Home PageAbout the FestivalFlight NightsLuminariesClassesReservations OnlineBrochureAccommodationsDirectionsSponsors and MediaBuy the PosterGift CertificatesContact UsLinks of InterestWentworth Spa
Header4.jpg


2009 Winter Wine Festival Calendar of Events

2009 Calendar of Events Released!!

 

See below for this year's schedule...

_____________________________________________________________________

2009 Winter Wine Festival Calendar of Events

 Sunday Monday  Tuesday  Wednesday  Thursday  Friday  Saturday 
         

 Jan 16
Grand Tasting Reception


 Jan 17
Marques de Caceres Grand Vintner's Dinner

 Jan 18|
Piper-Heidsieck Bubbles & Jazz Brunch

Jan 19  Jan 20 

Jan 21 

 


Flight Night

Jan 22 

 

Flight Night

Jan 23 
Four Vines and Dusi Winery Grand Vintner's Dinner

Flight Night

Jan 24 
Casa Lapostolle Grand Vintner's Wine Dinner

Jan 25 
Piper-Heidsieck Bubbles & Jazz Brunch

Jan 26 

Jan 27 

Jan 28 
Chateau St. Jean and Cabot Cheese Seminar

Flight Night

Jan 29

 


Flight Night

Jan 30 
Grand Vintner's Dinner of Italian Wines

Flight Night

Jan 31 
Grand Vintner's Dinner with White Barn Inn & Bridlewood Winery

Feb 1 
Piper-Heidsieck Bubbles & Jazz Brunch

Feb 2  Feb 3 

Feb 4 




Flight Night

Feb 5
2005 Bordeaux Tasting



Flight Night

Feb 6 
Grand Vintner's Dinner of Italian Wines with Planeta Winery

Flight Night

Feb 7 
Murphy-Goode Winery Grand Vintner's Dinner

Feb 8 
Domaine Chandon Bubbles & Jazz Brunch

Feb 9  Feb 10  Feb 11 




Flight Night

Feb 12 




Flight Night

Feb 13 
Chocolate and Port Tasting


Flight Night

Feb 14 
Veuve Clicquot Champagne Grand Vintner's Dinner

Feb 15 
Domaine Chandon Bubbles & Jazz Brunch

Feb 16  Feb 17 

Feb 18 




Flight Night

Feb 19 




Flight Night

Feb 20 
Composers and Their Favorite Wines

Flight Night

Feb 21 
Hess Collection Grand Vintner's Dinner

Feb 22 
Domaine Chandon Bubbles & Jazz Brunch

 

Feb 23  Feb 24  Feb 25






Flight Night

Feb 26






Flight Night

Feb 27
Grand Vintner's Dinner
Domaine Chandon



Flight Night

Feb 28 
Winter Wine Fair & Sale with NH State Wine Outlets



 
  __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

2009winterwinefest.jpg


Friday, January 16
The Grand Tasting Reception – with Dancing to Ben Baldwin and the Big Notes 7-9:30 pm
The kick-off to the opening of the 5th annual Winter Wine Festival will be bigger and better with hundreds of wines and visiting chefs throughout ALL of the Wentworth’s ballrooms and dancing to Ben Baldwin and the Big Notes in one ballroom and a Jazz Lounge with a live duo in another ballroom. Taste hundreds of fine wines from around the world. Explore the famous regions from Bordeaux to Tuscany, Barossa Valley to Napa Valley. Explore the vineyards of the world under one roof. Taste, learn and enjoy at this relaxed and friendly tasting with a lavish assortment of hors d’ouevres from the area’s best chefs. This is the perfect opportunity to bring friends and clients and make the Grand Tasting your own special group tour of the world's finest wines. Whether you're a seasoned expert or an intrigued beginner, winery representatives welcome you as they mix useful knowledge with exquisite samples of their art, but remember tickets for the Grand Tasting sell quickly. Avoid disappointment; order your tickets online today.
$69.95 per person plus tax and gratuity

Participating Restaurants:

Wentworth by the Sea Dining Room- New Castle, NH
Latitudes Waterfront Dining- New Castle, NH
Marcel's at Samoset Resort- Rockport, ME
The Club Dining Room- Bar Harbor, ME
Ristorante Massimo's- Portsmouth, NH
100 Club- Portsmouth, NH
10 Center Street- Newburyport, MA
Rudi's Portsmouth- Portsmouth, NH
Anneke Jans- Kittery, ME
Black Trumpet Bistro- Portsmouth, NH
Victory Restaurant- Portsmouth, NH
The Library Restaurant- Portsmouth, NH

 


