Winews

What's happening in the wine world.
Locally and globally.

May 16 2008
from the press release

ROBERT G. MONDAVI DIES AT 94

FATHER AND FOUNDER OF THE AMERICAN FINE WINE INDUSTRY

Oakville, Calif.—Robert Mondavi of Napa Valley, the founder of the modern US fine wine industry and a global symbol of American wine and food, died today. He was 94. The Mondavi family stated that the legendary vintner died peacefully at his home in Napa Valley.

Robert Mondavi changed the landscape of the US wine industry when he founded his eponymous winery in 1966, inspired by his belief that he could produce world-class wines in Napa Valley. Since that time, the Robert Mondavi Winery has become known as one of the world's leading innovators, producers and marketers of fine wine, firmly establishing America’s rightful place on the world wine stage. Born in Virginia, Minnesota, to parents who emigrated from Sassoferrato in the Marche region of Italy, Robert was greatly influenced by Old World traditions of the pleasures of wine and food. The family moved to Lodi, California, during Prohibition and he attended public schools there.
A 1936 graduate of Stanford with a degree in economics and business administration,Robert understood that marketing was as critical as winemaking expertise in achieving success in the wine industry. He joined his father at Sunnyhill Winery in St. Helena, a bulk wine producer.

After convincing his father to purchase the Charles Krug Winery there, he upgraded the technology, determined to raise quality—a commitment which never faltered. He began to offer public tours and tastings in the 1950s, something unheard of in Napa Valley, and not even done in the established wineries of France. In 1966, at age 53, he established the Robert Mondavi Winery, the first major winery built in Napa Valley since the 1933 Repeal of Prohibition. Robert hired architectural designer Cliff May for his fledgling winery, which he intended as an enduring landmark to California history, reflecting this in its iconic, mission-style architecture. Using an architect was already enough to raise the eyebrows of locals, but to their amazement, Robert also included public spaces for education and entertainment, which completely bewildered his neighbors.

January 29 2008
From the press release

B.C. Hospitality Foundation Officially Launches with Successful Founders Dinner

More than $110,000 raised for hospitality workers in times of critical need

Vancouver, B.C. – The B.C. hospitality industry came together to help its own this week, raising more than $110,000 at the B.C. Hospitality Foundation's (BCHF) Founders Dinner for hospitality workers without a financial safety net in times of critical need.
The sold-out dinner, which officially launched the newly formed foundation, drew 270 to the Pan Pacific Vancouver hotel for a gastronomic experience that showcased the pinnacle of what B.C. has to offer in chefs, food and wine.
The B.C. Hospitality Foundation Founders Dinner culinary "dream team” was led by Pan Pacific Vancouver executive chef, Daryle Nagata and included Ben Genaille of Northern B.C.; Dennis Green of Green Table and go2; Rob Feenie, independent; Lisa Aheir of Sobo; and Greg Hook of Chocolate Arts.

January 29 2008
From the press release

Mission Hill Family Estate's Terrace Restaurant
Named One of Top Five Winery Restaurants in the World

Westbank, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia (January 29, 2008) - Mission Hill Family Estate makes another mark on the international stage. The Terrace Restaurant receives a prestigious honour that includes it in the company of the most renowned winery estates in the world. In its February 2008 issue, Travel + Leisure magazine names Mission Hill Family Estate's Terrace Restaurant one of the top five winery restaurants in the world. In an article titled "Top Winery Restaurants" the industry leading publication refers to Mission Hill Family Estate as "the centerpiece of the Canadian wine tourism industry" and the Terrace as "one of the most glorious dining experiences around."

The international recognition places Mission Hill Family Estate's Terrace Restaurant in the most exclusive culinary company. This award follows the winery's proclamation as Canadian Winery of the Year by Wine Access Magazine in December 2007 along with a second consecutive vintage of its signature wine, Oculus, being sold out prior to its official release date. The highly allocated Oculus is widely recognized as one of the very best red wines produced in Canada and retails for $70.

Terrace Chef Matt Batey, under the direction of Winery Chef Michael Allemeier, has developed a signature cuisine de terroir which highlights the palette of flavours and ingredients unique to the Okanagan. To this end Chef Allemeier has developed relationships with local growers and suppliers and has cultivated an on-site herb garden to ensure that seasonings used in the cuisine are of optimal freshness. The result is cuisine of the highest calibre. Guests at the Terrace enjoy culinary creations al fresco with breath-taking views of the winery's courtyard and vineyards and the spectacular Okanagan Lake.

December 7 2007
From the press release...

Blue Water Cafe
Expands their private dining and wine cellaring facilities

Restaurant Director Stephan Cachard is pleased to announce the
highly-anticipated opening of Blue Water Cafe’s enhanced private
dining and wine cellaring facilities. Complemented by the
exceptional cuisine of Executive Chef Frank Pabst,
Blue Water Cafe now houses two of Vancouver’s most exclusive
rooms designed for those wishing to dine in privacy
and style.

With its own separate entrance and cutting-edge audio/visual
capabilities, no detail has been left unseen. Seated in the one-of-a-kind
‘Beatrice’ chair fabricated by internationally-acclaimed designer
Poltrona Frau, guests will be surrounded by Blue’s extensive
wine and bubbles collection. Anchored by handsomely rustic
brick and beam, central features of the room are the glass-enclosed
walk-in cellar and dramatic walls of wine adorning the perimeter of the room.

