What are you doing tomorrow night?

If you have nothing on the agenda, why not attend Project Ethos, a traveling fete that blends music, art and fashion design? May 20, Vitamin Water and Axis/Radius are throwing the Scottsdale leg of this Project Runway-style fashion face-off event series.

Talented local designers were each given a Vitamin Water Zero and $200 to create a garment inspired by the delicious, juicy flavor assigned to them. During the event, the garments designed will be showcased live on stage, and the Axis/Radius audience will then have the opportunity to text votes for their favorite ensemble of the evening. The winning designer will then get to choose one of three prizes valued at $3,000 to jump-start their line.

Designers include:

• MongKieru Tran, MongQThaitran
• Tiffe Fermaint, Tiffe Fermaint
• Jennyvi Dizon, Jennivi Dizon Couture
• Shantidas Contu-Owens, Shantidas
• Rebecca Turley, Nostalgic Boutique

Partiers can also expect an art gallery showcasing designs by other local artists, a live performance at 10 p.m. and delicious cocktails, of course. Tickets for Project Ethos are $10 for GA or $30 for VIP. For more info, visit projectethos.com.

This event is stop four in a nine-city tour. Other stops include Vegas, NYC, Miami, Chicago, San Diego and LA.

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1. Fashion Designers Offer Japan Relief Items

Asher was singled out from an impressive pool of movers, shakers and stirrers on the national bar scene, including Kristen Schaffer of Las Vegas’ Rhumbar and Andrew Mirabito of The Cooper Square Hotel in New York, who placed second and third, respectively. His reward includes a highlight in GQ’s limited-edition December 2010 Men of the Year issue, and Asher will join Bombay Sapphire in 2010 to a variety of nation-wide events.

Now in its fourth year, the Bombay Sapphire and GQ Magazine’s “Search for the Nation’s Most Inspired Bartender” began with 3,500 competitors from across the U.S. Forty regional winners were then brought to Las Vegas for a final round August 29-30. Cocktails were evaluated on appearance, style, taste, aroma, accessibility, creativity and product knowledge by an esteemed panel of judges, including “The Modern Mixologist” and Iron chef challenger Tony Abou-Ganim, Liz Edwards of the United States Bartenders’ Guild, master mixologist Francesco Lafronconi, GQ style correspondent Brett Fahlgren and Bombay Sapphire brand ambassador Milo Rodriguez.

For more information and reservations, call 480-607-2300 or visit www.SanctuaryAz.com.

About Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain: One of the country’s most lauded luxury resorts, Sanctuary is a striking boutique property on Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley, Arizona, just minutes from downtown Scottsdale. Under the direction of Westroc Hospitality, Sanctuary enjoys international acclaim for its contemporary design, and award-winning elements restaurant and Sanctuary Spa. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Sanctuary was recognized in 2006 as the “top resort” in the United States by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler and was included on the Travel & Leisure “T + L 500” list. Sanctuary has been a Condé Nast Traveler “Gold List” and “Reader’s Choice” winner since opening in 2001.

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The event is sponsored by Kenneth Schilling Fine Wine and Art Productions of Hopland, Calif.
Vistancia is located north of Happy Valley Road and west of Lake Pleasant Parkway. Activities will be centered around Vistancia’s Mountain Vista Club and event lawns and at Trilogy at Vistancia.

“It’s a new and exciting addition to the events already held in the northwest Valley,” said Vistancia Marketing Director Sandy Esmay. “The public can mingle with a dozen boutique winemakers from Sonoma County, Calif., taste some fabulous varietals and sample signature foods from some of our best local chefs as well as Sonoma County chefs.”
More than 100 wines, produced by boutique Sonoma-area wineries, will be available for tasting and purchase by the glass, bottle or case. A special “12 Wines of Christmas” offering will include a bottle of wine from each participating winery. Wineries that will be on-site include Kenneth Schilling Fine Wine, Milano Family Winery, Godwin Family Vineyards, Pena Ridge Wines, Kelley & Young Wines, Palmeri Winery, TR Elliott Winery, J. Keverson, Hart’s Desire, Simoneau Vineyards, Merriam Vineyards and V-Twin Vineyards and Winery.

