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Kentucky Bourbon Festival September 15 to 17 – Meet Eve and Eddie There @KYBourbonFest

August 11, 2023 by evebushman

Bardstown, Ky. – The 2023 Kentucky Bourbon Festival is Sept. 15-17 in Bardstown, Ky., the Bourbon Capital of the World. The festival brings bourbon enthusiasts from all over the globe to Bardstown, Kentucky, to celebrate the spirited history and craft of bourbon during National Bourbon Heritage Month. Kentucky Bourbon Festival offers three levels of VIP packages this year, along with weekend general admission tickets and Sunday-only access. For more information, visit www.kybourbonfestival.com.

“Our goal is to create a truly exceptional experience for bourbon enthusiasts,” said David Mandell, board chair of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. “We’re looking forward to welcoming guests back to Bardstown. We listened to our guests from 2022 and as a result we have some exciting upgrades planned to make the festival even better this year.”

The popular Flask Force and Enthusiast VIP packages return and include early entry, premium branded Glencairn glassware and access to the VIP Penthouse with catering and bar service throughout the festival. Flask Force ticket holders will once again receive a Jacob Bromwell flask, exclusive tee shirt, commemorative KBF credential and a bottle of the 2023 KBF single barrel pick, featuring Bardstown Bourbon Company and signed by master distiller Steve Nally.

New this year, all VIP packages include early admission to the festival — those guests can arrive an hour early, ensuring speedy entry and first access to bottles being offered by participating distilleries throughout the festival. A new Decanter Club ultra-VIP package has also been added, with just 50 packages available, and with four premium add-on events included. Decanter Club members will receive many of the popular package items included in the other VIP packages but will add a branded Glencairn crystal decanter.

All KBF tickets include unlimited re-entry to the festival, sampling from more than 50 Kentucky distilleries, access to exclusive barrel picks, engaging programs with industry experts, expanded dining options and the Bourbon Marketplace with more than 30 vendors.

“Our number one area for improvement with the 2023 festival is expanding the dining options for our guests,” said Randy Prasse, COO and president of the festival. “To accomplish this, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival is partnering with the Louisville Food Truck Association to offer additional and improved dining options, along with a new adjacent tented area with tables and chairs for guests to enjoy their meals and take a break.”

KBF Insiders — those who subscribe to the festival’s e-newsletter — will be able to purchase tickets beginning May 10, with sales open to the public on May 11. Premium add-on event tickets will also go on sale during those dates, earlier than in past years. VIP packages are expected to sell out quickly.

About the Kentucky Bourbon Festival (Bardstown, Ky.):

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival (Sept. 15-17, 2023) is a celebration of Kentucky Bourbon and the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown, Kentucky. What began as a Bourbon tasting dinner has grown into a truly authentic experience that brings together bourbon enthusiasts from all over the world. In its 32nd year, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival is one of the Commonwealth’s leading cultural festivals. For more information, visit kybourbonfestival.com.

Filed Under: Eve Bushman Tagged With: bar, bottle, bourbon, craft, dining, distiller, drink, festival, glassware, glencairn, kentucky, tasting

Cheers! Princess Cruises Earns 15 Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence, Sweeping the Cruise Category for 2023

August 7, 2023 by evebushman

Main Dining Rooms Across the Fleet of 15 Cruise Ships Recognized Among Select Restaurants for Well-Curated Wine Lists

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — Raise a glass with Princess Cruises for its wine program! All main dining rooms across the fleet of 15 ships have once again been honored with an Award of Excellence in Wine Spectator’s 2023 Restaurant Awards, more than any other cruise line. Each Princess ship is recognized for its wine lists that pair well with the menu, offering a well-rounded culinary experience.

Wine Spectator, the world’s leading authority on wine, began its awards program in 1981 to recognize the world’s best wine lists. There are three levels: Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence and Grand Award. This year, 2,001 restaurants achieved the Award of Excellence, given to restaurants with 90 wine selections or more that also match the cuisine in both style and pricing.

Princess’ carefully curated wine list includes more than 250 labels. Each major varietal and wine-growing region is represented, letting guests taste the best from around the world. The Princess beverage team designed a wine philosophy that centers on exploration, discovery and enrichment.

