Wine With Wanda

Wine About Town: Kim Crawford, Guía Peñín, Wines of Southwest France

One of the many joys of wine is getting to spend time with the people that turn grapes into drinkable art; their talent and passion inspire me everyday. New York City is always a top destination for winemakers and my hometown hosts a never-ending parade of tasting events. My Wine About Town column showcases some of the marvelous winemakers & tastemakers that I've had the pleasure of sharing a bottle with at events in NYC. 

KIM CRAWFORD


Winemaker Anthony Walkenhorst, of New Zealand's acclaimed Kim Crawford winery, was recently in NYC at Mr. White restaurant to celebrate the debut of Kim Crawford Signature Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2017($24.99).



Grapes for this superbly balanced and luscious Sauvignon Blanc are sourced from selected small lots along Marlborough's coastal plains and valleys where they ripen slowly and develop exceptional flavor. Vibrant but not aggressively zingy, this refreshing white wine elegantly balances citrusy and tropical flavors with crisp minerality.

GUÍA PEÑÍN 

Ana Lopez Lidon, export manager for Gramona Cava, poured their exceptional sparkling wines at the Guía Peñin tasting in NYC. 

Direct from Spain, the Guîa Peñin tasting has become one of NYC's most anticipated wine events.



Guía Peñín is Spain's most influential wine ratings guide. Featuring top wines from throughout Spain, the event at City Winery beautifully showcased the high quality and diversity of Spanish wines. 

Enrique Valero, managing director of Abadía Retuerta in Spain's Duero Valley. 

Standouts at the tasting included Gramona Cava's exceptional sparkling wines and Abadía Retuerta's regal reds.

WINES OF SOUTHWEST FRANCE


Sommelier André Compeyre at the Wines of Southwest France Happy Hour 
image courtesy of Lydia Lee Photography

Wines of Southwest France hosted a festive happy hour at the French Cheese Board in Soho. Sommelier André Compeyre, of Aldo Sohm Wine Bar, led guests through a tasting of wines. Selected as the 2017 Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine, as I've written before, Southwest France produces an impressive array of well-made wines, at great prices, from unique local grapes like Mauzac and Prunelard, as well as international varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

It was fun to catch up with Julien Ducos, export manager for Domaine du Tariquet. 

Southwest France has no shortage of talented winemakers. To get started, I recommend wines from Domaine du Moulin, Domaine du Tariquet, Jean-Luc Baldés Clos Triguedina, and Château Montus. 

Wine About Town: Slow Wine, Benvenuto Brunello, Amarone Families, and Domaine Select

One of the many joys of wine is getting to spend time with the people that turn grapes into drinkable art; their talent and passion inspire me everyday. New York City is always a top destination for winemakers and my hometown hosts a never-ending parade of tasting events. Each month or so, my new Wine About Town column will showcase some of the marvelous winemakers & tastemakers that I've had the pleasure of sharing a bottle with at events in NYC. There is never a drought of great Italian wine tastings in the Big Apple, so this inaugural edition of Wine About Town is all about sipping La Dolce Vita!  

Winemaker Giampaolo Tabarrini was in a cheerful mood at the Slow Wine 2018 Tasting at Eataly Downtown. 

I've admired his wines for a long time so it was truly a treat to finally meet Giampaolo Tabarrini at the Slow Wine tasting. Friends had told me that this talented winemaker from Umbria was gregarious and high-energy and I found myself delightfully swept up in his vino vortex. The Tabarrini family has been making wine for four generations in Umbria, outside of Montefalco.



Celebrated for his complex single-vineyard Sagrantino wines, I'm also a big fan of Giampaolo's white wine Tabarrini Adarmando (around $23). Inspired by his grandfather Armando, Adarmando is produced from the local Trebbiano Spoletino grape and is a beautifully textured and expressive wine. Tabarrini is a great example of Slow Wine's mission to showcase small-scale Italian winemakers that respect tradition, the environment, and terroir. 

Angela Velenosi in NYC at the Domaine Select grand portfolio tasting at the Kimpton Hotel Eventi.

One of the most dynamic and well-known personalities in wine, I refer to Angela Velenosi as The Lady from Le Marche. A true force of nature, Angela entered the wine business more than 30 years ago with very little capital and now Cantina Velenosi is one of the powerhouses of the region. Velenosi produces a wide array of wines from their vineyards in Italy's Le Marche region, including many from indigenous grapes like Passerina, Pecorino, and Lacrima. Her superb red wines Offida Ludi 2013 ($65, blend of Montepulciano, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot) and Rosso Piceno Superiore Roggio del Filare 2013 ($55, blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano) each received an impressive 90 points in Wine Spectator. 

Francesco Marone Cinzano, chairman of Col d'Orcia, was in NYC for the annual Benvenuto Brunello tasting at Gotham Hall.  

Benvenuto Brunello is always one of the most festive and highly anticipated events on the NYC wine calendar and this year's tasting of Brunello di Montalcino 2013, Riserva 2012, Rosso di Montalcino 2016, Moscadello, and Sant’Antimo did not disappoint. Many of the producers described 2013 as a classic vintage that will age beautifully. Col d'Orcia is always one of the standouts; the wines are consistently evocative and Count Cinzano's witty sense of humor shows that fine wine can be lots of fun. Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino 2013 ($55) is an elegant addition to any meal or occasion.
 

Winemaker Maddalena Pasqua di Bisceglie of Musella Winery was in NYC for the Historic Families tasting at Del Posto. 

A biodynamic Amarone? That's pretty exciting and ambitious but Musella's commitment is paying off beautifully. Musella Amarone della Valpolicella elegantly conveys a sense of their terroir, in the hills near Verona, with impressive freshness and structure. Historic Families (Le Famiglie Storiche) represents thirteen quintessential producers of Amarone della Valpolicella, the Italian noble red that hails from Italy’s Veneto region. Each producer has their own style but share a dedication to preserving the integrity of Amarone. Musella Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva 2011($64) balances Amarone's signature richness with an enticing melange of freshness and earthiness. 