_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

marques de cacerescolor logo1.jpg

Saturday, January 17 

Marques de Caceres Grand Vintner’s Dinner with Luis Burgueno
Reception at 6:00pm with handcrafted Canapés and Four-Course Dinner at 7pm 

Rioja has done for Spain what the Napa Valley has done for California, providing not only a wine identity for the country but also a benchmark for quality. Marques de Cáceres is a well-respected winery with one of the most visible Rioja labels- unanimously renowned as one of the finest Spanish wineries. They make a complete range of wines including some powerful reds that seem to be able to age indefinitely. Established by the family that also owns Château Camensac and Château Larose-Trintaudon, recognized as two of the finest properties in Bordeaux, they have been at the forefront of the movement to revolutionize the region with their cutting-edge wine production techniques. We have reserved a quantity of their small production, top-end ‘MC’ for this dinner. See why Spain is the world’s   premier emerging wine region. $99.95 per person plus tax and gratuity
 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  

 

 

logo.gifSunday - January 18, 25, and February 3

Piper- Heidsieck Bubbles and Jazz Brunch 10am-2pm

If you need a reason to drink Champagne in the daylight hours, the spectacular Bubbles and Jazz Brunch is it.  Add the elegant and lively Piper- Heidsieck Champagne and it's an extravagance - an opportunity to sample, nibble and indulge. Featuring chef attended action stations, oysters on the half shell, sides of smoked salmon, rich roasts, savory seafood dishes, mounds of fresh berries, tropical fruits, chilled shrimp, fresh pastas, baby vegetables, a pastry buffet and more are presented against a backdrop of ice sculptures, sparkling fountain and jazz combo.  $44.95 per person plus tax and gratuity

 

martignetti logo1.gif

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

fourvines12.jpg

dusi101.jpg

Friday, January 23
Four Vines and Dusi Winery Grand Vintner’s Dinner with Bill Grant and Janell Dusi
Reception at 6:00pm with handcrafted Canapés and Four-Course Dinner at 7pm
 
Four Vines, fronted by self-proclaimed ‘Zin pimp’ Bill Grant, specializes in old vine Zinfandel, eclectic Rhône and Spanish varietals. This dinner will explore some of their more extreme wines from the 'Freakshow’ line; very huge, rich wines utilizing alternative varietals such as old vine Petite Sirah, Mourvedre, Grenache, and Counoise.
Janell Dusi is digging up her heritage and roots of her family’s 80-year-old Zinfandel vineyard in Paso Robles and creating a fabulous small plot Zin that carries the essence of that distinct ‘Dusi Fruit.’ Both wineries are makers of fleshy, seductive wines for aficionados and hedonists alike. Four Vines and Dusi bring a refreshing, playfully irreverent attitude to the table. 
$99.95 per person plus tax and gratuity

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

lapostolle logo1.jpg

Saturday, January 24

Casa Lapostolle Grand Vintner’s Wine Dinner with Ginevra Altomara 

Reception at 6:00pm with handcrafted Canapés and Four-Course Dinner at 7pm

The Marnier Lapostolle family is probably best known for their Grand Marnier liqueur, but all that is changing quickly with the creation of Casa Lapostolle in Chile. Wine Spectator has just named Casa Lapostolle’s flagship wine, 'Clos Apalta,’ as the number one wine of 2008 on their Top 100 List, a highly coveted place of honor.  Using French expertise and the superb terrior of Chile, their objective to create world-class wines has clearly been met. Come join Ginevra Altomara, the education ambassador of Casa Lapostolle as she shares her insights on the Chilean appellations and organic horticultural practices of this amazing producer. Ginevra became a second level sommelier in 1999 and was the youngest female wine director in Manhattan at the age of 23. We have secured some Clos Apalta just for this dinner! $99.95 per person plus tax and gratuity.

 

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

cabotlogow2linetagcmyk.jpgchatstjean.jpgWednesday, January 28

Chateau St. Jean Wine and Cheese Seminar with Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren and Cabot Cheese

Margo Van Staaveren, Winemaker for Chateau St. Jean, has received Wine Enthusiast’s Star Award as Winemaker of the Year for 2008. Margo has been at Chateau St. Jean, long recognized as one of the top brands in America, for 30 years, improving vintages year after year. Enjoy this informal and fun seminar as we host one of the leaders in the wine industry as she leads us through her wines accompanied by award winning Vermont cheddar cheese from the local farm-family owned Cabot Creamery Cooperative. Cabot Cheese is known throughout the United States as one of the country's finest cheese producers.
$29.95 per person plus tax and gratuity

 

