Award-winning wines will be featured at the sommeliers' restaurants and hotels during Best in Glass Month, March 12 - April 18

MIAMI (January 10, 2012) - Eighteen of South Florida’s top sommeliers took the Best in Glass Wine Challenge, as they searched for wines that represent value, as well as quality – the two important considerations to a wine’s gaining placement on their stellar wine lists.  After 14 hours of concentrated blind tasting over two days, they awarded 26 gold medals, 97 silver medals and 106 bronze medals to wines submitted to the challenge. Each sommelier will select at least two medal winning wines to feature at his or her restaurant during Best in Glass Month, March 12 – April 18, 2012.  These award-winning wines will also be poured during the 17th Annual United Way Miami Wine & Food Festival’s Food, Friends & Fun - Interactive Dinner and Cellar-bration Dinner to be held at The Fontainebleau Miami Beach on April 20 and 21, 2012.  The Challenge took place on January 8 and 9, in the state-of-the-art tasting laboratory at Miami Dade College’s Miami Culinary Institute.

The panel of sommelier judges that sipped, slurped and spit their way through 260 wines searching for the best options by the glass included: Cynthia Betancourt of Azul at Mandarin Oriental; Don Derocher of The Ritz Carlton, Fort Lauderdale; Jorge Mendoza of The Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne; Erving Machado of La Cofradia, Coral Gables; David Meneces and Henrique Viotti of Hakkasan at Fontainebleau Miami Beach; Eric Larkee of Michael's Genuine Food & Drink, Miami; Antoni Yelamos of Food Culture, Miami; Daniel Toral of Sustain Restaurant, Miami; Laura Romano of Hollywood Prime, Hollywood; Caleb Ganzer of db Bistro Moderne, Miami; Justin Hall of Bourbon Steak, Aventura; Greg Rivera of The Breakers Palm Beach; Zarko Stankovic and Guillermo Gutierrez of Scarpetta at Fontainebleau Miami Beach; Sylvie Gervais of Mizner Country Club, Boca Raton; Kirsta Grauberger of Market 17, Ft. Lauderdale; and Nicole Candusso of Meat Market, Miami.

The 2012 award-winning wines are:

GOLD

• Bernardus Sauvignon Blanc 2010
• C.H. Berres Impulse Riesling 2008
• Hugel Cuvee Les Amours Pinot Blanc 2008
• Zuccardi Serie A Torrontes 2010
• Crios Torrontes 2011
• Evening Land Chardonnay 2009
• Biagio Prosecco Sparkling NV
• Saint-Hilarie Blanquette de Limoux Sparkling 2008
• Castle Rock Reserve Pinot Noir 2009
• Willamette Pinot Noir 2009
• Schug Carneros Pinot Noir 2009
• Milbrandt Traditions Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
• Valle Las Nencias Reserve Malbec 2008
• El Coto Tempranillo 2007
• Bodegas Carchelo  2010
• Rocca delle Macie Sasyr 2007
• J L Chave Mon Coeur Cotes du Rhone 2009
• Stratton Lummis The Riddler NV
• Layer Cake Syrah 2010
• The Chook Shiraz/Viognier Syrah 2010
• Willamette 'Estate' Pinot Noir 2008
• Seufert Idyl Valley Pinot Noir 2009
• Seufert Zenith Valley Pinot Noir 2009
• Justin Isosceles Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
• Ch. Ste. Michelle Meritage Artists Series 2008
• Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

