FoodWineTravel Connection

Travel to Italy

2010-08-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

I'm beginning plans for travel to Italy again this fall. My friend Gina of Villa Vita International will be investigating properties on the coast and in northern Italy lake district and invited me to tag along. I couldn't refuse an offer like that! Did some clothes shopping and found some walking shoes that I think will work great for all the walking around we do in Italy. (last time I took shoes that I THOUGHT would work, but they caused blisters on the very first day (ugh). There is a big difference between dry hot flat in AZ versus humid warm and hilly in Italian villages. We will be north this time, so should be cooler, and later in the year too. I'm excited for a 9 day visit back in 'the old country'.

Alcantara Chardonnay Wine Label

2010-07-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

Each of the wine bottle labels is different and unique; a piece of art created by artist Smokin' Joe McWilliams. He has been commissioned to design all labels for all varietals at Alcantara Vineyards.

He also designs posters for festivals, see earlier post below. Aren't they beautiful? This is the label for the 08 Chardonnay that was bottled at the vineyard on Saturday July 10, the Chard Festival.

Chardonnay Bottling and Festival, 7.10.2010

2010-07-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday July 10 was the Alcantara Vineyards Chard Festival and bottling event. Not only did we get chardonnay bottled, but there was also time to bottle ESTATE Sauvignon Blanc too. That's because there was so much help from a lot of family and friends during the day. My friend Tom spent the entire day working in the wine barn, becoming an expert foil operator and supervisor of kids who wanted to help. Actually several kids performed the foiling and corking better than adults. They have the finesse and gentleness required for perfect and precision results. Alcantara is a boutique winery, so all the work is done by hand, the 'assembly line' above.

Tom using concentration and precision to accomplish bottle foiling properly.

Chard Festival

2010-07-11T11:55:00.000-07:00

July 9 Birthday Bash For Barbara Predmore, owner Alcantara Vineyards

2010-07-08T19:53:00.000-07:00

Friday evening is going to be a great big birthday bash to celebrate Barbara Predmore's 60th birthday. Bob, her husband, is putting on the Ritz with lots of food, music, dancing, and of course, WINE for family, friends, and employees of the Vineyard.

Saturday will be the Chardonnay Bottling Festival for anyone who wants to come and enjoy the fun, food, special barrel tasting before bottling, help with the bottling process, and taste exclusive new release Estate wines not yet available to the public! Learn about the new Alcantara Wine Society and Beach Club, and join for special discounts and priority treatment!

Wait until you see the new Chardonnay label, and get a special poster commemorating the festival, get a T shirt, wine glass and 5 different wine tastings too.

Sunday Brunch is a first at the Vineyard (reservations required)! Followed by the usual tasting menu available to everyone.

Celebrate the 4th at Alcantara Vineyards & Winery

2010-07-03T06:48:00.001-07:00

Happy Fourth of July! (well we celebrate the whole weekend, don't you?)

There will be BBQ chicken and ribs at Alcantara today and tomorrow, along with music and WINE of course. I've also heard there is going to be some beer to go with that BBQ.

It is going to be at least 10 degrees cooler here in Northern AZ than in Phoenix, so come on up and enjoy the relaxing cool atmosphere, comfort of patio relaxation and pleasure. What more could you want.

See you there.

July 10 Chardonnay Bottling Festival at Alcantara Vineyards

2010-06-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

Update: the Chardonnay Bottling Festival will be Saturday, July 10; held in conjunction with Big Birthday Bash for the entire weekend. For $60 in advance registration, get a poster, a T shirt, 5 tastings and an Alcantara glass, lunch, entertainment, AND first free tastes of NEW Releases - mourvedre, harvest blend, white merlot, and semillion!

Should be a bunch of fun, and we will be introducing the NEW Alcantara Wine Club at this event. Exciting!

Wine Bottling at Alcantara

2010-06-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

Today the crew of 4 bottled 164 cases of wine! I had the privilege of 'helping' with quality control tasting amongst my accounting responsibilities. Yes, everything balanced at the end of the day.

First they bottled an incredible Mouvedre. So sad we have to wait for bottle shock to subside before we can enjoy more of this great wine.