Legendary winemaker Kerry Damskey will give presentations throughout the two-day event. With more than 30 years of winemaking experience, Damskey has an international reputation for his acuity and focus in creating brilliant wines. Through Terroirs, Inc., his winemaking consulting practice, Damskey oversees custom wine growing, winemaking and vineyard acquisition. He consults for wineries not only in California and Washington but also in Bulgaria, China and India.
Also giving presentations is Ziggy “The Wine Gal” Eschliman, a nationally-known wine and spirits expert from Sonoma County.
Local chefs Scott Tompkins of Skye restaurant in Peoria, and Eddie Matney of Eddie’s House in Old Town Scottsdale, will prepare some of their signature dishes during demonstrations and seminars.

Duskie Estes, owner/chef of award-winning Zazu Restaurant and Farm in Santa Rosa, Calif., and competitor on season three of “The Next Iron Chef” on Food Network which debuts Oct. 3, will also appear at the event.
Event-goers can also stop and shop at an upscale marketplace featuring gourmet foods, kitchen cutlery and accessories, clothing, jewelry, photography, sculpture, metalwork, designer glass and fine art. Local restaurant booths will offer a variety of samples from their menus for purchase.

Throughout the two days, music will be provided by respected jazz artists including:

Nov. 20
11 a.m. – Musician/composer Scott Cussu
1:15 p.m. – Contemporary jazz/jazz fusion guitarist Marc Antoine
3:15 p.m. – Jazz saxophonist Euge Groove
All Day – Electric harpist VeeRonna and her band, Dulce Vas in the VIP Room
Nov. 21
11 a.m. – Acoustic pop/neo soul band Sillan and Young
1:15 p.m. – Blues singer Johnny Rawls
3:15 p.m. – Saxophonist Eric Darius
All Day – Dulce Vas and Nicole Pesce in the wine tasting area

General admission tickets are $27.50 per day or $49.50 for both days. General admission and wine tasting is $49.50 each day or $88 for the weekend. Price for the wine tasting includes a logo event glass and carrying lanyard.
A VIP pass is $130 each day and includes private all day wine tasting venues, logo glass and carrying lanyard, and all-day food prepared by Chef Tompkins. A two-day pass for $230 is also available.

In conjunction with the Sonoma Showcase, Trilogy at Vistancia will host several special events beginning Nov. 19 with a VIP dinner at the Kiva Club and another on Nov. 20 at The Verde Grill.

The Cigar BQ, where cigar lovers can sample and purchase cigars rolled on-site by manufacturers from around the world, as well as taste boutique, handcrafted wines, is scheduled from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 20-21 at the Kiva Club. Tickets are $75 per person and include a private wine tasting with logo glass and carrying lanyard, three cigars and music by contemporary jazz group Sans Moi and others. A two-day pass can be purchased for $140. For an additional $25, guests can shuttle between the event and the Sonoma Showcase.

A VIP pass for $500 includes admission for two to the Cigar BQ and Sonoma Showcase, dinner for two with the winemakers and performers at one VIP dinner Nov. 19
or 20, and a round of golf on the Trilogy at Vistancia golf course.

For information on ticket prices to the Sonoma Showcase, the Cigar B Q, VIP dinners as well as special event packages, visit www.ticketforce.com.

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“California has long been known for our production of superior, award-winning wines,” said Governor Schwarzenegger in his proclamation. “The Judgment of Paris in 1976 brought California wine to the world stage and established our wine producers as respected masters of their craft. This month is dedicated to celebrating our rich history of wine-making and the bright future of this important industry.” For a copy of the proclamation, go to: www.discovercaliforniawine.com/learn/governors-proclamation.

