Archive for the ‘Food & Wine Events’ Category

Grand Gourmet Package at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit Features Cooking and Mixology Classes, Tequila Tasting

Complementing the gourmet experience offered by its four specialty restaurants, the “Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond All-Compare” Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is offering its first ever Grand Gourmet Package. The unique package features a private two-hour cooking class with chefs from a selection of its Italian, Mexican and French restaurants, Lucca, Frida and Piaf, as well as a tequila tasting and private 45-minute mixology class. Gourmet welcome amenity and private VIP airport transfers are also included.

Guests enjoy all-inclusive features of the AAA Five Diamond resort including luxury suite accommodations, a la carte dining at a choice of gourmet restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, taxes and gratuities The package is available now through December 19th, 2013, with rates starting at $379 per person, per night based on double occupancy. Minimum stays apply and rates are subject to availability.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has not only revolutionized the luxury all-inclusive concept and set the bar for other resorts, but its four signature restaurants offer gourmet á la carte dining on par with restaurants in the world’s top culinary destinations. Served at the swim-up Aqua Bar and in the resort’s signature restaurants, guests enjoy the Signature Margarita Menu, a special selection of 12 delightfully unique cocktails. The lauded menu includes the Cocoa Signature Margarita, which uses chocolate directly from Chiapas fused with an orange essence, as well as Clamato Chilli Pepper, Tamarind Mint and Avocado Pistachio flavored drinks.

For reservations or more information, please call 1-877-398-2784 or visit http://www.vallarta.grandvelas.com.

Each Ticket includes:

• Wine Tasting + sampling of gourmet “bites”
• 100% of all ticket sales and a portion of wines sales sold at the event will be divided among the charities of the winning teams.
• More VIP fun such as meet and greet with owner/vintner Kathryn Hall.
• Vote for your favorite dish in the People’s Choice category

How to Purchase Tickets – This event sold out last year.  Reserve your tickets through our online store today. A confirmation will be sent by email. Tickets will be charged the week of the event.

Participating Chef Teams - Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ,  Ca Momi, Carpe Diem, Culinary Mercenary, Cuvee, Feast, La Condesa, Market St. Helena, The Grill at Meadowood, Napa Valley Biscuits, Oenotri, Paula LeDuc Fine Catering

Professional Judges - Hiro Sone and Lissa Doumani – Terra; Chef Ken Frank -  La Toque; Chef Brandon Sharp – Solbar

For more information go to: www.hallwines.com/cabernetcookoff

Questions? Contact Diem Doonan at 707.967.2673 or ddoonan@hallwines.com

Virginia is a Commonwealth of wine, with more than 200 wineries statewide. Wine is so big that the entire month of October is dedicated as Virginia Wine Month. This fall, Whole Foods Market is joining with the Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Virginia Wine Marketing Office for a special October Virginia Wine Month: Discover Your Local Crush promotion.

The Whole Foods Market Virginia stores will feature special Virginia wine tasting events, an expanded Virginia wine selection, in-store travel offers, and a chance to win a day-trip on the Virginia Crush Bus at http://www.Virginia.org/VaCrushBus.

The new partnership is a first for Virginia, which is gaining ground as one of the hottest wine travel destinations on the East Coast.

“October is one of the most beautiful times to visit Virginia, as 15 million acres of foliage burst into color and we celebrate Virginia Wine Month,” said Rita McClenny, interim president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. “We are excited about this partnership with Whole Foods Market as it has great potential to encourage their customers to visit Virginia wineries this fall.”

“Through promotions such as this, Virginia wines and wineries are becoming less of an insider’s secret. With the caliber of the wines and the stunning beauty of Virginia’s scenic wineries, this region is fast becoming one of the most talked about up-and-coming wine regions,” said Todd Haymore, Secretary of Virginia Agriculture and Forestry.

The Discover Your Local Crush at Whole Foods Market promotion will include the following exciting events and opportunities for customers:

Win a Day-Trip on the Virginia Crush Bus –Visit http://www.Virginia.org/VaCrushBus and enter to win by October 20, 2012. See the site for specific rules and details.

Visit http://www.Virginia.org/wine to learn more about wine travel in Virginia. Go to http://www.VirginiaWine.org to request a free, 2012 Virginia Wine Guide and map and see a complete list of Virginia wineries, wine varietals and more on the Virginia wine industry.

