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The Ford Announces Culinary Partnership with Plant-Based Chef Jocelyn Ramirez of Todo Verde for 2021 Concert Season

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Plant-Based Menu and Beverages are Featured at the Ford Terrace Café and Grab & Go Market

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Ford, the 1,200-seat Los Angeles amphitheater nestled into the Hollywood Hills, announces a new culinary program designed by celebrated chef and community activist Jocelyn Ramirez of Todo Verde. Beginning July 30, 2021, attendees of The Ford’s performing arts programs began to order food and beverages at Todo Verde at the Terrace or the Grab & Go Market with Ramirez’ flavor-rich and healthy plant-based menu of dishes and drinks.

Jocelyn Ramirez founded Todo Verde in 2015 with a mission to create delicious and healthy foods inspired by her Mexican and South American roots for her Eastside Mexican community. As one of the most popular vendors at Smorgasburg LA, Ramirez continues to learn about the health benefits of nutrient-dense food and healthy ecosystems and shares her knowledge of healthy living through workshops, dialogues and food demonstrations throughout the community.

Photo credit Lindsay Kreighbaum.

Ramirez is thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce her menu at The Ford, stating, “This is such a moment for chefs of color in Los Angeles, and I’m honored to be a part of The Ford’s season as the first plant-based food concessionaire to take over a major music venue in the city of Los Angeles. Just six years ago, Todo Verde was founded and has become a staple across LA’s farmers’ markets and Smorgasburg LA. Now we are happy to call The Ford home, serving up some of our signatures like tacos de carnitas, ceviche, mulitas de chorizo and more.”

In addition to three types of tacos – Mushroom y Mole, Jackfruit Carnitas con Pipian Verde and Chorizo-Spiced-Seared Mushroom, – Todo Verde offers several dishes to share: Ceviche de Palmitas with hearts of palm in citrus and olive oil served with avocado, tomato, cilantro, jalapeño, cucumber, black sesame & tortilla chips;  Como La Flor of quinoa, cilantro micro greens, tomato, cucumber & orange, served with citrus-dressed mixed greens; Mulita of house-made cashew cheese melted between blue corn tortillas with house-made plant-based “chorizo,” cashew crema & pickled red onion; Nachos with house-made plant-based nacho cheese over tortilla chips with choice of plant-based “chorizo” or jackfruit, cashew crema & pico de gallo; and Poblano Mac y Cheese with fire-roasted poblano cashew queso and wheat semolina macaroni.

Desserts include Cacao Pudding, a cacao-and avocado-based pudding spiced with cinnamon, vanilla, maple syrup with strawberry reduction, dehydrated strawberries & pistachio crumble; and Plant-Based Cheesecake of creamy cashew-based lemon cheesecake with toasted almond cashew crust, cacao ganache and lemon zest.

To complement these menus are Todo Verde’s refreshing agua frescas, Strawberry Rose and Black Rice Horchata, which are available in both non-alcoholic and spiked versions using craft spirits. Guests may select craft beers from SouthNorte Beer Co. (San Diego) and Baja Brewing (Tijuana) and natural wines from small producers Sassara and Las Jaras wineries.

The Grab & Go Market features some of Todo Verde’s favorite food businesses that embody the cultural flavors that define Los Angeles. Carnivores, pescatarians and vegetarians can choose from Ramirez’s curated collection: George’s Boyle Heights Bean & Cheese Burrito or Ground Beef Burrito; Seoul Sausage Korean Fried Chicken; Bridgetown Roti Garlic Trini Eggplant & Scallion or Green Curry Shrimp & Potato; Toss It up Caesar Salad or a Southwestern Chicken Salad; Maison Matho French Ham & Butter Sandwich; Mama Musubi Curry Chicken Musubi or Yuzu Salmon Musubu; and Plantae Sushi Miso Avocado Roll or Spicy “Tuna” Roll. Ramirez includes a vegan and traditional Cheese Box served with accompaniments, and for dessert, Madame Shugah cookies; Omiso cookies; Bijoux Macarons; Coolhaus dairy-free ice-cream sandwiches; and Buttery Co kettle and cheddar corn. The Grab & Go Market offers an expansive selection of local craft beers and natural wines by the glass and bottle.

To browse the complete Todo Verde at the Terrace Café menu or to order online on show days (90 minute window) click HERE.  To view the complete Grab & Go Market offerings, click HERE. To learn more about dining and picnicking at The Ford, click HERE.

About Jocelyn Ramirez:

Todo Verde founder Jocelyn Ramirez is a plant-based chef, college professor, yoga instructor and advocate for healthy food access in her community. After Jocelyn’s father was diagnosed with cancer for the second time, she created a plant-based superfood smoothie diet that made him dramatically stronger and helped with a quick recovery. She founded Todo Verde in 2015 and left her career in higher education to pursue a new path in foodways related to culture and tradition, and she references traditional recipes passed down for generations within her family. Her business offers a robust catering division and can be experienced at farmers’ markets and at Smorgasburg LA in DTLA.  Jocelyn’s background includes Fine Art, Design and Business degrees, and she has trained at the Matthew Kenney Culinary Institute. Her work has been featured in several publications, including Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Vice, Spotify, Buzzfeed, Smithsonian, and Bon Appetit. Jocelyn published her first cookbook, La Vida Verde: Plant-Based Mexican Cooking with Authentic Flavor (Page Street), in 2020. In 2017, Jocelyn co-founded Across Our Kitchen Tables, an organization focused on uplifting women of color in the food industry that hosts skill-shares and an annual symposium. She currently sits on the Culinary Advisory Board for Food Forward and the Leadership Board for the Los Angeles Food Policy Council.