From special tastings and harvest tours, to wine education classes and major wine festivals, consumers can participate in many celebration events in all regions of the state. To find the latest events in September, visit www.discovercaliforniawine.com/learn/september-wine-events to view 30 wine events throughout California. Events are being updated regularly.

California is now home to more than 4,600 grape growers and 3,000 bonded wineries, its fertile land accounting for approximately 90 percent of wine production in the United States. For the month of September, Governor Schwarzenegger encourages consumers to take advantage of California Wine Month events — such as taking a tour or enrolling in a class — and become more familiar with this rich and unique part of the California culture.

An important part of this culture, Governor Schwarzenegger mentions, is the California wine community’s long term commitment to promoting socially and environmentally responsible farming practices, something that is of interest to more and more consumers. California has a widely adopted sustainable winegrowing and winemaking program, and all of the regions hosting California Wine Month events participate in it.

The state’s vintners and growers, along with California’s 80,000 restaurants, have helped make the Golden State a top destination for culinary travelers from around the world, attracting nearly 21 million visitors each year to its wine regions. The wine industry supports 820,000 jobs across the nation, including 330,000 in California.

California Wine Month, created and coordinated by Wine Institute (www.wineinstitute.org) and the California Association of Winegrape Growers (www.cawg.org), is also supported by several hotel, restaurant, retail and association partners including the California Travel and Tourism Commission, California Restaurant Association, Safeway, Von’s and Pavilions, Kimpton Hotels, Lark Creek Restaurant Group, Joie de Vivre Hotels, Ritz Carlton/J.W. Marriott (LA), Tavistock Restaurant Group, California Wine Merchants (NYC), Patina Restaurant Group, Revival Cafe & Bar, 1300 on Fillmore, Amtrak, Vino Volo and Tony’s Fine Foods.

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By embracing the complexity of origin, the elegant crystal glassware complements the distinct flavors of various whisky varieties and is destined to be applauded by both connoisseurs and the occasional enthusiast.

Each line boasts exclusive Villeroy & Boch quality and optimum design, which carefully considers the variations in ingredients, production process, storage and origin of the whisky to be enjoyed from the superior crystal glassware.

The American Bar line features seven elegant pieces in a variety of sizes and was created to serve whiskey (with an “e”) distilled in America or Ireland. The simple design boasts a narrow mouth and thick base to keep ice cold and is the perfect accessory for serving whiskey cocktails straight or “on the rocks.”

The Scotch Whisky line has been specially created for more exclusive varieties. With four product groups, including Single Grain, Single Malt, Blended Scotch and Decanters, the classic contour and optimum shape enable the nose to fully absorb the aroma of the whisky.

Designed to complement the taste of any distinctive spirit, the Fine Flavour collection – available as a gift box set of two – will be available in stores and online in November.

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Arriving from all points across the United States, 45 wine industry professionals convened June 18th, 19th and 20th to evaluate 3,897 wines from 1,290 wineries during the San Francisco International Wine Competition held at San Francisco’s Hotel Nikko. In its 30th anniversary year, the San Francisco International Wine Competition examined wines from 28 states and 27 countries. The medal count included 160 Double Gold awards (a wine is elevated to Double Gold status when all judges on a particular panel agree that a wine deserves a Gold medal), 276 Gold medals, 1,118 Silver and 1,343 Bronze.

“Best in Show” awards went to: Whitecliff Vineyard 2009 Riesling, New York, $15, for Best White Wine; Sequana 2008 Pinot Noir, Sarmento Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, $32, for Best Red Wine; Piper Sonoma NV Blanc de Blancs, Sonoma Coast, $17, for Best Sparkling Wine and Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate 2007 Vidal Ice Wine, Proprietor’s Reserve, Niagara Peninsula, Canada, $40, for Best Dessert Wine.

