Crested Butte Wine & Food Festival by Kathy Amen Design

A BENEFIT FOR CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Table of

CONTENTS 4–5 Welcome 6–8 Our Generous Sponsors 10–11 Event Schedule 12–13 Thursday Winemaker Dinner 14–15 Friday Winemaker Dinner 16 Farm to Table Dinner 17 Bursting with Bubbles Brunch 18–19 Soupçon Exclusive Dinner 20–21 More Featured Chefs 22–27 Featured Sommeliers & Winemakers 29 Featured Art & Music at the Grand Tasting Photo by Nathan Bilow

www.crestedbuttearts.org

30–31 About the Center

Dear Wine & Food Connoisseurs WE ARE THRILLED YOU HAVE CHOSEN Crested Butte as your home this weekend! The festival will simply compliment the amazing array of offerings already found here in beautiful Crested Butte. We are proud to be partnering again this year with the Crested Butte Center for the Arts. There is a natural synergy with the Center that we saw through the Tour de Forks. Since the Center has this excitement for the culinary arts already established, our collaboration with them is truly the perfect pairing. We have always wanted this event to benefit the community — and working with the Center fulfills this mission. The Center provides a home for the arts in Crested Butte with live performances in music, dance, theatre, and comedy as well as classes in the visual arts and dance. With a core value of accessibility, inclusiveness and diversity to the arts, the Center strives to create a facility whose doors are open to everyone. I’m privileged to be a part of this amazing organization, and I couldn’t think of a more fitting non-profit for this event. Thank you to the Center for the Arts for being such a great event partner. I would also like to thank the supporters of the event, including Carol Ann May, Gloria and Ren Kern, and the patron sponsors, our sponsors including American Summits, Crested Butte Mountain Resort, the wineries and winemakers, host restaurants, talented chefs, and event volunteers. Thank you for the generous donation of your time and talents to our cause. It’s now your time to relax and enjoy the amazing mountain scenery, the festival’s culinary and wine offerings, and some great company! Sincerely,

Jeff Hermanson Founder, Crested Butte Wine & Food Festival

2015 CRESTED BUTTE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

An Amazing Weekend of Exceptional Wine & Fabulous Food! ON BEHALF OF CENTER FOR THE ARTS, Larimer Associates, participating wineries and winemakers and our decorated chefs, welcome to the 7th annual Crested Butte Wine and Food Festival. Over these 4 wonderful summer days you will have the chance to meet some iconic winemakers and sample their wines, experience new food and wine pairings, and eat yourself silly. We’ve added a 4th dinner, featuring Benoit Touquet, (who received two 100 point ratings) and many new seminars. Don’t miss the Grand Tasting where over 20 wineries will be represented and our incredible wine auction with a variety of upscale wines to take home. You will have the opportunity to bid on a vertical of Silver Oak, magnums from Revana, Relic, Realm, Sherwin Family, Gem Stone and Fait Main, and much more. The Center for the Arts is pleased to present the Crested Butte Wine and Food Festival in partnership with Larimer Associates and we believes this is our best festival yet! The Center impacts the community with programs and partnerships in music, visual arts, children’s programming, dance, culinary events, and film. In 2014, the Center welcomed more than 36,000 people through 630 separate events — 277 produced by the Center alone and the remaining through the Center’s wide network of partnerships. The Center’s programs and activities are estimated to contribute over $3 million to the local economy every year. It plays a critical role in the economic health of Crested Butte. All of us at Center for the Arts hope you learn something new, taste something special, and expand your wine and food knowledge by being at the Festival. Let us raise our glass to the Crested Butte Wine and Food Festival and its founder, Jeff Hermanson. Most Sincerely,

Ren & Gloria Kern Festival Co-Chairs Photo by Nathan Bilow

www.crestedbuttearts.org

A Special Salute to Our GENEROUS SPONSORS

2015 CRESTED BUTTE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

Photo by Nathan Bilow

FESTIVAL FOUNDER Jeff Hermanson FESTIVAL CO-CHAIRS Ren & Gloria Kern CULINARY CHAMPION LEAD SPONSORS Carol Ann May Jeff Hermanson PATRON CIRCLE SPONSORS Bruce Alpern • Jeff & Mickie Bragalone Scott & Debra Duncan • Dave Gilbert • Ren & Gloria Kern Sammy & Therese Nagem • Britt & Kay Rice CENTER FOR THE ARTS BOARD MEMBERS Carol May President Janet Giesselman President Elect Marj O’Reilly Secretary Jason Napoli Treasurer Randi Stroh Cjay Clark John Bruno Donna Rozman Missy Chamberland Cynthia Peatross

