Eve's Wine 101

Nature Nights: Outdoor Holiday Light and Art Exhibit in San Luis Obispo

by

(San Luis Obispo, CA) – The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, (SLOBG), presents Nature Nights, an immersive outdoor holiday light and art exhibit. Nature Nights, produced by SLOBG Director of Communication & Events, Tracy Strann, renowned for producing Bruce Munro: Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles, CA., assures another memorable immersive event for the entire family.

The event will feature large format light projections by Bryn Forbes, illuminated sculptures by Michael Reddell, and artistic lighting of garden areas by Kody Cava throughout the eight-acre portion of the 150-acre Garden. Additionally, there will be a variety of culinary delights, regional wine, and beer available for enjoyment. Nature Nights will open to the public from November 11, 2022 through January 8, 2023, at the SLO Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. For more information, the public may visit www.slobg.org or call (805) 541-1400. Tickets are available at My805Tix.com.

The exhibition will feature enthralling moving digital imagery captured by artist Bryn Forbes, projected upon the garden’s hillsides and the surrounding buildings and artifacts, creating an experience like no other. Michael Reddell’s illuminated wire sculptures will add to the festivities by capturing the essence of humanity. Artistic lighting of the garden areas will be strategically crafted by celebrated artist Kody Cava.

SLO Botanical Garden Executive Director, Chenda Lor, explains, “Nature Nights was inspired by Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden event, Luminaria. Nature Nights fills a need in San Luis Obispo County for off-season family attractions. Through a connection to nature, visitors will enjoy the mental and physical health benefits inherent to the garden experience.”

Bryn Forbes has been shooting photographs and experimenting with digital art since middle school. Forbes has been exploring the essence of motion in his still photographs, and is now moving towards explicit motion that captures the essence of a moment with his digital video work. His digital art, projected around the garden, will surely captivate viewers’ minds, encouraging them to find beauty within the abstract.

California’s Central Coast artist, Michael Reddell, has been a pivotal contributor to the region’s art community since 2002. Michael was the driving force behind the Phantom Project, a loose coalition of artists who came together to launch pop-up gallery shows in vacant retail spaces around San Luis Obispo County. He has also participated in a selection of public art in the county, was the president of the Central Coast Sculptors’ Group at the SLO Museum of Art, has juried for the Paso Robles Art Association, and has dedicated his time to exposing the community to art whenever possible. Eight of his large-format wire sculptures, depicting species in nature, will be illuminated around the garden for viewing.

Celebrated lighting designer, Kody Cava, is well recognized for his work with the Cambria Christmas Market. In 2019, Cava was honored with a national award from the Kennedy Center for Outstanding Lighting Design for his work on Cuesta College’s production of Ghost Ship.

The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden is located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Direct flights to the region, railway, and Hwys 101 & 1, coupled with ample accommodations make access to Nature Nights easy and an exceptional reason for a holiday getaway to the Central Coast.

The SLO Botanical Garden emphasizes education, horticulture, research, art, resource conservation, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. Nature Nights is the event that exemplifies all that they stand for. The highly creative and experienced team assure a not to be missed experience.

For further details, please visit www.slobg.org or call (805) 541-1400.

DATES:

Friday, November 11, 2022 – Sunday, January 8, 2023 Thursday – Sunday Evenings (4 nights per week / 9 weeks) 5:00PM – 8:00PM

TICKETS:

(3) timed ticket options: 5PM, 6PM & 7PM
ADULTS: $19.75 + fees , CHILDREN (12 & under): $14.75 + fees, TODDLERS (2 & under): FREE *Members receive $2.00 discount per ticket

About San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden

The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden is a non-profit organization that showcases plants from Mediterranean climates throughout the world. Through its programs and facilities, the Garden fosters an appreciation and understanding of the relationship between people and nature and encourages a sense of stewardship for the natural environment. The Garden is located at 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., within El Chorro Regional Park off Highway 1 between Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. Admission is $10 per person and free for both children 12 and under and Garden Members. To learn more visit slobg.org.

Behind the Wine By Dawn Abasta

by

In the grand scheme of things, I am relatively new to the wine lover’s community. It was about fifteen years ago when I started to understand and develop a love for wine. At that time, I had a few friends who were in the trade, so I was regularly given different wines to try and I found out I truly loved wine – the whole experience, the wine paired with food and friends. Thus began my journey. 

