A New Vintage of Boston Red Sox Wine

David Ortiz, Jason Varitek, and Kevin Youkilis have joined the line up of sports figures with their names and images on a bottle of wine. As you may remember, last year Kurt Schilling, Manny Ramirez, and Tim Wakefield launched their own labels. This year Ortiz, Varitek, and Youkilis have collaborated with Charity Wines' Longball Cellars label to raise money for their favorite charities. This year's wine will come from Selby Vineyards in California. Last year's wine was from Chile. For each bottle sold, $1.25 goes to the athlete's designated charities. The players make no money from the sale of the wines.

David Ortiz's "Vintage Papi," a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, will help the David Ortiz Children's Fund which offers medical care for children in the Dominican Republic and New England.

Jason Varitek's "Captain's Cabernet," a California Cabernet, benefits Pitching In For Kids and Children's Hospital Boston. Proceeds from "Captain's Cabernet" give breaks to special kids. Pitching in for Kids provides grants that improve the lives of children across New England. Funds have been earmarked to support Children's Hospital Boston, as well as other worthy causes. For more information, visit http://www.pitchinginforkids.org/ or http://www.childrenshospital.org/.

"SauvignYooouuuk Blanc," a California Sauvignon Blanc, will benefit Kevin Youkilis' Hits for Kids which is dedicated to rallying local and corporate support and awareness for charities and organizations focused on the health and well-being of children. Funds will benefit kids in New England and in Kevin's hometown of Cincinnati. Learn more at http://www.youkskids.org/.

We look forward to trying these wines this spring. We are excited that the wine is from California. The Schilling Schardonnay was our favorite last year. I wonder which will be our favorite charity wine this year? The wines are expected to be available at local retailers and restaurants the second week in May. The local retail price is expected to be $13.99 per bottle. Colonial Spirits of Acton, MA will offer the Red Sox wines at their release. Or, check out http://www.newenglandspirits.com/ for convenient, online ordering.

Go Sox!

Cheers, Theresa and Ken

Culinary Festival and James Beard Dinner-Dance May 16-17, 2008

Unfortunately This Event Has Been CANCELLED.

Attention New England wine lovers, the Culinary Festival and the James Beard Gala Dinner-Dance is planned for May 16-17, 2008 at the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, Whitefield, NH. The gala festival culminates in the first-ever James Beard Foundation Dinner in New Hampshire.

The Culinary Festival includes celebrity chefs: Dante de Magistris (Dante, Cambridge, MA), Jason Santos (Gargoyles on the Square, Somerville, MA), Matt Gennuso (Chez Pascal, Providence, RI), Bram Fowler (Journeys, Longwood, FL), and Juho Lee (Mountain View).

The fun includes dancing to the 18-piece big band, Berlin Jazz. The cocktail, hors d’oeuvres reception Friday includes famed New Hampshire chefs: Daniel Dumont, (Wentworth by the Sea), Larry Johnson, (The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel), and John Russ, (Inn at Thorn Hill)--benefits the N.H. Food Bank. Wine tastings and cooking demonstrations are also included in the fun.

The festival package includes the cocktail reception, cooking demonstrations, all tastings, the gala dinner-dance featuring the 18-piece big band, and two nights at the AAA Four Diamond resort. Rates start at $750/couple (includes tax and gratuity). Non-package rates also available. Visit http://www.mountainviewgrand.com/ or call 603-837-2100.

Check Out The New York Wine Expo

We have always loved the Boston Wine Expo. A short drive away, you can now enjoy the 1st Annual New York Wine Expo this weekend. The Expo will be open to the public on Friday, March 7th from 7 to 10 PM and on Saturday, March 8th from 2 to 6 PM. I will be there on Saturday. At the Grand Tasting, you will receive a souvenir glass that is yours to keep. You will also receive a color glossy show program outlining all the exhibitors that are present and where they located on the floor. You will have an oppurtunity to sample wines from more than 150 wineries from around the globe. Tickets are $85 for Friday night & $95 for Saturday. Check out their website for more details. Hope to see you there. Cheers! Ken