Joel Benisch Heather Featherman Don Haver Gloria Kern Doris Altman Shelle Carrig

Jennifer Brody Stephanie Juneau Shaun Mastusewicz Todd Barnes

CENTER FOR THE ARTS STAFF Jenny Birnie Executive Director Laura De Felice Program Director Melissa Mason Art Studio Program Director Molly Murfee Marketing Director

Erica Daugherty Development Director Stephanie Blewett Operations Director Tricia Seeberg Website Administration Joe Knight Technical Director

P.O. Box 1819 • 606 Sixth Street • Crested Butte, Colorado 81224 Ph: (970) 349–7487 • Fax: (970) 349–5626 • www.crestedbuttearts.org

www.crestedbuttearts.org

Special Thanks to

IN-KIND DONORS

Photo by Nathan Bilow

Anne Lamkin-Kinder Big Al’s Bicycle Heaven Bill & Lenni Burke Crested Butte Film Festival Crested Butte Wildflower Festival Elk Avenue Prime Marchitelli’s Gourmet Noodle Montanya Distillers Mountain Heritage Museum Oh Be Joyful Church Red Room Wooden Nickel Wynn & Leah Williams Slogar Soupcon Supper at Sunflower Teocale Tamale The Last Steep

2015 CRESTED BUTTE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

Photo by Nathan Bilow

www.crestedbuttearts.org

2015 Festival

EVENT SCHEDULE THURSDAY, JULY 23 9:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

1:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

Guided Mountain Bike Tour on the Lower Loop with Big Al’s Bicycle Heaven and Chef Dana Zobs and Stacee VanAernem (Crested Butte’s Personal Chefs). Wine & Food Kick Off Celebration at Elk Avenue Prime. Lunch & Wine Tasting with Chef Curtis Higgins (Elk Avenue Prime) and Sommelier Aaron Tomcak (Mountain Spirits Liquors). SEMINAR: Summer Wines at the Red Room with Sommelier Aaron Tomcak (Mountain Spirits Liquors). SEMINAR: California Cult Wines on the Center for the Arts Outdoor Stage with Festival Chairman Ren Kern and Sommelier Aaron Tomcak (Mountain Spirits Liquors). Winemaker Dinner at a Skyland Private Residence with Chef Kalon Wall (Sunflower), Chef Tom Coohill (Coohill’s), Chef Kelly Whitaker (Cart & Driver), Chef Jorel Pierce (Stoic & Genuine), Winemaker / Founder Edgar Torres and Founder Erika Torres (Bodega de Edgar).

FRIDAY, JULY 24 9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m.

12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m.

1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.

VIP Founder’s Breakfast Invitation only breakfast hosted by Festival Founder Jeff Hermanson at his home in downtown Crested Butte SEMINAR: Riedel Glassware — Taste the Difference! at Elk Avenue Prime with Doug Reed. Includes Riedel Veritas Tasting glassware set. SEMINAR: The Integrity of Food — The Past, Present, and the Future! How food preparation has evolved over time. At Mountaineer Square with Alex Seidel (Mercantile Dining & Provision) and presenters Kelly Woolridge (Mizuna) Kelly Whitaker (Cart-Driver), Grant McCargo and Jeff Hermanson. SEMINAR: Mixology & Food Pairing at Montanya Distillers with Owner / Distiller Karen Hoskin and Chef Rose Reyes. SEMINAR: Wine of the Paso Robles Region of California at the Center for the Arts Outdoor Stage with Winemaker / Founder Edgar Torres and Founder Erika Torres of Bodega de Edgar. SEMINAR: Wine Blending At Slogar’s with Founders James and Founder / Winemaker Mark Blanchard of Blanchard Family Wines. SEMINAR: High Altitude Hops at the Wooden Nickel with TJ Hamilton and Jay Montez featuring Odell Brewing Company. SEMINAR: Dirt in Italy & Beyond! At a downtown Crested Butte private residence with Master Sommelier Damon Ornowski. SEMINAR: Zinfandel — A Universal Wine at a downtown Crested Butte private residence with Founder Steve Felten of Klinker Brick Winery. Winemaker Dinner at a Skyland Private Residence with Chef David Wooding (Bonez), Chef Alex Seidel (Mercantile Dining & Provision), Chef Dana Rodriguez (Work & Class), Chef Tim Kuklinski (Rioja), Pastry