It really took off when some girlfriends and I created a very intimate group that meets six times a year. The focus is on finding the perfect wine and food pairing. We pair up and each pair hosts an afternoon of wine and food paired courses. It has been challenging and so fulfilling! Think Top Chef-type challenges matched with different wines. That was nearly fifteen years ago.  Today we still meet and we have all expanded not only our wine horizons but our culinary ones. We look forward to this and schedule our lives around it.

Not too long after that, another group of us started taking trips together. We mostly travel to the California regions close by within a two-to-four-hour drive. These trips have become my best vacations. Quality time with good friends and filled with amazing one-of-a-kind experiences with wine and the winemakers. These experiences are what I want to make my column about.  “Behind the Wine” will be a peek behind the curtains of the industry and deep dives with the winemakers. Each time I will pick a winery and its winemaker and go step by step with them through their beginnings, inspirations and most important the wine. My hope is to inspire you the reader to explore beyond the varietal you prefer and try all the many amazing wines out there. Please join me on this journey!

Explore Australia’s South West – Wine Folly Releases Margaret River Region Guide

by

SEATTLE (PRWEB) – Wine Folly, the leading digital wine education platform, has announced the launch of the Margaret River Region Guide, the first comprehensive digital guide to the Margaret River Wine Region in Western Australia and the first of its kind in Asia Pacific.

“This kind of access and exploration of a remote and high-class wine region is exactly the kind of unique education experience we’re striving to bring to wine learners. This guide is driven by the wine producers of the region and showcasing wines that might never enter the awareness of the North American market,” said David Gluzman, CEO of Wine Folly.

Margaret River Wine Association CEO, Amanda Whiteland says, “Margaret River is a breathtaking wine destination that enjoys a textbook perfect climate for fine wines. The region’s 100 cellar doors, gourmet culinary experiences, stunning coastline and nature attracts over 1.5 million overnight visitors per year.

We are confident that beginners to wine experts will enjoy learning more about the Margaret River wine region with Wine Folly in their fun and playful approach to wine education.”

Wine Folly’s Region Guides enables learners to explore wines, wineries, and regions around the world from anywhere in the world. Producer data is supported by exclusive content created by award-winning author Madeline Puckette and Wine Folly’s Head of Wine Education, Christine Marsiglio MW.

Margaret River is the eighth Region Guide produced by Wine Folly in a constant pursuit to change wine education and discovery.

Wine Folly Region Guides

  • Margaret River
  • Walla Walla Valley
  • Napa Valley
  • Argentina
  • Alto Adige
  • Sicily
  • Bordeaux
  • Paso Robles

Margaret River is one of the most isolated wine regions in the world, but despite this it makes some of Australia’s most noteworthy wines. The producers of the region are considered boutique – many of them only producing less than 5000 cases annually. Rare wines and breath-taking coastal landscapes are waiting to be discovered in the new Wine Folly Region Guide.

Wine Folly has a few more exciting regions to showcase in 2022 and is currently booking new region guides for 2023.

About Folly Enterprises
Folly Enterprises are the people behind the Wine Folly (winefolly.com) and Global Wine Database (gwdb.io) brands. We’re focused on producing compelling user experiences and products that have a significant impact on the wine industry.

Wine Folly connects people to wine. Through online discovery, people connect with the stories and people who are making great wines. The site offers educational products, engaging content, and a web portal to a progressive, knowledge-driven wine culture.

Global Wine Database is a platform for wine data. Specifically, accurate wine information sourced directly from wine producers globally. Accurate information helps the industry at every level from farm to table.

Tuscan Women Cook Cookbook Shares One of Italy’s Most Popular Desserts

by

 Who wouldn’t love to sit in the sun at an outdoor café in Italy sipping a chilled glass of wine and eating a favorite Italian dessert?  Now you can. Coleen Kirnan, owner and host of Tuscan Women Cook, the unique and popular culinary vacation located in the heart of Tuscany, brings the cuisine and culture of this delightful region to home kitchens with her cookbook, 

Tuscan Women Cook: Nonnas ▪ Memories ▪ Recipes (2021/softcover $35.00/ISBN: 978-0-578-82523-3).  

With a forward by Valerie Bertinelli, the cookbook celebrates the generational recipes shared by the nonnas of Montefollonico during the week-long Tuscan Women Cook culinary program.