About The Ford

The Ford is one of the oldest performing arts venues in Los Angeles, with an outdoor 1,200-seat amphitheater and a rich history dating back to 1920. Situated in a 32-acre park and under the stewardship of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Ford presents an eclectic summer season of music, dance, film and family events that are reflective of the communities that comprise Los Angeles.

Second Annual Four Seasons Maui Wine & Food Classic Set for Memorial Day Weekend 2020

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WAILEA, Hawaii /PRNewswire/ — After an acclaimed first year event, Four Seasons Resort Maui has announced the second annual Four Seasons Maui Wine & Food Classic line-up for Memorial Weekend 2020. Developed in partnership with “wine therapist to the stars” president and principal of Wally’s Wine & Spirits Christian Navarro, the weekend of events promises opportunities to connect with an all-star line-up of world-class vintners, master sommeliers and celebrity chefs.

 

“This year, we’ve raised the bar even higher,” says Four Seasons Maui General Manager Marc Bromley of the annual event, awarded Robb Report’s “Best of the Best New Wine Festival 2019” in its inaugural year.  “Some of the world’s most coveted wineries and most star-studded chefs will join us here in Maui to create pure magic.”

Navarro’s curated list of over 30 wineries include powerhouses such as GAJA, BOND, Dom Pérignon, Opus One, and many more.  Acclaimed spirit producers Casa Dragones tequila, Michter’s whiskey, and Dos Hermanos Mezcal by Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston will also join the weekend.

Four Seasons Maui Executive Chef Craig Dryhurst will welcome superstar chefs Wolfgang Puck of Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group and Spago Maui, Francis Mallmann, Michael Mina of Mina Group, Josiah Citrin of Melisse, Jackson Yu of Omakase, and Erik Anderson of Four Seasons Napa Valley.

Guests who reserve the Four Seasons Maui Wine & Food Classic event package will have an all-access pass to the entire weekend of events.

EVENT SCHEDULE (details are subject to change):

Starlit Soiree
Thursday, May 21, 2020, 6:30 p.m.
The weekend’s events kick off with a meeting of the stars, under the stars, featuring famed Italian wine producer GAJA, Wally’s Chef Ryan Kluver, Four Seasons Maui’s Executive Chef Craig Dryhurst and Four Seasons Napa Valley’s Executive Chef Erik Anderson. Fifth generation vintner Giovanni Gaja will host this extraordinary evening.
Oceanfront Gala
Friday, May 22, 2020, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Over 35 world-renowned wine and spirit producers and bites prepared by celebrity guest chefs will be showcased at this grand tasting event set on the Resort’s stunning Oceanfront Lawn.  Guests will mix and mingle with visiting vintners and master sommeliers, as well as the Resort’s robust staff of more than 20 sommeliers providing the Resort’s legendary service.
Masterclasses
Saturday, May 23, 2020 & Sunday, May 24,2020, Daytime
Guests will enhance their wine IQ with access to two of the following Masterclasses that feature the world’s best wine, caviar, coffee and more:

  • Champagne and Caviar: Billecart-Salmon and Calvisius Caviar
  • Napa Valley Superstars: Dana Estates, Marciano Estate, Realm, Sinegal Estate
  • Glassology: A Discovery of How Glass Shape Affects Taste
  • The Great Terroirs of California Pinot Noir: Barden, The Hilt, Kistler, Occidental, Williams Selyem
  • House of Roederer: An Exploration of Biodynamic Champagne
  • The World’s Rarest Coffees: A Tasting with Two Coffee Sommeliers
  • Central Coast Superstars: Aleksander Estate, Barden, Crown Point, Daou, Jonata, Margerum
  • Super Tuscan Legend: Solaia

Elite Dinners
Saturday, May 23, 2020, 6:30 p.m.
Celebrity chefs pair up with select wineries to present five break-out dinners across the Resort’s stunning venues. Guests will choose from the following exclusive options:

  • Opus One featuring Chef Wolfgang Puck
  • BOND featuring Chef Josiah Citrin
  • Memento Mori featuring Chef Michael Mina
  • Dom Pérignon featuring Chef Jackson Yu
  • Casa Dragones Tequila featuring Chef Melissa Perello

Fire & Feast with Francis Mallmann
Sunday, May 24, 2020, 6:00 p.m.
Sparks will fly as South America’s most beloved chef Francis Mallmann brings his celebrated style to the shores of Maui. Mallmann, who has developed a cult-like following after Netflix documented his story on Chef’s Table, will pull the meal right out of the fire, which guests will enjoy alongside Uruguayan Bodega Garzón wines.
Brunch & Bubbles
Monday, May 25, 2020, 10:00 a.m.
The weekend concludes with a lavish brunch featuring only the best Champagne houses. Producers include Billecart-Salmon, Dom Pérignon, Moët & Chandon, Ruinart, and Veuve Clicquot.

Discover the full list of featured wines and spirits here.

Ticket and Accommodations Information
Guests will experience the entire schedule when they choose to book the event package. A la carte tickets are available for the Oceanfront Gala only. Guests must be age 21 years or older to attend all events. Accommodations must be reserved separately. Visit fourseasons.com/mauiclassic  for more information.