SILVER

• Luna Pinot Grigio 2009
• Terlato Pinot Grigio 2009
• Jermann Pinot Grigio 2010
• Milbrandt Traditions Pinot Gris 2010
• J Vineyards Pinot Gris 2010
• Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2010
• Star Lane Sauvignon Blanc 2009
• Hanna Sauvignon Blanc 2010
• Pezzi King Sauvignon Blanc 2010
• Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2010
• Ch. Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling 2010
• Eroica Riesling 2010
• Martín Códax Albariño 2010
• Bolgheri Guado al Tasso Vermentino 2010
• Terredora Dipaolo "Falanghina" 2010
• Monti Guidi del Carmine Pecorino 2010
• Istituto Agrario San Michele All'Adige Pinot Bianco 2010
• Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet 2010
• Bramito del Cervo Chardonnay 2010
• Olivier Leffaive Les Setilles White Burgundy Chardonnay 2009
• Christian Moreau Chablis Chardonnay 2009
• B.R. Cohn - Silver Label Chardonnay 2010
• Charm Acres Chardonnay 2010
• Stag's Leap Karia Chardonnay 2009
• Ch. Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Chardonnay 2008
• Heron Chardonnay 2010
• Gary Farrell Chardonnay 2009
• Ramey Chardonnay 2008
• Agusti Torello Mata Reserva Sparkling 2008
• Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Champagne NV
• Agusti Torello Mata Rosat Trepat Sparkling 2009
• Nicolas Feuillatte Rosé Champage NV
• The Chook Sparkling Syrah Sparkling NV
• Brovida Cordara Blanc Moscato D'Asti Dessert 2010
• Costaripa RosaMara Rosé 2010
• Chateau D'Esclans Rosé 2010
• Over the Edge Pinot Noir 2010
• Silver Ridge Pinot Noir 2009
• Tangley Oaks Pinot Noir 2009
• Solena Estates Grande Cuvée Pinot Noir 2010
• Cubanisimo Rumba Pinot Noir 2009
• Cubanisimo Estate Pinot Noir 2008
• Sean Minor Pinot Noir 2009
• Lucas & Lewellen Pinot Noir 2008
• J Vineyards Pinot Noir 2009
• Cusumano Merlot 2010
• Milbrandt The Estates Merlot Merlot 2009
• Castle Rock Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
• BenMarco Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
• Ch. Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
• Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
• Bell Claret Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
• Truchard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
• Layer Cake Malbec 2010
• Michel Torino Don David Reserve Malbec 2010
• Pulenta La Flor Malbec 2010
• Altos Las Hormigas Terroir Malbec 2009
• Viña Cobos Felino Malbec 2010
• Paulucci "La Posta" Malbec 2008
• Zuccardi Q Malbec 2009
• Zuccardi Santa Julia Reserva Malbec 2010
• Salentein Reserve Malbec 2009
• Val Di Suga Rosso Di Montalcino Sangiovese 2009
• Farnese Sangiovese 2010
• Marchesi Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva Sangiovese 2006
• Il Poggione Sangiovese 2008
• Loriñon Reserva Tempranillo 2006
• Barco de Piedra Tempranillo 2009
• De Restia Select Harvest Crianza Tempranillo 2004
• Ch. Saint-Sulpice Bordeaux 2008
• Las Rocas Grenache 2008
• Celler Piñol Ludovicus 2010
• Guerrieri Gonzaga "Terre di San Leonardo" 2008
• Tormaresca Trentangelli 2008
• Sevent-Five Wine Co. The Sum 2008
• Tuck Beckstoffer Amulet 2008
• Montes Alpha Carmenere 2009
• Woop-Woop Syrah 2010
• Robert Hall Syrah 2008
• B.R. Cohn Zinfandel 2009
• Brazin Old Vine Zinfandel 2009
• Evening Land Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2010
• Domaine Faiveley Premier Cru Mercurey Pinot Noir 2009
• Willamette 'South Block' Pinot Noir 2008
• B.R. Cohn Pinot Noir 2009
• Domaine Serene Cuvée Pinot Noir 2008
• La Spinetta Ca' Di Pian Barbera D'Asti 2008
• Produttori del Barbaresco 2007
• Ciacci Piccolomini Sangiovese 2009
• Montecastro y Llanahermosa 2006
• JAQK Bone Dance Merlot 2007
• Owen Roe Rosa Mystica Cabernet Franc 2008
• Hidden Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
• B.R. Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
• Stag's Leap Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
• DiamAndes de Uco Gran Reserva 2008
• Rudy Schultz Syrah 2008

