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Festival Information


The best of wine, food, art, song and good living products and services are yours for experiencing! Attend one of the nation's best wine & food events for two days of exceptional tastes, treats and entertainment.

Festival Dates
May 19 & 20, 2006


Schedule of Events
The event schedule will continue to expend as festival nears. Check back for detailed updates including culinary demonstrations, wine education, entertainment, participating wineries, artists and market place vendors.

Friday, May 19, 2006
Festival - Day 1
Reno Hilton, Hilton Pavilion
5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
$35 pp advance; $45 at gate

Saturday, May 20, 2005
Festival - Day 2
Reno Hilton, Hilton Pavilion
4:00 pm - 11:00 pm
$35 pp advance; $45 at gate



What's Included
A great value comparatively! Admission includes:
  • Merlot Stemmed Glass all the rage! collectible and popular
  • Wine Samples featuring tastes from hundreds of award winning wineries
  • Wine Education always includes tastings, fun, limited seating
  • Culinary Demonstrations from local and visiting taste masters
  • Marketplace access to the best good living products and services
  • Entertainment from music to artistic demonstrations
  • Auction a benefit to local charity
  • Artists and Galleries fabulous photos, paintings, sculptures, jewelry, for sale and show
  • Charity Donation to local charity or service organization
  • Seating a novel idea so you don't have to juggle glasses, plates and purchases
  • Hotel Room Discount substantial savings from prevailing rate while supply lasts
  • Hors d'oeuvres not dinner but tasty bites to pair and compare


  • Location
    The Festival will be held in the Hilton Grand Ballroom located in the Reno Hilton (2500 East Second Street, Reno Nevada 89595). Enjoy the convenience of sleeping accommodations in the same facility - priced right for visiting guests and locals alike.

    Restaurants
    The festival will promote local restaurants and wine shops celebrating food and wine during this annual food and wine event. Take time to visit all that Reno has to offer including fabulous lunches, brunches and winemaker dinners all around town! We recommend complimenting your festival evening and down time with balanced and creative meals from some the hotel restaurants or local establishments, a short cab distance from the festival grounds.

    Artists
    You'll find a variety of artistic expressions to enjoy and purchase.:

    All About Art, Arctic Fox Jewelry Designs, David Garibaldi Arts, Designs by Sandy Glasforms Glass Blowing, James Hacker Sculptures, Lakeside Gallery, M. Dobson Photography Oduwa Arts, Quent Cordair Fine Art, Richardson Gallery, Rouge Galerie, Beverly Hills Rudy Vargas Fine Arts & Illustration, SC Dancer, Sierra Blue Designs, Supada Designs/Jewelry Susan Lazicki Enterprises

    Featured Wineries & Beverages
    You'll find dozens of wines to taste at this year's festival.

    Bechard Vineyard & Winery, Bourassa Vineyards, Bravante Vineyards, Chameleon Cellars, Chateau Lorane Winery, Chateau St. Michelle, Cline Cellars, Colibri Ridge Winery & Vineyards, Conn Creek Winery, Ehrhardt Estates Winery, Estancia, Fiji Water, Franciscan Estates, French Hill Winery, Giuseppe Wines, Grgich Hills, Heck Estates, Hidden Ridge Vineyard, Ironstone Vineyards, JVK Cellars, JanKris Winery, Llonis Winery, Lucchesi Vineyards & Winery, Martin & Wyrich Winery, Montevina, Neese Vineyards, New Belgium Brewing Company, Quintessential Wines, Renwood Winery, Seabiscuit Ranch Vineyards, Tahoe Ridge Winery, VJB Vineyards & Cellars, Veramonte Winery

    Market Place
    Where can you shop, eat and shop some more, all in one location? At the Reno/Tahoe Wine & Food Festival of course! The best of the best representing good living will be selling and showing their products and supplies.