The presenting sponsor for the Four Seasons Maui Wine & Food Classic is ultra-high-end luxury watchmaker Richard Mille. Additional sponsors include NetJets, Riedel, Alaska Airlines, Martin Katz, and Chef Works.

About Four Seasons Resort Maui: To learn more about the legendary resort, visit the website.

‘International Volcanic Wine Conference’ To Be Held In Berlin, Tuesday May 26, 2020

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – John Szabo, Master Sommelier and award-winning author, together with Volcanic Wines International (VWI) is proud to announce the 3rd annual ‘International Volcanic Wine Conference (IVWC)’, to be held in Berlin, Tuesday, May 26, 2020. The event follows the highly successful conferences, held in New York the past 2 years, and Szabo’s acclaimed book on the subject, ‘Volcanic Wines: Salt, Grit and Power,’ published in 2016. VWI is honored to be working with Organize Communications, based in the German-speaking markets of Austria, Switzerland, and Germany, to help us coordinate and manage IVWC3 in Berlin.

The IVWC, going into its third year, aims to continue its mission of establishing a volcanic wine movement, and provide educational and promotional opportunities for volcanic wine producers internationally. The conference acts as a catalyst and facilitator, bringing together all of the world’s volcanic regions and wines, that while incredibly diverse, represent a unique category of wines produced under some of the most extreme viticultural conditions on the planet. The annual conference also aims to continue to establish the ‘Volcanic Wine Classification’ as a premium category of high quality, terroir-driven wines with a true sense of place.

This past year’s 2019 conference in New York brought together producers from all over the world, including Armenia, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Portugal, Spain, South America and the US, helping raise the profile of volcanic wines. Exclusively for qualifying wine trade and media, industry professionals had the opportunity to sample wines from close to 70 wineries from 23 different volcanic wine regions and engage with some of the world’s leading volcanic wine experts.

“The Soave Consortium has always believed in the need of creating a specific category to identify volcanic wines and their unique characteristics,” says Sandro Gini, Soave Consortium President. “We are also excited to be joining forces with our neighbors in Vesuvio and Santorini for a joint cooperation in promoting volcanic wines in Europe and the opportunity to participate in the Berlin conference.”

The IVWC began with an opening presentation hosted by John Szabo and Benoît Marsan Ph.D., Chemistry Professor at the Université du Québec in Montréal. Szabo and Marsan presented the results of their joint research study related to minerality. “It was a terrific opportunity to take a deep dive into the complex interaction between vines and volcanic soils, both through tasting and talking with vintners from around the world,” said Tara Q Thomas, Executive Editor of Wine & Spirits Magazine. “The session with Professor Marsan, who gave us a crash course in inorganic chemistry, was an extra bonus, offering us a deeper understanding of the many ways soil chemistry can affect what we taste in our glasses.”

Regional seminars included “Earth, Ash and Fire: Three Decades of Galardi from the Roccamonfina Volcano,” sponsored by The Winebow Group; “Soave, A Volcanic Agricultural Heritage,” sponsored by the Consorzio Tutela Vino Soave; and “Vesuvius Lacryma Christi Stories,” sponsored by the Vesuvio DOP Consorzio Tutela Vini.

“It was a great event, offering insight into the world of volcanic wines,” said Tara Empson, CEO of Empson USA, which represented Soave producer Tenuta Corte Giacobbe Dal Cero. “The seminars tied together the many factors that help shape and characterize these remarkable wines. The grand tasting was diverse, as there were producers from many parts of the world, which helped attendees understand the similarities and differences of their wines.”

“It’s exciting to see how the volcanic wine movement — and the annual conference — continue to gain traction,” said John Szabo MS. I look forward to carrying on our mission to elevate the volcanic wine category in the eyes, and palates, of industry professionals as well as wine lovers at next year’s conference in Berlin.”

For more information and the latest updates, visit Volcanic Wines International’s official website, and follow VWI’s Facebook (Volcanic Wines International) and Instagram (@volcanicwines_intl) pages. Additional details regarding the conference, including confirmed participants and seminar schedules, will be announced soon.

About John Szabo
John Szabo is a Toronto-based author and wine critic, and in 2004 was the first Canadian to add the Master Sommelier credential to his name. He was named ‘Canada’s best-known sommelier’ in Meininger’s Wine Business International, and he is a partner and a wine critic for WineAlign.com and freelances widely. In addition to Volcanic Wines, Salt, Grit and Power, his book titles include Pairing Food and Wine for Dummies and Sommelier Management. John also works as a restaurant consultant, and speaks and judges internationally, when he’s not making a few dozen bottles of wine from his vineyard in Eger, Hungary.

About Volcanic Wines International (VWI)
The mission of Volcanic Wines International is to take the leading role in defining and establishing a Volcanic Wine Movement, and to provide educational and promotional opportunities for volcanic wine producers internationally. Volcanic Wines International also plans to establish the volcanic wine brand as a premium category of high quality wines with a true sense of place.

It Starts With Wine, A Wine Enthusiast Media Original Production, Premiers on Amazon Prime Video January 4th

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VALHALLA, N.Y., PRNewswire — Wine Enthusiast Media is pleased to announce the launch of It Starts With Wine, an original series premiering on Amazon Prime Video January 4th, 2019. The episodic series travels the globe and follows the world’s best winemakers, growers, producers and personalities, along with prominent chefs and celebrities, to offer viewers an inside look at the people, locations, cuisines and cultures that surround the wine lifestyle and the world’s finest wines and spirits.