Next they bottled a new blend of syrah and zinfandel, it's being called Chaparral. Again, a great wine. Had a glass to relax with at the end of the work day.

Then, had some Mouvedre with dinner. It will be a challenge to wait 4 - 6 weeks before we can drink, but it will be worth it.

Bottling this week

2010-06-09T22:11:00.000-07:00

Actually it is Mouvedre that we are bottling this week, and if there is time, the new blend - Zinfandel and Syrah - should be a great combination. We will have to wait until after 'bottle shock' to enjoy the real thing.

Lots of other things going on -- the chapel is going 'vertical -- we are seeing it develop into a real building!

The Wine Club is still in infancy, but will soon be moving along into at least toddler stage :>).

Will enjoy a few cooler days before the real heat arrives in northern AZ.

This week at Alcantara

2010-06-08T04:31:00.000-07:00

This week at Alcantara Vineyard and Winery is starting off busy. We are still adjusting to the hardware and software upgrade so that causes some anxiety and uncertainty.
Sunday was the hottest day on record too. At least with the higher altitude, it cools off in the evenings. The vines love that 40-50 degree temperature swing in a 24 hour period. Any they got it! 107 was the high and about 57 at night for the low.

We will also be bottling chardonnay this week. That's exciting and timely because we are sold out of both moscato and savignon blanc wines in the Tasting Room.

Tom will be helping with the bottling while I assist with the office software issues. I think there will be barrel cleaning and racking going on too; more about that as I learn about it. Hopefully some pictures along the way.

Our Little Place Up North

2010-05-31T08:05:00.000-07:00

In order to work at the Vineyard several days a week, I have rented a condo in nearby town of Cottonwood. Tom and I have gradually furnished it with remnants of each of our houses in Phoenix, added a few things and hung a few items on the wall and are beginning to feel at home in our new surroundings. We are trying to decide a name for our 'little place'. Thinking about 'the Edge'; or 'the Limits'; or 'the Fringe' because our unit in the complex is on the corner just one block from Safeway (really convenient) and just one block from a dirt road leading to a cattle ranch with horses grazing on beautiful green pastures near the Verde River. We love the contrast and ease of walking out the door for a long strole through the country or a quick visit to pick up food to make for dinner. The views are incredible of Mingus Mountain and the wide open hills and valley of the high desert. Besides all that, it is about 10 degrees cooler than Phoenix. What a treat!

A New Focus - WINE

2010-05-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

Haven't written in quite a while because the whole focus of FoodWineTravel Connection has changed. No longer is food and travel at the top of the heap, but wine is the new number one.

I recently became a part of the staff at Alcantara Vineyards in the Verde Valley of Arizona. A dream come true, and a new way to express my passion for wines, wine making, vines and vineyards, and drinking wine, of course.

Alcantara Vineyard is owned by Barbara Predmore, who affectionaly calls herself the farmer, and I am working closely with her to alleviate some of the day to day accounting and administrative tasks of managing the vineyard, making wine and monitoring the tasting room which is open daily to the public.

It feels like I am returning to my roots when I'm at the vineyard. I grew up on a farm in Iowa, not a vineyard, of course, but a farm just the same. Our farm was on gravel road, so the machinery and cars were usually dusty from travel. The vineyard too is on a gravel road. It is off the beaten path, down a winding mountain road, nestled near the confluence of the Verde River and Oak Creek. Those two rivers are the only rivers in Arizona that run year round.

The spot is a very special and spiritual place, full of history because of the importance of water in the desert, an the past residents. There are unexplored previously lived in caves on the river banks and historic Indian ruins that can be seen from the tasting room patio and grounds. One day I'll get a chance to explore, I hope. I love going to work every day, driving among the vines to get to the tasting room and offices. Seeing the vineyard workers as the trim, water, and maintain the vines.

I am excited about the future and the possibilities I can experience here at Alcantara.

Corte Bella Italian Club guests receive Wine Bags!

2010-04-05T11:14:00.000-07:00

Zucchini blossoms ready to be stuffed with cheeses, dipped in batter and fried - tasty!