2015 CRESTED BUTTE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

Photo by Nathan Bilow

7:30 p.m.

Chef Lonne Cunningham (Mercantile Dining & Provision), Founders James and Mark Blanchard (Blanchard Family Wines), Susie Mayr (Cakebread) with “Savor Your Senses” piano concert by Elaine Kwon. FILM: Somm presented by the Crested Butte Film Festival. Four sommeliers attempt to pass the prestigious Master Sommelier exam, a test with one of the lowest pass rates in the world. At Oh Be Joyful Church.

SATURDAY, JULY 25 9:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

2:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

Guided Wine Hike & Gourmet Picnic Lunch presented in partnership with the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival. With Chef Ashley Odom (Feast & Merriment Catering) and Sommelier Aaron Tomcak (Mountain Spirits Liquors), featuring winemaker Ben Parsons (The Infinite Monkey Theorum Urban Winery). Historical Tour with Wine & Cocktail Tasting & Lunch presented in partnership with the Crested Butte Heritage Museum. Stops include Soupçon, The Wooden Nickel, Kochevar’s Saloon, Power House, and many more historically significant locations. Lunch at Marchitelli’s Gourmet Noodle with Chef Michael Marchitelli. Grand Tasting at the Big Mine Ice Arena featuring hundreds of wines, a wine auction with valuable rare wines, Chef Demonstrations, a showcase of local artists, cuisine by local restaurants and music by Gypsy Jazz Social Club. Farm to Table Dinner at Supper at the Sunflower with Chef Kalon Wall and Proprietors Chris & Natalie Phillips.

SUNDAY, JULY 26 10:00 a.m.

8:30 p.m.

Bursting with Bubbles Champagne Brunch at a downtown Crested Butte private residence with Chef Jason Vincent, Chef Kalon Wall (Supper at the Sunflower), and Sommelier Darin Thorn. Soupçon Exclusive Dinner A five course tasting menu with Chef Jason Vernon (Soupçon Bistro) and Winemaker Benoit Touquette (Realm Cellars and Fait Main Wines) and Founder Juan Mercado (Realm Cellars).

This festival is brought to you through a partnership with the Center for the Arts and Larimer Associates.

www.crestedbuttearts.org

Thu

Photo by Nathan Bilow

L JU 23

Photo by Nathan Bilow

WINEMAKER DINNER THE CHEFS Chef Kalon Wall, the culinary wizard behind Supper at the Sunflower brings his farm to table magic to this event. Kalon attended the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont and studied at Fore Street restaurant in Portland, Maine. Following completion of his education at NECI, he traveled to Europe to study food and wine in San Sebastian, Spain at Martin Berasetegue, a 3 Star Michelin restaurant, as well as spent time as an apprentice in rural northern Italy. Upon returning, Kalon became the Executive Chef at Plonk Wine Bar, in Bozeman Montana, specializing in wine pairings and multi course Chef Table dinners. Chef Kalon moved to Colorado in 2008 refining his skills under Frank Bonnano at Mizuna in Denver. He was the Executive Chef at East Side Bistro in Crested Butte for three years. Tom Coohill trained under Master chefs at the three-star Michelin L’Oustau de Baumaniere in France, the five-star Mobile Le Francais in Illinois and Ma Maison in Los Angeles. In 1992, he opened the highly acclaimed Ciboulette restaurant, which was ranked in the top 10 by the Conde Nast Guide and in the top 25 nationwide by Esquire magazine and widely featured in national media — including CNN, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Tom also owned and operated Coohill’s Steakhouse & Bar in Atlanta and Coohill’s in Denver. Chef Kelly Whitaker is the co-founder and Executive Chef of Boulder-based Basta, a wood fired, farm-based Italian restaurant inspired by his time off the coast of Naples. Prior to opening Basta, Kelly worked in Los Angeles as a chef at the renowned 1 Star Michelin Hatfield’s, as well as the 2 Star Michelin, Providence. Chef Kelly concentrates on locally grown produce and domestic charcuterie to feature his passion for creating Photo by Nathan Bilow