BRONZE

• San Giorgio Venezie Pinot Grigio 2010
• Bortoluzzi Pinot Grigio 2010
• Bell Pinot Gris 2010
• Willamette Pinot Gris 2009
• Solena Estates Pinot Gris 2010
• Bortoluzzi Sauvignon Blanc 2010
• MontGras Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2010
• Ch. Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Sauvignon Blanc 2010
• Tuck Beckstoffer Est. 75 Sauvignon Blanc 2010
• Gary Farrell Sauvignon Blanc 2010
• StoneCap Riesling 2007
• Milbrandt Traditions Riesling 2010
• Legado del Conde Albariño 2010
• Santadi Villa Solais Vermentino di Sardegna Vermentino 2010
• Jankara Vermentino di Gallura Vermentino 2010
• Malvira Roero Arneis 2010
• Robert Hall Viognier 2010
• Lagaria Chardonnay 2010
• Tormaresca Chardonnay 2010
• Jermann Chardonnay 2009
• Añoro Chardonnay 2010
• DiamAndes de Uco Chardonnay 2010
• Bernardus Chardonnay 2009
• J Vineyards Chardonnay 2009
• Schug Carneros Chardonnay 2009
• Schug Sonoma Chardonnay 2009
• Truchard Chardonnay 2009
• William Hill Chardonnay 2009
• Calera Chardonnay 2010
• Patz & Hall Chardonnay 2009
• Melville Chardonnay 2009
• Bianca Vigna Prosecco Sparkling NV
• Cava Naveran Sparkling 2008
• Chateau D'Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé 2010
• Costaripa Molmenti Rosé 2008
• Casa Silva Reserva Pinot Noir 2010
• Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2006
• RVTZ Pinot Noir 2009
• Garnet Pinot Noir 2009
• Layer Cake Pinot Noir 2010
• Queen of Hearts Pinot Noir 2009
• 667 Pinot Noir 2010
• Handcraft Pinot Noir 2010
• Cubanisimo Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2009
• Fess Parker Pinot Noir 2009
• Schug Sonoma Pinot Noir 2009
• Talley Pinot Noir 2009
• Milbrandt Traditions Merlot 2009
• Ch. Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot 2009
• Layer Cake Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
• Justin Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
• Handcraft Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
• Tuck Beckstoffer Est. 75 Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
• Woop-Woop Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
• Ch. Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
• Castle Rock Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
• Cousiño-Macul Antiguas Reservas Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
• Ch. Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
• Milbrandt The Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
• Kaiken Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
• Black Stallion Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
• B.R. Cohn - Silver Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
• Three Saints Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
• Marcelo Pelleriti Sol-Fa-Sol Malbec 2009
• Massimo Malbec 2010
• Altos Las Hormigas Clasico Malbec 2010
• Altos Las Hormigas Las Liebres Malbec 2009
• Mendel "Lunta" Malbec 2008
• Bodega Noemia Patagonia "A Lisa" Malbec 2009
• DiamAndes de Uco Malbec 2010
• Marchesi Antinori Classico Peppoli Chianti Sangiovese 2008
• Monte Antico Sangiovese 2007
• Poliziano Rosso di Montepulciano Sangiovese 2009
• Caldora Sangiovese 2010
• Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico Sangiovese 2008
• Feuduccio Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Sangiovese 2006
• Villa Antinori Toscana Sangiovese 2007
• Cepas Antiguas Tempranillo 2010
• Zuccardi Q Tempranillo 2007
• Cheval Noir Saint-Emilion Bordeaux 2009
• Tormaresca Neprica 2009
• Xiloca Garnacha 2009
• La Cartuja Priorat 2010
• Terrabianca Campaccio 2007
• Vespres Grenache/Carignano 2009
• DiamAndes Perlita Malbec/Syrah 2010
• Guardian Peak Frontier 2010
• Layer Cake Primitivo 2008
• Santadi Grotta Rossa Carignano 2008
• Bobal 11 Pinos 2010
• Owen Roe Abbot's Table 2009
• Tuck Beckstoffer Melee 2009
• Zuccardi Serie A Bonarda 2010
• Handcraft Petite Sirah 2009
• Falernia Reserva Syrah 2006
• Antu Syrah 2008
• Pezzi King Zinfandel 2009
• Bernardus Pinot Noir 2009
• Windsor Oaks Pinot Noir 2010
• Gary Farrell Pinot Noir 2009
• Row Eleven Pinot Noir 2006
• Clos de L'Oratoire de Pappes 2009
• Orin Swift Abstract 2010
• Short Ends Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
• Stag's Leap Fay Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
• Fess Parker The Big Easy Syrah 2008

Every year, under the direction of James Beard award-winning wine and food writer, Lyn Farmer, the festival draws thousands of foodies and wine enthusiasts and has raised $12 million for charity. For more information call 305-646-7111.