Hess Family Estates, Napa, California, was recognized with the “Portfolio Award” for excellence across a spectrum of brands. Winemaker Amanda Cramer, Niner Wine Estates, Paso Robles, California, won the coveted Andre Tchelistcheff “Winemaker of the Year” award. The Tasting Panel Magazine “Winery of the Year” award went to De Tierra Vineyard of Salinas, California.

Anthony Dias Blue, renowned food and wine authority, directed the competition in its 30th year, one of the most important and comprehensive wine competitions in the world, both for the quality of wines entered and for the high level of expertise among its judges. Blue remarked that “The diversity and global impact of the wine competition was notable with 27 countries submitting, six more than last year. We also saw a dramatic display of success from the Paso Robles and Monterey regions and were proud to honor a Hudson Valley Riesling from New York with a Sweepstakes win. The caliber and variety of wines we tasted was stunning, particularly an extraordinary group of Pinot Noirs that wowed the judges.”

“Best of Varietal” winners were awarded in eighteen different categories in 2010: Brancott Vineyards, 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, B, Marlborough, New Zealand, $26, won Best Sauvignon Blanc; Church & State Wines, 2008 Chardonnay, Gravelbourg Vineyard, Okanagan Valley, Canada, $25, won Best Chardonnay; Clavo Cellars, 2007 Petite Sirah, Dreamer, Catherine’s Vineyard, Paso Robles, $30, won Best Petite Sirah; Consensio Cellars, 2008 Tempranillo, Symphony of Wine Series, Amador County, $30, won Best Tempranillo; Elk Run Vineyards, 2008 Cabernet Franc, Cold Friday Vineyard, Maryland, $28, won Best Cabernet Franc; Gonzalez Bayass, NV Nectar, Superior Selection, Jerez, Spain, $18, won Best Sherry; Goose Watch Winery, 2009 Diamond, Finger Lakes, $10, won Best Native American Varietal; Hahn SLH Estate, 2007 Syrah, Santa Lucia Highlands, $27, won Best Syrah; Jeff Runquist Wines, 2008 Barbera, Amador County, $24, won Best Barbera; Kavaklidere, 2009 Egeo Roze, Aegean, Turkey, $19, won Best Rose; Maple Creek Winery, 2007 Zinfandel, Artevino, Largo Ridge Vineyard, Mendocino County, $26, won Best Zinfandel; Montevina Wines, 2009 Pinot Grigio, California, $10, won Best Pinot Grigio; Niner Wine Estates, 2007 Fog Catcher, Paso Robles, $58, won Best Bordeaux Blend; Okunomatsu, 2009 Shizukuzake Juhachidai Sake, Fukushima, Japan, $50, won Best Sake; Paradise View, 2006 Malbec, Sonoma Coast, $32, won Best Malbec; Quinta do Vesuvio, 2007 Port, Douro Portugal, $73, won Best Port; Robert Hall Winery, 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, $18, won Best Cabernet Sauvignon and Still Waters Vineyards, 2006 Merlot, Estate, Paso Robles, $22, won Best Merlot.

Nineteen “Best of Nation” awards highlighted the international scope of entries. “Best of Nation” awards went to: Graffigna, Argentina, importer Pernod Ricard; Kilikanoon Wines, Australia, importer Old Bridge Cellars; Ponto Nero, Brazil; Edoardo Miroglio Wine Cellar, Bulgaria, importer Suprex Int’l Ltd; Inniskillin, Canada, importer Constellation Wines U.S.; Terra Noble, Chile, importer Click Wine Group; Petr Skoupil Winery, Czech Republic; Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, France, importer Moet Hennessy USA; blufeld, Germany, importer Constellation Wines U.S.; Castello Banfi, Italy, importer Banfi Vintners; Bodegas de Santo Tomas, Mexico, importer Torrey Wine; Gomila, Slovenia; Slanghoek Private Selection, South Africa; Kooksoondang, South Korea, importer Bekseju USA; Gonzalez Bayass, Spain, importer SF Wine Exchange; Kavaklidere, Turkey; Brancott Vineyards, New Zealand, importer Pernod Ricard USA; Okunomatsu, Japan, importer Pacific Int’l Liquor; Quinta do Vesuvio, Portugal, importer Premium Port Wines.