2015 CRESTED BUTTE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

THE CHEFS

Chef Kalon Wall

Chef Tom Coohill

Chef Kelly Whitaker

Chef Jorel Pierce

Executive Chef / Owner Kalon Wall: Supper at the Sunflower (Crested Butte, CO) Chef Tom Coohill: Coohill’s (Denver, CO) Chef / Owner Kelly Whitaker: Basta (Boulder, CO), Cart-Driver (Denver, CO) Chef de Cuisine Jorel Pierce: Stoic & Genuine (Denver, CO)

magnificent flavors from simple, seasonal foods. As such he won the “Heart of the Collaborative” award from Chef’s Collaborative. Whitaker recently opened his second restaurant, Cart-Driver, a 640-square foot shipping container wood-fired pizza and oyster spot in Denver’s RiNo arts district. When Jorel Pierce served as Sous Chef at Jen Jasinski’s Rioja, he was named “Best Rising Star Chef” by Denver’s Westword. The two opened Euclid Hall, which received “Best New Restaurant” by both Westword and 5280 Magazine, while Zagat included it in “American’s Top Restaurants.” Now as Chef de Cuisine of the most recent Crafted Concepts (Rioja, Euclid Hall and Bistro Vendôme) restaurant, Jorel turns his talents to fish in opening Stoic & Genuine focusing on fresh seafood and an oyster bar. It too has been met with rave reviews and joined the ranks of 5280’s “Best New Restaurant” honor list. As Jasinski’s Sous Chef, the two made it all the way to the finals of Top Chef’s “Season 10” and “Masters’ Season 4.” The James Beard Foundation has nominated this ever flexible chef as “Rising Star Chef of the Year” for 2014.

THE WINEMAKER One of Paso Robles most respected winemakers, Edgar Torres is known for bottling handcrafted masterpieces. The story began with his father, a young immigrant who envisioned a better life for his family. Now, Edgar and his wife Erika produce 100% varietals and blends full of heart and heritage from their own Bodega de Edgar. With respect for his Hispanic roots, Edgar’s passion for Spanish wines shines in both flavor and name — from his Toro de Paso of the Fiesta Blends described by Wine Enthusiast as Edgar Torres, “lusty and ripe,” to the presence of “Bodega,” Spanish for Winemaker / Founder winery or cellar, in their name. He focuses on sourcing the highest quality fruit to craft the best wines, pouring into every vintage a love of the art of winemaking, a love of the land, and an unyielding commitment to small production, natural wines. With a moniker of “wines made for people who work hard but enjoy playing harder,” Bodega de Edgar wines are a match made in heaven for Crested Butte.