“Receiving this highly regarded recognition from Wine Spectator once again reaffirms our commitment to curate a collection of wines that encompass noteworthy, exceptional and familiar varietals to explore,” said Sami Kohen, vice president of food and beverage for Princess Cruises. “We believe we offer the most extensive wine list in the industry that reflects our guests’ shared passion for travel and celebrating with wines from many of the destinations we visit.”

Available in the main dining rooms fleetwide, the wine menu is approachable with various price points and descriptions to make it easy for occasional wine drinkers and aficionados alike to sip. Wines from around the world including from New Zealand, Argentina, Italy and even China are featured. In addition, Princess celebrates women winemakers with a special list, identifies biodynamic, organic, vegan and sustainable wines, and offers many selections by the glass. Descriptions call out wines as “refreshing,” “light and mild,” “fruity and vibrant,” and “rich and textured” for easy selections.

Most recently, Princess partnered with renowned Caymus Vineyards to offer the exclusive Caymus Vineyards Winemaker Dinner. Available for $140 per person, the new Winemaker Dinner leverages the expansive expertise of Chuck Wagner, owner and winemaker of the renowned Napa Valley’s Caymus Vineyards, to deliver a five-course menu crafted to complement the tasting notes of his wines. The dinner, available for 12 guests per seating, is offered two to three times per cruise, based on voyage length, and interested guests can reserve their spot once on board.

The complete list of award winners is available in the August 21, 2023 issue of Wine Spectator, available at newsstands July 11, and at www.winespectator.com.

About Princess Cruises 

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world – the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK). 

Filed Under: Eve Bushman Tagged With: award, beverage, biodynamic, California, cuisine, culinary, dining, dinner, food pairing, fruit, label, Napa Valley, organic, restaurant, sustainable, tasting, tasting notes, travel, varietal, vegan, vineyards, wine dinner, wine glass, wine list, wine pairing, wine spectator, Wine tasting, winemaker, winemakers

PALM BEACH FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH WINE SPECTATOR

May 9, 2023 by evebushman

Festival Co-Founders, David Sabin & Lindsay Autry, Tap Wine Spectator

for New Joint Venture Partnership to Expand Festival Programming

Event Slated for December 7-10, 2023

Els for Autism Foundation Named as Designated Charity

PALM BEACH, Fla. — Fresh off the heels of a successful 15th year, Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival (PBFWF) co-founders, David Sabin and celebrated chef Lindsay Autry, announce a new joint venture partnership with Wine Spectator.

Wine Spectator is partnering with the iconic South Florida festival, which is best known for packing upwards of 20 exciting dining events throughout Palm Beach County in early December each year. The event will return for its 16th year with an enhanced lineup of fine wines and spirits.

“Marvin R. Shanken, editor and publisher of Wine Spectator, is not just a long-time friend of the festival, but also a personal friend to me and Lindsay. Our relationship grew organically; I’d bounce ideas off him, and always valued his feedback because it was clear that we shared the same passion for food, beverage and community.” says Sabin. “This has been 10+ years in the making, not because we necessarily ‘wanted’ a partner, but because we knew Marvin was the partner we needed.”

“We are proud to partner with Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival, bringing our knowledge, expertise and industry relationships to this extraordinary, upscale event, featuring a variety of fine dining experiences,” said Shanken. “I fully expect both our readers and wine industry partners to become actively involved.”

The partnership also announced that the Els for Autism Foundation will be the designated charity for this event with a portion of ticket sales going to the organization. Co-founded by Marvin R. Shanken, Ernie Els and Liezl Els in 2009, the foundation is headquartered in Jupiter, Florida, home to The Els Center of Excellence, a world-class, 26-acre campus and learning center.

For over 40 years, Wine Spectator has hosted the signature New York Wine Experience, where thousands of attendees taste an exciting variety of wines from the world’s best vintners, including top scoring bottles and rare older vintages. In addition, the magazine’s annual Grand Tour takes the tastings on the road to multiple cities across America each year.

Tickets will go on sale end of August and can be purchased at PBFoodWineFest.com. Follow along on Instagram at @pbfoodwinefest for ticket release date.