Ideal for intimate gatherings, corporate functions and celebratory
affairs, Blue’s two multi-faceted rooms are easily combined to
accommodate up to 80 guests for dinner or 110 for reception.
State-of-the-art electronic equipment, satellite reception and
projector screens provide prime amenities for boardroom entertaining.

Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar 1095 Hamilton Street (Yaletown) Vancouver BC
604-688-8078 www.bluwatercafe.net

December 12, 2007
From the press release...

Mission Hill Family Estate

Invites Wine Lovers to Join Their Exclusive Proprietor’s Wine Club

Adding to its growing list of awards and accolades, Mission Hill Family Estate has just been named Canada’s Winery of the Year by Wine Access magazine. The winery is well on its way to achieving its goal of being one of the Top 10 New World wineries. Wine lovers are now invited to directly experience the excellence that has earned Mission Hill Family Estate international recognition. The newly-created Mission Hill Family Estate Proprietor’s Wine Club will offer members an exclusive way to enjoy the best the Okanagan has to offer.

The popularity of wine clubs has skyrocketed in recent years, as both novice wine drinkers and connoisseurs look for a way to enrich their experience of wine and wine culture. The Mission Hill Family Estate Proprietor’s Wine Club promises members a plethora of exclusive benefits:

Quarterly wine collection shipments (4 bottles per shipment)
Wines recipe suggestions from Mission Hill Family Estate’s Winery Chef
Free tastings in a special Club Tasting Room at Mission Hill Family Estate
The ability to make lunch reservations on the award-winning Terrace Restaurant
Invitation to a Proprietor’s Wine Club dinner with Winery Chef Michael Allemeier
Join the pre-release for our signature wine, Oculus which sells out prior to release.
Access to a special Sommelier and Library selection of wines
Direct access to an exclusive Proprietor’s Wine Club phone line
Chances to win a weekend stay at the exclusive Lake House on Green Bay.

The personal and direct benefits of belonging to the new Mission Hill Family Estate Proprietor’s Wine Club are bound to delight those with a passion for wine and wine culture.

To apply for membership to the Mission Hill Family Estate Proprietor’s Wine Club please visit www.missionhillwinery.com.

November 14 2007
from the press release

Inniskillin Wines and StormFisher to Turn Grape Pomace to Fuel

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONTARIO
Inniskillin Wines and StormFisher Biogas are pleased to announce a partnership to create renewable electricity from the winery’s grape by-products.
Inniskillin’s grape pomace, which is comprised of grape skin and seeds, will be used to generate clean, renewable electricity. About 1,000 to 2,000 tonnes of by-products that were previously destined to a landfill will be given a new use as a fuel. As such, the methane gas that is produced by the decomposition of
grape pomace will now be captured and used to generate power for homes in the
Niagara region.
"This partnership is a win for residential power consumers, a win for Inniskillin, a win for StormFisher and a win for the environment," said Bruce Nicholson, senior winemaker at Inniskillin. The partnership demonstrates how sustainable business practices can benefit the environment and communities while improving the bottom line by giving new use to what was once a waste product.

November 2 2007
from the press release

Oliver, BC… It’s official. At a recent winemaker’s dinner to launch the 2004 Oldfield’s Collection Merlot General Manager Kenn Oldfield announced that Tinhorn Creek Vineyards has solidified plans to open a restaurant at the winery, due to open the summer of 2008. The restaurant partner in the project is none other than Manuel Ferreira, owner of Le Gavroche Restaurant, where the announcement was made.

Kenn Oldfield comments, “As a maturing winery, the addition of a restaurant is the next logical step in our evolution. The restaurant will draw more visitors, increase our cellar door sales, and give our customers one more way to have access to our wines. Perhaps we will even build in a stock of some older vintage wines that will only be available at the restaurant."
The restaurant will be open ten months of the year, providing fine dining, local cuisine in a relaxed, wine country atmosphere. Plans are well underway to build the restaurant over the existing Barrel Cellar, providing one of the best views the South Okanagan has to offer. With 65 seats inside and a 65 seat patio, guests will enjoy the chance to stop for a glass of wine, lunch, a mid afternoon respite, dinner and a host of community events.
Says Manuel Ferreira, “I am ecstatic to work with Tinhorn Creek Vineyards and open this restaurant. We are looking forward to working closely with the local farming community to provide regional food in an area of BC that could be known as the “Salad Belt” of Canada. Our goal is to be accessible to locals and tourists alike and offer a Golden Mile dining experience like none other.”
Winemaker Sandra Oldfield states, “We can’t think of a better way for Tinhorn Creek wines to be enjoyed. We’ve always made our wines to be true expressions of the land. They are meant to be enjoyed with good food and good friends. This opportunity for them to be experienced at our winery along with other products from our fabulous area is a dream come true.”
The relationship between Le Gavroche and Tinhorn Creek Vineyards is firmly established. As one of the first restaurateurs to pour Tinhorn Creek wines, Ferreira and winemaker Sandra Oldfield are well acquainted. Add to that Ferreira’s passion for wines and love of the Okanagan. This is a project that is destined to please all that visit Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, be it for the winery or the restaurant.
Nestled in the hillside of a former gold mining creek, Tinhorn Creek is the starting point for travel on the Golden Mile. For more information, call 1.888.484.6467 or visit the website at www.tinhorn.com.

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