www.crestedbuttearts.org

Fri

L JU 24

Photo by Nathan Bilow

WINEMAKER DINNER THE CHEFS David Wooding, Executive Chef and owner of the new sensation Bonez, has gained a reputation for elevating “normal” cuisine, recreating it to be as exciting as it is accessible. Previously as Executive Chef at Maxwell’s, Chef de Cuisine at the Lobar, and Executive Chef at the Secret Stash and Red Room, David is a daring chef. He thrives on spontaneity driven by freshness, his imagination excelling as his worldly dishes take on additional French, Italian and Nouveau American airs. Formally, Chef David attended the Johnson County School where he studied Culinary Arts. He additionally served with Chef Michael Turner of the Classic Cup and Linda Dewar of JJ’s, both in Kansas City. Chef / Owner Alex Seidel’s fame found its principle fire through his four-star Fruition Restaurant in Denver. Fruition is listed as one of the “Top Ten Restaurants in the U.S.” by gayot.com, and “25 Best Restaurants” by 5280 Magazine, as well as “Number One Restaurant in Colorado” by Zagat. Food & Wine magazine named Seidel “Best New Chef,” Denver Magazine and 5280 Magazine both called him “Chef of the Year,” and he has been a semi-finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s “Best Chef Southwest.” Alex’s focus on local food shines in his 10-acre Fruition Farms Dairy, Colorado’s first artisan sheep’s milk creamery, as well as home to a heritage breed pork, and fruits and vegetables, that supply his restaurants’ kitchens. With his most recent endeavor, Mercantile Dining & Provision, Alex further solidifies the continuity and sustainable relationships between restaurant, farm and market. Tim Kuklinski received his formal culinary training from Denver’s Johnson & Wales University before joining Chef Jorel Pierce to become the backbone of Denver’s awardwinning Rioja kitchen. Tim has augmented his style from working alongside Rioja Chef / Owner Jennifer Jasinski and Work + Class Chef / Owner Dana Rodriguez with a personal pursuit of new ingredients and innovative techniques to incorporate into the Mediterranean influenced Rioja menu. Tim has also cooked at Denver’s Euclid Hall as well as staged at Michelin-starred Grace and Graham Elliott in Chicago. Executive Chef Dana Rodriquez began her formal cooking career at Panzano, an upscale Italian restaurant in the Hotel Monaco in Denver. Under the wing of awardwinning chef Jennifer Jasinski (Panzano, Bistro Vendôme, Euclid Hall Bar and Kitchen),

2015 CRESTED BUTTE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

THE CHEFS

Chef David Wooding

Chef Alex Seidel

Chef Tim Kuklinski

Chef Dana Rodriguez

Executive Chef / Owner David Wooding: Bonez (Crested Butte, CO) Chef Alex Seidel: Fruition, Mercantile Dining & Provision (Denver, CO) Executive Chef / Owner Dana Rodriguez: Work & Class (Denver, CO) Chef Tim Kuklinski: Rioja (Denver, CO)

Dana became Sous Chef at Panzano. She continued working with Jasinski for many years, going on to become a Sous Chef at Rioja and Chef de Cuisine at Bistro Vendôme. But it is perhaps Dana’s roots of grinding corn down to masa for tortillas with the mother in her native Chihuahua, Mexico that speaks to Dana’s excitement about cooking food that is close to the heart.

THE WINEMAKERS Blanchard Family Wines is a family owned wine label formed to express two brother’s vision of the uniting qualities of great wine. James and Mark Blanchard’s dream is to offer artisan selections that truly showcase a sense of place, and exhibit boutique wine making techniques. Sourced from top vineyards in Sonoma James & Mark Blanchard County, the brothers work closely with growers with the same focus and passion for quality. All wines are handcrafted in a small facility, creating elegant wines in limited quantities. Most wines are either 100% varietal or single-vineyard products. THE MUSIC Listen, Taste, Experience! Savor Your Senses® brings award winning concert pianist Elaine Kwon together with Mark and James Blanchard to pair musical pieces with specific wines and food based on such aspects as mood and origin. Elaine holds a doctorate in music and is a lecturer at MIT. She has performed as a solo artist with numerous orchestras, including the National Music Festival Orchestra and the Toronto Philharmonia, as well as headlining sold-out benefit concerts at Carnegie Hall and appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

www.crestedbuttearts.org

Elaine Kwon

Sat

L JU 25

Photo by Nathan Bilow

FARM TO TABLE DINNER THE FARM TO TABLE DINNER IS THE CULMINATING event for Saturday of the Crested Butte Wine and Food Festival. Open your culinary world and experience the hippest (and most important) trend in fine dining. In true farm to table style, Chef Kalon’s dishes inventively revolve to accommodate the change of seasons and availability from the small, local farms that provide the organic ingredients. The clean flavors of these artisanal creations pop with brightness, attentiveness and ingenuity. Proprietors Chris and Natalie further warm the inviting evening with the fun Executive Chef and festive atmosphere of dining in a friend’s home. Each dish is Kalon Wall explained, so that the dinner delves deeper into really understanding the foods around us and the importance of thoughtful food sourcing. Chef Kalon Wall attended the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont and studied at Fore Street restaurant in Portland, Maine. Following completion of his education at NECI, he traveled to Europe to study food and wine in San Sebastian, Spain at Martin Berasetegue, a 3 Star Michelin restaurant, as well as spent time as an apprentice in rural northern Italy. Upon returning, Kalon became the Executive Chef at Plonk Wine Bar, in Bozeman Montana, specializing in wine pairings and multi course Chef Table dinners. Chef Kalon moved to Colorado in 2008 refining his skills under Frank Bonnano at Mizuna in Denver. He was the Executive Chef at East Side Bistro in Crested Butte for three years.