The first episode in the groundbreaking cinematic series features famed chef and restaurateur Francis Mallmann, with acclaimed “flying winemaker” Alberto Antonini, set against the beautiful backdrop of Uruguay and one of the country’s premier wineries, Bodega Garzon.

“We felt that the best way to convey these stories was in episodic fashion,” says Jay Spaleta, Executive Producer and Wine Enthusiast SVP. “Wine Enthusiast has long been an innovator in wine information, reviews and content, this is the next bold step in that content leadership.”

“It Starts With Wine is a docuseries that tells a personal story and shares deep insights in a way that is very approachable, engaging and revealing,” continues Spaleta.

Wine Enthusiast Media will be simultaneously releasing episodes I, II and III for viewers binge-watching pleasure. The series will be available on Amazon Prime Video in North America and Vimeo’s On Demand premium video service globally.
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Episode II of It Starts With Wine follows doctor / vintner Laura Catena and musician / chef Deborah De Corral on a visit to Bodega Catena Zapata, the renowned Argentine Winery. Founded in 1902, Catena is known for bringing traditional European winemaking methods to South America.

Episode III travels to California to look at biodynamic viticulture with Joseph Brinkley, vineyard director at Bonterra Organic Vineyards and explores the simplicity of elemental food with chef Garrett Sathre.
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About Wine Enthusiast:

Wine Enthusiast Media creates innovative long and short-format content in the wine, spirits, travel and lifestyle categories. Wine Enthusiast Media is the production division of Wine Enthusiast Companies founded in 1979, and publisher of Wine Enthusiast magazine.

For more info visit: https://itstartswithwine.com

VinePair, in Partnership with Wine.com, Releases Their Top 50 Wines of 2018

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NEW YORK (Newswire.com) – VinePair – the largest alcohol media company in North America with a digital footprint of 24 million – releases their Top 50 Wines of 2018. This is the third year VinePair has released a “best of the year” list, but the first time they are partnering with Wine.com – the largest online wine shop – who will feature all 50 of VinePair’s top wines on their website, so readers can easily purchase them. The top 50 list focuses on wines that are drinkable, interesting, and, above all, offer great value for money.

“We love VinePair’s fresh take on the world of wine,” said Mike Osborn, Founder and EVP at Wine.com. “We are excited to partner with them to give their readers easy access to the wines they recommend.

“We are thrilled to partner with Wine.com,” said Adam Teeter, CEO, and Co-Founder of VinePair. “For the past three years, VinePair’s Top 50 list has been the most read year-end wine ranking list in America, and we felt it was important to partner with another leader in the wine world in 2018.”

To determine which wines make the cut, VinePair’s panel tastes thousands of wines that have been submitted by wineries from around the country. What separates VinePair’s list from other publications is that VinePair staff members can also nominate bottles they have had throughout the year, which the panel will then purchase, taste, and grade in addition to the wines that have been submitted.

Rankings were decided based on the following criteria: all bottles had to be readily available in the U.S. None of the wines that made the list in 2017 were considered, and VinePair places a limit on one bottle per winery. The panel tastes the wines considered among the top 10, multiple times.

Some themes readers can expect from 2018’s Top 50:

  • Restrained Napa Cabs are the future. VinePair’s number one wine of 2018 is Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 from Napa Valley.
  • The Finger Lakes is going to become known as this country’s premier Riesling region. Number two on the list is Herman J. Wiemer HJW Vineyard Riesling 2016 from the Finger Lakes
  • Vina Vik is making South America’s Best Wine. Their Vik Bordeaux Blend was VinePair’s favorite bottle from the southern hemisphere.
  • Don’t sleep on Greece. Fourth best wine is Xinomavro “Ramnista” Macedonia, Ktima Kir-Yianni 2013 Xinomavro Naoussa
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  • Lots of Champagne. Champagne consistently delivers the best bang for your sparkling buck and it’s not just for posh celebrations.

About: VinePair was started four years ago by Adam Teeter and Josh Malin, two media veterans who were interested and passionate about wine, beer and cocktails but discouraged by an elitist culture. Since then, it’s turned into the largest alcohol media company in North America delivering accessible, entertaining, and inspiring content about drinks and the experiences you have with a glass in hand.

Two Wines from Catena’s Adrianna Vineyard are First South American Wines Awarded 100 Points from Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

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MENDOZA, Argentina (PRWEB) – Since its inception 40 years ago, a 100 point score from Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate has marked the rise of a select few wineries from around the world. Most extraordinary is that this first-time South American perfect wine score was awarded to two wines produced in one vineyard, the Catena family’s Adrianna Vineyard. When Nicolás Catena planted this site in 1992, he was called crazy for cultivating the vines at such a high altitude. Vineyards had never been planted in the Gualtallary District, Tupungato Alto, Mendoza, because the climate was considered too extreme. This award for Argentina’s finest Grand Cru site, Adrianna, marks a historic moment for South American wine.

piramide“Since 1902, every generation of my family has worked to elevate Argentine wine, and these awards for the Adrianna Vineyard are a true recognition for our region,” says Dr. Laura Catena, Managing Director of Catena Zapata.

“Terroir is everything, whether in France, Italy, or Argentina,” Catena adds. “When he planted the Adrianna Vineyard, my father, Nicolás Catena, was seeking an ideal location to make age-worthy wines in Mendoza, a site at the cool climate limit of vine cultivation. The organically farmed Adrianna Vineyard lies at almost 5,000 feet elevation on an ancient dry riverbed with a unique combination of stony and limestone soils, microbiomes and climate, resulting in a labyrinth of different micro-terroirs. By separately vinifying the grapes from each small parcel, we’ve found ‘the gold’ within this site.”