The 2010 San Francisco International Wine Competition sponsors were The Tasting Panel Magazine, Waiwera Artesian Water, Geoffrey Nelson Photos and Elements Design Group. Blue also thanked Hotel Nikko in San Francisco for hosting the event.

For a complete list of winners and judges, visit the San Francisco International Wine Competition’s website: www.sfwinecomp.com. Photos can be viewed online at http://j412.smugmug.com/Clients/SFIWC2010/12749815_TiDzS#918429371_CprRL.

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Cliff Lede Vineyards is no stranger to the stereophonic communion between music and wine. When first gridding the winery’s 60 acres of vineyards, viticulturist David Abreu and proprietor Cliff Lede named the 39 different vineyard blocks after some of their favorite classic rock songs. The winery has since blended the best of the blocks from the Stags Leap District estate each year to create three Rock Blocks series wines – 2006 Moon Sympathy (after “Dark Side of the Moon” and “Sympathy for the Devil”), 2007 Imagine Rhapsody (after “Imagine” and “Bohemian Rhapsody”) and 2008 Lonely Wizard (after “Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Pinball Wizard.”

With the Platinum Playlist tasting, Cliff Lede Vineyards is pushing the marriage of wine and music to an entirely new level. After a tour of the winemaking facility and the winery’s White Room – a tasting room decorated with framed copies of classic albums such as The Beatles’ “The White Album” and Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” – guests will be led through a tasting of each of the winery’s Rock Blocks series wines. From 2006 Moon Sympathy to 2008 Lonely Wizard, guests will taste through the past, present and future of the Rock Blocks series. Each wine will be paired to a cool rock song and a selection of seasonal canapés. The group will additionally receive complimentary $10 iTunes Gift Cards and Lede and Melka’s own Platinum Playlist, a guide to drinking the winery’s best reds with the best rock.

Cliff Lede Vineyards encourages guests to use the iTunes Gift Card to download songs from the Platinum Playlist. The winery is also offering the opportunity for guests to tell them what songs they believe make these wines rock through their web site and Facebook page, allowing wine and music aficionados to upload their own playlists and rate and comment on each others’ pairings.

Ticket Info: Cliff Lede Vineyards’ Platinum Playlist tasting will be available beginning June 2010 and will run throughout the year. The cost per tasting is $75 per person for groups of up to 10 people. The price includes a tasting of each of the three Rock Blocks series wines. Each attendee will also receive a $10 iTunes Gift Card. The Platinum Playlist tasting is available by appointment only. To make a reservation or for more information, please call 707.944.8642 or visit www.cliffledevineyards.com.

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Veuve Clicquot Champagne is delighted to welcome back HRH Prince Henry of Wales to play in the third annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, taking place on New York’s historic Governors Island on Sunday, June 27, 2010. One of New York’s most unique and glamorous daytime social events, the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic once again benefits the American Friends of Sentebale, the U.S. arm of the global charity founded by Prince Harry of the British Royal Family and Prince Seeiso of the Lesotho Royal Family, which aims to better the lives of the underprivileged, at-risk children of Lesotho, Southern Africa.

Bringing the thrilling world of polo to New Yorkers for this one day event, the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic offers spectators the chance to watch Nacho Figueras, captain of the Black Watch team and face of Ralph Lauren’s Polo Fragrances, go head-to-head once again with Prince Harry in this much-anticipated match. There are two ways to join the VIP experience at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic: purchase a table in the VIP Marquee or buy a picnic ticket for a champagne lunch on the lawn. The event will also feature an area that is free and open to the public. In reverence to the long-time tradition, classic polo style is requested: women in hats; men in summer suits.

