best and most accomplished lead singers and songwriters in rock music. From breaking into the industry with the seminal hard rock band Montrose, to his multi-platinum solo career, to his ride as the frontman of Van Halen, Chickenfoot and his latest best-selling supergroup The Circle, Hagar has amassed 25 Platinum albums on sales surpassing 50 million worldwide. Along his journey, he has set the tone for some of the greatest rock anthems ever written with songs like “I Can’t Drive 55,” “Right Now,” and “Why Can’t This Be Love” and earned the highest respect of the music industry with a Grammy Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Since launching his flagship Cabo Wabo Cantina, he’s turned a lifelong passion for great food, music and spirits into a thriving and iconic lifestyle brand that now encompass top-shelf labels, Cabo Wabo Tequila (sold in 2008), Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum and Santo Tequila, as well as several restaurants. Never one to hit the brakes, Sammy’s also expanded his successes into publishing, TV, radio and beyond, including five seasons of his hit TV show “Rock & Roll Road Trip with Sammy Hagar” and as host of “Sammy Hagar’s Top Rock Countdown,” a weekly syndicated radio show broadcast airing on 90+ US stations. He’s also a #1 NYT bestselling author and dedicated philanthropist. Visit RedRocker.com for more information.

About James O. Fraioli:

James O. Fraioli is a James Beard Award-winning cookbook author. He has more than 40 published titles to his credit. His celebrated books have been featured on the Food Network, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and in O, The Oprah Magazine, Vogue, People, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. He is the founder and president of Culinary Book Creations. Visit www.culinarybookcreations.com.

JORDAN VINEYARD AND WINERY MARKS 50th ANNIVERSARY WITH SOCIAL IMPACT SUMMER

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HEALDSBURG, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Jordan Vineyard and Winery will bring the Sonoma alfresco hospitality experience to three cities across the country this June to mark dual milestones: the winery’s 50th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of the John Jordan Foundation. For the first time in its history, Jordan will host Social Impact Summer, a multi-day culinary series that will extend Jordan’s philanthropic impact to organizations that need it most. One hundred percent of the event ticket proceeds will benefit nonprofit partners: Clayton Early Learning in Denver, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee in Nashville.

Kicking off in Denver on June 3-4, Jordan’s Social Impact Summer events will be filled with rare Jordan wines from special library vintages to 18-liter big bottles, food pairings by celebrated chefs, live music, celebrity guests and other surprises. The festivities in each city will include two epicurean events: a festive reception-style Big Bottle Party and a decadent multi-course dinner and auction, Gather in the Garden.

“We’re looking forward to ‘going big’ with social impact this summer in Denver, Dallas and Nashville,” says John Jordan, chief executive officer of Jordan Vineyard & Winery. “It is a privilege to partner with organizations with such impressive track records of serving these three communities.”

To learn more about the nonprofit partners, celebrated chefs, wines and highlights of Jordan Social Impact Summer, visit: https://www.jordanwinery.com/50th-anniversary-events/. Tickets sales opened to the general public on March 15. Event dates and beneficiaries are as follows:

  • Denver: June 3-4, 2022. Kicking off in the place where Jordan Winery was born, the Denver Big Bottle Party and Gather in the Garden alfresco dinner and mini-live auction will benefit local nonprofit, Clayton Early Learning.
  • Dallas: June 10-11, 2022. Festivities will include two epicurean events hosted in the gardens surrounding Arlington Hall. Proceeds from all ticket sales will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas’s Academic Interventions Project.
  • Nashville: June 15-16, 2022. Co-hosted by country music singer/songwriter/producer Jon Pardi, two unforgettable evenings at the Thompson Hotel Rooftop and gardens at The Cordelle will give back to Nashville’s most vulnerable youth in partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Middle Tennesse.
  • Healdsburg: June-August, 2022. Hosted at the Jordan Winery Chateau, a series of four alfresco dinners will highlight local and global causes that the John Jordan Foundation has supported in the last decade in an intimate dinner party setting.

As always, proceeds from Jordan Winery event tickets and wine sales fund the John Jordan Foundation, which works to fight the negative effects of poverty through investments in education, health and humanitarian causes.

About Jordan Vineyard & Winery
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022, Jordan Vineyard & Winery is inspired by the great wine estates of France and the timeless connection between food, wine and hospitality. Under the guidance of second-generation vintner John Jordan, Jordan Estate is an extension of these traditions, with its iconic chateau, breathtaking views, sustainably farmed vineyards, natural habitat for wildlife and gardens for the chef’s inventive cuisine, offering a distinctive sense of place in Sonoma County wine country. A significant portion of the winery’s revenue funds the John Jordan Foundation, which works to provide disadvantaged youth and young adults with the tools needed to succeed educationally and professionally. Learn more at http://www.jordanwinery.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.