The Adrianna Vineyard River Stones Malbec 2016 comes from a particularly stony alluvial soil section of the vineyard. The small, oval stones provide excellent drainage and moderate the vast temperature shifts between the sunny days and cool nights. The wine’s suggested retail price is $160 per bottle and is scheduled for release in 2019.

Catena Zapata’s head winemaker Alejandro Vigil was also behind the Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Gualtallary 2013, a partnership between himself and Adrianna Catena, Nicolás Catena’s youngest daughter. A blend of 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Malbec from the cool 2013 vintage, this exciting wine will evolve gracefully in the cellar for many years. Its suggested retail price is $120.

For more information about Catena Zapata, please visit http://www.catenawines.com, and for El Enemigo, http://www.enemigowines.com.

About Catena Zapata:

Dr. Nicolás Catena Zapata and Dr. Laura Catena are the third and fourth-generation of Bodega Catena Zapata, a family winery founded in 1902 by Italian immigrant, Nicola Catena, in Mendoza, Argentina.

Although he was born in a small wine-producing village of just a few hundred inhabitants, Nicolás Catena Zapata sought to understand wine beyond his native Argentina. While studying Economics at Columbia University in the 1970s, and later, during an academic sabbatical in California, Nicolás was inspired by Robert Mondavi’s Napa revolution. Mondavi aimed at making American wines that could stand with the best of the world, and Catena asked himself: “Why not do this in Argentina?” What followed in the 1980’s and 1990’s was the beginning of Catena’s High Altitude Malbec Revolution. Nicolás decided to plant vineyards higher and higher in the Andean foothills, searching for greater concentration and elegance in his wines. Many in Mendoza thought his grapes would never ripen.

Inspired by her father’s quest for knowledge, born from small village roots, Nicolás’ daughter Laura studied biology at Harvard and received a Medical Doctor degree from Stanford. At first, Laura thought she would spend her life drinking, not making her family’s wines, until she came to the realization that her father and country needed her help back home in Argentina. In 1995 Dr. Laura Catena founded the Catena Institute of Wine with the aim of understanding the best high altitude sites in Argentina, and of bringing Malbec back from near-extinction. Malbec had been, alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, France’s most important variety from the Middle Ages until the phylloxera epidemic of the late 19th Century, and father and daughter sought to bring back Malbec to its historic prominence. Two decades of soil studies by Laura and the Catena Institute led to the discovery of the special ‘parcelas’ of the Adrianna Vineyard.

Bodega Catena Zapata has been awarded the wine industry’s greatest honors from international food and wine media for its role in Argentina’s High Altitude Malbec Revolution. The family’s vision remains the same as its founder’s, to elevate Argentine wine.

New Rosé All Day Garden Announced

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MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. (PRWEB) – America’s most renowned wine and food festivals have four main ingredients—celebrity winemakers, top culinary talent, thought-provoking tasting seminars, and elements that highlight and celebrate current trends. The South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival, April 26 – 29, combines these elements to create the ultimate wine weekend in Northwest Florida. Held in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin’s Town Center, the 2018 South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival will feature a dazzling roster of celebrity winemakers, distillers, chefs, brew masters and entertainers while introducing grand new features, including the Rosé All Day Garden, provocative seminars with industry leaders and culinary masters, aiming to please every palate.

SaveTheDateBG“We’ve watched Rosés grow and grow in popularity, and wanted to replace Champagne Lane with something new,” said Chan Cox, founder of the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival and owner for Wine World. “Inspired by New York City Rosé festivals, including La Nuit en Rosé and Pinknic, we believe the Rosé All Day Garden will beautifully complement our April weather.”

Presented by ResortQuest, the Rosé All Day Garden will feature Rosés from around the globe, including Italy, Spain, France, South America and from North America, California and Oregon. The entire Grand Park will be transformed into all things Rosé. From pink décor to machines whipping out Frosé, a popular frozen drink made with Hendrix Gin and Marques De Caceres Rioja Rosé, the Garden will be blooming pink. Rosé vodka, Rosé champagne, Rosé sparkling wines and Rosé wine from domestic and international vineyards will be among the hundred different tasting options. Attendees are invited to embrace the theme by donning their favorite pink, rose or blush colored attire. A photo booth and Rosé swag from ResortQuest give guests every opportunity to see and drink pink.

“Europeans have been drinking Rosés forever. However, in the last four or five years, Americans began discovering European Rosés, which are light in color with lots of flavor yet dry,” said Chan Cox, founder of the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival and owner of Chan’s Wine World. “Dry rosés are so versatile. They go with anything and they are pleasant for warm summer enjoyment.”

Educational tasting seminars are another critical element of a world-class wine festival, and the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival will once again feature highly-sought after winemakers and master distillers from around the world sharing their knowledge and love of producing fine wines and spirits.

On Saturday, April 28, Anthony and Olive Hamilton Russell of Hamilton Russell Vineyards as well as Southern Right and Ashbourne wineries will lead the first seminar beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Honoring one of the master distillers featured at the Craft Beer & Spirits Jam on Friday (4/27), Master Distiller with Maker’s Mark, Rob Samuels, will lead an educational tasting seminar on Saturday (4/28) from 2:45 – 3:30 p.m.

Among the master distillers at the 2018 Craft Beer & Spirits Jam and featured within Spirits Row at the Grand Tasting will be Master Distiller Dave Pickerell of WhistlePig.