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

smalllmlogo.jpg

Friday, January 30

Grand Vintner’s Dinner of Italian Wines with Tuscan Winemaker Lionello Marchesi
Wine Reception at 6:00pm with handcrafted Canapés and Four-Course Dinner at 7pm

Lionello Marchesi has garnered worldwide acclaim for his Tuscan wines. Called the ‘Maestro of Tuscany’ by Wine Spectator Magazine, his Brunello di Montalcino scored 93 points and his Vin Santo a 96! Don’t miss the opportunity to drink these wines with Marchesi himself, a dynamic personality. He brings his knowledge and enthusiasm to all three of his Tuscan properties. Castello di Monastero, which produces wines from the areas of Chianti and Chianti Classico, as well as acclaimed Super-Tuscans. Coldisole includes Brunello di Montalcino vineyards. Poggio alle Sughere explores the Sangiovese grape in Italy’s exciting Morellino di Scansano region. All three have won the admiration of both traditional and avant garde-minded Tuscan-wine lovers.
$99.95 per person plus tax and gratuity

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

                           

bridlewoodsyrah.jpg

Saturday January 31
Grand Vintner’s Dinner with White Barn Inn and Bridlewood Winery with Chef Jonathan Cartwright and Winemaker David Hopkins

Reception at 6:00pm with Chef’s Canapés and Four-Course Dinner at 7pm
Guest Chef Jonathan Cartwright of the White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine will join with winemaker David Hopkins of Bridlewood Winery from Santa Barbara, California. Chef Cartwright has earned the White Barn Inn its share of honors, receiving hospitality's highest award, a 5-Star rating from Mobil Travel Guide, and AAA's Five Diamond Award. The White Barn Inn is one of only 12 restaurants in the U.S. to share both honors at once. Conde Nast Traveler calls it, 'one of the great places to stay and eat in the world.'  Bridlewood's winemaker David Hopkins chooses the best of California's Central Coast and it usually has to do with the grapes and wine varieties associated with the Rhône region of France. He is completely dedicated to the pleasures of wine - and serious about Syrah along with other Rhone varietals like the white grape Viognier, and blending Grenache and Mourvedre much in the style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This dinner will focus on Chef Cartwright's love of European-style cooking with Bridlewood's rich, reserve Rhone varietals. 
$99.95 per person plus tax and gratuity

 

 

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

Thursday, February 5
2005 Bordeaux Tasting with Toni McKone of Chateau & Estates 6:00pm

Extravagant praise coming from producers and media alike is making claims that the 2005 produced the most perfect, the most gorgeous, the greatest Bordeaux the world has ever seen. James Suckling of Wine Spectator had lauded the 2005’s as "some of the best I have tasted in my career." France's leading Bordeaux expert, Jean-Marc Quarin, had allotted the vintage a rare 100 points. Says famed wine critic Robert Parker, 'the 2005 Bordeaux have turned out brilliantly, and 2005 does appear to be one of the most singular years of the past five decades.’ Come experience this rare opportunity to taste wines of several famed Chateaux from this remarkable vintage. $129.95 per person plus tax and gratuity
Featured Wines:

Chateau Puy-Blanquet Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion 

Chateau Bourgneuf Grand Vin de Bordeaux, Pomerol 

Chateau Clairefont, Margaux 

Chateau Phelan Segur, Saint-Estephe 

Chateau Haut-Bages Averous, Pauillac 

Ducru- Beaucaillou Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 

Chateau D'Arche Grand Cru Classe, Sauternes 
 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

planeta_merlot_lab_hr.jpg

Friday, February 6

Grand Vintner’s Dinner of Italian Wines: Planeta Winery of Sicily with Umberto Corsini

Reception at 6:00pm with handcrafted Canapés and Four-Course Dinner at 7pm

At the vanguard of the quality revolution has been premium producer Planeta. Using both indigenous and international varieties, this family owned winery has been producing wines for less than a decade, but they have already gathered critical acclaim -they won the Gambero Rosso 'Producer of the Year' award in 1999. Planeta reshaped the way wine is made in Sicily. Since it’s beginning, Planeta has attracted the attention of critics and customers alike with their spectacularly structured wines. With two wineries, and four vineyards totaling 60 hectares, Planeta has built a veritable empire with their wines fetching ever-higher prices with each award. Chef Dan Dumont will style a menu paired to these wines with Italian specialties. $99.95 per person plus tax and gratuity

 

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

murphygoodelogo.jpgSaturday, February 7

Murphy-Goode Winery Grand Vintner’s Dinner and Liar’s Dice Tournament with Winemaker David Ready

Reception at 6:00pm with handcrafted Canapés and Four-Course Dinner at 7pm- Liar's Dice Tournament follows