As we head into summer try this unique and delicious take on a classic Italian dessert. Tiramisù, one of Italy’s most popular desserts, is usually made with espresso as a key ingredient. Tiramisù translates to “pick me up,” due in no small part to the surge of caffeine that comes with every creamy bite.   

Tuscan Women Cook presents a tiramisù recipe that replaces coffee with fresh strawberries and Alchermes, a bright crimson Italian liqueur which is still made today by the Santa Maria Novella pharmacy in Florence with the exact same recipe formulated back in 1743. It is infused with a variety of common spices, along with the most unusual ingredient, dried insects, which contributes to its vivid scarlet color.  If you want to leave out the Alchermes you can.  The recipe will still be authentically delicious without it. Substitute Fragoli wild strawberry liqueur or Chambord. 

STRAWBERRY TIRAMISU Serves 8

Guests of Tuscan Women Cook love this strawberry tiramisù served at Ristorante 13 Gobbi in Montefollonico. It’s become a house specialty as a result of a partnership the restaurant forged with an organic strawberry farmer near their restaurant. Strawberries are in peak season right now.

Ingredients:

For the cream: 500g mascarpone cheese, room temperature500ml heavy cream 5 egg yolks 3/4 cups granulated sugar  

For the strawberries: 2 1/2 cups of strawberries, chopped1/3 cup Alchermes liqueur,* Fragfoli wild strawberry liqueur or Chambord1 tablespoon sugar 2-3 tablespoons rum 1 cup orange juice  1 box dry ladyfingers (Pavesini brand preferred**)

Put the strawberries, Alchermes liquor, sugar, rum, and orange juice in a bowl. Set aside. With a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks, sugar, mascarpone, and heavy cream on medium speed for 5-10 minutes, until creamy. In a small bowl, strain the strawberries and keep the juice in a separate bowl. Dip the ladyfingers in the juice (a quick dip, you don’t want them to be soggy), and arrange cookies on bottom of a baking dish. 

Cover with half the cream mixture, then cover with the chopped strawberries, repeat cookies for another layer, and cover with remaining cream mixture. Decorate it top with strawberries just before serving and dust with powdered sugar. Chill for 2-3 hours before serving. It can stay chilled for up to 2 days. *

Alchermes is a scarlet-colored Italian liqueur made by infusing neutral spirits with sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla, and other herbs, and Kermes, a small parasitic insect. ** Pavesini ladyfingers may be difficult to find in stores. However, they are readily available online. Other brands may be substituted. 

“The Tuscan Women Cook cookbook is a collection of delicious, shared family recipes from our beautiful nonnas and the wonderful restaurants of Tuscany. But it also contains favorite memories associated with cooking and our glorious days spent in Montefollonico,” Coleen says. 

“Most of these dishes were created centuries before we ever tasted them, refined by each generation of family cooks who adjusted the ingredients to the agricultural and technological changes that inevitably took place with each new branch of every family’s tree.” Filled with beautiful photos of Montefollonico and recipes, chapters in Tuscan Women Cook cookbook cover Starters, Soups, Pasta, Meat, Vegetables, Desserts, and Drinks. Want a taste of Tuscany without renewing your passport?

Tie on an apron and try delicious and authentic recipes that have been handed down from generations of the best family cooks in Montefollonico, Italy. For more information on Tuscan Women Cook and their cookbook, visit their website, www.TuscanWomenCook.com.

Kosher Food and Wine Experience Makes Triumphant Return to London and Israel

by

London/Tel Aviv– The world’s largest public kosher food and wine extravaganza came back with a triumphant “L’chaim!’ this spring following a 2-year coronavirus break. The annual Kosher Food & Wine Experience (KFWE) is still the hottest ticket in the kosher culinary world, attracting thousands of restaurateurs, chefs, caterers, and foodies hungry for the latest and greatest in fine kosher wines and cuisine.

Royal Wine Corp. through its Israeli and British distributors, respectively Zur Agencies and Kedem Europe, spearheaded the long-awaited return of these two events – May 30 in Tel Aviv, Israel, and on June 21 in London. More than 240 wines from Israel, France, Italy, Spain, and the U.K. were sipped and savored, and guests had a unique chance to meet the winemakers and learn the stories behind each bottle.

Both shows featured rare premium wines along with accessible everyday wines, sparkling wines, whiskey, French and Italian liqueurs and more.