On Sunday (4/29) from 1:30 – 2:15 p.m., Mathieu Pouchan of Salon Delamotte will lead a tasting seminar on the timeless classic, Champagne.

Oregon wine pioneer David Adelsheim’s Sunday tasting seminar will focus on the Pinot Noirs that put Oregon wines on the map. His seminar runs 2:45 – 3:30 p.m.

Finally, a grand wine festival deserves an exceptional culinary program, and the Savor South Walton Culinary Village is set to deliver delicacies that pair beautifully with the wines. Lead by the Culinary Director of Wine World’s The Wine Bar and The Craft Bar, Scott Plumley, the creative spread infuses local produce along with local meats from Heureux Beef just north of Defuniak Springs, Fla., and Coastal Blue Farms in Freeport, Fla. With distinct flavor profiles to blend acidity with bases and balance the wines, the menu includes: Alabama goat cheese fritters with San Marzano Tomato Sauce; avocado sourdough paired with marinated baby tomatoes and Aleppo pepper; Heureux Beef slider topped with aged gouda, tomato-bacon marmalade, and Coastal Blue Farms Micro Arugula; as well as Low Country Shrimp and Grits paired with Conecuh Sausage, Shellfish Nage and Collard Greens.

Award-winning cheeses will also be on the menu. Presented by Gourmet Foods International, world-renowned cheese expert and educator Michael Landis will present a sampling of the American Cheese Society’s Medal-winning cheeses.

The four-day celebration of wine also includes Craft Beer & Spirits Jam, Spirits Row, Nosh Pavilions, live entertainment and more than 800 wines poured by knowledgeable wine industry insiders.

Tickets are now on sale. Event details and tickets are available at http://www.sowalwine.com. To purchase tickets, visit https://sowal-wine.xorbia.com/.

Presented by Wine Enthusiast Media, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin and Visit South Walton, the festival offers the ideal backdrop for a beach getaway. The Festival is made possible by the generous support of the following Founding Partners: Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, Visit South Walton Tourist Development Council, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Wine World of Northwest Florida and Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals is the official lodging partner of the festival.

About South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival
This year’s annual South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival will be held April 26-29, 2018 throughout the Town Center of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. The festival features a stunning showcase of the best wines in the world. Meet the celebrity wine producers and master distillers presenting their fine wine and spirits from around the world. The Savor South Walton Culinary Village offers a sumptuous array of foods to taste, wines to pair, as well as wine and food tasting seminars. Visit the new Rosé All Day Garden, Spirits Row and Nosh Pavilions and enjoy live entertainment throughout the weekend. The Craft Beer & Spirits Jam and Winemakers & Shakers events round out the extended festival weekend. The event is a major fundraiser for Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, which benefits children in need in Northwest Florida. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.SoWalWine.com.

Drake’s Organic White Rum and Organic Vodka Receive Critical Acclaim

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Minneapolis (PRWEB) – Launched July 2017, Drake’s Organic Spirits is already redefining quality standards in the organic spirits industry as the recipient of gold medals for its vodka and white rum, both of which are organic, grain free, gluten-free and non-GMO.
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The 2017 Global Spirit Awards presented Drake’s Organic White Rum with the only Double Gold medal awarded to a rum in the competition, along with the title of Best Rum (White). Its counterpart, Drake’s Organic Vodka, won a Gold medal from the 2017 San Diego Spirits Festival International Spirits Competition.

20933865_455776331475095_7714976771564394048_oEarly awards like these stem from the Minnesota company’s founders, Mark and Kristen Anderson, and their dedicated journey around the globe to source only the highest-quality organic, non-GMO ingredients to create a product that meets the highest possible consumer demands and expectations for quality in ingredients and taste.

Drake’s Organic Rum and Organic Vodka are handcrafted in the United States using alcohol that originates from the organic cane sugar fed from the purest water flowing down from the Andes Mountain tops to the fertile Cuaca Valley in South America. A 12-step distillation process creates a smooth, clean taste impossible to find in GRAIN-fermented spirits.

“Kristen and I both grew up on Midwestern farms knowing the importance of organic agricultural practices and were able to see a gap in the spirits industry. Not only did we want to provide a product that would meet the needs of people who support the organic movement and those with gluten allergies, but we wanted that product to taste exceptional. We wanted a product that was smooth– without the burn of grain alcohol.
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To do that we had to find the right ingredients, and we found them in South America,” said Mark Anderson, CEO and co-founder of Drake’s Organic Spirits.

Informing on the gap in the spirits industry for a line of premium organic spirits, a 2016 Technavio report notes that while consumers are attracted by ingredient quality, previous organic spirit labels have not emphasized taste in their products. The same report denotes organic alcohol as an emerging trend that is expected to propel the growth of the global organic drinks market through at least 2020.

With the expected growth of the organic spirits industry and increasing demand for high-quality taste and ingredients in organic/non-GMO products, the launch and immediate critical success of Drake’s Organic Spirits signals a welcoming answer to the previous absence of a premium organic spirits label.

“We are thrilled with the positive response the organic vodka and organic white rum are receiving right off the bat. It helps validate the care we’ve taken in sourcing ingredients for a line of premium organic spirits that consumers will actually enjoy drinking,” said Anderson.