The 90th Oscars: Hollywood's Biggest Night Is a Wine & Food Extravaganza!

 

“We are particularly proud to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Oscars. This anniversary bottle represents the history of excellence that unites the Academy and Piper-Heidsieck. These magnums, bottled in Reims and enjoyed in Los Angeles, are the very expression of the universal magic of cinema, to which we are paying tribute.”
Benoît Collard, Executive Director for Piper-Heidsieck

Film buffs and fashionistas are in a frenzy as the 90th Oscars approach. Who will win? What will they wear? But there's another important question that must be answered on Hollywood's glitziest night - What will they drink? I can't predict the Best Picture winner but I can tell you that rivers of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne and the wines of Francis Ford Coppola will flow on March 4th at the Oscars and the official after-party, the Governors Ball. 



An astounding 1,500 bottles of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne will be served - that's more than 8,500 delicious glasses of bubbly. The stellar offerings from the Piper-Heidsieck portfolio will include the limited-edition magnum that was designed especially to commemorate the 90th Oscars and Hollywood's Golden Age. You can't buy the special Oscars magnum but the fabulous Champagne within is Piper-Heidsieck's widely available Cuvée Brut.  

 “The Academy Awards is a ceremony that honors daring, fearless, innovative storytelling, and in that tradition, we have developed two exquisite Director’s Cut wines that reflect innovative excellence.” - Corey Beck, CEO, Francis Ford Coppola Winery   

More than 14,000 glasses of Francis Ford Coppola wine will be poured at the Oscars. The 2,400 bottles will include his Director’s Cut Oscars 90th Edition Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 and Director’s Cut Oscars 90th Edition Chardonnay 2016.  A fourteen-time nominee and six-time Oscar winner (including the prestigious Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award), filmmaker and vintner Francis Ford Coppola has had a long relationship with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and these special wines are his tribute to the 90th anniversary of the Oscars.  

Piper-Heidsieck Rare 2002 Champagne paired with Chef Wolfgang Puck's Roasted Potato with Caviar. 

Of course, these fantastic wines deserve to be paired with an exceptional menu and legendary Chef Wolfgang Puck is leaving no truffle unturned. The 90th Oscars mark Puck's 24th year as the caterer of Hollywood's biggest night. The menu will include Chicken Pot Pie with Black Truffles, Osetra Caviar with Roasted New Potato, Wagyu Sliders, and Caviar Parfait with 24k Gold!  

A Celebration of Wine & Culture in Naples: Vitigno Italia 2017

When wine calls, I follow. Intrigued by descriptions of stellar wines and stunning scenery, I gladly let vino lead me to Naples for the 13th annual Vitigno Italia festival. More than just a showcase for wine, Vitigno Italia was a vivacious celebration of the unique culture of the south of Italy. An ancient city with a modern edge, Naples is the capital of the Campania region and Italy's third largest city.


From the volcanic peaks of Mt. Vesuvio to the blue Mediterranean waters that caress its coast, from the bustling crowds strolling & shopping along the elegant & energetic Via Toledo to the quiet piazzas where locals meet for an aperitivo, Naples is a city of charming contrasts. A bilingual city where its own melodic Neapolitan language co-exists with Italian, Naples is nature and modernity, chaos and calm; and Vitigno Italia captured all of these qualities.

image courtesy of WikiWand

When was the last time you attended a wine tasting in a Medieval castle? Naples' oldest standing fortification, the majestic seaside Castel dell'Ovo was the spectacular venue for Vitigno Italia. For three days (May 21-23), thousands of attendees strolled the Castle to taste a variety of wines from the south of Italy and other regions. Vitigno Italia also showcased a selection of Italian cheeses, cured meats, and other delicacies. A festival without attitude, Vitigno Italia had a welcoming and energetic vibe that attracted multi-generations, couples, singles, many local residents, and tourists.  

Daniele Cernilli (Doctor Wine), Wanda, and Chicco de Pasquale (Founder of Vitigno Italia)

Yes, Vitigno Italia is a great party but it is also very serious about the business of wine. The festival's Napoli Wine Challenge, led by a judging panel that included prestigious Italian wine writers Daniele Cernilli (Doctor Wine), Chiara Giorleo, and Luciano Pignataro, used a blind tasting format for the final selection of five wines that were honored as the best in their category. (I was honored to be a member of this esteemed judging panel. Visit Chiara's website for the list of winners.) At Vitigno Italia, wine producers also had the important opportunity to meet with an international delegation of buyers from Asia, the Middle East, and other European nations, who would consider exporting their wines abroad. 

Founder and president of Vitigno Italia, Chicco de Pasquale. His passion and vision have made Vitigno Italia the premier wine festival in southern Italy. 

Stefano Carbone (press official for Vitigno Italia) and a delighted festival attendee enjoy a glass of wine poured by the one-and-only Alessandro Scorsone - the official sommelier of Italian Parliament. (Yes, the Italian government has a sommelier. Can we please do this in the United States?) 


Massimo Setaro of Casa Vinicola Setaro and his prize-winning Caprettone Spumante Metodo Clasico from Vesuvio. This unique and elegant sparkling wine, produced from the indigenous Caprettone grape, won the sparkling wine category at Vitigno Italia's Napoli Wine Challenge. 

 

I was first introduced to Ilaria Pettito of Donnachiara when she was in New York City last year promoting her family's superb wines. It was a wonderful surprise to see Ilaria, and her partner in life & business, Francesco De Rienzo at Vitigno Italia. Their participation showed that Vitigno Italia is indeed considered a very important event for the region's winemakers. Donnachiara produces some of the most acclaimed wines in the Campania region. Their vineyards in Montefalcione, an ancient village in the Avellino province, have been in Ilaria's family for 150 years. Their wine portfolio includes elegant expressions of Fiano de Avellino, Greco di Tufo, and Taurasi. 