The Sheraton Grand London Park Lane was the scene where more than 800 KFWE guests enjoyed an exceptional selection of kosher wines and spirits. More than a dozen Israeli wineries were present with their latest vintages, including boutique wineries such as Domaine Du Castel, Yatir Winery, Flam Winery, Jezreel, Matar by Pelter, and Psagot.

At KFWE London, Royal Wine and Kedem Europe introduced a new line of kosher wines from Burgundy produced by Domaine du Château Philippe le Hardi. The line includes three wines from the 2020 vintage: a Gevrey-Chambertin Villages, a Chambolle-Musigny Villages, and a Beaune 1er Cru. Royal Wine did not offer high-end quality red Burgundy wines since 2004.  

“As the kosher market has evolved and matured over the past 18 years, we believe that many fine kosher wine connoisseurs will particularly appreciate these refined and complex Pinot Noir wines,” says Gabe Geller, Royal Wine’s director of PR. “They will retail between $100-130. Royal also introduced in London the Laufer’s Select Tokaji Late Harvest and Tokaji Ice, both high-quality dessert wines from the famed Tokaji region in Hungary. Both wines will be SRP $45,” he added.

Cooloo alcoholic ice-pops were the perfect refresher, as it was the first time the KFWE was held over the summer months. Also featured was a cocktail bar with deliciously tasty concoctions created by top mixologists using Walders and Bicerin liqueurs.

Along with the unlimited wine tastings and whisky masterclasses, the London event featured legendary buffet by caterer Arieh Wagner. He and his team served up hot and cold dishes including Turmeric-Infused Cauliflower with tahini, hummus, and pomegranate seeds; Baba Ganoush with cashew nuts; Beef Carpaccio with truffle oil and fresh truffle; Poke Salmon and Tuna; Pulled Beef Arancini; a salt beef carvery; and dairy-free desserts such as tiramisu, Eton mess, and crème brûlée. 

The Trask at the Port of Tel Aviv set the scene for KFWE 2022 in the Holy Land with tastings of more than 300 wines and an extensive rooftop buffet. Guests enjoyed wines and beverages from the various wine regions of France (Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Provence and Alsace, including super-premium wines from world-renowned wineries – Château Lascombes, Château Giscours, Château Léoville Poyferré, Champagne Drappier, Château Clarke-Rothschild and more), Spain , Priorat, Galicia and more), Italy (Chianti, Montepulciano and Northern Italy), New Zealand, California (Sonoma, Napa and more), Argentina (Mendoza), South Africa and of course Israel (Shiloh, Jezreel and Psagot).

KFWE 2022 showcased hundreds of different wines and spirits produced in renowned wine regions, available at every price point.  Geller summed up both events, “It was wonderful to see friends learning about wine together, discovering new vintages from around the world, and finding the perfect bottles—most of which are kosher for Passover—to enjoy at home or at their next celebration.”

About Royal Wine/Kedem

Since 1948, Royal Wine Corp., also known as Kedem, has been owned and operated in the United States by the Herzog family, whose winemaking roots date back eight generations to 19th century Czechoslovakia.

TodayRoyal Wine’s portfolio of domestic and international wines range from traditional wine producing regions of France, Italy, and Spain, as well as Israel, New Zealand, and Argentina. Additionally, Royal Wine Corp.’s spirit and liqueur portfolio offer some of the most sought-after scotches, bourbons, tequilas, and vodkas as well as hard to find specialty items such as flavored brandies and liqueurs.

The company owns and operates the Kedem Winery in upstate New York, as well as Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard, California, a state-of-the-art-facility featuring guided wine tours, a fully staffed modern tasting room, gift shop and catering facilities. Additionally, the winery houses the award-winning restaurant Tierra Sur, serving the finest Mediterranean inspired contemporary Californian Cuisine. Follow Royal Wine on Face Book.com/RoyalWineCorp/, and instagram.com/royalwinecorp/, and twitter.com/royalwinecorp

Sicilia DOC Consortium Announces Sommelier Contest 

by

NEW YORK (PRWEB) The Sicilia DOC Consortium recently opened registration for US wine professionals to its first Sommelier Competition. Applicants will need to pass a three-step selection process testing their knowledge of Sicilia DOC wines and indigenous Sicilian varietals as well as their presentation skills. Three finalists will be flown to Sicily in October to compete during Taormina Gourmet for the title, “Sicilian Wine Maestro.”

