Thursday, September 1, 2011

9/1 Dandy Don, Chile’s Viña Casa Silva Winery, Taste of Sanoma Event

What's Cookin' Today Hour ONE:

Is Ice Cream Your Passion? Dandy Don Will Be Telling Us About His FABULOUS Ice Cream - Available EVERYWHERE!!!

A music biz whiz who promoted (and garnered gold records for) artists such as The Beatles, Elvis, David Bowie, Cat Stevens and John Denver, Don Whittemore established Dandy Don’s HomeMade Ice Cream in 1981. Specializing in sundae bar catering and serving fine restaurants and markets in Southern California, Dandy Don’s HomeMade Ice Cream has been winning gold medals at the Los Angeles County Fair since 1996.

What's Cookin' Today Hour TWO:

Fifth Generation Winemaker Mario Pablo Silva of Chile’s Viña Casa Silva Winery Shares With Us His Family's Rich History And Their Contribution To the World Of Chilean Wines

Following five generations of growing exceptional Colchagua Valley grapes (many from century-old Bordeaux vines brought over by first generation ancestor, Emile Bouchon) for other wineries in Chile, it was Mario Pablo Silva who, in 1997, suggested the family bottle wine under their own Casa Silva label. Today, as the owner and Managing Director of Viña Casa Silva, Mario Pablo Silva has established the family-owned and operated winery as an important fixture in Chile’s new generation of premium wine producers and more specifically, as a leader in the development and understanding of Chile’s trademark wine, Carmenère. Investing in revolutionary research studies ranging from ground-breaking analyses of microterroir characteristics most critical to producing top quality Carmenère, to current research on Carmenère clones, Casa Silva is at the forefront of discovery and proactive influence in the advancement of Chile’s evolving wine frontier.

Mario Pablo has also been instrumental in developing Colchagua Valley’s reputation as the most diverse region in Chile with the greatest potential for premium wine production. He was the inaugural President of Viñas de Colchagua, created in 1999, and has held the post for 8 out of the 10 years since its inception, representing the interests of member producers and driving the creation of the Colchagua Valley Wine Route. Under his guidance Colchagua Valley was the first region in Chile to promote its own appellation and actively encourage wine tourism.

He led the way at Viña Casa Silva by opening a boutique hotel, restaurant and wine bar next to the winery and promoting traditional outdoor activities by building a traditional Chilean ‘Huaso’ rodeo stadium and polo ground and pavilion on site. Mario Pablo has also consistently supported the generic promotion of Chilean wines. He was the youngest ever Director of ChileVid in 1998 and a key figure behind the launch of Wines of Chile: he has been a Board member ever since the WOC was created. He is also the current Vice President of Vinos de Chile, the trade association that represents the interests of Chilean wine produce

Today's Guest Is Talking With Us About The "Taste of Sanoma Event" Taking Place On Sept 2nd-4th

Immerse yourself in the food and wine culture of Sonoma County at the 32st annual Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch. Kate MacMurray invites you to enjoy an afternoon of strolling through the historic MacMurray Ranch property while sipping and savoring the very best of Sonoma County’s rich wines and delectable cuisine.

With more than 170 wineries pouring thousands of wines and over 60 local chefs whipping up divine pairings, Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch delivers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for oenophiles and foodies alike. Informative and entertaining wine seminars, lively cooking demonstrations, get-your-boots-dirty vineyard tours and so much more make for an enchanting afternoon enjoying the best of Sonoma County living.

Named one of the 10 Best Wine and Food Events in the United States by Celebrated Living magazine, Taste of Sonoma is an coveted ticket; get one before they sell out. Taste of Sonoma is hosted by MacMurray Ranch.


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