Situated in the heart of Sonoma County is Murphy-Goode where wine making is a family tradition. In the early days of this Alexander Valley producer, their focus was on Fume-Blanc and Chardonnay but as newly planted vineyards have come into production they are now becoming known for their Cabernets and Zinfandels. Winemaker David Ready is also the son of one of the founders. David set the style for the single vineyard Zinfandel program in 1998. ‘Liar's Dice’ and ‘Snake Eyes’ Zinfandel are considered by many wine authorities as great examples of Alexander Valley winemaking and the appellation's terrior. Come drink these wines with David and after dinner let him teach us all the game of Liar’s Dice. He says it’s a lot of fun and easy to learn- especially with a little wine! $99.95 per person plus tax and gratuity

 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

 

 

 

chandon_logo_black_gold6.jpg

Sunday - February 8, 15, 22

Domaine Chandon Bubbles and Jazz Brunch 10am-2pm

Even more reason to drink Champagne- Join us as we pour Domaine Chandon Brut Sparkling Wine at the already extravagant Bubbles and Jazz Sunday Brunch. Featuring chef attended action stations, oysters on the half shell, sides of smoked salmon, rich roasts, savory seafood dishes, mounds of fresh berries, tropical fruits, chilled shrimp, fresh pastas, baby vegetables, a pastry buffet and more are presented against a backdrop of ice sculptures, sparkling fountain and jazz combo.  $44.95 per person plus tax and gratuity

 

 

 

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  

 

Friday, February 13- 6:00pm

Chocolate and Port Tasting with Master of Wine Bill Nesto

Everybody loves the idea of pairing chocolate and wine, and with good reason. Experience the fun and pleasure of pairing different types of the extraordinary Amedei chocolate, white, milk, and dark, with the famous and historic fortified wines of Portugal such as Port, Madeira, and Setubal. Bill Nesto, Master of Wine and chocolate expert will be your guide. In 1990 something happened in the world of chocolate that would change it forever; fueled by their passion for chocolate, the brother and sister partnership of Cecilia and Alessio Tessieri created Amedei. Amedei from Tuscany is one of the world's elite chocolate producers. This celebrated chocolatier has a cult following, garnering numerous awards. Bill Nesto, one of only 250 Masters of Wine in the world, will describe how varietal type, location, and production techniques affect the flavor of wine and chocolate, and why certain flavors pair with others.
$49.95 per person plus tax and gratuity

 

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

vcp_logo.jpgSaturday, February 14

Veuve Clicquot Champagne Grand Vintner’s Dinner with Seth Box, Champagne Expert
Reception at 6:00pm with Chef’s Canapés and Four-Course Dinner at 7pm

Ignite your romance and start a lifelong love affair. Veuve Clicquot is the instinctive choice for romantic celebration. Champagne is such a celebratory, and evocative wine- its development due to the achievements of various individuals but among them all, a special place is deservedly kept for Madame Clicquot, whose determination was to deliver “only one quality- the finest.” An award winning team of chefs led by Executive Chef Dan Dumont will prepare a four-course Sweetheart Menu matched to the Veuve Clicquot Champagne collection hosted by Moet Hennessey Education Director Seth Box. Come celebrate this heart-stopping evening. $124.95 per person plus tax and gratuity

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

violin36.jpgFriday, February 20

Composers and their Favorite Wines with Atlantic String Trio
Reception at 6:00pm with handcrafted Canapés and Three-Course Dinner at 7pm


Experience a rich rewarding evening of classical music performed by the Atlantic String Trio, all faculty of the New England Conservatory, while sipping great wines made popular during the various composer’s lives, such as Rieslings, Bordeaux and Tokay. We combine the musical delights of a concert with a delicious gala dinner in the stylish surroundings of the historic and luxurious Wentworth by the Sea’s Grand Ballroom. For any lover of the culinary and music arts this dinner brings both together in an intimate setting.
$99.95 per person plus tax and gratuity

 

 

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

hess logo1.jpgSaturday, February 21

Hess Collection Grand Vintner’s Dinner with Winemaker Dave Guffy

Reception at 6:00pm with handcrafted Canapés and Four-Course Dinner at 7pm

The Hess Collection Winery was founded on Donald Hess’ belief that great wines come from vineyards of distinction. Hess’ steep mountain vineyards that rise nearly 2,000 feet above the Napa Valley floor produce balanced wines with wonderful aromas, expressive fruit flavors and structured tannins.  Hess is committed to these rugged vineyards for their climate and topography. Dave Guffy started making wine at Hess Collection Winery in 1999. As a native Californian he is particularly committed to developing wines that truly reflect the California style. “My goal is to make ripe, fruit-forward California style wines with both power and elegance. The Hess Collection Winery has distinguished itself as a producer of premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
$99.95 per person plus tax and gratuity