    2-Cool & Sweet, Belgique Truffle Gateaux, C*A*R*E Chest of Sierra Nevada, Chef Van Go, CIAO Pizzeria & Wine Bar, Cigar Factory del Yaque, Clearwire, Cookie Lee Jewelry, Honey Baked Ham, Java Jungle, John Robert Powers, Jungle Vino, Kims California Corner/Bistro Blends, My Husband's Nuts, Olivas de Oro Olive Company, O'Skis Pub & Grill, Paradise Flowers and Gifts, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Power Health Chiropractic, Reno News and Review, Rick's Racks, Roy Scoutz, Spring Hill Jersey Cheese, Sweet Tooth Café, The Resort at Squaw Creek, The Culinary Institute of Las Vegas (A Division of the Art Institute of Las Vegas), Vinaferro, Vino100, Waddell & Reed Financial Svcs, Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, William Furs, Xango

    Auction
    Not just the place to find a great deal, but an opportunity to further support our beneficiary: Care Chest of Sierra Nevada. Bid loud and bid proud! Table close at 10pm. Don't leave the fest without picking up your winnings or assigning someone to pick them up for you.

    Entertainment
    Yes! There will be entertainment too! Local and visiting musical and artists promise to provide the perfect pairing of sound and visuals to compliment your wine and food experience.

    Charity Involvement
    Proceeds from the festival have benefited various charitable and service organizations including Sierra Arts, The Northern Nevada Food Bank, Alzheimer's Association and the Nevada Women's Fund.

    This year's beneficiary is the Care Chest of Sierra Nevada. We invite you to give generously YEAR ROUND to this non profit agency that serves individuals by providing medical resources free of charge.

    Wine/Beverage and Culinary Demonstrations
    One of the best parts of this unique festival is having the opportunity to learn and
    taste at the same time AT NO ADDITIONAL COST! What a concept!
    Choose between three stages of ongoing programs from both visiting and local tastemasters and wine educators.

    New this year is the WILD OATS STAGE sure to be a festival favorite for years to come.
    Seating is limited at all stages. Arrive early!

    Stage Schedule - Friday, May 19
    Beverage Education Stage


    6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
    Expressions of Pinot Noir

    Expanding on the success of last year’s popular "Sideways Tour of California Pinot Noir", we have added pinot noirs from other noted regions to showcase what makes this varietal so incredible. Join us, as we taste pinot noir from some the world's best wine regions including the Santa Rita Hills, Carneros, Russian River Valley, Willamette Valley and the birthplace of great pinot noir, Burgundy, France! Whether you are an aficionado or just want to understand why this wonderful wine is regarded as one of the world greatest, this class will be informative and fun. Come early as the class fills quickly.

    8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
    Riesling on the Rise

    The next great white – delicious, affordable, food-friendly. Carolyn Prusa takes an in-depth look at this ancient yet fresh-tasting grape. Its popularity is on the rise again, thanks to food-friendly styles and a string of excellent wines from around the world.

    9:30 pm – 10:30 pm
    Call Me a Cab

    Cabernet Sauvignon, or “Cab” as it’s known, is one of the main varieties grown in France’s famed Bordeaux region, where for almost a hundred years it has formed the backbone of some of the world’s most prestigious wines. Cabernet has been making great wines in California since the mid-19th century. And, it’s no exaggeration to say that it’s now planted in nearly all of the world’s major wine regions, often resulting in wine that rivals the best that Bordeaux has to offer. Take part in this blind tasting seminar, judging the wines with your palate, not influenced by the labels.

    Wild Oats Stage


    5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
    Gourmet Diva

    Whether she’s preparing meals for a busy family, arranging a special dinner party, or helping her clients achieve that healthy look, Vanessa Thomas is a personal chef and more. Prepared meals in your kitchen with fresh ingredients, the Gourmet Diva can cook for a day or the entire week, leaving you with easy to follow finishing instructions. She even counts calories. Taste succulent orange-basil shrimp, or try ancho-portabello mushroom filet mignon. Healthy eating has never tasted so good as prepared by the Gourmet Diva!

    7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
    Organic Evolution

    Green practices are reshaping grape growing across the globe. Great wine, so the mantra goes, is made in the vineyard. The trend in the vineyards of the world for the past 30 years or so away from using chemicals in the vineyard to making wine more naturally has been called “A Silent Revolution”. As of late, these chemical abstainers are coming out of the vineyards to let the truth be known.