# # #

About Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival

After 15 successful years, the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival (PBFWF) returns to the balmy island of Palm Beach and beyond for its 16th year on December 7-10, 2023. Held at a time when South Florida experiences its best weather of the year, PBFWF celebrates incredible foods and top-rated wines and spirits by some of the world’s most renowned chefs, winemakers and distillers enjoyed in a variety of idyllic settings—an allure that keeps even the most discerning gourmands coming back each year to experience this palatable festival.

About Wine Spectator

Wine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. Anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a print publication that reaches around 3 million readers worldwide, the brand also encompasses the Web’s most comprehensive wine site (WineSpectator.com), mobile platforms and a series of signature events. Wine Spectator examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring wine’s role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews. Parent company M. Shanken Communications, Inc., also publishes Cigar Aficionado, Whisky Advocate, Market Watch, Shanken News Daily and Shanken’s Impact Newsletter.

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: charity, chef, dining, education, florida, food pairing, restaurant, spirit tastings, wine event, wine spectator, Wine tasting, winemaker, winery

Raise Your Glass to the Distinctive Wines of the Stags Leap District at the Annual Vineyard to Vintner Weekend, April 28 – 30, 2023

April 16, 2023 by evebushman

NAPA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – The annual signature event for the Stags Leap District Winegrowers, Vineyard to Vintner, returns in 2023. This event will bring wine enthusiasts and collectors together with vintners, winemakers, and principals for an exclusive weekend of limited wines, fine dining, and immersive experiences.

“The distinct terroir and quality-obsessed wine producers in our tiny, tight-knit Stags Leap District neighborhood are the reason our Cabernet Sauvignons are world-class,” said Nancy Bialek, Executive Director of the Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association. “Vineyard to Vintner is an extraordinary experience that showcases the appellation in all its glory.”

Award-winning chefs from Charter Oak, Southside Napa, Moss & Vine, Bottega and La Toque will prepare seasonally inspired dinners and multi-course feasts to pair with an illustrious portfolio of Stags Leap District wines. Each evening dinner, hosted by vintners and winemakers, is limited to 40 guests.

Morgan and Irma Robinson of Southside Napa will be preparing a Live Fire Under the Palisades at Steltzner Vineyards, a wood-fired meal over barrel staves, with a sunset toast and many cellar treasures. At the historic Manor House at Stags’ Leap Winery, a four-course dinner will pair with library selections from Stags’ Leap, Regusci Winery and Shafer Vineyards.

At Pine Ridge, the underground caves will serve as the setting for a stellar multi-course meal from La Toque Chef Ken Frank before guests are invited to stargaze from the patio. At Cliff Lede, Meadowood alums Juan Carlos and Victoria Acosta of Moss & Vine will cook for an evening of classic wines and classic rock, while Chimney Rock hosts the birth of the vintage 2023 growing season alongside their neighbors Baldacci Family Vineyards and Malk Family Vineyards, with three-star Michelin Chef Christopher Kostow’s team presiding over the evening’s menu.

During this unparalleled three-day weekend, the vintners and winemakers will break bread with guests and pour wine beneath the majestic scenery of the volcanic Palisades. Vineyard to Vintner is limited to 200 guests only, giving the weekend a magical, backstage-pass sense of intimacy.

The 2023 Vineyard to Vintner schedule includes:
Friday, April 28th – Vintner-Hosted Library Wine Dinners
Guests will choose from five venues for an intimate evening of Vintner and Winemaker co-hosted, chef-inspired, wine pairing dinners, all with rare and limited library wines selected from deep within each vintner’s cellar.

Saturday, April 29th – Digging Deeper
Vintner-hosted sessions at four venues will take guests deeper into the vineyards, famed history, and terroir of the Stags Leap District, each with a selection of legendary wines.

Saturday, April 29th – Grand Vintner-Hosted Lunch and Tasting
Hosted at Regusci Winery, with its extensive organic garden, this event will bring all the Stags Leap District Vintners and Winemakers together at one estate to showcase their remarkable wines. Guests will enjoy multiple live fire cooking stations for a strolling gourmet lunch prepared by award-winning Chef Stephen Barber of Farmstead Restaurant at Long Meadow Ranch. A selection of delectable Woodhouse Chocolates will be at hand to top the afternoon off!

Sunday, April 30th – Savor Sunday: Vintner-Hosted Winery Experiences
Guests will savor nibbles and special wines throughout the day by selecting four curated and private experiences from a full slate of ten wine events located throughout the District. This includes unparalleled access for a Napa Valley experience that is not available to the public.