In Napa Valley in St. Helena, California, I had the opportunity to experience Charles Krug Winery and the Peter Mondavi Family toasting the season’s grape harvest at their annual tastings.

As this was my first time of attendance, I had no expectations with the exception of tasting amazing wines!  The winery’s signature event, now in its 61st year, was held on Saturday afternoon September 8, 2012.  It had all of the makings of a spectacular event: amazing wines, phonenomenal food and fantastic music!  The Charles Krug Winery’s Great Lawn is adjacent to the estate’s historic Carriage House. Founded in 1861, Charles Krug is Napa Valley’s first winery and represents the birthplace of the Napa Valley wine industry.

The setting was picturesque.  The sun sparkled so brightly out on the luxurious green lawn, yet perfectly shaded by the huge assorted shaped oak trees. The temperature ranged in the high 70’s which made the day feel perfectly comfortable; not too cool or warm.  In the background music was performed by the Steely Dan tribute band, Steely Scam. Across the lawn wines were paired with a bountiful Country feast catered by Knickerbockers’ Oak Avenue Catering, who also dished up pizza from the on-site wood-fired ovens.

The lawn was set up in several stations; White Wine – 2011 Sauvignon Blanc and 2011 Chardonnay Carneros with grilled thai prawns covered with sweet chilli sauce and fava bean puree with lemon and thyme on crostini.  The chilled 2011 Sauvignon Blanc hit the spot for the food and afternoon.   Red Wine – 2009 Pinot Noir Carneros, 2009 Wine Club Selection Zinfandel, 2009 Merlot, and 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon enjoyed with slow braised duck, caramelized onions, wine forest mushrooms, smoked mozzarella and provolone.  The 2009 Wine Club Selection Zinfandel made huge impression on my palate.

Indoors of the Carriage House, guests had the opportunity to sample aging wines directly from the oak barrels, and to meet members of three generations of the Peter Mondavi Family who signed wine bottles.   Upstairs in the ballroom the Peter Mondavi Family delved into their cellars and open special library wines.  The limited release consisted of the following; 20120 Dr. Galante Pinot, 2009 Zinfandel, 2009 X Clones Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2007 Rocky  Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon served with Toscana aged cheese and baguettes.

If you get the opportunity to be in Napa during the Tastings on the Lawn, take the time to go north to St. Helena.  You won’t be disappointed.  It is truly an amazing event.  One that I will definitely attend again next year!

All the best,

Kenneth

Kenneth Reed

Basil MAGAZINE, Drink Editor

k.reed@basilmagazine.com

The 2012 Entwine celebration will be held on the beautiful WWCC campus under the iconic Dietrich Dome.  It will honor select graduates of the college’s Enology and Viticulture program as well as the Wine Country Culinary Institute. It will showcase the immense talent of our very own graduates through a multi-course paired dinner.

Entwine began in 2003 as a benefit dinner and fundraiser celebrating the grand opening of the new Center for Enology and Viticulture in Walla Walla, WA. In 2004 it was named “Entwine” representing the collaboration between fine wine, fine food and fine art in the Walla Walla Valley. This year marks the ninth Entwine Grand Auction for the Walla Walla Community College Foundation.

Through the continued generosity of our patrons and sponsors, Entwine has made a significant impact for thousands of students through scholarship awards. We have also been able to grow key programs, like our Enology and Viticulture Center and extend support to critical partners who work with our students and give back to our great communities.

Entwine guests will gather at Walla Walla Community College’s Dietrich Dome Saturday, October 13, 2012. The evening begins with a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception and silent auction followed by an exquisite multicourse dinner paired with our honoree graduate wines.  The evening will conclude with a spirited live auction and special program.   The evening’s honorees are listed below.

Enology and Viticulture Graduates to be honored:

• Elizabeth Bourcier – Enologist at Cayuse Vineyards
• Laura Pursley – Assistant Vigneronne at Cayuse Vineyards
• Alfredo Arredondo – Winemaker at Cave B Estate Winery
• Victor Palencia – Head Winemaker at Jones of Washington
• Steven Thompson – Owner of Analemma Wines

Culinary Arts Graduates to be honored:

• Jen Contreras – Sous Chef at Colville Street Patisserie
• Kristin Swaggart – Assistant Director of Nutrition Services for Kennewick School District
• Norm Shaw – Executive Chef of Blue Mountain Café and St. Anthony Hospital
• Paul Freeman – Chef/Owner of The Bank & Grill Catering Co.