How Was “Masters of Taste” LA 2022?

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The fifth annual Masters of Taste event, held on the field of the Rose Bowl, was last Sunday and we were thrilled to attend.

This is from my social media post the next day:

Oh WHAT FUN we had at Masters of Taste yesterday! This is the event where 100% of the profits go to Union Station Homeless Services! And it was on my birthday this year!

Traveling by limo courtesy my publishers Moe and Linda Hafizi, was an additional treat! Some of the liquor we sampled included wine from Golden Star Vineyards and Ascension Cellars, Lucky Dog (juice box) Sake, Knox and Dobson ready-to-drink cocktails (full article just on them runs 4/22), Smoke Lab Aniseed vodka distilled from Basmati rice is India’s “first premium vodka”, Dulce Vida Tequila, Ventura Spirits for their Amaro Angelino, Roku Gin, Suntory Whisky, Pomp and Whimsy Gin Liqueur, American Born bourbon whiskey, Woodford Reserve, the 1886 Bar at the Raymond…and then there was the FOOD!

If you want to just see the story in photos and videos click this, for more details keep reading!

The Details

It’s always such a rush walking down to the Rose Bowl field from the stadium seats! I always make an immediate right turn and hit as many tables as possible before resting after that first loop around. This is who made an impact this time:

Georgia’s Restaurant made Gretchen’s Jambalaya – the first booth I had food at and it was delicious, flavorful and not too spicy!

The long but fast moving line for delectable Dim Sum from Lunasia Dim Sum House was worth it.

Another line was to sample the food and meet the host chef, Vanda Asapahu, at the Ayari Thai table!

Golden Star Vineyards and Ascension Cellars, two wineries that I’ve enjoyed for years, so it’s always nice to see them on the playing field.

The detail on the animal-faced macarons, an item you can request for special occasions, from Etoile Filante Patisserie was another cool find.

Maneki Wanko Lucky Dog (juice box) Sake: I saw people sipping from juice boxes and was surprised to find that the cute little turquoise boxes with a playful dog design was holding Sake!

Fantasy Frostings makes a killer cake, moist and tasty. I looked at their Facebook and their wedding cakes are lovely!

Knox and Dobson ready-to-drink cocktails made an impact on me again – see the full article just on them April 22 on Eve Wine 101.

Little Llama Peruvian Tacos made a Shrimp Ceviche Tostada that was full of flavor.

Dulce Vida Tequila has THE best flavored tequila in my opinion, this time I enjoyed their grapefruit, on its own as it doesn’t need a thing. And it’s made with real fruit.

Enjoyed discovering Ventura Spirits Amaro Angelino, also their Limoncello. Nice local place to support.

Who doesn’t love short ribs? Chef Gil Saulnier from Mi Piace made a Prime Slow Braised Short Rib over Saffron Risotto and a Mini Crème Brûlée cheesecake too = so very decadent!

Pomp and Whimsy Gin Liqueur was my first big find at Masters of Taste years ago. If you like gin try this liqueur, it softens all that juniper with other botanicals.

I got more comfort food from Granville as they served up their Uptown Mac n’ Cheese!

American Born bourbon whiskey was tasty, again on its own, no mixer needed!

World Empanadas baked several varieties, I wanted to try them all but settled on sharing a Nutella-filled one with my husband. Family run, locally owned and Vegan too.

Woodford Reserve had a huge area just at the entrance, and made a refreshing slush cocktail with their bourbon, lemonade and cranberry juice. I wanted a second one, but that would not do with all that we had to try!

The 1886 Bar at the Raymond always make the best cocktails, on the field and in their Pasadena restaurant!

Bertha Mae’s brownies, in all kinds of flavors, were yummy.

There was quite a buzz going for the Jicama Shrimp Tacos from Mercado! They were sooooo good!

Smoke Lab Aniseed vodka distilled from Basmati rice is India’s “first premium vodka”, and not at all like the sweet or thick Sambuca anise liqueur.

Mignon Chocolate had their fountain flowing and I had a nice freshly dipped strawberry from them!

Enjoyed the Suntory whisky booth for the whisky and the Roku gin.

Seeing two of the Drago brothers and trying their pasta with pork sausage and Gorgonzola from Drago Centre was a big thrill for me.

