FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
TV's LIDIA BASTIANICH TO APPEAR AT WGBY's 25TH ANNUAL WINE WEEKEND
Hundreds of wines, an array of delicious foods, and special appearances by celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich are all highlights of WGBY's Annual Wine Weekend, March 5 and 6, 2010.
On Friday, March 5 from 5-8pm, guests at the WGBY Evening of Wine & Food Tasting will sample the best selection yet of wines from around the world and specialty foods from vendors across the region. The Tasting is the largest in western New England, offering over 350 wines and dozens of restaurant and specialty foods, taking over the entire 6th floor of the Springfield Marriott. The event has expanded in size and popularity over the years and offers great value and extensive variety. The Orchards Hotel, Café Lebanon, Famous Dave's Barbecue and Acme Smoked Fish are just a few of the food vendors participating.
New to the WGBY Tasting in 2009 and returning for 2010 is the Table & Vine Connoisseur's Tasting Room offering about 50 rare collectible wines for sampling (in addition to the over 300 wines in the main tasting rooms). This room requires an additional ticket for access to specialty wines including a Duckhorn Napa Merlot, Old Vines and Home Ranch Zinfandels from Seghesio, Saintsbury's very special and rare Brown Ranch Pinot Noir, wines from Frog's Leap, Far Niente, Silver Oak, Chateau Beaucastel, and many more.
"Table & Vine really loves sponsoring the annual Wine Tasting with WGBY" said Michael Quinlan, wine sales manager for Table & Vine. "It's not only a chance for us to reach a terrific audience of potential customers, but it's a great opportunity to educate people about some of the great wine varieties and bargains that are out there. We really feel strongly about supporting, and urging our customers to support, public television here in western New England."
Tickets for the Wine & Food Tasting are available for purchase online at www.wgby.org/wine, at Table & Vine; 1119 Riverdale Street in West Springfield MA or at 800-838-3006.
On Saturday, March 6, Lidia Matticchio Bastianich arrives in Springfield. Bastianich is one of the best-loved chefs on television, a best-selling cookbook author, restaurateur, and owner of a flourishing food and entertainment business. Lidia's visit will begin with a book signing at Table & Vine in West Springfield, MA from 11am-12:30pm. Lidia will then go to the studios of WGBY 57 for a special live TV broadcast with a studio audience. At 5 p.m. Bastianich will host a VIP reception preceding the WGBY Wine Lovers Dinner at the Marriott in Springfield. Tickets for the intimate pre-dinner event include a copy of Lidia's new cookbook, Lidia Cooks From the Heart of Italy, and a chance to sip champagne and spend some time with Lidia. Dinner begins at 6pm.
Together with Bastianich, Springfield Marriott's Executive Chef William Rounds has been working hard with the WGBY's Committee of wine industry representatives on the perfect dinner menu. The wine experts sample each dish and work with Rounds to fine-tune the dishes for wine pairing. The committee then identifies wines that will be interesting and delicious with each course. The evening's menu will ultimately feature 9 to 14 wines accompanying a 7-course gourmet meal.
According to noted wine educator and the volunteer founder of WGBY Wine Weekend 25 years ago, James J. Holsing, the WGBY Wine Dinner and Wine & Food Tasting are fun, educational and both a great value. "We are planning a seven-course Italian feast mated with 9 to 14 wines of the world. Once more the price is less than any other charitable dinner that only has three to five courses mated with everyday wines. It is a great way for WGBY to say thank you to its viewers. I think this is a fine way for other companies to entertain guests. Thanks to the generosity of the wine industry and Table & Vine for making this low price possible."
As Lidia Bastianich is fond of saying: "Tutti a tavola a mangiare! Everybody to the table to eat!"
Tickets for the Wine Lovers Dinner with Lidia Bastianich's A Taste of Italy Menu paired with fine wines are only available by calling 800-781-9429 ext. 238 for Susan Lofthouse.
Support for The WGBY Wine Lovers Weekend is provided by Table & Vine of West Springfield, Bertera Subaru of West Springfield, The Dennis Group, LLC of Springfield and The Republican and MassLive.com.
All proceeds benefit WGBY, (www.wgby.org), a community supported public broadcasting organization that connects the people of western New England to events, ideas and each other to fulfill their aspirations enrich their lives and improve their communities. We do this through PBS programming as well as locally produced series and specials. With our digital television channels, video on demand, podcasting and streaming video, WGBY is one of the region's most accessible institutions, building a stronger community through learning and understanding.