For more information, please visit www.wwcc.edu/entwine.

Next week, Blackberry Farm will open its farm and kitchen, Carte Blanche, to one of the country’s most celebrated chefs, David Kinch of the two Michelin starred restaurant Manresa.  From September 16-19 2012, guests will have an up-close-and-personal opportunity to interact with and learn from Chef Kinch who will guide them through cooking demonstrations showcasing his unique culinary style, which marries California cuisine with Catalan, French and Japanese influences.  No weekend at Blackberry Farm would be complete without stellar wine. Celebrated Sonoma-based wine importer Mannie Berk will pair exclusive wine selections with Chef Kinch’s cuisine creating the ultimate weekend for gourmands.

“Manresa is still the finest dining experience I have ever had” says Sam Beall, Blackberry Farm’s proprietor. “It is such an honor to welcome David back to Tennessee. David, alongside our team of artisans, will surely create an incredible culinary experience for our guests marrying the tastes of Southern Foothills cuisine with that of Northern California.”

Named GQ’s “Chef of the Year” in 2012, Chef David Kinch’s philosophy is based on ingredient-driven cooking and modern technique. In 2006, he exclusively partnered with Cynthia Sandberg of Love Apple Farms, which supplies Manresa with the freshest ingredients year-round. He has won the Best Chef in America award for the Pacific region from the James Beard Founda­tion, and Manresa has been awarded two Michelin stars for six consecutive years. This year, Manresa was named one of the top 50 restaurants in the world by Restaurant magazine.

Sharing wines for this special event will be Mannie Berk, the founder and president of The Rare Wine Co. in Sonoma, California. Founded in 1989, The Rare Wine Co. specializes in sourcing perfectly cellared examples of the world’s greatest and most sought-after wines. In 2002, President Mannie Berk was named the Best Wine Importer in America as part of Food & Wine magazine’s American Wine Awards. He also is a two-time James Beard Award semi-finalist and two-time Wine Advocate Wine Personality of the Year. He has made The Rare Wine Co. America’s finest source for Madeira, and he is personally considered a leading authority on that wine and its rich history.

The event will begin with a welcome reception on the Maine House veranda where guests will have the opportunity to sip champagne and mingle with Chef David Kinch and Vintner Mannie Berk. The honored guests of the evening will be seated at the table with the diners during the opening dinner by Blackberry Farm Executive Chef Joseph Lenn. Over the course of the next few days, cooking demonstrations and classes will take place in the Gambrel Demonstration Kitchen within The Barn, the centerpiece of the resort’s Farmstead, giving guests the opportunity to interact with Chef Kinch and Berk as an intimate group. The event will culminate with a grand finale dinner where a special menu from Chef Kinch will be served, and paired with incredible specialty wines imported by the Rare Wine Company.

The cost for this event is $600 per person in addition to guest accommodations, and includes all wine tastings, dinners and cooking demonstrations. For more information on events at Blackberry Farm, or to make a reservation, please visit: www.blackberryfarm.com/events.

The 4th Annual 2012 San Diego Spirits Festival August 25-26, will draw international attention and offers a multi-faceted thrilling event combining the three most important elements to any festivity…Cocktails, Culinary and Culture. From the prestigious mycologists, to the local foodie, and all the way to the novice cocktail enthusiast, the two-day festival promises to delight and excite all who attend.

The Port Pier Pavilion will once again be transformed into a classic lounge which will ignite the senses and set the mood for an exciting weekend of festivities! Drawing attendees from around the world, guests will be invited to mingle with brand ambassadors as they sip and savor the latest cocktail creations, whilst soaking in the breath taking view of the San Diego Bay. Learn more on the world of mixology or have a small history lesson on your brand of choice…all from the 2012 San Diego Spirit Festival guest brand Ambassadors.