MIAMI (December 21, 2011) - The United Way Miami Wine & Food Festival held a Riedel Wine Glass Seminar and Reception as part of its year-round series of wine and food events.  Celebrity guest and CEO of Riedel Crystal of North America, Maximilian Josef Riedel led the seminar and impressed the audience by demonstrating that the right wine glass does make a difference in the aroma, taste and perception of wine.  All event proceeds benefit United Way of Miami-Dade’s work in education, financial stability and health.  The seminar took place at the newly-opened Coral Gables Museum. 

Throughout the seminar, guests tasted wines from various “O” stemless glasses and plastic cups to differentiate the appearance and sensations of the wines from each glass.  Riedel also exhibited beautifully hand-made/mouth-blown decanters and discussed the aeration among other benefits they have on the wine when poured from them.  The “O” stemless glass series is the most successful new collection introduced in Riedel’s history, each guest kept an “O” glass set as a gift.

After the seminar guests gathered in the museum’s beautiful coral stone-walled courtyard for a reception with Maximilian Riedel.  The Local - Craft Food & Drink, a Coral Gables restaurant, provided delicious appetizers and Mer Soleil winery supplied one of its chardonnays for guests to enjoy as they mingled under the stars.

Born in Vienna in 1977, Riedel is an 11th generation glassmaker who joined the family business at the age of 20, training in sales and administration.  His easy manner, quick smile and depth of knowledge has made him a popular and sought after speaker at wine festivals around the world.

The Riedel Wine Glass Seminar and Reception was part of the year-round series of events leading up to the United Way Miami Wine & Food Festival, which is set to take place 

April 18 – 21, 2012.  The four day festival includes events such as: Brews & Bites a craft beer tasting in Mary Brickell Village, the tremendously popular Taste & Toast – Fine Wine Tasting at Merrick Park, as well as Food, Friends & Fun Interactive Dinner and Cellar-bration, both taking place at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach.  Tickets for festival events will be on sale in January of 2012, for more information visit www.miamiwinefestival.org.

MIAMI (November 23, 2011) - The United Way Miami Wine & Food Festival will host a Riedel Wine Glass Seminar and Reception as part of the year-round series of wine and food events the festival launched this past June.  The seminar is set for Wednesday, December 7, at 6:30 pm in the newly-opened Coral Gables Museum, located at 285 Aragon Avenue.  Celebrity guest and CEO of Riedel Crystal of North America, Maximilian Josef Riedel will demonstrate that the right wine glass does make a difference in the aroma, taste and perception of a wine.  All event proceeds will benefit United Way of Miami-Dade’s work in education, financial stability and health. 

Born in Vienna in 1977, Riedel is an 11th generation glassmaker who joined the family business at the age of 20, training in sales and administration.  His easy manner, quick smile and depth of knowledge has made him a popular and sought after speaker at wine festivals around the world.

At the seminar, guests will use and keep a “Key to Wine” set of five “O” stemless glasses, valued at $60.  The “O” stemless glass series is the most successful new collection introduced in Riedel’s history.  Sets will be available for purchase at a discounted rate, as will a variety of Riedel decanters.

At 8 pm a reception will follow, where guests will enjoy wine, appetizers, live entertainment and a chance to mingle with Riedel himself. The reception will take place in the open-aired museum courtyard, an ideal setting with coral stone walls, fountain, understated landscaping and ambient lighting from the galleries that serve as its border.   

Entry into both the seminar and the reception is $90 per person (each guest keeps a set of stemless glassware valued at $60).  Entry into the seminar only is $75 per person.  United Way Young Leaders receive a $10 discount.  For additional event information or to purchase tickets, please contact Mercedes Garcia at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 305-646-7029.

On Thursday, October 6, at Wynwood Kitchen & Bar (WKB), United Way Miami Wine & Food Festival will present Sake at Sundown, a unique sake experience that benefits United Way of Miami-Dade’s
work in education, financial stability and health.  Sake and tapas join the festival’s repertoire in an event where guests will enjoy a formal sake tastings paired with samplings from WKB’s new menu,
amidst its open-aired art park.