The legendary volcano Vesuvio (Vesuvius) is perhaps Naples' most famous resident and this force of nature also lends its name to the Vesuvio DOC. Ciro Giordano of Cantine Olivella is also president of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Vesuvio. The wines of the Vesuvio DOC were well-represented at Vitigno Italia. One of the unique wines that I tasted at Vitigno Italia was Cantina Olivella's "Katá" - a white wine made from the Catalanesca grape. Catalanesca has its roots in Spain and was brought to the Napoli region in the 15th century. 

Winemaker Maurizio Russo of Cantina del Vesuvio proudly shows the mineral-rich black soil of his vineyard on the slopes of Vesuvio - one of the benefits of being so close to a volcano. Wines from Vesuvio have a defined mineral character that add elegant and earthy textures and flavors. The Cantina del Vesuvio portfolio includes Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio which is produced from the indigenous grapes Caprettone (white) and Piedirosso (red). 



While in Naples, I took a short excursion to Pompei to explore the legendary ancient city that was destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvio in 79 AD. In addition to the Roman ruins of the homes, market, and spa; there are several small vineyards on the property that recreate the viticulture of that time. This exciting project is managed by Mastroberardino winery and winemaker Antonio Capone was my gracious tour guide for the day. Antonio eloquently described Vesuvio as a "devil and an angel" - capable of great destruction but also enriching the soil to grow rich grapes that beautifully express the terroir. Mastroberardino produces a limited number of bottles of these very special wines from Pompei. 

Thank you to everyone at Vitigno Italia, the Consorzio Tutela Vini Vesuvio, the Italian Trade Commission, and all of the welcoming Neapolitans who made my first visit to the south of Italy so memorable. If you've been thinking of visiting Naples, I highly recommend going to Vitigno Italia 2018. Let wine lead you to Naples and so much more will be revealed. Cheers! 

Fromage in the City: Cheese Week in New York

Cheese & wine have always been the hottest couple in the culinary world and no one has mastered the art of pairing fromage and vin like the French. The creators of Cheese Day Paris will make the Big Apple cheesy in the very best way during Cheese Week in New York (February 21-26, 2017). During Cheese Week, the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France and other chefs in New York, Philadelphia and California will spotlight cheeses from France and around the world. Participating chefs in New York include Daniel Boulud (Bar Boulud), Claude Godard (Madison Bistro), and Bernard Liberatore (Core Club). Their menus will feature dishes that creatively incorporate cheese. 


During Cheese Week, Bar Boulud's menu will feature Braised Pork Shank with Pommes Aligot, Broccoli Rabe, and Garlic Jus. The Pommes Aligot (potato purée with cheese) features Comté Juraflore Fort des Rousses cheese from Fromagerie Arnaud.

" I am honored to be a part of this well known event. I have a very special place for cheese in my heart and as a matter of fact, have conducted many pairings with cheesemonger Xavier, a long time friend of my family." -- Stephane Kandler, owner of Château Tourril 

Of course, wine will be an important part of the Cheese Week festivities. For example, Madison Bistro will be hosting a four-course winemaker dinner on February 27th with Stephane Kandler of Château Tourril in the Minervois appellation in the Languedoc region, in the south of France. Other wines featured during Cheese Week include Légende, Domaines Barons de Rothschild and Château de La Dauphine Cuvée Delphis. 

The French Cheese Board will also organize cheese, wine, and spirit tastings at their space in Soho. Other popular NYC locations participating in Cheese Week include Maison Kayser and Murray's Cheese.
 

Visit the Cheese Week website for the complete schedule of chic & cheesy activities.

Identitá Golose Heats Up New York with Michelin Starred Italian Chefs

Jet-setting to Italy isn't your only option if you fantasize about experiencing the culinary artistry of Michelin starred chefs like Massimo Bottura and Carlo Cracco. Identitá Golose, a prestigious culinary organization devoted to showcasing the best of contemporary Italian cuisine, will unite Italian and American Michelin-starred chefs for a series of master classes, dinners, and celebrations at Eataly in New York (September 30 - October 3) and Chicago (October 6-7).

The Identitá agenda is full of amazing events that no modern Italian food enthusiast should miss. For example, on October 1 at Eataly New York, there will be a four-course gala dinner  ($190) with wine pairings and each course will be prepared by a different Michelin starred chef from Italy.



What a unique opportunity to take your taste buds on a journey orchestrated by some of Italy's most celebrated chefs! The all-star lineup on October 1 features:

Antipasto: Massimo Bottura, from Osteria Francescana – Modena

Primo: Andrea Migliaccio, from Ristorante L’Olivo – Capri

Secondo: Moreno Cedroni, from Madonnina del Pescatore – Senigallia

Dolce: Ugo Alciati, from Guido Risotrante – Serralunga d’Alba

Founded in 2004 by Italian food journalist Paolo Marchi, Identitá Golose highlights the best of contemporary Italian cuisine, showcases the culinary excellence of each Italian region, and honors the top Italian chefs who proudly blend traditional techniques with modern methods. Visit the Eataly and Identitá Golose websites for more information.

 

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Sip & Sail: La Nuit en Rosé Wine & Food Festival in New York

image credit: Guillaume Guadet. Courtesy of La Nuit en Rosé.

