News from the World of Wine

Win Big with the Redwood Creek Campfire Classic

Redwood Creek is calling all “campicureans” to submit their original campfire recipes online for the chance to win a $10,000 Grand Prize and a $5,000 donation to the national park of their choice. In a new twist for the Campfire Classic this year, Redwood Creek is seeking local outdoor cooking influences and styles all across America and will be hosting regional cook-offs in Seattle, Fort Worth, Chicago and Washington D.C. A panel of judges will determine the top finalist in each of the regions, who will receive an all expense-paid trip to New York City for the National Campfire Classic Grand Finals on June 26th.

During the finals, a panel of food, wine and outdoor authorities will sample each dish and select the Grand Prizewinner. Additionally, the public will be invited to vote for their favorite recipe online for a $1,000 People’s Choice Award, which will also be announced at the cook-off. The five finalists’ recipes will be posted on Redwood Creek’s website. Recipe entries will be accepted from February 1st through April 15, 2008 and must be paired with one of Redwood Creek’s seven wine varietals. Complete contest information can be found online.

www.RedwoodCreek.com

NOWFE

The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOW&FE), celebrates 17 years of wine and food with a five-day extravaganza, May 21- 25. The 2008 event will kick off on Wednesday, May 21st with vintner dinners in some of New Orleans' most celebrated restaurants, followed by the traditional Royal Street Stroll on Thursday, and culminating with Grand Tastings in the Louisiana Superdome on Friday and Saturday.

A few of the NOWFE events include:

Going, Going, Gone! NOWFE's first Live-Auction. Auction lots will include all-inclusive trips, and VIP perks. You may even see a package or two with a notable artist, athlete or musician! Of course, there will be lots of fine wines up for bid at the accompanying silent auction.

Vinola! Exclusive tasting event, which includes two wine seminars; a Vinola dinner with outstanding wines and a surprise guest.

Krewe of Cork, NOWFE’s official parade. While strolling down Royal Street, you are invited to join in the revelry as the Krewe of Cork parades through the French Quarter, donning wine and grape related costumes, while throwing beads and corks.

www.nowfe.com and www.kreweofcork.com

Revana Family Vineyard Expands

All wine connoisseurs believe that it is good for the heart. One cardiologist, Madaiah Revana, M.D., agrees, and has taken his passion for wine one step further. He owns a vineyard in California’s Napa Valley, the Revana Family Vineyard, which grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot grapes.

"From my perspective as a cardiologist, wine is one of nature's most welcome and wholesome of gifts when enjoyed in moderation at the table. In line with this, I really wanted to produce a wine that has elegance, good structure, a wonderful aroma and is soft," said Revana. He was successful, debuting the Revana Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon in 2001, which was rated a phenomenal 91 points by Wine Spectator.

In May, the Revana Family Vineyard will release its fifth vintage, which will be served in many 5-star restaurants around the country. And now, Dr. Revana has plans for a new vineyard in Oregon's Willamette Valley that will produce Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. The vineyard will be named Alexana, a combination of Alexandra, his daughter's name, and Revana.
www.revanawine.com.

Edited by Ellen Schofield