Discover just how versatile sake can be with the help of special guest, Morgan Hartman of Vine Connections, one of the world’s few Level II Sake Specialists.  Hartman will guide guests through each of the three premium sake tastings, while Chef Miguel Aguilar showcases exquisite samples from his new menu of Global-Latin small plates. Hot or cold, learn the tricks of pairing sake for all occasions.

$55 - per person; $100 - per couple
United Way Young Leaders receive $5 discount

For additional event information click here or to purchase tickets, please contact Romina Gambino at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 305-646-7105.

Hartman, a master sommelier and sake specialist, has been in the wine and sake business for more than 10 years.  In February 2010, she earned the prestigious Level II Sake Specialist certificate, a
distinction fewer than 100 people in the world have achieved.  Four years ago, Hartman began her current position with Vine Connections, a company that combines her areas of expertise by
specializing in wines from Argentina and premium sake from Japan.

Chef Aguilar was appointed executive chef of WKB in August 2011.  Drawing from his Venezuelan roots and extensive experience at Philadelphia’s Alma de Cuba restaurant, Aguilar combined vibrant Latin flavors and flawless cooking techniques to bring a new and exciting menu of small plates to Wynwood Kitchen & Bar.
 
Thursday, October 6, 2011
6:00 – 6:30 pm    Reception
6:30 – 8:30 pm    Sake and foodtasting/pairing

Wynwood Kitchen & Bar
2550 NW 2nd Ave
Miami, FL 33127

CORAL GABLES, FL (August 12, 2011) - The United Way Miami Wine & Food Festival and the Business Improvement District of Coral Gables (“BID”) are partnering to launch Wine Walk & Shop on the Mile on Thursday, Sept. 1, from 6 to 8 pm.  Throughout the evening, select shops on Miracle Mile, between Ponce de Leon Blvd and S. Douglas Rd, will serve guests a variety of light and refreshing summer wines and offer special pricing on merchandise.  The first 100 guests to purchase tickets will receive exclusive event gift bags and complimentary valet parking, sponsored by the BID, which serves to promote Downtown Coral Gables & Miracle Mile.  All proceeds will benefit United Way of Miami-Dade’s work in education, financial stability and health. 

The event kicks-off at Wolfe’s Wine Shoppe (124 Miracle Mile), where each guest will receive a wine-tasting glass and event program with an overview of the eight designated stops and wines they will be sampling at each.  Guests will then visit Lilian Designs, Essence Boutique, Design Within Reach, Sugar Mama Cupcakes, My Best Friends Closet and U Collections. 

The last stop is Tarpon Bend, where guests will unwind and enjoy an exclusive 15 percent dining discount, only for Wine Walk & Shop participants.  There, the first hundred guests who purchased tickets will receive complimentary gift bags including giveaways from prestigious shops and restaurants of Downtown Coral Gables, such as Seasons 52, La Cofradia, GBS Beauty, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Victoria’s Design and Actor’s Playhouse.      

Tickets are on sale for $25 per person at http://www.miamiwinefestival.org/winewalk/ or contact United Way at 305-646-7029.  Centralized Valet Parking will be free for the first 100 guests who purchase tickets.

Featured wines will be available for guests to purchase at a special 10-15 percent discount only at Wolfe’s Wine Shoppe from Thursday, Sept. 1 thru Saturday, Sept. 3.  Guests will need their entrance ticket in order to receive the wines at the discounted price.

MIAMI (June 6, 2011)--This April, the United Way Miami Wine and Food Festival experienced record-breaking ticket sales and sold out events.  To meet popular demand, the festival is launching a series of year-round wine and food events – all for a good cause.  60 Second Cocktails with Bacardi is the kick-off event marking the expansion, and all proceeds will benefit United Way of Miami-Dade’s work in education, financial stability and health. 

60 Second Cocktails with Bacardi will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 16 at the Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. Headquarters, located at 2701 South Le Jeune Road in Coral Gables.  Guests will brush up on their bartending skills and learn how to make delicious cocktails, with help from Bacardi mixologist and Miami-native, Gabe Urrutia who is an expert in the cocktail trend of molecular mixology.  He will teach guests how to make a balanced cocktail from a blend of unique ingredients in just 60 seconds.

