02/13 What's Cookin' Today Alan Semsar tells us all about the 3rd Annual Beverly Hills Wine Festival at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. When you think of Beverly Hills, the first thing that comes to mind is luxury. In keeping with the spirit of this exclusive enclave, we have teamed with some of the most prestigious sponsors ever to bring you an experience of unparalleled extravagance. The Beverly Hills Wine Festival is proud to introduce the taste of some of the most revered wines, beers, and liquors available, as well as makers of exceptional products. For more information visit www.beverlyhillswinefestival.com Bill Nancarrow the Executive Winemaker at Duckhorn Vineyards in Napa Valley Handpicked by the Duckhorn family to be the executive winemaker for Duckhorn Wine Company's Napa Valley properties, Bill Nancarrow brings a global understanding of viticulture and enology to his role as executive winemaker for Duckhorn Vineyards and Paraduxx. Combining a respect for tradition with a talent for innovation, Bill applies his expansive knowledge of winemaking to the task of continuing Duckhorn Wine Company's legacy of quality. Raised in Hawkes Bay, the oldest winegrowing region in New Zealand, Bill developed an early passion for the wine industry. He spent several years traveling and Working throughout Africa and Europe before ending up in England, where he took a position as the Harvest manager for Thorncroft Vineyards. In 1995, Bill returned to Hawkes Bay and joined the team at Huthlee Vineyards. Bill's talent and ambition were noticed by New Zealand's acclaimed Bordeaux varietal Pioneer Chris Pask, and in 1998 he was offered the position of assistant winemaker at C.J. Pask Winery in Hawkes Bay. There, he refined his skills, working side-by-side with Kate Radburnd, one of New Zealand's Most respected winemakers . Recognized for his leadership abilities and his talent working with a range of Varietals - including the WInery's renowned Merlot - Bill was named winemaker for C.J. Pask when Radburnd was promoted to managing director. Bill traveled to the Napa Valley in 2001 to work harvest at Duckhorn Vineyards. When the assistant winemaker position at Duckhorn Vineyards became available Prior to harvest, Bill's extensive experience made him the ideal person to round out the winemaking team. Bill permanently joined Duckhorn Wine Company in February of 2003 as the winemaker for Paraduxx and the interim assistant Winemaker for Duckhorn Vineyards. For more information visit www.duckhorn.com Rory Herrmann and David Hands of BOUCHON BISTRO & CA WINEMASTERS. French bistro food is my favorite - steak fries, a two-inch high quiche with bacon and onions, a salad with an egg on top finished with a perfect vinaigrette, a croque madame, some oysters and a glass of champagne. These are foods that represent the most important kind of cooking there is because they're rooted in tradition. So when I thought of opening a restaurant that's more casual than The French Laundry, I decided to explore and deepen the culinary heritage that I admire so much. A Bouchon can be, and should be, whatever you need it to be. It's a casual place, a social place, a place where people come to relax talk and to eat. A kind of home. Bouchon is based on my memories of the amazing bistros I would frequent while traveling in France, such as Chez Paul and Hugon, where they serve meals almost family style in very small dining rooms. Often times the husband cooks and the wife greets and serves. First courses, headcheese or a charcuterie plate, may be passed from table to table. These neighborhood places serving simple, traditional dishes in a home-like atmosphere, provided the model for what I hoped to create in Yountville. For more information visit www.bouchonbistro.com |
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