A celebration of the people and wines of this iconic American appellation, the Vineyard to Vintner weekend will be held Friday through Sunday, April 28 to 30, 2023. The full weekend experience is $1,250/person and limited to 200 guests. For more information visit http://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/V2V.

About Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association
The Stags Leap District Winegrowers is a non-profit association of vintners and growers whose mission is to work together to grow the reputation of the appellation and its Cabernet Sauvignon and share its quality with the wine-loving world. Through public outreach, trade events and community partnerships, the organization aims always to improve understanding of the Stags Leap District and its world-class wines. The SLDWA is comprised of 16 wineries and 9 grower members. The 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.

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: cabernet sauvignon, California, caves, chef, dining, farming, food pairing, Napa, restaurant, stags leap, terroir, tour, travel, vineyard, vintner, wine pairing, Wine tasting, winegrower, winemaker, winery

The Argentina Wine Oasis: The Piattelli Wine Resort Opens in Cafayate, Salta

June 20, 2022 by evebushman

CAFAYATE, ARGENTINA (PRWEB) – Northern Argentina’s newest luxury wine resort is now open. Piattelli Wine Resort has the finest views of the Calchaqui Valley. Located in Cafayate Salta, it features world-class accommodations, relaxing pools and spas, and is paired with Piattelli’s highly rated dining experiences.

  • Piattelli Wine Resort open in April 2022
  • Concierge experiences, including guided adventure tours
  • First-class Piattelli spa
  • Multiple onsite dining experiences
  • Luxury casitas with private rooftop patios

Piattelli, a leading producer of award-winning wines from Argentina, announced the completion of their world-class wine resort in Cafayate Argentina. The Piattelli Wine Resort offers guests a piece of paradise. The Casitas provide the ultimate luxury with fireplaces, private rooftop patios and appointed with the finest furnishings from skilled Argentina craftsmen.

After an active day of hiking, horseback riding or many other guided tours options, you can relax and experience a peaceful visit in the Piattelli Spa. Enjoy dining in any of three on-sites restaurants, each producing critically acclaimed and exquisitely prepared dishes including asados, seafoods and other Argentina local cuisine.

It took over 150 Argentinean craftsmen three years to complete this amazing wine resort. The resort is perfectly positioned to overlook the beautiful Calchaqui Valley in Cafayate, Salta. Each individual casita is nestled in the mature vineyards, with unobstructed views to the mountains, sunrises, and sunsets. The club house has three restaurants, a spa, and two swimming pools. This masterpiece was constructed to complement the adjacent Piattelli winery, restaurant and hospitality center completed in 2013.

Founder Jon Malinski says, “This project will offer adventurous couples a shelter to relax, reflect, reconnect, and of course enjoy great wines. We want your travels to Argentina to be memorable and your visit to the Piattelli Wine Resort be unforgettable.”

Piattelli produces award winning wines from the best wine regions of Argentina, with wineries in Cafayate, Salta (elev. 5,740 feet), Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza (elev. 3,300 feet), and our newest in Animana, Salta (elev. 5,810 feet). In 2021 Piattelli constructed their latest Animana winery on 200 hectares of vineyards planted in special calcareous soils, featuring ultra-premium Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. In July 2022, we will begin a second facility in Animana, which will be completed prior to the 2023 harvest. For more information go to our website http://www.piattelliwineresort.com

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: argentina, award, dining, resort, tour, vineyards

Breckenridge Wine Classic, Held in the Heart of the Rockies, Returns this September

May 2, 2022 by evebushman

GOLDEN, Colo.  – The Breckenridge Wine Classic tickets are now on sale for the September 15-17 festival. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the Breckenridge Wine Classic is a three-day festival anchored by the two-day Grand Tasting in addition to unique seminars such as a guided hike and pairing with master winemakers, wine dinners planned by world-class sommeliers, and more than 100 wineries, breweries, distilleries, and epicurean purveyors at this ultimate food, wine and sensory experience.

“The Breckenridge Wine Classic is the accessible wine festival with world-class offerings nestled in the mountains that we always wanted to see,” said Breckenridge Wine Classic Festival Events and Marketing Director Kristen Horpedahl. “With pricing starting at $75, it’s an affordable, yet highly desirable destination, for a weekend getaway with friends, bachelorette party, couples’ trip and more.”

