It’s fitting that for the first-ever Glorious Bites Challenge it’s all women battling it out for the final prize this Saturday at Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyard
by Heather Cassell
Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyard is hosting its first-ever Glorious Bites Challenge with two women wine and food stars this Saturday.
The and sparkling wine tasting will be hosted by award-winning wine expert Leslie Sbrocco and the cooking challenge will be judged by guests and Season 10 Finalist of Bravo’s Top Chef Brooke Williamson, October 10, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the famed vineyard on the hill (23555 Arnold Drive; 707-933-1917; GloriaFerrer.com) in Sonoma, California.
Bubbly lovers will delight this weekend watching the final challenge at the vineyard. What is the challenge? Four finalist chefs from New York and San Francisco will put their winning recipes creating that perfect bite to pair with Gloria Ferrer’s famed Sonoma Brut, a bubbly that is aged for a minimum of 18 months and is known for its “delicate pear and floral notes,” according to the vineyard’s website, to the last test.
“Appetizers will be judged on originality, perceived taste appeal and perceived ability to pair with our Sonoma Brut,” says Eva Bertran, vice president of marketing at Gloria Ferrer. “Our Sonoma Brut has been produced since our winery was founded in 1986. It’s a lively and tremendously versatile wine. In that spirit, we have given our fans total creative control, so don’t be afraid to sparkle and perfectly blend your ingredients!”
Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyard, Sonoma’s first sparkling wine house, was named after Jose’s Ferrer’s beloved wife in 1982, the winery opened in 1986.
The Ferrer’s come from a long lineage of Spanish winemakers dating back to the 16th century in Spain. Jose and Gloria fulfilled his father, Pedro Ferrer’s, dream of owning a vineyard in Sonoma. Ferrer along with his wife Dolores, who was also from a prominent Spanish wine family, the Sala, developed their signature cava Freixenet, made from the methode champenoise, in Spain. Pedro was in the US in search of a vineyard when he died during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. His wife, Dolores and her three daughters took over the winery, according to the vineyard’s website.
The 37-year old Los Angeles-based chef along with an expert panel of “qualified foodies” will judge the recipes of the four finalists from two cook-offs hosted in New York, September 12, and San Francisco, September 19, to find the best five in Sonoma.
The finalists – Carla Jolis (Passionfruit Shrimp On Macadamia Crackers), Donna Wolfe (Fried Lobster & Goat Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms With Sweet Thai Chili Dipping Sauce) from New York battle it out against Jamie Brown-Miller (Best With Bubbles Brioche Bites With Pate, Shallots, Blue Cheese & Figs) and Merry Graham (Lemongrass & Ginger Crab Crisps With Asian Apple & Vietnamese Avocado Mash) – will compete for the top prize of $5,000.
Carla is director of cooking programs at Gymtime and has been a private chef and caterer.
Donna is a part-time reference librarian and winner of the high-profile “Dinner Made Easy” category for Pillsbury’s 45th Bake-Off Contest with host Martha Stewart, reported The College Voice.
Jamie is an award-winning cook who has competed in recipe contests and cook-offs for seven years, according to her website.
Merry is an award-winning home cook, author, mom of four, according to her Facebook biography.
May the best woman win!
Saturday’s weather predictions are for another glorious day in wine country and what better way to spend the day than drinking one-of-a-kind award-winning bubbly and tasting great food while watching a friendly competition. While you’re at it get a snap shot or a selfie with Brooke!
General entry into the tasting is $40. All levels of club members will be allowed to enter for $25. Glorious Bites is happening at Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyard, 23555 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA 95476. For more information, call 707-933-1917 or visit, GloriaFerrer.com.
To book your trip to California’s Wine Country, contact Heather Cassell at Girls That Roam Travel at Travel Advisors of Los Gatos at 408-354-6531at or .
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