Close your eyes and imagine summer breezes blowing through your hair as you sail on a yacht, sipping elegant rosé and nibbling on gourmet treats.Thanks to the organizers of La Nuit en Rosé, this chic daydream can be a reality. A three-day festival (June 25-27) hosted aboard the Hornblower Infinity Yacht in New York City, La Nuit en Rosé is the world's first festival dedicated entirely to rosé wines and champagne and more than 100 wines will be featured. Granted, the Hudson River may not be the Riviera but it is still pretty lovely and you can't go wrong with rosé + a yacht! 

image courtesy of La Nuit en Rosé

“Rosé is more than just a wine category, it is a way of life and that’s what unique about rosé. Rosé has made itself inseparable from a summer gathering, a pool party or a barbecue. Close your eyes and sip rosé, you’re immediately transported into a summer paradise. Drinking rosé is the epitome of chic!” - Pierrick Bouquet, co-creator of La Nuit en Rosé.

The international cast of winemakers participating in La Nuit en Rosé includes Champagne Nicolas Feuillate, Domaine Montrose, Wines of Greece, Wines of Navarra, and many more. La Nuit en Rosé will also showcase cuisine from acclaimed New York City chefs and restaurants - including Geoffrey Zakarian,The Lambs Club, The National, STK, Fig & Olive, Le District, and others. For an extra serving of chic, the VIP lounge will feature an Oyster Bar and a Bubble & Truffle Bar presented by Ferrari and Urbani Truffles.

La Nuit en Rosé tickets range in price from $75-$250 per person for a variety of rosé-centric events such as the opening night wine-pairing dinner presented by Wine Enthusiast or wine tasting with a light buffet. Guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion, so rev up your little black dress with a dash of pink!

For more information and to order tickets, visit the La Nuit en Rosé website.

Ooh La La in NYC: Taste of France and FIAF Open House

Paris, 2013

Despite the ocean that separates us, New York and France have a very cozy relationship thanks to our shared passions for fashion, food, wine, and everything fabulous. Experience a bit of la vie en rose in Manhattan at two fabulous events: the French Institute/Alliance Française Open House and the Taste of France in Bryant Park.

French Insitute/Alliance Française (FIAF) Open House
Tuesday, September 10. 6-8 PM. Free!

image: Fashionation: Karl Lagerfeld and Team by @Ruben Toledo, courtesy FIAF

From language classes to films, music & wine, FIAF is the epicenter of French cultural life in NYC. Drop by their Open House to get a taste of FIAF's rich programs and an exclusive discount on fall classes. Meet other Francophiles while enjoying delicious wine and cheese, indulge in mini French beauty treatments from Phyto and Lierac, and more! The evening will also include screenings at 6:15 and 7:00 PM of Fashionation (2009),  a short animated film about the history of fashion from artist-illustrator Ruben Toledo. The 7pm screening will be introduced by the filmmaker himself.

Taste of France
Saturday, September 28 (11AM - 11PM) - Sunday, September 29 (11 AM - 7PM).
Bryant Park, Free Admission
A celebration of all things French, Taste of France transforms Bryant Park into a fabulous showcase of food, wine, fashion, beauty, and more. French regions like Burgundy, Rhone-Alpes, Midi-Pyrenees, French West Indies, and more will be in attendance to share information on what they have to offer in terms of tourism and specialties. And, L'Oreal will pamper attendees with complimentary hair and beauty sessions.

Admission to the market is free but there are also some fee-based special events such as Le Grand Wine Tasting ($150) and Le Café du Parc ($35) where the Maitres Cuisiniers de France will present some of the great French specialties paired with French wines and cocktails. Also, you've heard me rave about the Maille Chablis Mustard on tap and the Taste of France marks the first time ever that it will be sold in the United States. Maille is setting up a mini-boutique at the event where you can sample this amazing delicacy and purchase 3.5-ounce traditional earthenware mustard pots filled to order and closed with a charming cork stopper. Each jar will sell for $18 (2 jars for $30).

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Create Your Own Cellar of Fabulous Vinos with Wines from Spain

Marmar Wines poured their delicious W2 Spanish Premium Wines from Castilla y León. Their white wine is a refreshing blend of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Verdejo.

I've long been a fan of Spanish wines and I'm thrilled that the global spotlight is finally shining their way. From sparkling & crisp Cavas, tasty Tempranillos, and appealing Albariños, Spain offers an amazing variety of delicious wines at affordable prices. Earlier this week I attended the Spanish Wine Cellar event in NYC hosted by Wines from Spain and had the chance to mingle with 38 wine companies, representing over 115 wines from more than 28 wine regions such as Rias Baixas, Ribera del Duero, and Priorat. Many of the wines that I tasted are not yet available in the U.S. but keep an eye out for them - and certainly give them a try on your next trip to Spain. Enric Vives was in New York City representing his family's Catalan winery Trossos del Priorat. Their 2009 Le Món red wine was truly special - a blend of 60% Grenache, 15% Carignane, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Syrah that has been aged for 12 months in French/American oak and 10 months in the bottle. Full bodied, smooth, and luscious dark berries with hints of spice and licorice.

And, I must say bravo to the team from La Rioja restaurant in Astoria, Queens for the delicious Spanish food they provided at the tasting - fabulous Tortilla Española, Bacalao Croquetas, Gazpacho, Jamón and many more tasty tapas. I can't wait to visit their restaurant.


To learn more about Spanish wines, take a few moments to browse the Wines from Spain website - it has great information on regions, gorgeous photos, and even an online shop.

Storyscapes: Bombay Sapphire House of Imagination at the Tribeca Film Festival

This Exquisite Forest is one of the five Storyscapes featured at the Bombay Sapphire House of Imagination. The project allows people to create short animations in their web browser and build on the animations of others, creating a series of branching narrative trees that grow bigger as more people contribute.

One of the most popular annual happenings in New York City is the Tribeca Film Festival.  Founded in 2002, TFF is more than just a cinematic extravaganza - it is the catalyst for countless cool parties and events. If you're looking for something truly unique to do at the Festival, check out the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE House of Imagination: Storyscapes  from April 18-21.