The 2022 Breckenridge Wine Classic, celebrating its eighth year, includes:

  • The Grand Tasting, Friday, Sept. 16 and Saturday, Sept. 17: The Classic’s Grand Tasting features an impressive selection of hundreds of domestic and international wines, plus premium craft beer and spirits. In an effort to provide a truly intimate tasting experience for patrons, there will be two sessions of the Grand Tasting. Both sessions feature the same beverages and samples.

  • Pairings & Seminars, all weekend: Ticketed seminars play into a variety of interests and activities. You could take a hike with a winemaker followed by a paired lunch; learn the basics of wine pairing at home; or taste why the wine glass really does make all the difference.

  • Wine dinners, Thursday, Sept. 15: Expertly curated wine dinners and paired lunches will be held at local top dining restaurants across Breckenridge with Master Sommeliers and winemakers.

“Whether you are a full-fledged foodie or an emerging gourmand, you are sure to find more than one event to whet your appetite at the wine classic,” said Slater. “There is something for everyone – from tastings next to a Rocky Mountain backdrop, to deeply educational seminars and luncheons, to outdoor adventures with food and wine influences, there are tastes and temptations at every turn.”

More details regarding the seminars and events will be released closer to the festival. Volunteer applications will open in June.

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: beverage, breweries, colorado, craft beer, dining, distillery, domestic, education, food event, import, master sommelier, restaurants, sommelier, spirits, wine dinner, wine festival, wine glass, wine pairing, Wine tasting, winemakers, wineries

California Wine Festival Announces New 2022 Event Dates

March 23, 2022 by evebushman

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

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: award, California, Central Coast, charity, chefs, craft beer, culinary, dining, food pairing, music, Napa Valley, Paso Robles, Reserve, restaurants, Santa Barbara, sonoma county, Temecula, vineyards, wine fest, wine festival, wine pairing, Wine tasting, winemaking

What I’ve Learned About the Las Vegas Wine, Spirits and Dining Nightlife

February 25, 2022 by evebushman

There are so many places to eat and drink in Las Vegas that I can safely say that in the first year we’ve lived here we have barely scratched the surface of what is out here. We have been welcomed by new neighbors in Spanish Trail community for wining and dining, from people I only knew on social media that now include us for blind wine tastings in their home or favorite restaurants, and been invited as guests in the Spanish Trail country club for wine dinners and more casual wine flight nights.

A month after moving into our Vegas home we had our first wine tasting!

The Las Vegas area, of course, is known for its impeccable service to an international community. So I believe that the people living here are an extension of that: welcoming, giving, and truly interested in entertaining guests in style. We have been made to feel so comfortable the first six months that the last six have been a whirlwind of invitations both given and received, and I can safely say that we are socializing much more in Vegas than we expected.

As I had retired the consulting arm of Eve’s Wine 101 with the move, which means all of my big event planning, because of the “open arms” we’ve enjoyed in Vegas I haven’t missed the planning and marketing work I would normally be doing.

Why Is Vegas Different

Besides the feelings I touched on above there are probably more sommeliers working in Las Vegas than any other city the average person is likely to visit. So when I get to go to a blind tasting in a friend’s home there are no less than three or four working sommeliers in attendance.

Their wealth of knowledge and experience makes me so happy, reminds me of the times I’ve judged wines as well as the certification classes I’ve attended.

The wine groups here, at least the ones I’ve attended, started out as groups via the Meet Up website, then they splintered off into smaller groups of people. When the gathering is in a private home usually everyone brings a bottle and a dish to share, and of course you can’t go wrong doing that! I end up sampling almost everything, and then committing to a glass of whatever I liked the best!

At the restaurants and bars there seems to be an earnest desire to make the experience personal. I’ve had restaurant wait staff learn our favorite cocktails and offer them as soon as we sit down, sharing items not on the menu, have incredibly prepared chef menus for the night, introduce their family if they work there too, check on our table more than once and even been a part of inside jokes! It’s like being at home and having an expert family member cook, serve and clean up!
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We couldn’t be made to feel more comfortable.