“We’re excited to engage the critically important Somm audience with our first Sommelier Competition,” says Antonio Rallo, president of the Sicilia DOC Consortium. “Our wines are gaining recognition for their quality and the great value they offer in addition to finding new and expanded distribution. This is a great moment for Sicilian wines in the US.”

Sicilian wines are growing in popularity in the US and increasingly appearing on wine lists of fine dining American restaurants. New generations of winemakers in Sicily are embracing the usage of local grape varieties, working with the island’s diverse terroir and making wine with an organic approach (Sicily has more hectares of organic vineyards than any region in Italy), resulting in growing interest from critics and consumers alike. Since its establishment in 2011, the Sicilia DOC Consortium has worked to strengthen the reputation of Sicilian wines, improving quality, sustainability and market position. The Sicilia DOC Sommelier Competition, culminating in the Finale at Taormina Gourmet (October 22-24, 2022), is the most recent marketing innovation for the Consortium.

Sommeliers and other wine professionals who compete for the ‘Sicilian WIne Maestro’ title will have to prove knowledge of Sicily’s rich history and culture, as well as an understanding of how the island’s viticulture and winemaking are being reshaped by new generations of winemakers.

A judging panel including Sicilia DOC Ambassador Jeffrey Porter, Vinitaly International Managing Director Stevie Kim and award-winning sommelier Tonya Pitts, will evaluate the Instagram submissions. Jeff Porter will lead a virtual webinar on Siciian wines and administer the exam part of the Competition.

The Finals will take place at Taormina Gourmet, one of the leading culinary events in Italy, hosted in the beautiful and historical city of Taormina. The Sicilia DOC Consortium will fly the three finalists to Sicily to compete in a blind tasting and a creative pairing challenge. A panel of Sicilian wine experts will evaluate each finalist’s performance and will crown the first ever “Sicilian Wine Maestro”.

For more information, visit the Wines of Sicilia DOC website or follow Wines of Sicilia DOC on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

About Sicilia DOC
Established in 2011, Sicilia DOC appellation represents a leading force of innovation in the region. Its efforts have been aimed at enhancing the region’s millennial winemaking heritage and local grapes such as Nero d’Avola and Grillo, amongst others, through a sustainable approach promoted by the SOStain foundation which provides producers with education and tools to embrace organic practices. For further information, please visit Wines of Sicily.

About Taormina Gourmet
Taormina Gourmet is one of the most important events in Southern Italy dedicated to the promotion of premium food and beverage. Organized by the Bica Association and Cronache di Gusto, a F&B specialized online publication, it is a three-day event that takes place every year in the city of Taormina, major tourist hub in Southern Italy. High-end wineries and consortiums host masterclasses, tastings, forums and cooking shows that see the participation of many journalists, wine writers and Master of Wine. Its ninth edition will take place October 22, 23 and 24, 2022 at the Hotel Villa Diodoro, Taormina (ME). For further information visit Taormina Gourmet website.

Washington Wine Country Adds Rocky Reach American Viticulture Area

by

ORONDO, Wash./PRNewswire/ — Rocky Pond Estate Winery, the Washington producer crafting wines from their breathtaking sustainably farmed riverside and lakeside vineyards in the Columbia River Valley, recently received good news when their Flagship Double D Vineyard and Rocky Reach Estate Vineyard received approval by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Rocky Reach will be Washington’s twentieth AVA.

“We are extremely pleased to see this return on our efforts,” stated Owners and Founders David and Michelle Dufenhorst. “This is an essential step towards recognizing what we’ve known for some time – that this is a remarkable place to grow and produce quality vines and wines.”

The Rocky Reach AVA will encompass over 32,333 acres (50 square miles) along the Columbia River. The AVA takes its name from the Rocky Reach Dam and the Rocky Reach Reservoir (also known as Lake Entiat). Steamboat captains first applied the name “Rocky Reach” to the region in the late 1800’s, to describe the rapids within a stretch, or “reach”, of the Columbia River. This new AVA will follow the Columbia River from Wenatchee north to Lake Chelan. Unlike its surrounding wine region, however, Rocky Reach possesses a unique combination of topography, soils, and climate — all of which call for a singular AVA designation.

These characteristics derive from a fascinating geologic history. Rocky Reach AVA consists of crystalline basement rocks which are silica rich due to the mica and quartz minerals. This is in contrast to the existing Columbia Valley AVA which is 95% basalt.