Free and open the public, specialty BOMBAY SAPPHIRE cocktails and artisanal snacks will be served throughout Storyscapes - an all-new juried section at this year’s Festival, which honors transmedia and interactive innovation across genres. The launch of this collaborative installation encourages interactive public participation within the five Storyscapes selections. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to share personal accounts of Hurricane Sandy, engage with insomnia, or even create their own documentary with robots!I know, it may sound a little out there, but click here to read descriptions of the Storyscapes - they're pretty intriguing.

General Admission Hours:

4/18: 6pm - 10pm
4/19: 1pm - 6pm
4/20: 12pm - 5pm
4/21: 12pm - 5pm

Click here for the location of the Bombay Sapphire house of Imagination and to register. All visitors must be 21 or over. 

 

Female Chefs Prove They Can Stand the Heat at the Women in Whites Conference

Did you know that women represent 50% of culinary school enrollments but only 15% of all chefs and head cooks in America? The first annual Women in Whites conference on Thursday, March 7th (10:30 AM - 3:30 PM) at the International Culinary Center in New York City will address the dynamic role of women in the food industry, the challenges they face, and how to create more opportunities.

Ruth Reichl

Participating moderators and panelists include Ruth Reichl (author & former restaurant critic The New York Times), Christina Tosi (Chef/Owner of Momofuku Milk Bar), and Missy Robbins (Executive Chef of the A Voce restaurants). In fact, the International Culinary Center's Founder & CEO is the visionary Dorothy Cann Hamilton and she will moderate a panel on Business & Entrepreneurship.

The registration fee for Women in Whites is $100 and includes lunch. Following the conference, there will be a celebration dinner at 7PM at L'Ecole featuring a three-course dinner designed by a team of women chefs. Tickets for the dinner are $75.

Click here for more information about the Women in Whites Conference and the Celebration Dinner.

Raise a Glass at the New York Wine Expo

Ahh, the air at the Javits Center will be more aromatic than usual thanks to the abundance of wine being poured at the 6th Annual New York Wine Expo. More than 200 exhibitors serving over 600 wines will be in attendance, so don't miss this vino extravaganza if you are a passionate imbiber or just want to learn more.

The New York Wine Expo is open to the public on March 1st and 2nd. Tickets for the Grand Tastings are $85 and include a souvenir wine glass. The New York Wine Expo also features great seminars that are available for purchase a la carte, including Wine 101: Taste Like a Pro with Wine Spectator’s Director of Education, Gloria Maroti Frazee ($30) and Italian Cheeses Wine with Lou DiPalo, the Cheese Guru of DiPalo’s Fine Foods in Little Italy ($35). You do not have to purchase a ticket to the Grand Tasting in order to purchase a ticket to any of the seminars but you will not be granted admission to the Grand Tasting if you only purchase a seminar.

For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit the New York Wine Expo website.

Join Me for Savor Spain: Tapas Happy Hour at Andanada 141

 SAVOR SPAIN is sold out. Please click here to be added to the waitlist. Gracias!

The Black Dress Traveler and Andanada 141 cordially invite you to

Savor Spain

Tuesday, March 12^th
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
RSVP REQUIRED. CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE

www.andanada141.com

141 West 69^th Street.
(bet. Broadway and Columbus)
New York City

Complimentary Tapas


$7 glasses of wine & sangria
$10 for the Andanada 141 Signature Cocktail
(Absolut Apple and Ginger vodka, Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur, Guava Juice, and Rosé Cava)

Experience the magic of España in the heart of Manhattan! Andanada 141 restaurant captures the culinary creativity, energy, and passion of Spain. Join us for a fantástico happy hour featuring complimentary tapas created by Chef Manu Berganza.


Chef Manu Berganza

A master of Modern Spanish cuisine, Chef Berganza was the first chef in Spain to earn a first-time, two-star Michelin rating as the head chef of the acclaimed Restaurant Sergi Arola Gastro in Madrid. He has also trained the chefs and staff at the Royal House of Spain. Lucky for us, Chef Berganza is now in New York City and dazzling diners with his innovative approach to classic Spanish cuisine.



Attendees will also receive a special gift (while supplies last) from NATURA BISSÉ skincare. Founded in Barcelona in 1979, NATURA BISSÉ is a globally recognized leader in the innovation and development of facial and body cosmetics. Luxurious and effective, NATURA BISSÉ was recognized as "The Best Luxury Spa Brand" in the third annual US NewBeauty Choice Awards.


Savor Spain is sold out. Click here to be added to the waitlist.

Counting Down to Fashion's Night Out - Get Pampered at Frederic Fekkai

Last September, a gentleman friend sent me a text message wondering why there were larger than usual throngs of stylish women bearing shopping bags storming the streets of Manhattan. Handsome, if you're reading this, the event is called Fashion's Night Out and it is happening again on September 6th in NYC and beyond. Prepare yourself!


Purchase an item from the 2012 FNO collection, like this cool canvas tote bag for $50, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the New York City AIDS Fund in the NY Community Trust.

Fashion's Night Out celebrates fashion and supports retail with exciting events that include designer appearances, celebrity guests, fashion shows and musical performances. In the United States, the program is a collaboration between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the City of New York.

One of the FNO events that caught my eye is Fekkai Mademoiselle hosted by actress AnnaSophia Robb (star of the CW’s upcoming new series The Carrie Diaries - a prequel to Sex and the City) at Frederic Fekkai Fifth Avenue at Henri Bendel. The Mademoiselle Package includes a choice of a New York signature blow-out, St. Barths’s Sexy Beach Waves or the perfectly undone chignon along with a makeup application and Ciate’s Caviar Manicure for $75. Or, you can opt for the Petite Mademoiselle - a customized Nail Rock Designer Nail Wrap Application ($25). Fekkai Mademoiselle will take place on Sept. 6, 5pm - 8pm. To schedule an appointment, call 212-753-9500.