A Bacardi Bar cocktail reception will follow the mixology workshop, where guests will enjoy cocktails, appetizers, music, a special gift and exclusive entry to the private Emilio Bacardi Company Museum, not open to the general public.  The museum showcases historical photos and memorabilia dating back to the 1860s, a recount of the company’s evolution, how Bacardi adopted its world famous "Bat" trademark, and much more.

60 Second Cocktails with Bacardi mixology workshop will run from 7 to 8 p.m. and the Bacardi Bar cocktail reception begins at 8 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m.  Entry into both is $45 per person.  Entry into the Bacardi Bar cocktail reception only is $25 per person.  All United Way Young Leaders receive $5 off ticket purchase. 

For additional event information or to purchase tickets, please contact Mercedes Garcia at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 305-646-7029.

Look for more United Way Miami Wine and Food Festival events on our Facebook, www.facebook.com/miamiwineandfoodfestival and follow us on Twitter @MiamiWineFest

The 16th annual United Way Miami Wine & Food Festival attracted a record-breaking crowd of more than 3,000 wine and food enthusiasts.  Presented by American Express, the new four-day festival featured first-time beer and spirits events, and a Best in Glass Wine Challenge, along with its popular wine-tasting and interactive dinner.  The festival netted nearly $300,000 in proceeds to support United Way of Miami-Dade’s work in the areas of education, income and health.

Festivities began on Thursday, April 14, with the Taste & Toast - Fine Wine Tasting, presented by Miccosukee Resort & Gaming at Village of Merrick Park, where Jay’s Blues Band entertained, 65 international wineries poured their finest wines and more than 35 premier restaurants and caterers served gourmet treats to more than 1,500 attendees.  Guests also enjoyed the Glenfiddich “Music to Drink Whiskey By” afterparty featuring whiskey ambassador Heather Greene and DJ Adam Williams.

Friday night’s Food Friends & Fun Interactive Dinner, prested by Bacardi USA, belonged to Chef Dewey LoSasso of The Forge Restaurant, and Bombay Sapphire’s master mixologist Gary Hayward.  The two guided the nearly 600 guests through the preparation of a three-course meal and two mixed drinks at their tables.  The dinner included lobster lettuce wraps infused with Bombay Sapphire, calabaza blossoms filled with ricotta and pecorino and rolled spiced dates as the first course; black truffle matzo ball and mushroom soup with duck and vegetables as the second course; and Stone Creek Farms filet mignon with wheat berry fig salad and local Malabar spinach gratin as the main entrée. In between the cooking, Hayward taught guests how to make a proper Tom Collins and Bacardi Daiquiri.

Saturday, April 16, the Cellar●bration – Good Food and Award-winning Wines, presented by Cypress Financial, paired gold-winning wines from the Best in Glass Wine Challenge with a multi-course family-style dinner, showcasing culinary creations by chefs Antonio Bachour of Solea, David Bracha of River Oyster Bar, Alex Feher of InterContinental Miami, Richard Hales of Sakaya Kitchen, Alejandro Piñero of Sustain, and Tom Rhyneer of Miami Culinary Institute.  A small live auction, led by Local 10 news anchor and United Way board member Laurie Jennings, and TV personality Beatriz Canales,  featured wine vacations in France, Italy, Australia and California; big bottles of fine wines; and in-home chef, winemaker and mixology experiences.  Guests also enjoyed dancing to live entertainment by quintessential jazz vocalist Kevin Mahogany, bocce ball and other treats.

The festival culminated on Sunday April 17, with the festival’s newest addition, Brews & Bites-Craft Beer Tasting, presented by CBIZ, at Mary Brickell Village.  More than 1,000 guests enjoyed craft beers and micro-brews from around the world and bites from top area restaurants.

“I cannot thank our generous supporters enough. We are so grateful to our sponsors and to the many chefs, restaurants, wineries and breweries that gave of their time, talents and resources to make the festival a success,” Harve Mogul, president and CEO, United Way of Miami-Dade, said.  “We are so very proud of benefits the festival will bring to our community.”

The founding trustees of the festival were Linda and Michael Bittel; Nelly and Mike Farra; and Cristina and George Fowler.

