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February 21, 2014 3:16 pm
Published by Taste Of Vail
GooglePinterestTwitterFacebookHere’s your final chance to win tickets to ski country’s biggest and most celebrated picnic, Taste of Vail’s Mountaintop Picnic on Friday, April 2. All it takes is a completed entry form for the opportunity to take part in a gourmet picnic complete with fine wine, craft beer and cocktails on Vail Mountain. Refer friends, tweet us or follow us on Pinterest for even more chances to win! The Mountaintop Picnic is located at 10,350 feet above sea level in a hand-built snow arena near Vail Mountain’s Eagle Bahn Gondola. Chefs from Vail’s top restaurants serve up gourmet foods, while guest wineries pour selections of their finest varietals. Guests can ski over or take the gondola out of Lionshead to access the on-mountain picnic. Taste of Vail’s Mountain Top Giveaway includes two tickets to the event as well as overnight accommodations. The giveaway closes on Feb. 25 at 8 a.m., so get your entries in as soon as you can. The winner will be announced on Feb. 26.
February 13, 2014 6:47 pm
Published by Taste Of Vail
GooglePinterestTwitterFacebookWith a revamped brand, Souverain begins 2014 with a fresh look that brings out its rich history. The new label depicts a crown, a cluster of grapes, the California golden bear and the thistle of Scotland, a tribute to winery founder Lee Stewart’s heritage. Historically known as a reliable, value-oriented Sonoma producer, the Souverain label not only begins the year with a reinvigorated look, but also a new range of North Coast wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. Those wines will join the Souverain classics such as the Winemaker’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Valley and Winemaker’s Reserve Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley for the first time at the 24th Annual Taste of Vail food and wine festival. The history of Souverain began in the Napa Valley in 1944 when J. Leland “Lee” Stewart harvested his first crop of wine grapes from his Howell Mountain property in the northern part of the valley. At the suggestion of his young daughter, Stewart named his winery “Souverain” (taken from the French word for “sovereign” or “supreme”), and his Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings from the 1960s were considered by many to be just that. The winery moved to the… View Article
January 30, 2014 9:35 pm
Published by Taste Of Vail
GooglePinterestTwitterFacebook Executive Chef Paul Anders Returns to Reclaim Top Honors at the 10th Annual Colorado Lamb Cookoff & Apres Ski Tasting Last year, Sweet Basil and Mountain Standard participated in Taste of Vail after an extended absence from the food and wine festival. The culinary team came on strong as Executive Chef Paul Anders won top honors for his slow roasted leg of lamb with preserved lemon labneh, dried olives, lamb cracklins and pickled ramps. “The inspiration for my dish is a traditional North African leg of lamb,” said Chef Anders. “It started traditional but we did not leave it that way. We added pickled radishes, an herb sauce, lamb cracklings and using molecular gastronomy even made a lamb powder.” Anders is no stranger to the Taste of Vail as he’s been working in the resort community for nearly a decade. He started with Sweet Basil as chef de cuisine in 2005. After only a short period of time, he rose to executive chef of the venerable Vail restaurant. In 2012, he expanded his duties to oversee both the culinary program at Sweet Basil and the restaurant group’s new restaurant Mountain Standard. Anders graduated Summa Cum Laude from Johnson and Wales University… View Article
January 23, 2014 6:26 pm
Published by Taste Of Vail
GooglePinterestTwitterFacebookIn 1982, Julian Murua Entrena set out to revive the winery his father, Jose Murua, brought to life in the 1920’s in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa. “Muriel” is the combination of the family name Murua and the town of Elciego. Known for its Riojan surroundings that produce some of the best terroir, the quaint village of Elciego houses the Bodegas Muriel cellars and has been woven into the name and history of the winery. Today, Julian and his son Javier run the winery with the mission to mend the winemaking traditions of the region with new technologies in order to make wines that express the best qualities of grapes coming from the Riojan vineyards. All Bodegas Muriel wines are 100% Tempranillo, the signature grape of the Rioja region. The unique micro-climate of the region is influenced by the Mediterranean, Continental and Atlantic climates, which helps the vines produce aromatic and elegant wines that have great potential to age. Come and try varietals produced by Bodegas Muriel at the 24th Annual Taste of Vail on April 2-5, 2014. Click here to purchase tickets.
January 22, 2014 9:57 pm
Published by Taste Of Vail
GooglePinterestTwitterFacebookThe Taste of Vail kicks off on April 2 with the Debut of Rosé, a new event that gives guests the opportunity to taste more than 100 rosés from all over the world. Taking place from 3-6 p.m. at Arrabelle at Vail Square in Lionshead Village, the event also will offer food pairings from local restaurants for participants to enjoy while sampling from the largest selection of rosé wines. “We’re excited to feature one of the hottest wine trends at this year’s Taste of Vail,” said Chris Chantler, president of Taste of Vail. “Not only will there be a huge variety rosé wines, Debut of Rosé will be one of the first events to showcase newly released rosés from 2013. ” Rosé wine is the liquid component of the much-celebrated lifestyle of Mediterranean France. However, it has not enjoyed similar recognition in the United States until quite recently. As a category, rosé wines embrace an immense diversity of styles and flavors, especially if sparkling rosés are included. From semi-sweet to off-dry to bone-dry (very dry), they’re startlingly refreshing and immensely seductive. Rosé wines also are extremely versatile with food and pair well with an astounding variety of cuisines. In addition, wine… View Article
January 17, 2014 9:22 pm
Published by Taste Of Vail
GooglePinterestTwitterFacebookTaste of Vail Facebook fans can save 10 percent on select tickets to the 24th Annual Taste of Vail through MLK Weekend. Simply “like” the Taste of Vail Facebook page for this special offer. This year’s event promises to be among the best in the event’s history with a new event – Debut of Rosé – and the 10th Annual Colorado Lamb Cookoff & Apres Ski Tasting. The Debut of Rosé is the newest addition to the Taste of Vail lineup and allows guests to experience the largest celebrated rosé-tasting event in the country with more than 100 varietals and exclusive debuts of 2013 releases. The the 10th Anniversary of the Lamb Cookoff will prove to be another exceptional competition of world-class chefs battling to be the best. With additional iconic events such as the Mountaintop Picnic with stunning views at 10,000 feet, the Grand Tasting and interactive seminars, 24th Annual Taste of Vail is not to be missed. For more information on the special savings for Facebook fans, please visit the Taste of Vail Facebook page.