About Drake’s Organic Spirits
Drake’s Organic Spirits was launched in 2017 to utilize USDA organic and non-GMO Project Verified ingredients for the distillation and distribution of unique, premium alcoholic spirits. Handcrafted in Rochester, New York, Drake’s Organic Vodka and Drake’s Organic White Rum offer non-grain, gluten free, ultra-premium, 12 times distilled handcrafted products created from non-GMO Project Verified ingredients at a better price than the leading premium brands.

Drake’s Organic Spirits is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

For more information, please visit http://www.drakesorganicspirits.com, facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drakesorganic/, Instagram: @drakesorganic, or contact email sales: storm(at)drakesorganic(dot)com.

South American Wine is Coming to LA

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Upcoming wine tasting event showcases more than 150 wines from over 40 Chilean and Argentinian wineries
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Beverly Hills, California (August 27, 2015) – wineLA proudly announces “Tasting South America”. This unique and cultural wine tasting event will be held at the elegant Peninsula Beverly Hills on October 21, 2015.

Ikgm1gaFCauAWo3CR7swpFDjufF3lfSsbrB3wZXVlEKnHAmY8mIbpfoubXqmcPmFNCyJ5w=w1896-h859Wines of Chile and wineLA have been working for over a year to bring together the best in Chilean Wine; Argentina has visited every year so this year we are doing something different! Celebrating the diversity of the regions, the event will feature Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and the famous Argentinian Malbec and Torrentes, along with great Bordeaux inspired blends.

Included in the “Advanced General Admission ticket” are unlimited wine tasting, tray passed hors d’oeuvres, and an elegant assortment of breads, cheeses, and chocolate. For wine aficionados, a $150 VIP ticket ($200 at the door) also includes a VIP wine tasting, dinner buffet, Spanish guitar presentation and a VIP Gift Bag packed full of fabulous items from the event sponsors and partners.

Guests will also have a chance to bid on an array of extraordinary auction items, and trips ranging in value from $100 to $10,000. One hundred percent of the silent auction proceeds benefit the TJ Martell Foundation, a Los-Angeles based 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to supporting innovative groundbreaking research for leukemia, cancer, and AIDS.

Tasting South America begins at 7:00 p.m. for general admission ticket holders and 6:30 p.m. for VIP attendees.

For more information about Tasting South America or to purchase tickets, visit www.winela.com, or call wineLA at (310) 451-7600.


About wineLA

wineLA is focused on enhancing the wine culture of Los Angeles. wineLA hosts significant events, occasional classes, and tastings of merit. This is the second phase of what the organization started 20 years ago at LearnAboutWine.com – America’s first wine education website and first in wine event creation.

To accomplish its mission, wineLA recognizes that wine must be placed in rhythm with fashion, music, food, geography, centers of interest, and architecture. Los Angeles is a giant playground with an amazing array of venues, spaces, wine bars, restaurants, beaches, rooftops, gardens, and magical views where wineLA is leaving a footprint of wine lifestyle by celebrating people, places, and passion.

Catching up with Alex Guarachi, Guarachi Family Wine and TGIC Importers

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Guarachi Family Wines Completes Purchase of Sun Chase Vineyard in Sonoma County

Guarachi Family Wines is pleased to announce the purchase of their first estate, Sun Chase Vineyard, within the Sonoma Coast AVA and Petaluma Wind Gap. With the acquisition of Sun Chase, Guarachi Family Wines is able to continue to build their highly successful Pinot Noir range from the Sonoma Coast AVA.

image003Notes Founder Alex Guarachi, “It has taken years to find the right vineyard, and a site that could complement the exceptional fruit we’re sourcing from premier growers. With the purchase of our own vineyard, we’ve laid the foundation for our continued growth. Sun Chase is just six years old so the threshold to discover what it’s capable of still lies ahead. Sun Chase has a great destiny to fulfill.”

Named for the sun “chasing the fog” in the morning, the 248-acre lot is situated on the southern side of Sonoma Mountain, an area heavily influenced by cool ocean breezes. The significant maritime influence and high elevation highlight the minerality of the wines.

Currently planted to 24 acres of Pinot Noir, the first single vineyard Guarachi Family Wines release is scheduled for its 2013 vintage. In the interim, sample the Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (SRP $65) sourced from Sun Chase as well as Gap’s Crown and Goldrock Ridge. Floral nuances combine with layers of balanced fruit for a lasting finish.

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Q&A WITH ALEX GUARACHI

YOU HAVE SPENT MORE THAN 25 YEARS REPRESENTING SOME OF THE FOREMOST FAMILY- OWNED WINERIES FROM CHILE, ARGENTINA AND BEYOND. TELL US WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START MAKING YOUR OWN WINES UNDER THE GUARACHI FAMILY NAME?

As an importer of fine wines my job has been to build brands for others, but I always wanted a brand of my own to nurture and grow. Someday I hope to pass along what we accomplish with Guarachi Family Wines to my children.

CALIFORNIA IS YOUR HOME – AND AS SUCH WE APPRECIATE THE AMAZING APPEAL OF MAKING WINES “LOCALLY.” TELL US WHY YOU CHOSE NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON AND SONOMA COAST PINOT NOIR FOR GUARACHI FAMILY WINES.

When it comes to wine, my first loves are Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. I could have gone to other parts of California but I believe that Napa is the best region in the country for Cabernet Sauvignon while Sonoma Coast is the best for Pinot Noir. Ultimately my decision was driven by sourcing the finest grapes we could find for the wines we wanted to make.

WHAT ROLE DO YOU PLAY IN THE GUARACHI FAMILY WINEMAKING PROCESS?

