New Jersey Wine and Food Festival

Schedule:

11:00 AM - 11:50 AM - TRAILBLAZING CULINARY WOMEN
Join James Beard Award winning Top Chef Karen Akunowicz, Top Chef Finalist Sara Bradley and Resort Wine Director Susanne Wagner for a discussion of the changing roles of women in the culinary industry. Enjoy a glass of wine and receive a copy of Chef Karen’s new cookbook “Crave” (included in the price).

11:00 AM - 11:50 AM - WHISKEY, HONEY & SAVING THE BEES
Over a third of our diet comes from insect pollinated plants, and bees are responsible for 80% of that pollination. But bees need our help! Join us for an engaging seminar highlighting Crystal Springs Resort initiatives to save our bees led by one of our beekeepers. This event will highlight the importance of sustainability and community involvement, all while offering a unique tasting experience featuring a dish from Restaurant Latour, different honeys and Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey made with Natural Bohemian Honey. Don’t miss this opportunity to savor the delightful combination of whiskey and honey, all in support of a worthwhile cause.

12:00 PM - 12:50 PM - A TASTE OF PROVENCE WITH PEYRASSOL ROSÉS
Put a spring in your step at this Rosé wine tasting with Alban Cacaret, Managing Director of La Commanderie de Peyrassol. Experience wine from this outstanding vineyard in Provence, which is the oldest and dates back to the 13th century.

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM - MARKETPLACE LUNCH
Enjoy a feast of seasonal fare prepared by a team of chefs serving up spring dishes, fresh oysters, pasta, carved meats, artisanal cheeses and more. Local NJ Winemakers will be hand pouring wines that are sure to please your palate

12:00 PM - 12:50 PM - RETURN TO THE WILD
Join Ben Del Coro VP of Fossil Farms and owner of the Sparta Farmers Market for a discussion of Wild and Local Foods, Food Diversity and Cooking with Game Meats. Taste wild and farm raised game meats featuring locally foraged ingredients and enjoy wines from Sonoma’s DuMOL with Partner Tom Pillsbury.

1:00 PM - 1:50 PM - THE WORLD OF BOTANICALS WITH HENDRICK’S GIN

The World of Botanicals with Hendrick's GinThe World of Botanicals with Hendrick's GinThe World of Botanicals with Hendrick's Gin
Previous Next Elevate your cocktail game with this Hendrick’s Gin cocktail class. Learn about the history and unique qualities of Hendrick’s Gin with US Ambassador Eric Anderson, and receive insider tips on crafting delicious cocktails. From mastering the art of mixology to discovering the perfect balance of flavors, you will have the opportunity to experiment with various ingredients and techniques under the guidance of experienced bartenders. Enhance your skills plus have a fun and interactive experience that can inspire your creativity.

1:00 PM - 1:50 PM - WINEMAKING & REGENERATIVE FARMING WITH ERIC JENSEN
Eric Jensen, the innovative Farmer-Winemaker behind Booker Vineyard, embraces regenerative viticulture as a way to work in harmony with nature. By drawing inspiration from natural ecosystems, Jensen’s award-winning wines reflect his commitment to sustainable farming practices. Regenerative farming focuses on enhancing soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience, ultimately producing grapes with distinct flavors and character. Through his dedication to regenerative viticulture, Jensen not only creates exceptional wines but also contributes to a healthier environment for future generations to enjoy. Explore the world of Booker Vineyard wines and experience the delicious results of this eco-friendly approach to winemaking.

2:00 PM - 2:50 PM - EXPRESSIONS OF AGAVE
Expressions of Agave offers you the unique opportunity to delve into the world of Agave spirits beyond Tequila and Mezcal. Participants will have the chance to learn about Agave itself, the intricacies of flavor formation, the concept of terroir, and the various denominations of origin. With a lineup featuring renowned brands like Tequila Don Julio, DeLeon, Astral, Union Mezcal and 21 Seeds, guests will be treated to a tasting experience like no other. Moreover, the hands-on segment of the workshop allows individuals to master the art of crafting a clarified margarita and create their own signature salt blend using an array of flavored salts sourced from different corners of the globe. Don’t miss this educational and interactive event for all Agave enthusiasts!