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

Friday, February 27

Grand Vintner’s Dinner with Domaine Chandon and Director of Education Ellen Flora

Reception at 6:00pm with handcrafted Canapés and Four-Course Dinner at 7pm

chandon_logo_black_gold63.jpg

One of the first French-owned wineries in California, Domaine Chandon is becoming as well known for their still wine program, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as their range of famous sparkling wines, which includes brut, blanc de noirs, extra-dry, and rosé varieties, some of which we will explore in this dinner. Their heritage goes back to Moet and Chandon in France and to the invention of Champagne in 1690 by Dom Perignon and today they are leaders in sustainable agriculture in the California wine industry. Domaine Chandon's still wines, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, were first released in 1989 in boutique quantities available at the winery only. Pinot Meunier is rarely planted outside of the Champagne region of France and is being discovered by only a few adventurous winemakers in the US. This rare red wine has a lush and soulful style sure to be new to most people. We will also pour both their Oaked and Unoaked Chardonnay side-by-side and let guests decide which they like better. With Ellen Flora leading us through these wines, we get as close as we can to the experience of this pioneer in the Carneros district of Napa and Sonoma without actually being there.  $99.95 per person plus tax and gratuity

 

 

 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

nhlogohighresolution.jpgSaturday, February 28 from 2-5pm
Winter Wine Fair and Sale with NH State Wine Outlets 

This year for the first time, the Winter Wine Festival is partnering with the New Hampshire Liquor and Wine Outlets for an event that is perhaps the culmination of the festival itself. For one afternoon only you can embark on a wondrous wine journey at the Winter Wine Fair and Sale at the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel and purchase wine from the first ever on-site New Hampshire Wine Outlet store at the same time! For a modest ticket price, you can enter the tasting room where wine brokers will pour roughly 150 premium wines. If you find a wine you like, you can purchase it then and there while supplies last. You can also purchase esteemed Riedel stemware, nibble at the antipasto station, have a private tasting of Reserve wines and more. This grand finale to a grand festival in a grand hotel will also offer VIP tasting tables, musical entertainment, Champagne massage specials in the Spa, a wine luncheon in the dining room, wine related vendors and more. There will be wine experts on hand to answer all of your questions. At one point Sir Jeremy Bell from Edinburgh, Scotland will enter the room in full Highland kilt, with bagpipes blaring, to saber a bottle of Perrier-Jouet Champagne using a cavalry officer's saber in the Napoleonic tradition. ‘Get ready for some breaking glass,’ he says. So don’t miss these one day and one location only prices. The prices for these wines will not be discounted in the same manner in any other State store, so you’ll need to join the festivities at the Wentworth to reap the rewards of this incredible sale.

NH State Wine Outlet's Incredible One Day Sale!  Exclusively at the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel.
10% Off the Lowest Price or 20% Off When you Purchase 6 or more bottles.
Download File


$29.95 per person plus tax and gratuity
With VIP Private Tasting of Reserve Wines $54.90 per person plus tax and gratuity

A specific time must be booked at time of purchase

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  

 

cornucopia mkt_jpeg.jpgla cave a vin.gifFlight Nights

Every Wednesday- Friday 5-7 pm

Join us in Roosevelt's Lounge, Wednesday through Friday, for live jazz, featured flights of wine paired with complimentary hors d'ouevres and guest wine professionals.  Reservations not taken.

 

 

 

 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  

 

 

absolut_vodka_1liter_mrk_hi.jpg

Friday May 8

Absolut Dinner

Reception at 6:30pm-Four Course Dinner at 7:00pm

Enjoy a spirited menu featuring dinner pairings with unique Absolute Vodka cocktails designed by the chef and bartenders.  Each course is paired with a cocktail and guests dine with the mixologists during dinner.
The night starts with a reception offering the Absolut portfolio of vodkas, an ice martini luge and the classic pairings of caviar, oysters and gravlax. Then is followed by a sit down four course dinner with a different cocktail paired to each courseEnjoy a spirited menu featuring dinner pairings with unique Absolute Vodka cocktails designed by the chef and bartenders.  Each course is paired with a cocktail and guests dine with the mixologists during dinner.

$74.95 per person plus tax and gratuity

 


Home Page | About Us | Contact Us | Directions | Luminaries | Accommodations | Buy the Poster | Sponsors and Media | Classes | Gift Certificates | Reservations Online | Brochure | Flight Nights | Links of Interest | Visit the Wentworth Spa