Once again, we were invited to participate with Gina of Villa Vita International Travel at the Corte Bella Italian Club dinner meeting. On Sunday evening, March 28 we distributed wine bags to all the guests as they arrived and indulged in a delicious Italian feast with presentations about travel in and around Italy, especially Emilia-Romagna the origin of Parma ham (prosciutto); the real Parmesan cheese, aged Balsamic vinegar and of course, wines.

We learned about a new travel package that includes visits to castles and kitchens - and the opportunity to learn Northern Italian style cooking from a local chef in the Italian countryside.

Open the door to the possibilites of travel in Italy and the Mediterranean, discover the cultures and customs; enjoy the foods and wines. Ciao!

FESTIVAL GOERS GET FREE WINE BAGS!

2009-11-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

People who attended the fall wine festivals enjoyed receiving free wine bags for their wine tasting experience.

Kokopelli Krush: October 23 - 25. Over 200 wine bags were distributed at this weekend festival of arts, crafts and wine tasting in Surprise at Kokopelli Bistro.

Local First Fall Festival, November 7 at Duck & Decanter - 170 wine bags flew off the tables to people attending this annual festival featuring all local products and foods and wine.

First Press Grand Tasting, Friday November 13 at Valley Ho - 240 of the attendees at this Fund Raiser for KJZZ and Public Radio used the wine bags for the grand tasting event at Valley Ho. Lots of great food, a chef competition and of course, lots of wines were tasted, and the wine bag made it easy to eat, drink, socialize and enjoy hands free.

Queen Creek Olive Mill - various weekends throughout the fall - this outdoor food and wine event attracts many people to the olive mill where everyone also receives a wine bag to facilitate the tasting experience.

See the previous post for prices if you wish to purchase wine bags for your next event, cocktail party, tailgating, or holiday gathering, or gift giving.

contact:

FoodWineTravel Connection, LLC
602-295-8088

NEW SPECIAL PRICES FOR WINE BAGS

2009-11-23T10:15:00.000-08:00

NEW SPECIAL PRICES FOR THE WINE BAG! GET YOURS NOW WHILE THEY LAST. THE WINE ACCESSORY THAT IS NEW AND DIFFERENT, PRACTICAL AND USEFUL IN OTHER WAYS TOO.

Updated Price list:
Current open stock black wine bag with wine glass imprint and FoodWineTravel Connection logo:

$1.20 each.

20 or more = $1.00 each.

Custom logo for your company requires 12 week lead time and advance purchase with a minimum order of 1000 and an approved print ready EPS file of your logo at $1.75 each. That includes shipping to Phoenix.

LOCAL FIRST FALL FESTIVAL - NOVEMBER 7, 2009

2009-10-27T13:16:00.000-07:00

JOIN US ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2009 FOR THE
LOCAL FIRST FALL FESTIVAL AT DUCK & DECANTER
IN PHOENIX.

WE WILL PARTICPATE ALONG WITH VILLA VITA
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AND THE ART ALLIANCE

COME PICK UP A WINE BAG TO USE AT YOUR NEXT
COCKTAIL PARTY, TAILGATING EVENT, OR FESTIVAL.
Yes, it holds a wine glass, but also could hold a bottle of water, a soft drink can or beer!
THE BAGS PROVIDE FOR HANDS FREE DRINKING, EATING AND
SHOPPING.

FIRST PRESS ARIZONA - GRAND TASTING - NOVEMBER 13, 2009

2009-10-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

The First Press Weekend of Wine, now in its eighth year, is the Southwest's premier celebration of fine and rare wines. It is kicked off on Friday evening, November 13 with the Grand Tasting at the Valley Ho in Scottsdale, AZ.

FoodWineTravel Connection will be at the Grand Tasting to distribute wine bags to every guest. The bags will again facilitate the tasting logistics and mobility of guests; allowing them to taste wines, and eat food while tasting wines. They will have hands free because the wine bag conveniently holds the wine glass allowing each guest to freely gesture and eat while passing among the various tasting venues.

Look for an update after the event!