In the historic setting of Governors Island, this month’s Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic promises to attract a fashionable crowd from around the globe and feature the glamour and excitement of polo – ‘the sport of kings.’ Certain to be as stylish and star-studded as years past, last year’s Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic drew over 6,000 public spectators and a VIP line-up of guests including, Madonna, Kate Hudson, Marc Jacobs, Chloe Sevigny, LL Cool J, Donna Karan, Lucy Sykes, Rachel Roy, Hilary Rhoda and Alex Wek, all cheering on Prince Harry and Nacho Figueras as they went pony-to-pony for a worthy cause.

This year, Veuve Clicquot partners with Union Square Hospitality Group, to turn spectator snacking into an unmatched dining experience. Michael Romano, chef/partner of Union Square Cafe and culinary director for Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) has designed a multi-course champagne lunch for the guests in the VIP Marquee along with a gourmet picnic luncheon for picnic ticket holders developed by USHG’s catering arm, Union Square Events. In addition, an upscale snack cart will offer innovative mid-game snack options such as gourmet mini lemon whoopie pies, fudge cupcakes with orange buttercream frosting, Green Market famous pretzels and the famous Union Square Cafe mixed nut blend.

Spectators sitting on the public side can expect plenty of Veuve Clicquot champagne bars and premium concessions from Union Square Hospitality Group’s Blue Smoke and El Verano Taqueria, marking the first time Chef Floyd Cardoz’s irresistible tacos will be available outside of Citi Field, home of the New York Mets.

In addition to purchasing a table in the exclusive VIP Marquee, Lunch on the Lawn picnic tickets to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic are currently available for purchase. They are $250 per person and will provide access to all of the glamorous action, unlimited Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, a custom Polo picnic blanket, picnic basket and champagne flute, and a gourmet picnic lunch developed by Chef Michael Romano, chef/partner of Union Square Cafe and Culinary Director of Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group and its catering business, Union Square Events. In addition, picnickers will have access to custom Petanque courts, the famous French game made popular in the U.S. by Veuve Clicquot.

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Merlot’s fastidious nature requires ideal soils and growing sites. The 2006 HALL Napa Valley Merlot is a cuvee from two premier estate vineyards. The vines from HALL’s Hardester Ranch are planted on a hillside enclave, which creates intensely concentrated small berries with great structure and backbone. The cool valley floor vines of Napa River Ranch allow Merlot to express its vibrant red fruit and velvety texture. As a result, the blend creates a synergy and a balance allowing complex notes of cherry, violets, cocoa and brown spice to create the 2006 HALL Napa Valley Merlot. While it is approachable in its youth, the expressive flavors of dark cherry, toasted oak and blackberry jam will continue to evolve throughout 5 – 7 years of cellaring.

Harvested with full-blown flavors, the 2009 HALL Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc was sourced primarily from Yountville. The grapes benefit from the cool regional climate which brings forth ripe citrusy flavors and zesty vibrancy. The 2009 HALL Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc vintage also boasts grapes from Napa River Ranch, adding a delightful minerality. In addition, the inclusion of grapes from the Hardester Vineyard gives the wine an imprint of lush tropical character. HALL’s winemaking process of stainless steel fermentation brings forth a distinct freshness and fruit-forwardness. The exceptional richness and layers of texture are achieved by harvesting highly-ripened grapes and stirring of the yeast lees. On the palate, grapefruit and citrusy scents emerge and are complemented by a finish of guava and lychee.

A blend of hand-harvested fruit, the 2006 HALL Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced predominately from Hall Wines’ esteemed estate vineyards: Hardester, Napa River Ranch, Hall Estate and Sacrashe. Each of the distinctive terroirs offers complementary essences that culminate into a pre-eminent Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine’s inviting deep inky color and rich aromatics of cassis, roasted espresso bean and dark ripe plum are matched with flavors of blackberry, and crème cassis that linger. The 2006 HALL Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon features a balanced, concentrated character that will continue to impress for 5-10 years.