THE WINEMAKER Tavio Laudisio — Co-founder of Giuliana Imports — was born in Ibiza, Spain, his father is Italian and mother, American. He grew up travelling to Italy and working in his family's Italian restaurant, Laudisio's in Boulder, CO. Tavio co-founded Giuliana Imports in 1996 with partner Steve Lewis. Today, they continue to import great wines from all over Italy and Spain, as well as olive oil for their company, Giuliana Direct Olive Oil (golive.oil.com).

Tavio Laudisio

2015 CRESTED BUTTE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

Photo by Nathan Bilow

Sun

JU L 26

Bursting WITH BUBBLES BRUNCH

Photo by Nathan Bilow

NOTHING IS MORE LUXURIOUS than a Sunday champagne brunch. Live lavishly by allowing Chicago Chef Jason Vincent joined by Kalon Wall serve you their award-winning dishes in this lazy weekend meal. Jason Vincent served as Executive Chef at Chicago’s Nightwood for five years, during which time he won Food & Wine’s prestigious “Best New Chef” award. He is additionally the winner of the Chicago Cochon 555 and the Grand Cochon at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. In a world of chefs using avantChef Jason Vincent garde techniques, Chef Jason is known for making simple, delicious food with superb skills, not technology. Formally trained at the Culinary Institute of America, he additionally spun his talents at Arzak (San Sebastián, Spain), rated a 3 Star Michelin and Eighth Best Restaurant in the World by S. Pellegrino; foodie destination Lulu Café (Chicago) and Fore Street (Portland, ME).

THE SOMMELIERS Sommelier Darin Thorn utilizes his over 17 years of fine dining and wine experience to pair beautifully bubbling sparkling wines with each of Jason’s delectable offerings. Darin has 17 years of wines sales experience and has Level 1 Sommelier certification. He is a Sales Representative for Republic National Distributing Colorado.

Sommelier Darin Thorn

A rare occasion that explores the fascinating world of champagne paired with a luxurious brunch! www.crestedbuttearts.org

Sun

L JU 26

Soupçon

Photo by Nathan Bilow

EXCLUSIVE DINNER EXPERIENCE THE GRAND FINALE and show stopping event of the 2015 Crested Butte Wine & Food Festival. Realm Cellars and Fait Main Wines represent some of the most exclusive and highly sought wines by collectors. Here you have the opportunity to meet prized and otherwise inaccessible Napa Valley wines. Utilizing the nuances of these wines as inspiration, Chef Jason Vernon of Soupçon Bistro pairs brilliant dishes perfectly aligned with the extraordinary personality of these varietals through a five course tasting menu. Chef Jason Vernon Chef Jason’s cuisine in the realm of excellence. He relishes in the romantic nuances of the French countryside with its deep history and leisurely pace of life. The aesthetic attention to detail characteristic of that region leaks into Jason’s style as he sculpts dishes infused with passion and respect for ingredients and technique. Guided by the fresh offerings of the seasons, Jason’s food becomes a heartfelt expression and sensual celebration of life. Formally trained at the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Jason refined his prowess at such prestigious dining establishments as the Stanford Landmark, Chicago Four Seasons, Emeril Lagasse’s Nola in New Orleans, and RK, an American Brasserie in New York City. He is Tour de Fork’s only four time winner of the Chefs on the Edge competition. Making incredible wine at the very highest level is the foundation of Realm. In utilizing the finest vineyards, carefully curated and cared for, Realm illuminates and reflects the pinnacle of Napa Valley winemaking. Founder Juan Mercado established Realm with dream, risk, restless enthusiasm and life-affirming passion. Today their wines are pioneers in precision, polish and professionalism. Their 2012 wines swept the Robert Parker ratings with their finest to date, with six wines of 96 points and above, two of which were awarded the three digit tour de force of 100. He called all of them “outrageously delicious.” Realm winemaker and Bordeaux native Benoit Touquette is committed to creating wines that express the unique attributes of a particular vineyard site through attentive vineyard management, minimal intervention in the winery and precise blending practices.