See all of the Masters and their social media outlets here  https://mastersoftastela.com/masters/

2022 Host Chef Vanda Asapahu of Ayara Thai

Vanda Asapahu is the second-generation owner and chef of Ayara Thai and Ayara Luk in Los Angeles, CA. Vanda worked with non-profit organizations and the United Nations in Thailand. Living in Thailand allowed Vanda to revive old family recipes and travel through the different regions to discover new tastes and inspirations…read more here.

From the Start

Our mission was to create a unique event that would benefit an organization that focuses on addressing and resolving the issues surrounding homelessness in the San Gabriel Valley. The solution was to produce a one-of-a-kind, premier food and beverage festival for those who appreciate delicious food, cocktails, and sweets! Anyone who attends Masters of Taste can feel confident that they’re making an impact in their community because 100% of the proceeds help Union Station Homeless Services end homelessness and rebuild lives.

2022 Platinum Sponsors

The House of @suntorywhisky and Judith L. Chiara Foundation.

http://www.MastersofTasteLA.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mastersoftaste/

https://www.facebook.com/MastersOfTaste

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.

California Wine Festival Announces New 2022 Event Dates

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Santa Barbara, CA — California Wine Festival is pleased to announce the 2022 schedule of signature oceanfront tasting events. Celebrating its 20th year, each festival commemorates the vast offerings from winemaking regions across California, paired with gourmet food selections from local dining purveyors, with live entertainment and sweeping coastal views.

Each two-day event commences with a Friday evening “Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting”, an intimate experience for dedicated wine lovers. Kicking off with a sparkling wine reception, the evening features samplings of hard-to-find trophy wines and offers tasting room exclusives and limited-production wines hailing from vineyards based in Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Temecula and more. Top regional chefs will serve delicious hot and cold appetizers to pair with the world-class wines. Each “Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting” overlooks picturesque waterfront landscapes.

The second day boasts a “Beachside Wine Festival”, a sun-splashed daytime event facilitating culinary education and exploration through one-on-one conversations and tastings with culinary and wine talent hailing from California’s top wineries and local restaurants. Attendees will have access to hundreds of premium California wines and regional craft brews. Delectable wines can be paired with samples of artisanal cheeses, fresh-cut fruit, shellfish, salads, olive oil, decadent chocolate and more. Each event will host a live band providing the ultimate soundtrack to a relaxing day while basking in sunshine and enjoying coastal California vistas.

“We aim to showcase what California is known for: the most picturesque strips of coastline globally, and world-class wines,” Emily Kaufmann, Executive Director, California Wine Festival. “At each festival, guests will get the same unrivaled experience at each one of our four seaside locations.”

In addition to promoting and celebrating the fine wines and cuisine of California, each festival aims to advance charitable organizations from each event location. Many of the festivals will feature a silent auction during the Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting to benefit organizations including: Sandy Feet Initiative, Surfrider Foundation of South Orange County, Golden Rule Charity and Food Bank of Santa Barbara County.

EVENT SCHEDULE

CA Wine Festival Dana Point — April 22-23, 2022 **NEW VENUE**

April 22: Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting: Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

April 23: Beachside Wine Festival: Sea Terrace Community Park
Tickets available for pre-sale here.

CA Wine Festival Carlsbad — May 20-21, 2022

May 20: Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, The Gardens

May 21: Beachside Wine Festival: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Heron Lawn

Tickets available for pre-sale here.

CA Wine Festival Santa Barbara — July 15-16, 2022

May 20: Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting: Chase Palm Park, Carousel House

May 21: Beachside Wine Festival: Chase Palm Park, Great Meadow

Tickets available for pre-sale here.

CA Wine Festival Huntington Beach — November 11-12, 2022

November 11: Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting: Paséa Hotel & Spa

November 12: Beachside Wine Festival: Paséa Hotel & Spa

Pre-sale tickets will be available starting March 24.

California Wine Festival is a 21+ event. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit CalifoniaWineFestival.com.

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ABOUT CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL:

California Wine Festival celebrates the fine wines and culinary offerings of California. A nationally recognized event series, California Wine Festival aims to bring attention to the beautiful wines, foods, and landscapes of California. Founded in 2004 in Santa Barbara, California Wine Festival is proud to be one of the largest outdoor wine festivals in the state and strives to be a green event producer. In 2019, 90% of the waste from the festivals was diverted from the landfill. A for-profit organization whose mission includes giving back, California Wine Festival has helped raise awareness and funds for local California charities including the Foodbank of Santa Barbara, Surfrider Foundation, and more. CalifoniaWineFestival.com

Stags Leap District Winegrowers Announces Esteemed Culinary Partners for Vineyard to Vintner, April 22-24, 2022

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NAPA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Offering even more reasons to attend its signature gathering, Stags Leap District Winegrowers today announced the roster of elite chefs and culinary partners for the 2022 Vineyard to Vintner weekend. The annual celebration brings Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts together with vintners, winemakers and principals for exclusive tastings, in-depth education and exquisite meals. This year’s event will be held Friday through Sunday, April 22 to 24, 2022.

