FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2006
Big Sur, CA ~
Ventana Announces New "Epicurean Package"
and "Meet the Wine Maker" Events
Michael Michaud of Michaud Vineyard - June 1
Dan Tudor of Tudor Wines - July 6
Jason Pahlmeyer of Pahlmeyer Vineyards - September 7
Doug Meader of Ventana Vineyards - October 5
Cielo restaurant at Ventana Inn & Spa is the ideal setting for the inn’s new "Epicurean Package” and "Meet the Wine Maker” events. Overlooking 50-miles of the dramatic Big Sur coastline, the award-winning Inn has selected one winemaker per month to showcase regional wines in this rare California setting of coastal mountains and Pacific vistas.
Guests can choose to book either a "Meet the Wine Maker” event, where the wine maker will be present to host the dinner, or book an "Epicurean Package” which is available until October 6. The highlight of the package is a five-course tasting menu paired with wines specially selected by the month’s featured wine maker. Guest room rates for this special two-night gourmet stay offer begin at $1580, Big Sur Suites start at $1800, prices do not include tax, gratuity or resort fee. The "Epicurean Package” includes the following:
- Two nights stay in luxurious accommodations
- Sumptuous Big Sur continental breakfast, daily for two
- Chef & Wine Maker 5-course wine pairing dinner for two
- Two 50-minute Ventana Signature Spa treatments of your choice
- Champagne and chocolate upon check-in
- Daily afternoon wine reception
- Morning nature walk
Following is the "Meet the Wine Maker” event schedule:
June 1, 2006
Michael Michaud of Michaud Vineyard
"I want to make wines that people really like to drink,” says Michael Michaud of Michaud Vineyards. "…to produce inviting and pleasurable world-class wines that communicate the unique and special qualities of the Chalone Appellation.”
This rough and rugged region just below Pinnacles National Monument in Monterey County is where Michaud began making wine at Chalone Vineyard under the legendary Richard Graff almost 30 years ago. In his own wines, Michaud brings a lifetime of talent, experience and hard work to present the finest expression of the fruit, primarily Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sangiovese, from 28 acres of vineyards he planted and farms himself.
Meet Michael Michaud on June 1 and enjoy his elegant, hand-crafted wines with a sensational five-course meal prepared by our executive chef. The tasting menu will be featured in Cielo until July 5.
July 6, 2006
Dan Tudor of Tudor Wines
Tudor Wines is emerging as one of the new "top echelon” American cult wineries. Founded in 1999 by cousins Dan and Christian Tudor, they specialize in small, handcrafted lots of Pinot Noir from family-owned vineyards in the celebrated Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey County.
Tudor’s wines are characterized by delicate nuance brought by dedicated winemaking. They feature impeccable balance, handcrafted elegance and reasonable pricing. The winery’s first release, the 2000 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, is reflective of the spectacular family-owned vineyards where the grapes were grown. It showcases gorgeous cherry and berry nuance, silky texture and a long, vibrant finish. Only 1,400 cases were produced.
With the current popularity of Pinot Noir, Tudor has widened their distribution to include most of the United States. They have been met with national critical acclaim, and their reputation has blossomed into a "cult-wine” status amongst knowledgeable consumers.
Meet Dan Tudor on July 6 and enjoy his limited production Pinot Noirs paired with a five-course menu prepared by our executive chef. The tasting menu will be featured in Cielo until September 6.
September 7, 2006
Jason Pahlmeyer of Pahlmeyer Vineyards
"Our mission is to produce wines with power and personality. Our strict viticultural regime combined with a risky but rewarding approach to winemaking creates wines having extravagant, concentrated fruit, polish and pizzazz,” says Jayson Pahlmeyer, founder of Pahlmeyer Vineyards, Napa Valley. "The commitment of our grape growers, and the talent of our winemaker Erin Green have converged to produce among the finest Bordeaux-style red wine, Merlot and Chardonnay anywhere.”
Meet Jason Pahlmeyer on September 7 and share his wines, complemented by Chef’s specially created menu 5-course. The tasting menu will be featured in Cielo until October 4.
October 5, 2006
Doug Meader of Ventana Vineyards
Ventana Vineyards, the "Most Award-Winning Single Vineyard in America” is the result of Doug Meador’s 30 years of single-minded dedication to earn Monterey County a respected place on the California wine map. The vineyards are planted in alluvial deposits of gravel, rock and silt on the western edge of the Salinas Valley, where the Arroyo Seco River exits the Santa Lucia Mountains,. This rocky "soil” has a very low moisture holding capacity and creates very difficult farming situations and is very abusive to equipment. However, these tough farming conditions and the rough looking soil actually help aid in the development of superior flavors in the fruit and thus in the wine.
Meador describes the Ventana’s wine style as, "European sensibility with an abundance of California fruit” Each wine is true to its labeled varietal, estate bottled and from a single vineyard; The Rieslings have an exceptional bouquet. Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wines made from Ventana grapes are full of black and red berry fresh fruit flavors. Our house style is to use oak as an accompaniment to the fruit; it will never overpower the natural flavors of the wine.”
Meet Doug Meador on October 5 and enjoy these consummate Monterey County wines, complemented by Chef’s specially created 5-course menu. The tasting menu will be featured in Cielo until October 31.
For reservations or further information telephone 800-628-6500 or 831-667-2331.
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