HALL Wines estate vineyards encompass more than five hundred acres of classic Bordeaux varietals; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. As winegrowers and visionaries, the Halls have a strong respect for the environment and a commitment to cutting-edge vineyard technology to yield the highest quality grapes. In July 2009, HALL St. Helena became California’s first winery to receive the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Green Building Rating System™. Through meticulous attention to detail, HALL wines employs organic small-vine viticulture, precision winemaking, wild yeast fermentation, and micro-block-blending to fully extract the purity and to express the unique and diverse character of Napa Valley’s soils and climate.

2006 HALL Napa Valley Merlot
Varietal Composition: 100% Merlot
Appellation: Napa Valley
Vineyard: A Selection of Fruit From 100% Estate Vineyards
Barrel Aging: 20 Months in 60% New French Oak
Price: $28 per bottle

2006 HALL Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Varietal Composition: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec
Appellation: Napa Valley
Vineyard: Select Vineyard Blocks From Estate Vineyards
Barrel Aging: 20 months in 60% New French Oak
Price: $40 per bottle

2009 HALL Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Varietal Composition: Napa Valley
Appellation: Napa Valley
Price: $22 per bottle

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Designed for individuals and couples getaways, family reunions and corporate retreats, The Allison sprouted from the fertile ground in late 2009 much like the crops and and vineyards that surround and serve to support the resort. “In all my years running hotels around the world, I have never witnessed a level of commitment to cuisine that matches what we have been given at The Allison,” notes Pierre Zreik, Managing Director. “Nearly a full acre has been dedicated to the Chef’s Garden, enabling Executive Chef Stephen Marshall to create the freshest seasonal cuisine for guests each week,” he continues.

“With more than 70 planted varietals, it is like a chef’s ultimate playground,” Marshall has been quoted. “And I get to meet Oregon’s finest purveyors who bring their best crops into The Allison on a daily basis – the model is the most like cooking in Europe that I’ve ever seen in the United States.”

This culinary concept was developed by Ercolino Crugnale, the property’s Director of Food & Wine, who played a key role in engineering operations to support the 100-seat JORY Restaurant with its Open Kitchen and Chef’s Table and private dining rooms in addition to a 12,000 square foot event space for catering and meetings. 24-hour in-room dining for the 85 accommodations is also prepared from JORY’s kitchen. “The Allison has received immediate acclaim for its food and wine programs, which is deeply gratifying,” notes Crugnale. The Oregonian named JORY one of the best new restaurants of 2009 in its annual ‘Rants and Raves’ column published each calendar-year end.

Crugnale was recently recognized by Food & Wine Magazine as one of the top seven sommeliers in the United States for his work at The Allison, which features more than 700 labels on JORY’s wine list and 50 wines-by-the-glass in the bar and inviting Living Room, including over 100 Pinot Noir producers from Oregon. According to Food & Wine’s Megan Krigbaum, Crugnale won this recognition “because his list has the perfect balance of local Oregon wines and terrific selections from the rest of the world.”

The Allison will produce its own wine bottled in 2011 from its five-acre vineyard located amongst the property’s rolling 35-acre setting. The vineyard is being managed by Oregon’s renowned vintner David Adelsheim and features three of the state’s best known soil types, Willa-Kenzie, Woodburn and Jory, all of which are anticipated to provide their signature wines with great distinction and variety.

But guests do not have to wait until 2011 to experience viticultural variety at The Allison. The restaurant recently launched a weekly wine-tender program featuring a local ‘celebrity’ from Oregon’s wine industry sharing complimentary pourings of their varietals for neighbors and guests alike. A full calendar of upcoming wine-tender appearances can be found on the property’s extensive event calendar at http://theallison.com/calendar/index.php.

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