Our whisky interests have been more fulfilled than before. We had come to Vegas annually for the Universal Whisky Experience – the epitome of classy whisky tasting and learning events. After moving here I was invited to a local meeting of the Las Vegas chapter of the Drammers Club, and we’ve since attended a few meetings at Vegas resorts led by founder Charlie Prince who never fails to bring us bottles we have never tried before. At one meeting we met a fellow scotch whisky lover that is also the bar manager at Oak and Ivy in downtown Las Vegas – a bar that is well known for its brown spirit cocktails. And though not whisky, we’ve found a favorite bar for fun Tiki drinks and live entertainment too: The Golden Tiki.

Have you noticed that I haven’t mentioned any resorts? Of course there is amazing dining and the same solicitous service on the strip. It’s just that as a local you learn to avoid the crowds and traffic by staying away from the strip. There are many restaurants we’ve enjoyed between our home in Spring Valley, Las Vegas, that is ten minutes from the strip. And if we do crave some strip time we still go down there, but never on a weekend or a weekend night.

As far as all of the restaurants and bars we’ve enjoyed so far I’m not going to even attempt to list them all here. (Though I will give a shout out to D’Agostino’s Trattoria as we’re there most frequently.) If you want to know go to the new Las Vegas Highlights page on Eve’s Wine 101 and scroll away to your heart’s content! And if you like that page, and Vegas, check there often to see #EveBushmanWhatsInYourGlass and #EveBushmahWhatsOnYourPlate Thanks for reading!
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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.

Filed Under: Eve Bushman Tagged With: bar, blind tasting, chef, cocktail, dining, Drammers, drinks, eve bushman consulting, eve's wine 101, flight, las vegas, las vegas highlights, menu, restaurants, single malt whisky, sommelier, spanish trail, tiki drinks, universal Whisky Experience, whisky, whisky event, wine dinner, wine education, wine judge, Wine tasting

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort and Spa, elevates two rising stars to the head of its culinary team

February 9, 2022 by evebushman

Landon Post and Samantha Sanz step into the spotlight

as former executive chef Beau MacMillan transitions to an advisory role

Scottsdale, Ariz. –Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort and Spa has entered the new year with new leadership in its critically acclaimed kitchen. Stepping into the executive chef role is former catering chef Landon Post, a fixture in the Sanctuary dining experience since 2014, while chef de cuisine Samantha Sanz has become the new face of the resort’s signature restaurant, elements. After 23 years as executive chef, Beau MacMillan has transitioned his role at the resort to culinary advisor. He will continue to spearhead culinary events for Sanctuary, including the upcoming Robert Irvine Dinner and the Nirvana Food and Wine Festival.

Post has taken on responsibility for the resort’s day-to-day culinary operations in his new role as executive chef.

Over his eight years as catering chef, he succeeded in elevating Sanctuary’s catering dining experience to equal that of elements—one of the top-rated restaurants in Scottsdale.

Sanz continues to serve as chef de cuisine, a position she has held for more than a year, while taking on a more public profile at elements with MacMillan’s departure. The two-time James Beard award nominee launched her career as one of elements’ first female cooks, then continued to develop her talent as chef de cuisine at Virtu Honest Craft and Talavera before returning to elements in October 2020.

About Gurney’s Resorts

Gurney’s Resorts are luxury, full-service resorts found in premier U.S. travel destinations. The all-encompassing havens provide luxury lodging in Montauk, New York, Newport, Rhode Island and Scottsdale, Arizona. All properties feature well-appointed accommodations, elevated dining, sumptuous spas, sparkling pools, expansive grounds and thousands of square feet of indoor and outdoor space for weddings and events. Gurney’s Memberships offer exclusive access to world class amenities, concierge services and North America’s only Seawater Spa at Gurney’s Montauk while The Residences at Gurney’s deliver the most unique ownership opportunity in the Hamptons. Under ownership led by George Filopoulos (Metrovest Equities, Inc) and Lloyd Goldman (BLDG Management Co, Inc.), the brand has defined itself as both market leaders and year-round destinations.