“While renowned wines and rare library offerings take the spotlight throughout the weekend, guests will also be treated to an array of opulent menus designed to beautifully complement the power and grace of Stags Leap District varietals,” said Nancy Bialek, Executive Director of Stags Leap District Winegrowers. “We’re thrilled to welcome some of the region’s most exciting chefs to Vineyard to Vintner this year.”

Culinary partners include Michelin-starred and Wine Spectator Award-winning chef Ken Frank of La Toque; chef Daniel Gomez, who has more than 15 years of experience at Michelin-starred restaurants including The French Laundry and Cyrus; cookbook author and acclaimed Napa Valley chef Peter Hall; Top Chef finalist and fan favorite Casey Thompson of the newly opened Folk Table restaurant; chef, restaurateur and author Tanya Holland of Brown Sugar Kitchen fame; executive winery chef Travis Westrope of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, along with Elaine Bell Catering; and Tracy and John Anderson, proprietors of Woodhouse Chocolates in St. Helena.

Featured Vineyard to Vintner Culinary Highlights:
Library Wine Dinners: Friday, April 22 // 6:30PM – 10:00PM

  • An Illuminating Wine and Food Experience with Chef, Author and Restaurateur Tanya Holland, hosted at Chimney Rock Winery with Shafer Vineyards and Quixote Winery
  • Homegrown: An Exploration of Fine Wines and Farm-to-Table Dining in Stags Leap District with Chef Casey Thompson, hosted at Regusci Winery with Lindstrom Wines and Stags’ Leap Winery
  • NOLA in Napa with Chef and Author Peter Hall, hosted at Silverado Vineyards with Cliff Lede Vineyards and Ilsley Vineyards
  • A Feast of Legendary Wine and Food with Chef Travis Westrope and Elaine Bell Catering, hosted at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars with Pine Ridge Vineyards, Malk Family Vineyards and Baldacci Family Vineyards
  • An Evening Under the Stars with SLD’s Pioneering Families with Chef Daniel Gomez, hosted at Taylor Family Vineyards with Clos Du Val and Steltzner Vineyards

Vintner-Hosted Gala Luncheon and Appellation Collection Preview: Saturday, April 23 // 12:30PM – 3:00PM at Stags’ Leap Winery.

Guests, vintners and winemakers will join in a celebratory champagne welcome followed by a strolling lunch prepared by Michelin-starred and Wine Spectator Award-winning chef Ken Frank of famed Napa Valley restaurant La Toque, along with specialties from Tracy and John Anderson of Woodhouse Chocolates of St. Helena. Vintners will showcase critically acclaimed wines as well as a sneak preview of the Stags Leap District 2019 Appellation Collection Cabernet Sauvignons, scheduled for release in October 2022.

The full Vineyard to Vintner weekend also comprises “Digging Deeper: Vineyard Walks, Talks and Tastings,” on Saturday, April 23, and “Savor SLD,” exclusive winery tasting experiences, on Sunday April 24. Guests will have the chance to fully explore the region while tasting wines and meeting with vintners from 16 famed properties, including Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Clos Du Val, Ilsley Vineyards, Lindstrom Wines, Malk Family Vineyards, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Quixote Winery, Regusci Winery, Shafer Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Stags’ Leap Winery, Steltzner Vineyards, and Taylor Family Vineyards.

Tickets, Schedule and Additional Information
A limited number of tickets remain available and can be purchased at http://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/V2V. The Friday through Saturday experience (April 22-24, 2022) is $1,200 per person, which includes the entire weekend’s offerings. Visit http://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/V2V for the full schedule and other details.

About Stags Leap District Winegrowers
The Stags Leap District Winegrowers is a non-profit association of vintners and growers united by the mission of enhancing the reputation of the appellation and its wines and sharing its quality with the wine-loving world. The SLDWA is comprised of 16 wineries and 9 grower members. Wineries include: Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Clos Du Val, Ilsley Vineyards, Lindstrom Wines, Malk Family Vineyards, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Quixote Winery, Regusci Winery, Shafer Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Stags’ Leap Winery, Steltzner Vineyards, and Taylor Family Vineyards. To learn more about the Stags Leap District, please visit stagsleapdistrict.

com or find the Association on Facebook.com/StagsLeapDistrict, Instagram.com/StagsLeapAVA and Twitter @StagsLeapAVA.