I’m very hands-on. We’ve got a dream team working on Guarachi Family which includes winemakers Paul Hobbs and Julian Gonzalez. I’m personally involved in every aspect from vineyard selection to blending. I’ve had the privilege to work with some of the finest wineries in the industry, and as such I am committed to delivering the same high standard for my wines that I so value from the producers we represent at TGIC.

TELL US ABOUT THE ACQUISITION OF SUN CHASE VINEYARD.

Sun Chase Vineyard is situated on the Sonoma Coast and is named for the sun “chasing the fog” in the morning. There is a significant maritime influence and the vineyard is planted at a high elevation of 1,400 feet, so the minerality really comes through. It’s a 248-acre lot currently planted to 42 acres, primarily with Pinot Noir. Since the vineyard is only six years old, the threshold to discover what our vineyards are capable of still lies ahead but we’re very impressed with the quality we’re finding in each vintage. Sun Chase is a vineyard with a great destiny to fulfill.

WHAT SETS GUARACHI FAMILY WINES APART DURING EACH PHASE OF THE VITICULTURAL AND WINEMAKING PROCESS?

We make sure to work with the best talent and materials, whether it’s our winemakers, vineyards or a barrel. Every decision counts towards delivering quality, from vineyard sourcing to night harvesting to blend selection.

WHAT IS THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT SOMEBODY CAN PAY TO YOUR WINE?

Recently I was invited to participate in the one of the industry’s prestigious tasting tours. People had the opportunity to taste some of the greatest wines in the world. It was a tremendous compliment to have collectors come back on several occasions to taste our Guarachi Family Pinot Noir and tell us how much they enjoyed it.

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ABOUT ALEX GUARACHI

As a boy growing up in Santiago, Chile, Alex Guarachi always saw himself coming to America to play professional soccer. After accepting a scholarship to San Jose State University, he almost made his dream a reality, but just as he was being scouted by the pros, a career ending injury shattered his hopes.

It’s in these types of difficult situations a person’s true character is revealed. For Alex, another passion of his was the wines of his homeland. He saw Chile as a viticulture paradise, but in 1985, the idea of selling wines from South America seemed crazy, particularly in the backyard of Napa and Sonoma.

But succeed he did. Working from a garage and performing every task, Alex was order taker, warehouse manager and truck driver. He built his importing company into one of the industry’s leading companies and in 2010 was honored as Importer of the Year.

However, for Alex one piece was missing. As he established permanent residence in North America, he longed for the opportunity to farm grapes and create wines of his own.

In 2013, Alex Guarachi fulfilled his dream with the purchase of the prestigious Sun Chase Vineyard, situated within the Sonoma Coast AVA and Petaluma Wind Gap. Planted with 42 acres of Pinot Noir at a significant 1,400 feet elevation, the first release of Guarachi Family’s single vineyard wines from Sun Chase is scheduled for its 2013 vintage, a time frame which allows the winery to fully realize its potential with small parcel management.

GUARACHI FAMILY – ESTATES & WINES

Guarachi Family Wines focuses on two key varietals – Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley and Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast – and produces four distinct wines. The Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from several vineyards: Lincoln Ranch, Mast, Rancho Salinas, Yountville, and Zinfandel Lane. Heritage Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from Las Piedras Heritage. Gap’s Crown Single Vineyard Pinot Noir is produced at the eponymous vineyard on the Sonoma Coast while Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is sourced from Gap’s Crown, Gold Rock Ridge, and Sun Chase, Guarachi Family’s first estate acquisition.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Lincoln Ranch, Mast, Rancho Salinas, Yountville Zinfandel Lane) – Lincoln Ranch’s sandy, rocky soil concentrates fruit flavors while the pastoral hillside of Mast lends rich intensity to the grapes. Rancho Salina is located 800 feet above the Sonoma Valley floor contributing rocky volcanic soil alongside the breezes of the San Pablo Bay. The six-acre Zinfandel Lane is located in one of the most exclusive areas of St. Helena and is wholly planted Cabernet Sauvignon. Yountville’s red dirt lends a supple palate texture. A complex and layered Cabernet Sauvignon with a small amount of Cabernet Franc. (Suggested retail: $80)

Heritage Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Las Piedras) – A signature red sourced entirely from Las Piedras. Known for its gravely soil, this Beckstoffer Heritage vineyard traces its roots back to the original Mexican land grants more than 150 years ago. Powerful with a lingering finish. (Suggested retail: $250)

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, (Gap’s Crown, Gold Rock Ridge, Sunchase) – The northwest corner of Sonoma County provides a cool maritime climate resulting in an ideal location for Pinot Noir. The hillsides of Sunchase sit 1,400 feet above the valley floor and receive ample sunlight. Balanced fruit, minerality and a lasting finish are hallmarks of this rich Pinot Noir. (Suggested retail: $65)

Gap’s Crown Single Vineyard Pinot Noir (Gap’s Crown) – Cool ocean breezes between the Sonoma Mountain and the Petaluma Wind Gap trap coastal fog just before harvest to ensure slow, and evenly ripened fruit. Oak-inspired spice with a soft yet lively acidity. (Suggested retail: $75)

ABOUT TGIC IMPORTERS

Founded in 1985, TGIC Importers is a leading producer, importer and marketer of fine wines. TGIC was one of the first importers of Chilean and Argentine wines, and today the company represents more than 15 wineries from around the world, including acclaimed producers such as Achaval-Ferrer, Bodega Norton and Montes. For more information visit www.tgicimporters.com.