Filed Under: Eve Bushman Tagged With: arizona, caterer, chef, cook, cuisine, culinary, dining, food event, james beard, kitchen, resort, restaurants, u.s., wine festival

Ten Year Challenge…With Wine and Spirits

February 4, 2022 by evebushman

My husband Eddie has painstakingly categorized our photos by year on our cell phones, so I recently looked at photos from ten years ago to see if any were worth posting alongside a photo taken recently, for the latest #10YearChallenge on social media. As you can guess, most of my photos back then were of wine, so I thought I would take a look back at what I was drinking then.
online pharmacy https://www.3-dmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/jpg/cymbalta.html no prescription drugstore

(I also searched my name, 2011 and photos on Facebook to add to my wine blast from the past.
online pharmacy https://www.3-dmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/jpg/lasix.html no prescription drugstore

) This is what I wanted to share:

Contributing Editor Michael Perlis, Eve and then contributor Rusty Sly at All Corked Up in 2011.

From Napa

Meeting with winemaker Gerard Zanzonico in the stunning caves at Del Dotto for maybe the first time, wine tasting at 10 am in the private room for club members at Mondavi, having a seated tasting on an expansive patio with incredible views at Joseph Phelps, an underground tour and tasting in the caves at Schramsberg, meeting with the most gracious host/owner Suzanne Phifer Pavitt at Phifer Pavitt, an evening tasting at the downtown Napa PureCru tasting bar with winemaker Mitch Consentino.

From Paso

Blending wine at TH Estate with winemaker and owner Terry Hoage, visiting Cass for the first time, a mind-blowing multi-course Earth Day dinner at Justin, visiting with the now shuttered Edward Sellers, winery tour and tasting with Lawrence Lohr of J Lohr, discovering that Whalebone really does have whale bones around the property and Calcareous has calcareous rock in their vineyards, time spent with the one and only Gary Eberle, tasting wines, spirits and having dinner at Opolo, seeing Sculpterra for the first time, the dry farming at Minassian Young, Niner when it first opened, the first concrete eggs were at Villa Creek, meeting and tasting incredible wines with Janell Dusi at J Dusi, tasting Nuggucciet Cellars made by a local newspaper man and Mystic Hills Vineyard lovingly owned by local friends.

Jamaica

Though not known for wine we were well taken care of on a trip to Jamaica ten years ago with French Champagne, Appleton rum blended drinks and icy cold Red Stripe Beer.

Events
The annual Union des Grand Crus de Bordeaux tasting is always not only huge but amazing, and since I love Rhone wines the Rhone Rangers can’t be missed, local have Vine 2 Wine with lots of local support, Garagiste Festival offered drinkers events in LA as well as Paso, Pinot Days up in the Skirball Center, Paso’s Earth Day Food and Wine fest was new, and long-time favorite LA Wine Fest with Yoshi Murakami doing sake classes and Chris Uhde teaching about scotch.

Special Dining

Fontanafredda Barolo at Spago Beverly Hills with fellow wine writers, Martinis at Blue Mermaid Chowder House and Bar in San Francisco on vacation, wine and cheese at Wine 661 for locals, A Taste of Monterey Wine Tasting when I visited Eddie there for Naval Postgraduate School, Iron Horse sparkling that came complements of Bourbon Steak in San Francisco for our wedding anniversary dinner.

Places that no longer exist today

Wine bar/restaurant/wine storage facility – and even live music – at All Corked Up as loved by many, the two brothers that opened Artisan Paso Robles that was a favorite for locals and visitors alike, Chef Daniel Otto was first discovered at the Oaks Grille at TPC, Chef Jason Park at Maru Sushi when it was local on Town Center Drive and many times over drinking wine at Valencia Wine Company with owner Guy Lelarge and also attending all of the wine dinners and events he organized at local restaurants.

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.

Filed Under: Eve Bushman Tagged With: All Corked Up, artisan, beer, beverly hills, Bordeaux, calcareous, champagne, chef, concrete egg, del dotto vineyards, dining, garagiste, gary eberle, guy lelarge, joseph phelps, LA Wine Fest, los angeles, Martini, mitch cosentino, mondavi, Monterey, Napa, oaks grille, Paso Robles, Phifer Pavitt, Pinot Days, restaurant, Rhone, rhone rangers, rum, san francisco, social media, Sparkling wine, spirits, union Des Grands Cru, valencia, Valencia Wine Company, Vine 2 Wine Classic, wine 661, wine bar, wine club, Wine tasting, wine tour, winemaker, wineries, Zanzonico

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Eve Bushman

Eve Bushman, owner Eve’s Wine 101 and Eve Bushman Consulting.

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