WINE BAGS AT KOKOPELLI KRUSH FESTIVAL

2009-10-27T12:55:00.001-07:00

Wine Bags join Kokopelli Winery and Bistro

in Surprise, AZ October 2009

October 23 - 25, 2009 Kokopelli Krush Wine Festival - Wine bags were distributed Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday afternoon at the Festival and were a hit! The venue was great because people could walk around visiting the various booths, shop and participate while carrying their wine glass in the hands-free wine bag we provided.

We were guests of Gina Ruggiero, owner of Villa Vita International travel. Manning her booth, providing information on travel to Italy, (because she is in Italy now), distributing custom made coasters and the wine bags was fun and we met a lot of interesting people at the Surprise, Arizona Kokopelli Bistro and festival. Of course, we tasted Kokopelli wines, and enjoyed the Art Alliance show along with many other arts and craft displays.

WINE BAGS AT CORTA BELLA ITALIAN CLUB

2009-05-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

Gina Ruggiero of Villa Vita International was recently invited to speak about travel opportunities in Italy at the Italian Club meeting at the Corta Bella Community in Sun City West. I went along for fun. We met many new people, and enjoyed lots of good food and wine. As part of the program, I distributed wine bags to each of the members who attended. Gina showed a beautiful video of picturesque sites in Tuscany, displayed brochures, photographs and provided recipe books for the member. A number of persons are interested in creating small groups for custom travel adventures to Italy in the future.

Certaldo Tuscany, Italy - medieval walled city

How I learned about wine bags.

When in Italy my friend and I visited the historic mountain top medieval village of Certaldo for their annual food and wine festival. Upon arriving at the walled village via 'finicular' (tram), each visitor was handed a wine glass and the wine bag to hold the glass. It was very convenient to use while we strolled along the cobbled streets, tasting handmade cheeses, salumi, roasted chestnuts, and different wines, of course. Our hands were free to eat, drink, and enjoy the festival crafts while walking among ancient structures, art and architecture. Because the wine bag was so convenient and unique, I decided to have some made for use here in the U.S. They haven't 'caught on' quite yet, but don't wait too long, because they will become popular soon. (see below how to get your very own wine bag for your next wine tasting or cocktail party).

CHEF GIUSEPPE'S VISIT SUCCESSFUL!

2009-04-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

Chef Giuseppe arrived in Arizona on Sunday, February 1. The following 2 weeks were packed with meetings, cooking classes, demonstrations, dinners and receptions day and night. Nearly 375 people attended one or more of the events and enjoyed freshly prepared authentic Tuscan Italian country cooking and learned about special ingredients, extra virgin olive oil, and tasted the desire to travel to Italy. Chef Giuseppe was particularly pleased to provide the holiday panettone shipped direct from the producer for these events. Several different dessert recipes were demonstrated. Most enjoyed was the Panettone Loison Flambe with Moscato wine sabayon. After toasting the fruity bread, orange liqueur was 'flamed' over the toast, then served with a silky moscato wine sabayon.

Roasted pork loin wrapped in pancetta; proscuitto wrapped chicken breasts stuffed with mushrooms and seasonings; risotto with creamy Italian cheeses; 'naked' ricotta and spinach ravioli in a rustic tomato sauce; balsamic vinaigrette on farro salad. Hungry anyone?

We became more familiar with typical Italian ingredients such as arugula and radicchio greens, Asiago, fresh mozzerella, Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano cheeses, polenta, cioppolini, proscuitto, and pancetta, to name a few. And, of course, Tuscan Extra Virgin Olive Oil. And wines too.

The Queen Creek Olive Mill generously and graciously provided locally produced Tuscan style olive oil for cooking at all the events. And several guests received a gift of oil and balsamic vinegar as prizes.

Many people are excited a hope to travel to Tuscany to experience in Italy the special ingredients in authentic foods, the historical sites as well as the beautiful landscapes and villas. Oh, and wine tasting and vineyard visits, of course. Gina Ruggiero of Villa Vita International attended all the events and helped individuals and groups create customized personalized travel adventures that include cooking with Giuseppe along with many other options available.

Looking forward to next year, with Giuseppe back in the Valley of the Sun.