    8:30 pm – 9:30 pm
    Saké 101

    As American’s discover Junmai Ginjo and other high quality sakés, this wonderful ancient beverage is more accessible and so is the amount of poor information. Dewey Weddington of SakéOne (Momokawa & Moonstone brands) will clarify the fundamentals of saké. How its made, terminology, serving and pairing while you taste some of the finest sakés in America.

    Culinary Stage II


    6:30 pm
    Slow Food Cooked Fast, The Sicilian Way of Life

    Dedicated to preserving and supporting traditional ways of growing, producing and preparing food, is the Slow Food Movement. Learn about this way of life with Chef Joe Eidem as he talks about his travels through Sicily, cooks with Marsala wine and provides listeners with a sampling of treasured foods and fine wine made from the freshest of ingredients

    8:00 pm
    Chef Juan-Carlos Cruz

    Check out the Food Network Channels Calorie Commando who is a genius at reinventing favorite recipes to create meals that not only taste good, but are good for us. A rising culinary star, television personality and soon-to-be author, Chef Juan-Carlos began his career as a chef at the California Culinary Academy. A special opportunity to meet, learn from and taste samples is yours tonight. Don’t miss this one!

    9:30 pm
    Chef Van Go

    Wowing festival goers with sample tastes that are easy to cook and fun to make… Chef Julia Bledsoe returns to the festival with her pots and pans … and bites.

    Entertainment Stage


    6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
    Roy Scoutz

    Guitarist, Composer Roy Scoutz released his first CD in 1995 and has since traveled all over the world performing with acts such as Willie Nelson and Engelbert Humperdinck. Roy now makes his home in Michigan but his music can still be heard in concert, on radio, in films, here at the festival … or via his CD’s which are on sale this evening. Music you can sip to. Enjoy!

    7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
    Straight Ahead Jazz

    This year the festival has put together one of the most talented Trio's featuring some of Reno's most talented artists The music of "Straight Ahead Jazz" will fill your ears with sounds of Miles Davis, Donald Byrd, Bill Evans, and Coltrane...played by Rufus Haereiti on the drums...Grant Levin on the piano...and Gravin Templeton on the bass...Come eat, drink and be merry!

    10:30 pm - 11:00 pm
    Rhythm and Hue

    David Garibaldi is one of the nation’s hottest new artists/ entertainers. His high energy Rhythm and Hue live shows are always an exciting mix of art, music and entertainment. With a brush in each hand he creates 6 foot tall portraits of pop icons to music…in less than six minutes. Garibaldi also creates unique fine art pieces that combine musical urban life and human influences in pieces that convey deep emotion. Always a festival favorite Rhythm and Hue returns to the festival by popular demand!


    Stage Schedule - Saturday, May 20
    Beverage Education Stage


    5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
    Cordially Yours

    Bedecked in neon pink, bright green, hot orange and other flashy colors, the liqueur category of the distilled spirits industry has undergone a major transformation over the past decade. Just as quickly as the liqueur category is developing new concepts, bartenders have responded with an even greater number of exotic, adventurous cocktails. Join moderator Carolyn Prusa and her panel of experts as they mix it up with conversation concerning cutting-edge cocktails easy to recreate at home. Sample some of the hottest new cordials to hit the market.

    7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
    Trend to Blend

    There’s a lot of experimentation with new themes on old styles of wine. Many creative winemakers are taking bold steps by experimenting with blending different grapes, and then giving the wines fun, fanciful names such as “Saturday Red”, “Jest Red”, “Stump Jump”, and “Conundrum”. Discover wineries that are rewarding adventurous wine drinkers with more variety and high quality.

    9:00 pm – 10:00 pm
    Tastes on Tap

    What makes great American beer the perfect pairing for any meal, from home cooking to haute cuisine? Participants will enjoy specially selected world-class American brews from New Belgium Brewing Company with small samples of food. Intrigued? If so, join Carolyn Prusa and Maureen Reinsch of New Belgium Brewing Company as they sample and explore the wonderful world of premium American brews with food.