The soils were formed from wind-deposited sand and silt overlying cobblestone gravel and sand deposited by ice-aged floods. The prolific, stony surfaces warm quickly, and the hot stones radiate and retain daytime heat to the vines and promote faster and more complete ripening. The gravels within Rocky Reach were deposited approximately 18,800 years ago by gigantic floods. The new AVA envelopes several gently sloping terraces, but hovers below the surrounding highlands at elevations of no more than 1,600 feet.

Unlike the areas upstream in the Columbia Valley, Rocky Reach was never glaciated. Rocky Reach contains no glacial till nor erratic rocks and its landforms have not been shaped by erosion of ice. 

David Dufenhorst believes that this area is an undiscovered gem in the state of Washington. The unique amalgam of climate and geology within Rocky Reach is ideal for grape growing, bolstered by a long growing season of more than 150 days on average and lower riverside elevation. The Rocky Reach AVA officially recognizes the outstanding capacity of such a rare combination of characteristics.

Rocky Pond operates two tasting rooms – one in Chelan and the other in Woodinville – for wine, culinary, travel enthusiasts and members looking to experience their high-quality wines and impeccable service. Reserve a table today at www.rockypondwinery.com.

About Rocky Pond Estate Winery:
Rocky Pond Estate Winery was established in 2013 by David and Michelle Dufenhorst. The winery itself takes its name from the tumbled granite stones found on their estate vineyards located in one of the most awe-inspiring regions of the Columbia River Valley.

Regionally, Rocky Pond Estate Winery is making a name for itself as a high-quality Washington winery that is focused on producing Bordeaux and Rhone-style wines that showcase the truly unique terroir of their sustainably farmed riverside estate vineyards deeply rooted in the soils of the geographic wonder that is the Columbia River Valley.

Vineyard Picnic anyone? ONX Wines Has You Covered

by

Nestled within the newly budded vines picnic basket in hand, guests can now get up close and personal with this recently Certified Sustainable Paso Robles vineyard. ONX Wines new Vineyard Picnic, Vineyard Afternoon Tea, and Vineyard Proposal experiences let their guests immerse themselves in the famed Central Coast viticulture.

When ONX Wines planted their vines, they knew they wanted to embrace the land, create community, and welcome guests to learn about their amazing AVA. For anyone that has dreamed of moments of cozy vineyard afternoons wine glass in hand…here they are.

Picnic anyone? Their new Vineyard Picnic Experience surprises and delights. Guests are welcomed to the estate, then led on an off-road tour to their private picnic spot amongst the vines. Here they can relax and enjoy locally sourced culinary creations packed in a winsome picnic basket while sipping through one of their newly released award-winning blends. $77.50 pp

Feeling a bit posh? Their Vineyard Afternoon Tea takes it a step further and allows the guest to sip through 5 estate wines while savoring a midday pause. These wines are carefully paired with locally made sandwiches and tea, which the guest can relish amongst one of the farms charming vineyard oases. Fluffy pastries, award winning wines and newly budding vines charm, delight and relax. Parties of 6-12 starting at $348.

Want to pop the question? Their exclusive Vineyard Proposal Experience will never be forgotten. A private oasis is carefully staged for your once in a lifetime moment.

“Looking forward to hosting you at our beautiful Vineyard!” Happy Saunders, Event Manager

ONX Wines is a Paso Robles winery & certified sustainable farmstead with a 130-acre vineyard located in the dynamic Templeton Gap AVA. It is planted with 18 distinct varieties and numerous clones. Their wines are expressive yet balanced blends that reflect the vineyard estate and its complex alluvium soils.

Tuscan Women Cook Relaunches Their Culinary Immersion Vacation Program in Italy

by

Tuscan Women Cook, the unique and popular culinary vacation located in the heart of Tuscany celebrating the food and culture of the Italian region, is back at their pre-pandemic full schedule of classes and excursions in the charming village of Montefollonico. 

The 2022 season is just about sold out though space is still available, and they are taking reservations for 2023 and 2024. Owner and host, Coleen Kirnan has been hard at work with her team and the businesses in Montefollonico creating new class experiences, fun and relaxing side trips and activities for her guests.