CHEF GIUSEPPE - FEB 3 - 14, 2009 EVENT SCHEDULE

2009-01-13T07:19:00.000-08:00

Meet Chef Giuseppe from Tuscany when he visits Arizona and the Valley of the Sun February 2 through 15, 2009. He will conduct cooking classes and special culinary events in different venues. These events will promote culinary adventure travel to Italy and demonstrate his passion for Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Attendees will experience authentic Tuscan cooking, and savor the delightful foods he prepares. You will learn the benefits of extra virgin olive oil, and enjoy his Italian personality and expertise. Currently scheduled classes, events, and contact information is below.

--- February 3 - Epicurean Palette - Cave Creek. Cooking class - Tuesday morning 9:30 - 12:30pm; contact 480-488-4955 for reservations and information

--- February 3 - Epicurean Palette - Cave Creek. Cooking class - Tuesday evening 6:00 - 8:30 pm; contact 480-488-4955 for reservations and information. CLASS FULLY BOOKED

---February 4 - 'Meet the Chef' reception at the home of Karolyn McCain for friends of Villa Vita and FoodWineTravel Connection; Wednesday evening 5:00 - 9:oo pm. Contact 623-581-1062 for reservations and information

--- February 6 - 3TV - Friday 9:30 am -- taping for 'Your Life A to Z' show.

--- February 6 - Wine and Food reception for 25 prepared by Chef Giuseppe at home of Carmella Diamond Dodge, Friday evening 6: - 8:30pm contact 480-621-5559 for reservations and information

--- February 7 - Alcantara Vineyards 4-course private dinner for 24 prepared by Chef Giuseppe for guests of Alcantara Vineyards at private home in Paradise Valley. Saturday evening 6:00 - 10:00 pm. Food paired with Alcantara wines.

--- February 9 - 9:00 am appearance on KTVK 3TV 'Your Life A to Z' morning show.

---February 9 - Sun West Distributing, Tempe cooking class - Monday morning 10:30 - 12:30 pm. contact 480-784-6611 for reservations and information

--- February 9 - Sun West Distributing, Tempe cooking class - Monday evening 6:30 - 8:30 pm; contact 480-784-6611 for reservations and information.

--- February 10 - cooking class and private dinner party for 12 prepared by Chef Giuseppe at home of Neil and Brenda Samis, Tucson 3:00 - 9:00 pm

--- February 11 - cooking class and private dinner party for 10 prepared by Chef Giuseppe at home of Neil and Brenda Samis, Tucson. 3:00 - 9:00 pm

--- February 13 - SunWest Distributing - Viking Showroom in Tempe; food prepared by Chef Giuseppe and wine social event for 100 sponsored by Bob Stamm and Jon Osterkamp, Southwest Retirement Planners; Friday evening 4:00 - 8:00 pm. Contact 602-331-3468 for reservations and information.

The New Wine Bag is Here!

2008-10-27T09:24:00.001-07:00

The new sleek wine bag available now for your next cocktail party, food and wine festival or wine tasting event. Be one of the first to use the unique bag.

The solution for hands free enjoyment; hold your plate, gesture, shake hands, get food and eat without loosing your wine glass. Always have a hand free. Just place the handy strap around your neck and put your wine glass (or beer bottle) in the bag! The water proof fabric protects your clothing. It's so very Italian.

Order yours today - it's fun, it's easy!

Contact: FoodWineTravel LLC to purchase yours. email: fwtconnection@gmail.com or call 602-331-3468 for details.

Price list:
1 - 100 bags are $1.75 each
101 - 500 bags are $1.60 each
501+ bags are $1.50

Custom logo for your company requires 12 week advance purchase and minimum 1500 order for your event along with a print ready EPS file of your logo at $1.95 each.
Purchase standard black bag with NO imprint for $1.50 each with a 12 week advance purchase and minimum 1,500 order.

