America’s vineyards may be covered in snow, but that is no reason for putting your wine glasses away! There are many great wine & food festivals happening this winter. Here are a few of my favorites!
2013 Naples Winter Wine Festival
January 25-27, 2013
Naples, Florida
The Naples Winter Wine Festival is one of the most successful wine fundraising events in the world, benefiting Naples Children and Educational Foundation. The event showcases 27 of the most renowned vintners on the planet including Marchesi Antinori (Italy), Domaine Serene (Oregon), Allegrini Estates (Italy), Colgin Cellars (Napa), Silver Oak Cellars (Napa) and Château de Beaucastel (France).
Celebrity chefs include Joseph Lenn of The Barn at Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN, Kelly Liken of Restaurant Kelly Liken, Vail, CO, Barbara Lynch of Menton, Boston, MA, and Michael Tusk of Quince, San Francisco, CA, to name a few.
Ticket packages to this exclusive three-day affair for approximately 600 guests are $8,500 per couple which includes:
2 Invitations to the Meet the Kids Day tour and luncheon
2 Reserved Seats at a Vintner Dinner with private car and driver
2 Reserved Seats at the When Stars Align Auction
2 Invitations to the Wine Down
2 Invitations to the Celebration Brunch
Highlights:
Naples, Florida in January can't be beat.
Enjoy a true bucket list weekend in the Florida sun that benefits a truly great cause.
Downside:
Price is more than most couples’ first car!
Website: www.napleswinefestival.com/
Zinfandel Festival
January 31 to February 2, 2013
San Francisco, California
The 22nd Annual ZAP/Zinfandel Festival offers a lot to any wine lover. More than 200 California Zin producers participate, so there is a big chance that your teeth and lips will be stained purple! Zinfandel is a big red-lovers red. Over the years, crafty growers and winemakers have diversified into producing a wide range of Zin styles from candied, silky Claret style to a "hot" (high alc) and smoky Zin. Tickets range from $65-$125. Become a member of ZAP and you can save bundles on tickets for this festival plus other events.
Highlights:
Great selection of wines and foods in one of America's coolest foodie cities.
Downside:
This festival gets upwards of 5,000 attendees over 4 days. Arrive early!
Website:
www.zinfandel.org
Broadmoor's Salute to Escoffier
February 8 & 9, 2012
Colorado Springs, Colorado
The 11th Annual Salute to Escoffier is a 5-Star French food and wine orgy that gives homage to the father of modern French cuisine. The Mobile 5 Star Broadmoor Resort continually raises the bar with its top tier food and beverage program including educational seminars, wine and food pairings, a mixology seminar and the Grand Buffet Dinner that rolls out in stages over four hours. 2-day resort packages start at $510 per person.
Highlights:
The beautiful and historic Broadmoor resort setting overlooking Cheyenne Mountain is breathtaking. Amazing food, wine, resort accommodations and service.
Downside:
You will need to go on a diet afterward!
Website:
www.broadmoor.com/es1145/cat224/salute-to-escoffier-two-night-package
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Christopher Davies is the National Wine Country Columnist for Examiner.com, and the publisher and editor of Wine Country International Magazine & VinoTasting. To follow his articles, subscribe at the link above.
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