Frederic Fekkai

And, how gorgeous is Frederic Fekkai? I would totally trust him with my hair! Ok, I digress. For a complete listing of the many fabulous Fashion's Night Out events, visit their website.

 

Ready, Set, Shop: Fashion Forward Philadelphia

I already knew that my friends in Philly were VERY passionate sports fans and foodies but who knew they were such fierce fashionistas! If you don't believe me, take a visit to the City of Brotherly Love and explore their great mix of major retailers and unique boutiques. And, did I mention that there is no sales tax on clothing in Philadelphia? Yay!

If you're skeptical about Philly's credentials as a fashion hub, plan on visiting from September 13-20 for The Philadelphia Collection - a series of fashion & style events taking place throughout the city. Nearly 75 events, including large-scale runway shows, fashion presentations, trunk shows, and panel discussions will allow consumers to get up close and personal to Philly's fashion scene. And, to kick of the fall fashion season in style, Philadelphia will also be participating in the worldwide sartorial extravaganza known as Fashion's Night Out for the very first time on September 6th.

2011 Runway Show at Macy's Center City


Stand out events during The Philadelphia Collection include the Anne Klein Flagship Grand Opening, Sephora's 8 Days of Beauty, and A Day in Paris. Also, Macy's Center City will host a fashion show featuring the designers of The Philadelphia Fashion Incubator -an organization that provides a select group of aspiring designers with the workspace and essential business resources needed to run successful and sustainable fashion companies in Philadelphia.

Are you ready to go shopping in Philly? My head is spinning with thoughts of all the fabulous tax-free little black dresses I can buy!

For more information, visit www.thephiladelphiacollection.org.

Horses, Hats & All That: Kentucky Derby Style

On Saturday May 5th I'll be imagining myself at the 138th Kentucky Derby in a scene-stealing hat and all the accoutrements. Known as the two most exciting minutes in sports, those beautiful horses and jaunty jockeys work their hardest to avoid getting upstaged by the glamourous spectators - no easy feat! Alas, I'm not attending the Derby but here is what I WOULD wear while sipping on a Mint Julep in the Grandstand!

Anna Rizzo Navy & White handmade straw hat with silk trimming
$329 at Samuel's Hats


A dramatic hat is the most important part of a Kentucky Derby ensemble. This Anna Rizzo creation is a sophisticated combination of simple and bold.

Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby Collection


 
I love this sweet polka dot dress from the Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby capsule collection. A simple dress balances out the dramatic hat. (Churchill Dot Dress - $198)

 Since the event is outdoors during the daytime, I would keep the makeup soft and sweet.

Sonia Kashuk Full Drama Lashes ($4.99)

Skip the heavy eye-makeup - these Sonia Kashuk lashes will make sure that your eyes stand out from underneath the brim of the hat.

Sue Devitt SpaComplexion Hydrating Marine Minerals Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 ($40) will protect your skin from the sun's rays and add a healthy glow with a hint of color.



TOPSHOP Lipstick in All About Me ($15)
A pretty pink pout is the perfect finishing touch! TOPSHOP's All About Me is an aptly named shade with a hydrating satin matte finish.

Deborah Lippmann - Run the World Nail Lacquer Collection ($45 for the set)

Any of these vibrant shades from celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann's new collection will pair nicely with that mint julep in your hands. And, here is a great recipe for an authentic Kentucky Derby Julep. Off to the races!

Take Me Away: Divino Tuscany

Did your last trip to Tuscany include lunch at a private villa owned by Sting and Trudie Styler? Well, this seemingly far-fetched fantasy can become a reality if you book your trip to Divino Tuscany. Scheduled for May 17-20 in Florence, Divino Tuscany bills itself as a one-of-a-kind 4-day celebration of the very best in Tuscan wines, food, and culture.

Curated by James Suckling, former Senior Editor and European Bureau Chief of Wine Spectator and one of the world's most influential wine critics; Divino Tuscany will offer a distinctive program that highlights premium wines: wine tastings with Tuscany’s top winemakers, seminars and grand tastings special luncheons and dinners prepared by Michelin-starred chefs and entertainment organized by IMG Artists, one of the leading producers of cultural and lifestyle festivals. Participating winemakers include the amazing Marchesi Antinori, Frescobaldi, Mazzei, Ricasoli, Il Borro, Petrolo and Castello Banfi, and more.

Divino Tuscany Highlights:

• Festive welcome dinner to open the second edition of Divino Tuscany with the Italian premiere screening of James Suckling’s and James Orr’s film Heart and Soul of Cuba, recently shown to rave reviews at the Sonoma Film Festival, live music from Havana’s hottest pianist, Ernán López Nussa performing with his trio, and Grappa tasting with Cuban cigars
• Gala dinner at the opulent Palazzo Corsini on the banks of the Arno.
• Grand Tastings at the Grand Hotel Villa Cora poured by the winemakers and proprietors themselves.
• Saturday night dinners in the private Palazzi of the most well known Tuscan wine families.
• Join James Suckling as he escorts you through private tastings with winemakers he has personally invited for this intimate experience.
• Divino Tuscany will close with a relaxed country lunch at the private villa Il Palagio, courtesy of owners Sting and Trudie Styler.
  
  

Tickets: The Full Pass Package for Divino Tuscany is €1900 per person, including applicable VAT/IVA. (When I checked the exchange rate, that was about $2500 USD.)

Click here for more information about Divino Tuscany and to purchase tickets.

image of Florence courtesy of Alessandro Moggi.

Take Me Away: Park City Food and Wine Classic

For a small town, Park City really knows how to party. Already home to the world famous Sundance Film Festival, this not-so-humble hamlet also hosts Utah's largest wine festival -  the Park City Food and Wine Classic. Scheduled for July 7-10th, the Festival features hundreds of wines from the everyday to the extravagant. Beers & spirits are also on the menu. Chefs from restaurants in Park City and all over Utah will provide bite sized samples during the Stroll and Grand Tasting events. Top Chef alumni Dave Martin (season 1) is on the list of participating personalities and speakers. 