December 19, 2013 3:20 pm
Published by Taste Of Vail
GooglePinterestTwitterFacebookVail local artist Charmayne Bernhardt brings a signature Taste of Vail scene to life for the 24th annual food and wine festival’s commemorative artwork! “The idea of asking a local artist to create our commemorative artwork is a tradition for Taste of Vail,” said Chris Chantler, chairman of the Taste of Vail board.. “It’s important to us that our guests are able take a part of the Taste of Vail experience home and proudly display it.” Bernhardt uses watercolor to create a realistic painting depicting fine wine, fresh food and a mountain backdrop for the commemorative artwork. Further detail can be found on the wine labels where signature images of Vail Village, the International Bridge and Vail Mountain are delicately painted to create a masterpiece unique to Taste of Vail. “I wanted the painting to say all the things that Taste of Vail is, without words,” said Bernhardt. “Someone can look at it and think Vail, mountains, food, wine and fun.” Bernhardt has been a Vail resident for 40 years and an artist since she was a child. She attended an “Old Masters” art school on a full scholarship and learned a variation of styles under strict training. “Drawing and painting… View Article
November 26, 2013 5:26 pm
Published by Taste Of Vail
GooglePinterestTwitterFacebook So you’ve thoughtfully put together a holiday menu and as the grocery shopping commences, you realize that you haven’t even thought of what to drink. Sommelier Jim Lay of Elway’s Vail has put together a wine list that’s sure to impress the wine snobs, cork dorks and wine-Os in your family. Here are five varietals that are sure to put everyone in the holiday spirit. Cheers! 1. Start the afternoon with a low alcohol, succulent German Riesling while sampling early turkey pieces. “I love a Spatlese from the Mosel, Nahe, Rheinhessen or Rheingau,” said Lay. Some notable producers to look for: JJ Prum, Dr Thanish Basserman Jordan Dr Loose JJ Christoffel, Donnhoff Leitz 2. Beaujolais cru wines are made from the gamay grape. This lovely wine is made in the villages of Brouilly, Chénas, Côte de Brouilly, Chiroubles, Fleurie, Juliénas, Morgon, Moulin-à-Vent, Régnie Reviews and St-Amour. These berry rich wines with low tannins are a perfect match to the bright rich flavors of a holiday dinner. Some notable producers to look for; Domaine Louis-Claude Desvignes, Henry Fessy, Louis Jadot, Doboeuf, Beaudet, Château de la Terrière Mommesin 3. Pinot Noir has been called the most versatile varietal for good reason. … View Article
November 8, 2013 10:24 pm
Published by Taste Of Vail
GooglePinterestTwitterFacebookTo complement its three signature events each year, Taste of Vail creates a thoughtful lineup of nearly a dozen seminars that encourage guests to engage and learn about food and wine. Whether its crafting a handmade cocktail, tasting regional rosés or learning a new way to use extra virgin olive oil, the 24th Annual Taste of Vail offers guests a variety of seminars to take part in April 2-5, 2014. “Each year, Taste of Vail dedicates itself to creating quality seminars that relate to popular trends in food and wine as well as those that enliven the Vail lifestyle,” said Chris Chantler, president of the Taste of Vail board of directors. “This year we made an effort to announce our seminars as early as possible to give vacationers the information they need to book their spring travel to Vail.” New for the 2014 event, wine expert Josh Wesson will return to present “Looking at the World Through Rosé Colored Glasses.” Though best known as the co-founder of retail store Best Cellars in New York City, for 30 years Wesson has been a featured expert on food and wine pairing for numerous publications and television shows such as The Today Show… View Article
November 8, 2013 10:05 pm
Published by Taste Of Vail
GooglePinterestTwitterFacebook Buy now and save on tickets to the 24th Annual Taste of Vail food and wine festival, which is scheduled April 2-5, 2014. Save up to 20 percent on ticket prices when purchased before Dec. 31, 2013. Taste of Vail also is offering a variety of new ticket options for the 2014 event including a Signature Event Pass and special seminar packs. The Signature Event Pass provides access to the 10th Annual Colorado Lamb Cookoff & Apres Ski Tasting, Mountaintop Picnic and Grand Tasting for $350 (regular $385). New Four and Six-Pack Seminar passes also are available for attendees to experience a wide range of entertaining and educational sessions. The Four-Pack is on sale for $110 (regular $150) and the Six-Pack is currently $155 (regular $185). These seminar packs are non-transferrable and guests will need to sign up for individual sessions once they are announced. “We wanted to provide our attendees with more flexible pass options,” said Chris Chantler, chairman of the Taste of Vail board. “These new ticket options allow guests to mix and match the Taste of Vail experience they would like to have.” Individual event tickets also are on sale now with the signature Mountaintop Picnic… View Article