American Express was the presenting sponsor of the festival.  Other sponsors include: American Airlines and Bacardi USA at the Vintner level; Celebrity Cruises, CBIZ, Cypress Financial Group and Metlife, Storick & Associates, Fresh Point South Florida; Glenfiddich, Miccosukee Resort & Gaming and Selected Brands at the Sommeliers level; Baptist Health South Florida at the Connoisseur level; Baltic Linen Company, Inc.; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida; Carnival Cruise Lines; 97.3 The Coast and Easy 93.1, Cox Media Group Miami; Downtown Coral Gables & Miracle Mile; Ernst & Young; Florida Power & Light; Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau; Inktel Direct; In the Gables Magazine; MCM Corporation; Miami New Times; Nestle Waters, North America; Ryder Charitable Foundation; Steiner Transocean Ltd.; Yelp; World Fuel Services; and Zuni Transportation at the Cooper level.  The Miami Herald/el Nuevo Herald and Comcast were the official media sponsors of the festival.

The 16th annual United Way Miami Wine & Food Festival, Miami’s first and foremost charity wine and food festival, will take place Thursday, April 14 through Sunday, April 17, 2011. Presented by American Express, all proceeds from the festival will benefit United Way of Miami-Dade’s work in the areas of education, income and health.

This annual event brings together food and wine lovers for a now expanded four-day festival featuring notable chefs, sommeliers, prestigious wineries and winemakers, celebrity mixologists, breweries and impressive auction lots.  This year, one of the nation’s most prolific apostles of Progressive American cuisine, Chef Dewey LoSasso, executive chef of The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar will headline the Interactive Dinner on Friday, April 15.

Festivities begin on Thursday, April 14, with the Taste & Toast - Fine Wine Tasting presented by Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, featuring dozens of international wineries and 30 of South Florida’s top restaurants and caterers, including: Acqua at Four Seasons Hotel, AltaMare, Meat Market, Ortanique on the Mile, Season's 52, Timo Restaurant and Two Chefs among many others. The VIP tasting begins at 6 pm, general admission begins at 7 pm; tickets are $150 per VIP admission; $75 per general admission.  Following the tasting, guests can enjoy the Glenfiddich “Music to Drink Whiskey By” afterparty featuring whiskey ambassador and scotch specialist Heather Greene and DJ Adam Williams.  Taste & Toast takes place at Village of Merrick Park, 358 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables.

Friday, April 15, the Food, Friends & Fun – Interactive Dinner, presented by Bacardi USA, belongs to celebrity Chef Dewey LoSasso of The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar.   This  interactive experience is the ultimate good time for foodies, where tables will team up to cook their own three-course meal under Chef LoSasso’s tutelage.  The evening begins at 6:30 pm with a Bacardi cocktail reception, and Bacardi master mixologist, Gary Hayward, will teach guests a few tricks of the trade during dinner, which begins at 7:30 pm.  Tickets are $300 per person and $2,400 per table of eight. Food, Friends & Fun takes place at the InterContinental Miami, 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami.

On Saturday, April 16, the Cellar●bration – Good Food and Award-winning Wines, presented by Cypress Hill Financial, features award-winning wines from the first annual Best in Glass Wine Challenge and a multi-course dinner, exclusive auction lots, and live entertainment and dancing by quintessential American jazz vocalist, Kevin Mahogany.  A champagne cocktail reception and silent auction begin at 6:30 pm; dinner begins at 7:30 pm.  Tickets are $300 per person and $3,000 per table of 10.  Cellar●bration also takes place at the InterContinental Miami, 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami.

The festival culminates on Sunday, April 17, with Brews & Bites – Craft Beer Tasting, presented by CBIZ, featuring bites from area restaurants, live entertainment, craft beers and mirco-brews from around the world including: Narraganssett Brewing, Blue Point Brewing, Shipyard/Sea Dog Brewing, Abita Brewing Company, The Boston Beer Company, Brooklyn Brewery, Sierra Nevada, Stone Brewing and many more.  The VIP tasting begins at 1 pm, general admission begins at 2 pm; tickets are $75 per VIP admission and $55 per general admission. Admission to the event includes a commemorative tasting cup. Brews & Bites takes place at Mary Brickell Village, 901 South Miami Avenue, Miami.