Tickets for individual events, including seminars, tastings and outdoor adventures, are $35-$125.

For more information, visit www.parkcityfoodandwineclassic.com.

Say Aloha to the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival & the Maui Film Festival

Aloha dahlings! If your travel plans include beautiful Hawaii, the upcoming Kapalua Wine & Food Festival and the Maui Film Festival are worthy additions to your itinerary. For more tips on planning your Hawaiian getaway, visit www.gohawaii.com.

Kapalua Wine & Food Festival
June 9 -12. A la carte tickets $40-$140. Festival passes $650 & $749)
Located on Maui's northwest shore, the 22,000 acre Kapalua Resort stretches from emerald mountain peaks to the edge of the Pacific Ocean. This luxury property features award-winning accommodations, two world-class golf courses, and pristine beaches.

Hawaii's longest running and most prestigious festival of its kind, the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival marks its 30th year of celebrating fine food and wine. This four day extravaganza explores exciting gastronomic trends and brings together winemakers, sommeliers, celebrated chefs, and industry insiders for themed tastings, seminars, and gala events.

Maui Film Festival
June 15-19.
Festival passes start at $40.
Mark your map with the luxurious resort area of Wailea for this star-studded event that showcases Hawaiian culture and film. This five-day festival includes film premieres, gala parties, celebrity appearances, Hawaiian music, and more. Actresses Megan Fox and Olivia Wilde will each be honored on different nights of the Celestial Cinema event.

Celebrate the Flavors of Spain at El Coto de Rioja Paella Parade

Simply describing paella as a rice dish is like calling the sun a big star - technically accurate but lacking in complexity and magic. Spain's signature dish is a delicious manifestation of the alchemy that happens when simple ingredients are harmoniously combined and cooked to perfection. Rice, saffron, seafood, meat, vegetables, fire, timing, patience and more go into making a perfect pan of paella. My love for paella began in 1988 when I was a student in Barcelona and my host mom Montse invited to me join her at the market to shop for  the ingredients. I will never forget how carefully she scrutinized every mussel and shrimp. And, the paella that Montse served later that evening was simply perfecta.


Apparently, I am not the only paella obsessed persona in town because El Coto de Rioja Paella Parade is returning to New York City for the third year on Monday, May 23 from 6-9pm at scenic Water Taxi Beach (South Street Seaport). Tickets are $35 ($60 for two). Ten local chefs and restaurateurs will bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to Manhattan and showcase their paella-making skills and compete for titles, including Best Use of Ingredients, Most Creative, Prettiest and the top prize: Paella Parade Pleaser. From traditional to innovative, guests will be able to taste each chef's interpretation of paella and sip on delicious El Coto de Rioja wine. Don't miss this fiesta featuring great food & wine served outdoors with views of the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset.

After spoiling New Yorkers with delicious paella and wine on May 23, El Coto de Rioja Paella Parade heads to Chicago on June 23.

 

Black Dress, Big City: See and Be Seen in New York

Do you live in the Big Apple or will your travels bring you to my hometown? See and be seen in your little black dress at one of these fun events. Wishing you a weekend full of little black dresses and big adventures!

THE DRESS

Nanette Lepore: Dorothy Dress
$398
Made in New York City, this Nanette Lepore frock can take you to afternoon tea at The Plaza, gallery hopping in Soho and cocktails at the Monkey Bar. The black and cream Italian tweed is an absolutely timeless fabric that has been modernized with the fitted silhouette and pleated skirt. The bows and patch pockets with ruffle trim give this frock a playful yet sophisticated look.

THE CITY

Wine & Spirits Magazine 3rd Annual Top of the List Tasting
($55 pre-sale tickets available until Monday, April 11.)
Event is Tuesday, May 10. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM.
Top of the List showcases the most popular wines on America's top wine lists paired with great bites from new & notable restaurants. Participants include ABC Kitchen, Grand Central Oyster Bar, La Maison du Chocolat, and many more.

The Orchid Show on Broadway at the New York Botanical Garden
Through Monday, April 25th. $20
The Botanical Garden's ninth annual presentation of the nation's largest and only curated orchid exhibition will thrill orchid enthusiasts and Broadway theater-lovers. Created by Tony award-winning set designer Scott Pask, it features iconic architectural elements from legendary theaters of the Great White Way dramatically interpreted with thousands of orchids. (photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen.)

Indian Culinary Center: Jackson Heights Walking & Tasting Tour
Sunday, April 10. 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. $40
Explore the culinary delights of Jackson Heights with Geetika Khanna, founder of the Indian Culinary Center. Start your day with an authentic Indian breakfast with Masala chai and then visit stores that sell gold jewelry, saris and music. Stock up on exotic ingredients at a large Indian grocery store and get great deals on spices, veggies, and snacks. The adventure ends with a traditional Indian lunch.

Live Louisiana Zydeco
Sunday, April 10. Dance lesson at 6:00 pm. Show 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm. $22
Yes, you can do the Bayou Boogie in the Big Apple. Enjoy an evening of Cajun Fiddle Swing with the band L'Angelus from Louisiana.

Wine Tasting on Yacht Manhattan
Monday, April 11. 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm. $85
Join wine expert Wendy Crispell aboard the yacht Manhattan for a tasting of 5 wines paired with artisan cheeses. Tonight's event features organic and bio-dynamic wine.

DanceBrazil at the Joyce Theater
Tuesday, April 12 - Sunday, April 24.
$10-$39
The "high-octane, high-flying" (The New York Times) energy of DanceBrazil takes center stage at The Joyce with their landmark work A Jornada. Using the Afro-Brazilian art form of Capoeira as the base, it follows the path of Africans to Brazil. (photo by Andrea Mohin)

Black Dress, Big City: See and Be Seen in New York

Do you live in the Big Apple or will your travels bring you to my hometown? See and be seen in your little black dress at one of these fun events. Wishing you a weekend full of little black dresses and big adventures!