“Tuscan Women Cook is proud of our deep relationships forged with the residents and businesses of Montefollonico. We’ve been here since 2000 and feel deeply connected to this community,” Coleen says. “The warm welcome our guests receive from the residents and the personal ties we have with the very best vintners, restaurateurs, and, of course, our cherished nonnas, gives our guests unparalleled, exclusive access to a true Italian culinary experience. We are so happy to be able to resume our full schedule.”

During each day of the week-long program, a group of 16 participants learn to cook authentic Italian recipes from some of the best cooks in all of Italy…the local grandmothers, or “nonnas of Montefollonico.” These extraordinary women teach their cooking classes sharing family recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation.

This year Tuscan Women Cook is happy to add a new nonna to their teaching roster, Dania, the former owner of the Michelin-starred La Chiusa Ristorante.  She came out of retirement just to conduct classes for Tuscan Women Cook. Guests swoon over Dania’s homemade caramel gelato and love learning how to pull hand-spun sugar during Dania’s cooking class.

While staying within the walls of the magical village of Montefollonico, guests stay at the beautiful I Castagni hotel.  Perched at the very top of Montefollonico, guests enjoy spectacular views of the Chiana valley and the picturesque village from their suites and I Castagni’s well-appointed expansive outdoor terrace.

“Families, friends, couples, and solo travelers of all ages from around the world join us every spring and fall for this life-changing experience,” Coleen states.  “Join a group of accomplished cooks, the culinary curious, and grateful, happy eaters who may very well become your new foodie friends for life. Where better to launch a new friendship than relaxing with a glass of Super Tuscan wine while admiring the breathtaking view of the Tuscan countryside?”

And after a day of cooking, eating, and wine tasting, participants are taken on shopping and sightseeing trips in the many beautiful villages and towns of Tuscany, with maybe a little more wine tasting and afternoon gelato sampling, ending each day with a memorable gourmet dinner in the region’s top locales.  

Tuscan Women Cook’s week-long program runs during the months of May, June, September and October.

 For more information on Tuscan Women Cook, visit their website, www.TuscanWomenCook.com.

Vintners Resort Appoints New General Manager

by

Santa Rosa, Calif. — Vintners Resort announces the appointment of Brian Sommer as General Manager. He will continue to guide the vision of owner Rhonda Carano, and her late husband, Don, for the 92-acre Italian-inspired property that is home to a luxury hotel, an event center, Vi La Vita Spa, and three restaurants, including the acclaimed John Ash & Co. 

“Brian brings the expertise, skillset and ambition we need to maintain the standard of excellence we’ve established at Vintners Resort,” said Rhonda Carano. “He understands high levels of service and understands guests’ needs. He will be an integral part of our team and a big part of this property’s bright future.”

Sommer brings 22 years of hospitality experience in addition to being a graduate with honors from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Most recently, he helped Chef Dustin Valette and Craig Ramsey launch The Matheson, a three story, 231 seat restaurant and roof top bar, located on the plaza in downtown Healdsburg. Prior to opening The Matheson, Sommer was the longest tenured General Manager at Hotel Les Mars in Healdsburg where he earned the highest Forbes rating for lodging in Sonoma County. He’s also worked with the Four Seasons in New York, Dallas, Palm Beach, and the West Indies.

Sommer has served as chair of the Healdsburg Tourism Improvement District (HTID) and was selected as a recipient of The Spirit of Sonoma Award for his dedicated support of the local lodging industry and his commitment to economic development in his community. He currently serves on the board of directors for Reach for Home, a non-profit organization whose mission is to end homelessness in Sonoma County. “Vintners Resort and John Ash & Co. have been home to many of the great chefs and hospitality leaders in Sonoma County,” said Sommer. “I hope to further its storied history by combining the warmth of Sonoma County’s down to earth personality with a detailed level of service that makes each guest feel valued and cherished.” 

About Vintners Resort

Vintners Resort is a serene, luxurious getaway in Sonoma County, CA. Encompassed by 55 acres of vineyards in the Russian River Valley appellation, The Hotel at Vintners Resort is a AAA, Four-Diamond 78-room boutique hotel that is California Green Certified. The property features award-winning, on-site dining, a luxury spa, a conference and events center and an array of amenities from Bocce ball to a vineyard trail. The resort is an ideal location for a romantic getaway, wellness retreat, business trip or a dream wine country wedding. Reminiscent of a European village with culinary gardens, sparkling fountains and vineyard views, this lush enclave offers a tranquil escape that is conveniently located in the best of wine country.  Learn more at VintnersResort.com.