The 2012 San Diego Spirits Festival will transform every cocktail desire into a reality with some of the hottest brands, as brand ambassadors tease your taste buds with our 2012 featured brands. Just to name a few…. Ozone Vodka, Pisco Porton, Java Juice, Milagro Tequila, Glenfiddich Whiskey, Conjure Cognac, El Cartel Tequila, Berentzen Liquors, Pink Pigeon Rum, Chinaco, Double Cross Vodka, Distillery 209 Gin, Spicebox Whiskey, Quint Sangria, Quick Strain Tinis, Naughty Cow Liqueur, Twisted Shots, Ron de Jeremy Rum, Magners Irish Cider, 619 Vodka, VeeV, Bendistillery’ s portfolio of award-winning small batch American vodkas and gins including Crater Lake Vodka, Cascade Mtn Gin, Mazama Vodka, Cofia Vodka, Tequila Sin Rival, Cocula Tequila, Nobeleza Tequila, Corazon Tequila, Semental Tequila, Mezcal Los Javis, Alquimia Organic Tequila, La Nina del Mezcal, Tequila Tres Mujeres, Tequila Dos Artes, Tequila Amor Mio, Whipsy, Fee Brothers Mixers, Partagas Cigars, Naked Juice, Joia All Natural Soda, Icelandic Water…and many more still coming on board.

Wait, there’s more! Cocktails, culinary, and competition. The 2012 San Diego Spirits Festival will feature bartender competitions from top rated talent with a first prize from our Silver Sponsor RestaurantConnect! http://www.restaurantcx.com.

This year we welcome demonstrations by executive chefs from leading local restaurants. Participating Chefs to include: Katherine Humphus of BO-beau kitchen and bar, Karl A. Prohaska of Handerly Hotel, Alberto Morreale of Fig Tree Café; Brandon Brooks of Sol Markets, Misty Birchall of PubCakes with a special presentation by Chef Tyler Stone and more!

Entertainment provided by: Alas de Mosca, Alex Arndt & Sonic Universe; Bruce Sanborn Band, Dirty Minds, Flash Point Rocks, Funky Munky, Jamilla, JC Villafan, Latex Grenade, Mathew Zeltzer, Sacha Boutros, Josh Damingo

The 4th annual San Diego Spirits Festival will be the event of the Summer and will be held on August 25-26 2012- get tickets here. Use code SDSF20 to get 20% discount

Crooked Vine Winery, the perfect wedding reception venue and wedding venue in the Bay Area, is announcing the return of its “Wine Down Friday Nights.”

Crooked Vine Winery, the premier Bay Area wine tasting venue and original Stony Ridge winery, is thrilled to announce the return of its “Wine Down Friday Nights” every other Friday night from at 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

“Enjoy our ‘Wine Down Friday Nights’ Courtney Garcia of Crooked Vine Winery said. “Experience live music, wine and food underneath the stars on our patio and indulge in the music of Tripster Louie and the food of Ken’s Woodfire Pizza for the event’s second installment.”

Admission for the event is $10 per person and $5 for club members. Wine and food are available to purchase and a logo glass is provided with paid admission. Bring it back to later events to get in for $5 or free for club members.

Additional dates include:  Aug. 10, Aug. 24, Sept. 7, Sept. 21 and Oct. 12. Event times are always 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

For more information about any of Crooked Vine Winery’s products or services, call 925-273-9058, view the winery on the Web at http://www.crookedvine.com or visit 4948 Tesla Road in Livermore.

illy will host a series of events at SF Chefs with internationally acclaimed chef, philanthropist, and New York Times best-selling author, Chef Marcus Samuelsson, the newly appointed brand ambassador for illy’s new line of single origin coffees, MonoArabica.   illy and Chef Samuelsson will co-host two events during SF Chefs…

What:     illy Explorigins: MonoArabica Coffee Cooking with Chefs Marcus Samuelsson (Red Rooster Harlem) and Chris Cosentino (Incanto)

When:     Saturday, August 4th 2012, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Where:    Westin St. Francis, San Francisco, CA

Tickets:  Click here.

Note:  All attendees will receive a copy of Marcus Samuelsson’s book ‘Yes, Chef’

What:     Chef Marcus Samuelsson Hosts Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony with illy Master Barista Giorgio Milos

When:     Sunday, August 5th 2012, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Where:   espressamente illy 123 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104

Tickets:   Click here.

Note:  All attendees will receive a copy of Marcus Samuelsson’s book ‘Yes, Chef’

Stop by the illy Lounge in the Grand Tasting Tent where Marcus Samuelsson will be signing his new book ‘Yes, Chef’ and the opportunity to taste MonoArabica with illy’s Master Barista Giorgio Milos.

For more on illy and all of their brands, products, etc, click here.

For more on Chef Marcus Samuelsson, click here.

Fore more about the SF Chefs Food & Wine event, such as schedule and tickets, click here.