CHEF GIUSEPPE - EVENT SCHEDULE FEBRUARY 2009

2008-10-13T16:37:00.000-07:00

SEE UPDATED SCHEDULE ABOVE - NEW EVENTS, DATES AND TIMES

Chef Giuseppe from Tuscany will visit Arizona and the Valley of the Sun February 2 through 15, 2009. He will be conducting cooking classes and special events in a number of different venues. These events will promote culinary adventure travel to Italy and demonstrate his passion for Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Attendees will experience authentic Tuscan cooking demontrations, and savor the delightful foods he prepares. You will learn the benefits of extra virgin olive oil. Currently scheduled classes, events, and contact information:
--- February 3 - Epicurean Palette - Cave Creek. Cooking class - Tuesday morning 10:00 - 12:30pm; contact 480-488-4955 for reservations and information
--- February 3 - Epicurean Palette - Cave Creek. Cooking class - Tuesday evening 6:00 - 8:30 pm; contact 480-488-4955 for reservations and information
--- February 4 - pending
--- February 5 - dinner party for 20 prepared by Chef Giuseppe at home of Carmella Diamond Dodge, contact 480-860-6995 for information
--- February 6 - 3TV - Friday 9:30 am -- taping for 'Your Life A to Z' show appearance.
--- February 7 - Saturday afternoon, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and wine tasting event and reception at Alcantara Vineyards, Verde Valley; contact 928-649-8463 for reservations and information
--- February 7 - 4-course dinner for guests of Alcantara Vineyards, Verde Valley; contact 928-649-8463 for reservations and information
--- February 8 - dinner party for 25 prepared by Chef Giuseppe at home of Roberta Rials for residents of Corte Bella Community, Sun City West
--- February 9 - 9:00 am appearance on KTVK 3TV 'Your Life A to Z' morning show.
---February 9 - cooking class hosted by Sun West Distributing, Tempe - Monday morning 10:30 - 12:30 pm. contact 480-784-6611 for reservations and information
--- February 9 - cooking class hosted by Sun West Distributing, Tempe - Monday evening 6:30 - 8:30 pm; contact 480-784-6611 for reservations and information.
--- February 10 - private dinner party for 10 at home of Neil Samis, Tucson.
--- February 11 - private dinner party for 10 at home of Neil Samis, Tucson.
--- February 12 - pending - cooking event at Montelucia Resort
--- February 13 - food and wine social event for 100 at SunWest Distributing - Viking Showroom in Tempe; contact 602-331-3468 for reservations and information.
--- February 14 - 3 course Valentine's dinner for 40 guests of Queen Creek Olive Mill, Queen Creek. contact 480-888-9290 for reservations and information.

Pending finalization - radio interview;

Other events and meetings in planning stage.

Crush 2008 at Alcantara Vineyards, Verde Valley

2008-09-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Septemer 27 along with Gina Ruggiero of Villa Vita International, I went to Alcantara Vineyards in Verde Valley to help celebrate the Harvest Crush Festival for 2008. We manned a booth to promote custom travel packages to Italy, and Chef Giuseppe Mazzocchi, who will conduct cooking classes and special events in the area in February 2009. Chef Giuseppe will give an olive oil and wine tasting class and prepare a special dinner for friends and guests of Alcantara in February 2009, the exact datesto be determined soon. Stay tuned for details.

Alcantara Vineyards owner, Barbara Predmore hosted and met each guest personally as they arrived. Everyone received an Alcantara wine glass, and special Crush shirts were for sale. the Recovery Room had sandwiches and sweet treats available too.

We met and talked with a number of great people who were interested in Italy and learning about Italian cooking from a Tuscan chef. We tasted great wines from Alcantara as well as other local wineries, Page Springs and Javelina Leap. The local farmers' market was represented with fresh green beans, eggplants, greens, okra, and squash, as well as pecan growers and special goat cheese and fudge and freshly baked breads. Queen Creek Olive Mill presented olive oils for tasting too. Mmmm, delicious!

A fun day and event for family and friends- celebrating the fall grape harvest!

CHEF GIUSEPPE MAZZOCCHI

2008-09-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

Chef Giuseppe Mazzocchi of Tuscany Italy will be visiting the Valley of the Sun in February 2009. Plan to attend one of the many events where he will demonstrate his cooking skills, and you can taste authentic Tuscan cooking. Learn about the extraordinary benefits of extra virgin olive oil and how to use it in every day cooking.