THE DRESS
DKNY Sleeveless Sarong Dress
$245
A little black dress is always in fashion in the Big Apple. The quintessential New York designer, Donna Karan, is a master at creating clothes that celebrate a woman's curves. This fantastic frock will take you from day to night in style.

THE CITY 

His and Hers
Through May 10th at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Free!
His & Hers explores the relationship between gender and fashion over the past 250 years. The exhibition includes a seemingly “feminine” 18th-century man’s velvet suit and a woman’s “power suit” from the 1980s. Other works include innovative designers such as Giorgio Armani, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Gianni Versace, and Vivienne Westwood.

Cherry Blossom Season at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Saturday, April 2 - Sunday, May 1.
This spring, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden celebrates Japanese culture and horticulture and remembers the victims of the earthquake and its aftermath in Japan. Hanami at BBG is a month-long celebration that celebrates the Japanese cultural tradition of enjoying each moment of the cherry blossom season.

Tartan Week
Through Sunday, April 10.
This celebration of Scottish-American heritage includes whisky tasting, a tartan exhibition at Ellis Island, tribute to Scottish music, a fashion show, a parade up Sixth Avenue, handsome men in kilts, and more!

NYC Vegetarian Food Festival
Sunday, April 3. 10am-6pm. General Admission is free!
Yours truly is a carnivore but I am a big fan of well prepared and tasty vegetarian dishes. Sample cuisine from the Big Apple's best vegetarian restaurants at this fun festival.

Italian Wine Tasting at Bacchus
Tuesday, April 5. 7:30 pm - 9pm. $20 (plus tax)
Do you love Italian wine? If so, don't miss this great tasting event.  Barbera or Barolo, Sangiovese or Chianti, Italy has a wine for every taste and occasion. Taste for yourself at Bacchus - a great wine shop on the Upper West Side. Each participant will receive a beautiful Riedel Crystal stem from which to drink and to take home at the end of the evening - nice!

Si Cuba! Festival
Through June 16.
The Si Cuba! festival showcases the diversity of Cuban culture from the traditional to the modern. Check out award-winning films, lively concerts, dance performances, art and more!

 

There's a Whole Lot of Shaking Going On: Carnival Around the World

Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Image, Courtesy Budget Travel

Are you ready to shimmy? It is that time of year from New Orleans to Rio where Carnival revelers take to the streets to shake away all of their inhibitions before the arrival of Lent.  Check out Budget Travel magazine's great photo feature titled 20 Spectacular Carnival Celebrations Around the World. Who knew that they liked to get their Carnival groove on in Belgium and Canada?

Carnival in Barranquilla, Colombia
image, courtesy Budget Travel


March of the Gilles in Binche, Belgium
image, courtesy Budget Travel

Counting Down to the New York Times Travel Show

Wow, has a year passed already? It seems like just yesterday that I schlepped over to the Javits Center for The New York Times Travel Show. This annual event is kind of like the Super Bowl for us travel addicts and we'll brave freezing cold, and even that notoriously slow-moving cross town bus, to satisfy our wanderlust - consider it an urban adventure. Scheduled for Friday, February 25 to Sunday, February 27th, The New York Times Travel Show will showcase 500 domestic and international destinations.  (Friday is open to travel professionals only.) Tickets are a very reasonable $15 (plus tax and service).

Not only can you gather brochures and other useful information that will help you plan your next trip, The New York Times Travel show features a great line-up of seminars with superstars from the travel world, including Getting Out of Your Vacation Rut: New Types of Vacations and Destinations to Consider (Arthur and Pauline Frommer), Travel as a Political Act (Rick Steves), and Adventures of a TV Travel Host (Samantha Brown, pictured). Other fun activities include the Taste of Miami culinary stage, entertainment from around the globe, the Family Fun Pavilion, and the opportunity to take the Jeopardy game show test. (Alex, I'll take Spain for $1000),

One of my favorite things to do at the NY Times Travel Show is to snap photos of the exhibitors wearing traditional clothing. Last year, I actually ran into a few readers in the huge crowd at the Javits, so please be sure to say hello if you recognize me. I'll be the one in the little black dress!

PS Click here to see my photos from the 2010 NY Times Travel Show.

Black Dress, Big City: Weekend in New York

Are you spending the weekend in New York City? Listed below are a few fun events happening in my hometown that I just had to share with you. Put on your little black dress and paint the town red!

Coffee & Tea Festival
Saturday, February 19 & Sunday, February 20.  $20 - $40
Can't get through the day without your latte or chai? Learn, taste, and purchase coffee and tea from around the world at the 6th Annual Coffee & Tea Festival.


Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing: How The Apollo Theater Shaped American Entertainment
at the Museum of the City of New York through May 1
Suggested Admission: $10
This exhibition traces the evolution of the Apollo—from its origins as a segregated burlesque hall to its staring role at the epicenter of African American entertainment and American popular culture. 

Italian Wine Tasting at Cellar 58
Sunday, February 20. $25. 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Love your vino? Explore the distinctive wines of the northern-central Italian regions of Tuscany, Umbria, and Marche. Includes four wines and cheese.
 

Live Louisiana Zydeco: Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble
Sunday, February 20. $22
Dance lesson: 6:00 pm Show: 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Spice up your weekend with some musical gumbo! Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble will rock the Big Apple with their bayou beats. Time Out NY hails this as  the "Top Live Show."

Holiday Monday at the MET
Monday, February 21. 9:30 ame  - 5:30 pm. Suggested adult admission is $20
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is normally closed on Mondays but you can spend Presidents' Day browsing this legendary museum's galleries. Current exhibitions include Guitar Heroes: Legendary Craftsmen from Italy to NY.