2:00 PM - 2:50 PM - J. LOHR PASO ROBLES EXPERIENCE W/ WINEMAKER BRENDEN WOOD
Prominent Paso Robles winery J. Lohr owns over 2,600 acres of vineyards, including Home Ranch, Hilltop, Shotwell, Creston, Pleasant Valley, Beck, and Sinclair, which contribute to the region’s reputation for producing exceptional Bordeau x and Rhone-style wines. One key individual on the winemaking team is Brenden Wood, who has played a crucial role since 2004, eventually becoming the Red Winemaker in 2019. Brenden’s expertise lies in marrying the technical precision of winemaking with a keen eye for the artistic aspects of blending, ensuring the creation of high-quality wines at J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines. Experience Brenden’s passion for winemaking and taste a selection of J. Lohr wines.

2:00 PM - 2:50 PM - RUM & CHOCOLATE
When savoring the exquisite Brugal 1888 smooth rum, consider elevating your tasting experience by pairing it with high-end chocolates. The rich and complex flavors of this premium rum, with notes of toffee, chocolate, and vanilla, will be beautifully complemented by the luxurious taste of high-quality chocolates. The marriage of the velvety Brugal 1888 with the indulgent sweetness of fine chocolates creates a sophisticated and delightful sensory experience sure to please the palate of any connoisseur.

3:00 PM - 3:50 PM - 90+ WINES
Join Michael McNelis, a renowned Wine Educator and Certified Sommelier, on a delightful journey through wines rated 90 and above. With his expertise and passion for wine, Michael will guide you through a selection of exceptional wines that have received high acclaim. Get ready to explore the world of fine wines and discover the unique flavors and characteristics that make each bottle a true gem. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just starting to appreciate the art of winemaking, Michael’s insights and recommendations are sure to enhance your wine-tasting experience. Cheers to discovering new favorites and expanding your palate with top-rated wines!

3:00 PM - 3:50 PM - TASTING DOUBLE GOLDS
Indulge in an exclusive tasting experience featuring the crème de la crème of spirits, including Double-Gold award winners from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Singapore World Spirits Competition, and New York World Spirits Competition. Hosted by The Tasting Alliance, renowned for orchestrating the most prestigious blind judging competitions in the world, this session offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of spirit evaluation from the perspective of a competition judge.

3:00 PM - 3:50 PM - UNDER THE TUSCAN SKY
Ambrogio Ratti leads a tasting of his family’s wines from their estate in Tuscany. In 2000, the family began planting the first vineyards on the property, which sits atop a hill at 1,300 feet with incredible views in every direction, hence the name Tenuta Sette Cieli or “the Estate of Seven Skies.” Today there are 17 acres of high-density vineyards planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec. Taste the family’s four wines and enjoy Tuscan-inspired bites from Springs Bistro

4:00 PM - 4:50 PM - SECRETS OF THE SOMMELIERS & CELLAR TASTING
Join Resort Wine Director Susanne Wagner to taste some rare and exciting wines as she shares secrets from her twenty years tending our award-winning cellar together with level 3 Sommeliers, Trevor Volpe and Sarah Bauersachs.

4:00 PM - 4:50 PM - THE SPIRIT OF AGED WHISKY WITH GLENFIDDICH
A rare opportunity to taste aged single malts from Glenfiddich featuring 18, 21, 23, and 26 year olds. Presented by William Grant’s National Scotch Ambassador James Patterson, these aged whiskies offer a spectrum of flavors and complexities, perfect for those seeking a refined experience. Paired with a skilled cigar roller, the combination elevates the senses.

6:30 PM - 10:00 PM - VIP GRAND TASTING
The VIP Grand Tasting spans 2 floors with top restaurants and premium wines, Champagnes and award-winning spirits curated by Tasting Alliance. VIP ticket holders are granted early VIP access to the Grand Tasting at 6:30pm and exclusive entry into the Grand Rotunda and 3rd Floor VIP lounge all night.

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM - THE GRAND TASTING
Presented by Blind Ambition Coalition, more than 30 chefs from New York & New Jersey join leading wineries and distilleries from around the world in this showcase event.

10:00 PM - 1:00 AM - BIOSPHERE AFTER PARTY
After The Grand Tasting, it’s time to party in the tropical Biosphere. Meet & mingle with chefs and winemakers on the dance floor as the DJ spins all night. A jaw dropping troupe of entertainers will surprise and delight guests. Enjoy multiple bars while feasting on delicious late-night eats.

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