The 16th Annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, hosted by the Preservation Society of Newport County and presented by Food and Wine magazine, took place on Sept. 17-19. The multiday showcase of regional, national and international wine and spirits brands was arranged with COVID-19 health and safety guidelines in place for a second year, with a focus on smaller, seated educational events and tastings, along with culinary experiences. Held at Rosecliff and The Breakers Stable & Carriage House, events were delivered by a lineup of local and international talent showcasing a celebration of food, wine, spirits and beer brands. Sponsors included Ca’del Bosco, Château D’Esclans, Kobrand Fine Wine and Spirits, Rioja, Santa Margherita, 1911 Established, Alexian, Burnarj, Cabot, Calvisius, Cointreau, Dasani, Empson USA, Kerrygold, Franciacorta, Chef2You, Malibu Splash, Masi, Mosaic Distributing, Mount Gay, Woodford Reserve, Herradura Tequila, National Trust Insurance Services, Oceans 97, Quigley Fine Wines and WineBid. All proceeds benefited the efforts of The Preservation Society of Newport County, Rhode Island, a non-profit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and dedicated to preserving and interpreting the area’s historic architecture, landscapes and decorative arts.
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- The 16th Annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival offered a city-wide, weekend-long celebration.
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- Guests tasted Taittinger Brut la Francaise, Taittinger Prestige Rosé and Taittinger Prelude Grand Cru during the first seminar on the first full day of the Newport Mansions Food & Wine Festival at Rosecliff, “Champagne Taittinger Seminar & French Omelette Demonstration.”
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- Marc Sievers, Entertaining Expert and Cookbook Author with his book, “French Omelettes: Your New House Meal,” presented with “Champagne Taittinger Diminar & French Omelette Demonstration.”
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- Winemaker Matthew Gant, WSET Level 2, pouring Taittinger Brut Champagne.
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- French omelettes from a Marc Sievers recipe were paired with Taittinger wines.
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- Co-founders of the Marc-Ryan Group and spouses Ryan Sievers and Marc Sievers, Entertaining Expert and Cookbook Author; Marika Vida, “The Mom Somm” and Christian Dalbavie, French Wine Specialist, Kobrand Corporation.
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- Lisa Milano, Regional Director, NY, CT, RI, Santa Margherita USA, presenting Masi Group wines during the Sept. 17 seminar, “Santa Margherita: An Italian Love Story,” at the Breakers Stables.
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- Lisa Milano, Regional Director, NY, CT, RI, Santa Margherita USA and Daniel Burgio, Senior Sales Director of New England, Midwest and Metro, Santa Margherita USA, at the Breakers Stables.
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- Russ Weis, President, Silverado Vineyards, at the Breakers Stables.
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- The Burgundy Grand Tour included French Burgundies, including Château de Durette Julienas Colline des Mouilles Beaujolais, Laurent Gauthier Morgon Grand Cras, Domaine Thibert Mâcon-Verzé, Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils – Chassagne-Montrachet, Domaine Tortochot Gevrey-Chambertin Champerrier Vieilles Vignes Côte de Nuits and Domaine Matrot Auxey-Duresses Côte de Beaune.
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- A pour of Domaine Matrot Auxey-Duresses Côte de Beaune.
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- The Burgundy Grand Tour presenting team of Pascal Schildt, Proprietor, Mosaic Wine Imports; Nick Daddona, Account Manager – New England, WineBid & Somm and Ian Magiros, On-Premise Key Account Specialist, MS Walker of Rhode Island.
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- Stephanie Ponte, South American Northeast Portfolio Specialist, Kobrand and Presenter of “Vino de Los Andes: Wines of South America” and Matthew MacCartney, Wine Director, Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival.
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- Wines showcased during the “Vino de Los Andes: Wines of South America” seminar included Alta Vista Brut Nature, Norton 101 Bubbles, Alta Vista Estate Torrontes, Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2019, Norton Privada Malbec 2016 and Montes Purple Angel.
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- Matthew MacCartney, Wine Director, Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival.
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- “Take a Rosé Journey” showcased rosé wines, led by Julia Cuissart De Grelle, Brand Manager Château d’Esclans, Moët Hennessy.
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- A tasting glass of D’esclans Whispering Angel Rosé.
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- Kris Sjolander, United States Beverage, presented the “Beers of the World Tasting,” an international tasting experience of brands.
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- Guests tasted Malibu Splash Strawberry & Coconut, Moosehead Canadian Lager, Czechvar Czech Lager, Inedit Damm, Innis & Gunn The Original Scottish Golden Beer and 1911 Established Cider Donut Hard Seltzer.
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- Mount Gay Rum Eclipse Heritage Blend, Mount Gay Rum Black Barrel Double Cask Blend and Mount Gay Rum XO Triple Cask Blend.
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- Darrio Prescod, National Brand Ambassador and Giancarlo Cowan, State Manager CT & RI, both from Rémy Cointreau.
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- A flight of Mount Gay Rum during the “History and Heritage of Mount Gay Rum” seminar, led by Darrio Prescod, National Brand Ambassador, Rémy Cointreau.
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- Gift box for one lucky winner of the seminar quiz.
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- Trudy Coxe, CEO & Executive Director, The Preservation Society of Newport County, during the Newport Wine & Food Festival.
Photos by Laura Widness.