Contact FoodWineTravel Connection for further details:

fwtconnection@gmail.com

602-331-3468

602-295-8088

Event Schedule for Chef Giuseppe Feb '09

2008-09-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

Chef Giuseppe from Tuscany will visit Arizona and the Valley of the Sun February 2 through 15, 2009. He will be conducting cooking classes and special events in a number of different venues. These events will promote culinary adventure travel to Italy and demonstrate his passion for Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Attendees will experience authentic Tuscan cooking demontration, savor the delightful foods he prepares. Learn the benefits of extra virgin olive oil.
Currently scheduled classes and events: (class topics and contact information to follow):

February 3 - Epicurean Palette - Cave Creek. Cooking class - Tuesday evening 6:00 - 8:30 pm

February 6 - 3TV - Friday 7:00 am -- taping for 'Your Life A to Z' show appearance.

February 9 - Kitchen Classics - cooking class - Monday evening 6:00 - 8:00 pm

WATCH FOR NEW EVENTS TO BE POSTED SOON!

Multi-Chambers of Commerce Mixer

2008-09-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon's Annual Multi-Chambers of Commerce Mixer is held at the Phoenix Art Museum, Thursday, September 4 from 5 - 7pm.

FoodWineTravel Connection, LLC will particpate as a member of the Italy American Chamber of Commerce West and will present brochures featuring Chef Giuseppe, his travel packages and cooking classes; Alcantara Vineyards, and Villa Vita International travel company. I'll report later on the results of the event, contacts made, and how the brochures were received.

Mission and Purpose Statement

2008-09-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

FoodWineTravel Connection, LLC

"Connecting you with food, wine, and travel opportunites"

Created by Karolyn McCain to facilitate connecting individuals and groups with food, wine, and travel opportunities. Creating solutions to experience life at its fullest.

1. Promote Chef Giuseppe Mazzocchi of Tuscany, Italy in Phoenix, Arizona and The Valley of the Sun. Arrange and coordinate cooking classes in various venues: gourmet cooking schools and gourmet retail stores; cooking demontration on TV; special events with local restaurants and chefs. Guest chef availablel for special engagements. Please contact fwtconnection@gmail.com for class details and dates for events and availability in February 2009. Visit http://www.thetuscancook.com/ for Chef Giuseppe's profile and recipes.

2. Offering Culinary adventure travel trips to Tuscany, Italy -- which include classes with Chef Giuseppe, guided tours of Slow Food areas, historic towns, scenery, wineries and vineyards, cheese artisans, vegetable farms, and shopping, of course. Explore and experience savory Italian foods, culture, and the good life. Visit http://www.thetuscancook.com/ for available culinary adventure trips. Contact fwtconnection@gmail.com with questions.

3. Promoting Alcantara Vineyards - Verde Valley, Arizona -- red and wine wines created in north central Arizona. Tastings daily from 11 - 5. Experience the beautiful environment along the Verde River and Oak Creek convergence, let your tastebuds experience the incredible delights of Alcantara wines. Coming soon: a Tuscan village with Bed & Breakfast, bistro, artisans and shops. Get to know owner, winemaker and farmer: Barbara Predmore.

4. Plan your travel to Italy: Villa Vita International. Contact owner Gina Ruggiero at www.villavita.net to arrange your travel plans. Villa Vita specializes in personal and small group travel to Italy; customized to your specific desires.

5. Enhance your wine tasting and festival experience with the new wine bag. Hands free to hold your glass, plate, food, and greet friends and new acquaintances. Contact fwtconnection@gmail.com to order the wine bag for your next event.

6. Support local foods, buy local, and promote those who support local foods. Participate in events such as Green Summit, Sustainable Arizona, and support local entities who promote conserving our energy and resources. Support Alcantara Vineyards Harvest Festival

7. Sanelli Italian cutlery - offer the ability to own Italian precision cutlery featuring ergonomic handles for the professional or home chef. Distributed by Sagetra in Quebec. http://www.sagetra.com/ See the unique cutlery for yourself at: http://www.sanelli.com