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2009
Winter Wine Festival Calendar of
Events
See below for this
year's schedule...
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2009
Winter Wine Festival Calendar of
Events
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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
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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
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 Sunday - 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
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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
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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.
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  Wednesday, 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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 Saturday,
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
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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
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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
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 Saturday,
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
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 Friday,
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
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 Saturday,
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
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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 
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
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 Saturday, 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.
$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
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  Flight
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.
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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
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