azcentral.com Food & Wine Experience

(Scottsdale, Ariz.)– Alliance Beverage Distributing Company (www.Alliance-Beverage.com)delivers patrons an excellent global adventure in taste through colorful sips of the new and traditional, with renowned vintners, distillers and industry experts at the signature azcentral.com Food & Wine Experience (www.azcentralfoodandwine.com) presented by Cadillac, Sat. & Sun., Nov. 7 & 8.

Alliance presents the flavors of more than 70 brands through an array of celebrity chefs, colorful lifestyle pavilions, intimate dining experiences, rare seminars and lively demonstrations.

From sips at the Grand Tasting of a Spanish Numanthia 2009 or a Napa Valley Provenance Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc to intimate tastes of Krug Grand Cuvee at brunch with Sanctuary’s Chef Beau MacMillan to a perfectly paired Herradura tequila with tamales by Chef Silvana Esparza Salcido at the Aperitif after-party, there is a beverage experience for everyone.  Indeed, an excellent adventure awaits fans of mixology, singular spirits and fine wines.

Tom King, Alliance Beverage vice president, marketing and community affairs said: “azcentral Food & Wine Experience celebrates the rare flavors, histories and perfect pairings of a coveted selection of wines and spirits.  They’ll be served alongside remarkable chefs and beverage masters who work painstakingly to deliver signature foods and drinks that reflect long-held traditions and latest trends.  Mix in the many distinct personalities and thematic pavilions and we have an event that becomes a memorable occasion for guests to explore and enjoy.  It is the best environment for us to share our valued brands from throughout the world. Taste and savor the moment.  We’re pleased it’s happening right here in Arizona.”

azcentral Food & Wine Experience is a village of themed pavilions and stages that create a context to deliver outstanding beverage tastings. A snapshot of seminars featuring Alliance Beverage brands includes:

Bacon & Bourbon.  Whiskey brand ambassador Eric “E.T.” Tecosky presents a unique combination of Old Forester and Woodford Reserve specialty bourbons paired with sizzling bacon bites by Bootlegger’s Modern American Smokehouse;

Yappy Hour.  Featuring Chateau La Paws Wines where furry friends are welcome.  The winery touts labels with photos of shelter dogs with a portion of proceeds earmarked to no-kill organizations around the country; featuring up to seven varieties such as Cabernet, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc for starters;

Fetzer Vineyards Zero Waste Seminar & Sampling.  Fetzer Sustainability Leader Josh Prigge is the driving force in the winemaker’s achievement as the first certified Zero Waste wine company in the world;

Chef Gross Leads an Exploration of Fine French Wines.   Presenting Piper Heidsieck Brut Cuvee, Bouchard Chambolle-Musigny and Domaine Jean Grivot Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Charmois, among other varieties with none other than James Beard Award winner Christopher Gross;

Whiskey and Women. Tecosky again shares his spirits expertise, this time with a Jack Daniel’s portfolio of Gentleman Jack, Single Barrel, Jack Honey and Jack Fire, paired with food author, columnist & TV host Robin Miller;

Tamales & Tequila.  Herradura Global Tequila Ambassador Kevin Vanegas presents super premium tequila with James Beard four-time nominee Chef Silvana;

Yoga & Mimosas.  A perfect pairing of Chandon Blanc de Noirs with healthy brunch bites by True Food Kitchen;

Wine Down With Tracy Dempsey.  A Henriot Champagne Blanc de Blanc or Penfolds Father 10 Year Old Tawney Port is paired with the Phoenix confectioner’s specialty desserts;

Dr. Tom Turner.  The Diageo portfolio ‘master of whisky’ offers wisdom and whisky samples of George Dickel, Bulleit, Crown Royal and Johnnie Walker in a seminar;

Dewar’s and Cigars. Leather seating, a fine scotch, a rare cigar comprise the perfect non-food & drink pairing perhaps in history;

The Ultimate Holiday Soireé with Grey Goose.  A natural segue to the upcoming holiday season with the ‘cleanest’ of premium spirits, Grey Goose Vodka.

And more experts…Robert Ord, ambassador of the elegant portfolio of Penfolds; Robert Blue, pioneer of organic wine producer Bonterra; and Kristen Brott, brand ambassador of the finestEstates & Wines complete the rich two-day beverage adventure in store.

The Grand Tasting alone Saturday and Sunday delivers abundant restaurants and imaginative imbibing: Duckhorn Merlot and Pinot Noir; Sonoma Cutrer Russian River Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Cheese Board varieties, Acacia Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Cameros, or spirits like Hennessey Black, Don Julio Reposado, Deep Eddy Vodka or Crown Royal Harvest Rye.

azcentral.com Food & Wine Experience presented by Cadillac features Chef Graham Elliot, star of FOX TV’sMaster Chef, host of Food Network Television’s Craziest Restaurants in America and Chicago restaurateur of Graham Elliot Bistro (www.GrahamElliot.com) Joining the lineup is the online sensation Jenn Bare of (www.GetCrocked.com) with 1.5 million online fans and Ruth & Angie McCartney of Mrs. McCartney’s Organic Teas (www.mrsmccartneysteas.com) and step-mother and sister to Sir Paul McCartney.

The event, positioned in a climate controlled tented environment on the exterior footprint of Scottsdale Fashion Square immediately north of Macy’s, has a footprint of:

Grand Tasting Pavilion

AJ’S Fine Foods Festive Entertaining Pavilion, and AJ’S Cigar Patio & Lounge

VIP Cabanas

Luxury Pavilion

Three Orchards for exclusive dining experiences

Aperitif after-hours party

TICKETS & INFORMATION. The Experience presented by Cadillac comprises a variety of ticketed experiences at all levels and tastes: from a $20 exploration of pavilions, seminars, demonstrations and cookbooks to the ultimate grazing delight and entertainment at the Grand Tasting Saturday and Sunday, to exclusive dining experiences up close & personal with chefs and sommeliers in an orchard setting.  Visitwww.azcentralfoodandwine.com for the latest updates on special guest chefs, ticket options and more.  Subscribers to www.azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic are eligible for a $20 discount available by visiting www.azcentral.com/insider.