    Wild Oats Stage


    5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
    Gourmet Diva

    Whether she’s preparing meals for a busy family, arranging a special dinner party, or helping her clients achieve that healthy look, Vanessa Thomas is a personal chef and more. Prepared meals in your kitchen with fresh ingredients, the Gourmet Diva can cook for a day or the entire week, leaving you with easy to follow finishing instructions. She even counts calories. Taste succulent orange-basil shrimp, or try ancho-portabello mushroom filet mignon. Healthy eating has never tasted so good as prepared by the Gourmet Diva!

    6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
    Chef Todd Morgan of Big Apple Pizza

    Chef Todd Morgan specializes in traditional Italian rustic style cooking, and he belongs to a family rich in Italian culinary expertise. Since the early age of 4, Chef Morgan began learning Italian family style recipes from his Godmothers, while his Godfathers owned two bakeries, Roma Bakery in Brooklyn and Parisi’s in Queens. Before opening Big Apple Pizza in Sparks, Chef Morgan’s résumé includes working at Luchenttoes in north Jersey, Andrea's in south Jersey, and Anthony’s his own Pizzeria and catering place in Long Branch, New Jersey.

    8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
    Saké 101

    As American’s discover Junmai Ginjo and other high quality sakés, this wonderful ancient beverage is more accessible and so is the amount of poor information. Dewey Weddington of SakéOne (Momokawa & Moonstone brands) will clarify the fundamentals of saké. How its made, terminology, serving and pairing while you taste some of the finest sakés in America.

    Culinary Stage II


    5:00 pm
    Chef Juan Carlos Cruz

    By hosting two popular Food Network shows, Weighing In and Calorie Commando Juan Carlos Cruz shows by example that it is possible to eat healthy without going hungry. Chef demonstrates for viewers how to make good-for-you substitutes for favorite but not-so-healthy food cravings. His simple, re-imagined recipes make it all so easy! Watch, Learn…Enjoy…and Taste! You’ll be pleasantly surprised!

    7:00 pm
    It’s Slowwwww Good!

    Slow Food was founded by a journalist named Carlo Petrini in 1986, as a joke reaction to the opening of a McDonald's franchise near the Spanish Steps in Rome. Because fast food was a household name, he wanted Slow Food to become a household name as well. And so he started Slow Food through a pasta-eating protest in front of the Spanish Steps. Learn more about the movement and get a taste of same, with Chef Joe and his Sicilian creations.

    8:30 pm
    Chef Van Go

    Have you been by the Chef Van Go Booth? YUM! Basically Chef will be doing a demo on all you find tasty. Learn her tips and tricks…then who knows, maybe you’ll have a booth at the wine fest next year!

    Entertainment Stage


    4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
    The Artemisia Brass Quintet

    No strangers to the Reno/Tahoe area, talented members include Raymond Pistoresi and Brandon Sherman (trumpets); Kevin Miescke (french horn), Paul Fleming (trombone) and Paul Cataldo (tuba) Perhaps you’ve experienced their large repertoire of classical music featuring classical sounds all eras…baroque to present day… at art town, various community events or seasonal concerts.

    6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
    Roy Scoutz

    Relaxing and melodic. Roy’s music is the perfect pairing with all the fabulous tastes you’ll experience at this year’s festival. Experience his sound, and take home his CD

    7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
    Rhythm and Hue

    David Garibaldi returns to entertain! Utilizing a brush and six minutes the young artist creates a fine art piece to fun music. Make lots of noise and enjoy this amazingly quick talent.

    7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
    Roy Scoutz

    Last chance to hear tunes from this Michigan virtuoso. Sip and savor!

    9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
    Straight Ahead Jazz

    As sweet sound of Jazz fills your ears and the room, if you're in the mood it's OK to dance.

    Questions
    If you can't find the answer to your question via our web site, please call 916-985-6890 or email rtfestivals@sbcglobal.net