American Express is the presenting sponsor of the 16th annual United Way Miami Wine & Food Festival.  Other sponsors include: American Airlines at the Vintner level; Bacardi USA, CBIZ, Cypress Hill Financial, Miccosukee Resort & Gaming and Selected Brands at the Sommeliers level; Baptist Health South Florida at the Connoisseur level; Baltic Linen Company, Inc.; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida; Carnival Cruise Lines; Celebrity Cruises; 97.3 The Coast and Easy 93.1,  Cox Media Group Miami; Downtown Coral Gables & Miracle Mile; Ernst & Young; Florida Power & Light; Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau; Inktel Direct; In the Gables Magazine; MCM Corporation; Miami New Times; Nestle Waters, North America; Ryder Charitable Foundation; Steiner Transocean Ltd.; William Grant & Sons; Yelp; World Fuel Services; and Zuni Transportation at the Cooper level.  The Miami Herald/el Nuevo Herald and Comcast are the official media sponsors of the festival.

For more information and tickets, visit www.miamiwinefestival.org or www.facebook.com/miamiwineandfoodfestival or follow us on Twitter @MiamiWineFest.  .  For tickets call 1-877-820-3378.

It took more than 2,000 carefully polished wine glasses, dozens of liters of mineral water, 230 bottles of wine, 16 hours of concentrated tasting and 10 of South Florida’s most determined sommeliers to meet the Best in Glass Wine Challenge on January 9 and 10. The Challenge, a blind and rigorous wine competition with Miami’s top sommeliers as judges, served as the formal opening of the 16th Annual United Way Miami Wine & Food Festival, and the informal opening of Miami Dade College’s new Miami Culinary Institute.

In the Institute’s state-of-the-art wine tasting laboratory, the sommeliers embraced their challenge, searching for wines that represented value, as well as quality, and would fit on their diverse wine lists. The award-winning wines will be featured at each of the sommeliers’ restaurants and hotels during Best in Glass month, from mid-March through mid-April. The challenge will culminate at the United Way Miami Wine & Food Festival (April 14–17, 2011), where award-winning wines will be featured at the festival’s Saturday night Cellar•bration Dinner.

“We are very excited to introduce this new feature to the Miami Wine & Food Festival. It’s a great opportunity for wineries to have some of the top palates in South Florida taste their wines, an opportunity for sommeliers to discover some new treats for their wine lists and it all benefits United Way,” said Dan Hanrahan, chair of the United Way Miami Wine & Food Festival, and president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “Every year we look for fresh ways to connect local culinary and wine experts to the festival, and to bring value to all the participants. The Best in Glass Wine Challenge accomplished just that.”

The panel of sommelier judges that sipped, slurped and spit their way through more than 200 wines searching for the best options by the glass included: Eric Larkee of Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink in Miami, Allegra Angelo of Michy’s and Sra. Martinez, Daniel Toral of the just opened Sustain Restaurant, John Mayfield of db Bistro Moderne, Cynthia Betancourt of Azul at the Mandarin Oriental, Justin Hall of Bourbon Steak Miami, Carlos Jaen of Two Chefs Restaurant, Aniece Meinhold of The Blue Piano, Antoni Yelamos of Solea Restaurant & Tapas Bar and W South Beach Hotel, and Grace Abel of The Grateful Palate.

Every year, under the direction of James Beard award-winning wine and food writer, Lyn Farmer, the festival draws thousands of foodies and wine enthusiasts and has raised $12 million for charity. For more information, visit www.miamiwinefestival.org, or call 305-646-7111.

The 16th Annual United Way Miami Wine & Food Festival will take place Thursday, April 14 through Sunday, April 17, 2011 at Village of Merrick Park, the InterContinental Miami and Mary Brickell Village. All proceeds from the festival will go to support United Way of Miami-Dade’s work in the areas of education, income and health.

This annual event brings together food and wine lovers for a now extended, four-day festival that features notable chefs, prestigious wineries and winemakers, and impressive auction lots.  This year, one of the nation’s most prolific apostles of Progressive American cuisine, Chef Dewey LaSasso of The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar, will headline the Interactive Dinner on Friday, April 15, 2010.