2015 CRESTED BUTTE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

Photo by Nathan Bilow

THE WINEMAKERS For Juan Mercado — Founder of Realm Cellars, starting Realm Cellars was simply following a dream; he wasn’t entirely sure where it would take him. But when he quit his hospital job, cashed in his 401K and started to actually sell the wine — to tell people his story and how he had scraped and held Realm together, even after his entire second vintage was destroyed by fire — he was able to recognize and embrace the entrepreneurial spirit that had allowed him to get as far as he did. “Cashing in your retirement to do something Juan Mercado like this, it’s not normal. But at the time it felt natural to me. I’m not opposed to dealing with a little discomfort, a little uncertainty.” Juan’s sanguinity is due in no small part to his background in both the military and medical fields, and his memories of those former lives are a constant reminder of how right he was to follow his dream into wine. “The worst days we have here are not that bad. You’re not talking about life and death. I remind myself of that all the time.” While working toward his Masters diplomas in both Chemistry and Oenology, Benoit Touquette — Winemaker at Realm Cellars — worked at several French wineries in a Benoit Touquette production capacity. His experience made two things clear to him: he didn’t want to work in Bordeaux, where opportunities were limited if you weren’t born into a wine family; he did want to be involved with making high end, limited production wines, wherever that might take him. Upon graduation, with the help of his friend and mentor Michel Rolland, Benoit got a job with winemaking consultant Andy Erickson in California. Eventually he formed his own consulting business with clients such as Hartwell and Jack Quinn. When Realm’s first winemaker left in 2010, Benoit offered to help his friend — and Realm’s founder — Juan Mercado with blending the 2009 vintage wines. That offer turned into a full-time gig, and Benoit joined Realm in 2011.

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More FEATURED CHEFS CRESTED BUTTE’S PERSONAL CHEFS CHEFS DANA ZOBS and Stacee VanAernem of Crested Butte’s have gained a premier reputation and obsessive following because of their focus on seasonal, local and organic ingredients and talents for constructing these quality components into simple, honest and delicious dishes. Dana’s 24-plus years in the food industry include an Associate Degree from the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, managing Lil’s for seven years, serving as chef for Whole Chef Dana Zobs & Foods, and developing and tasting recipes for WilliamChef Stacee VanAernem Sonoma. Stacee has dedicated her life to food made from scratch and utilizing the local bounty. Her influences arise from her experience as a pastry chef as well as from her travels around the world. They excel at hand-crafted artisan foods.

CHEF ASHLEY ODOM OWNER AND CHEF OF THE HIGH END catering company Feast & Merriment provides an amazing culinary spread for the Saturday Wine Hike. Presentation is paramount in Ashley’s work, elevated to the point of design with colors, textures and shapes. Ashley specializes in traditional foods that are familiar and comforting, but with a fun and exciting twist. She began her cooking career over 13 years ago at high end catering companies such as 2 Dine 4 and Kurant Events, in addition to Chef Ashley Odom the boutique hotel Vintage Villas, all in Austin, Texas. Ashley’s clientele has included the governor of Texas as well as Whole Foods founder John Mackey. From the Farmer’s Market to the Wine Festival, Ashley’s inventive interpretations of old staples both satisfy and surprise her guests.

CHEF MICHAEL MARCHITELLI A MEAL WITH MICHAEL MARCHITELLI is as much about the entertainment as it is about the food. Chef Michael is a Crested Butte classic, armed with a cooking repertoire stocked with family recipes from his grandmother’s Italian heritage. Not surprisingly, Chef Michael began cooking at 10. Professionally he opened his first culinary endeavor with his mother, a New Orleans blues bar in Pennsylvania. He immediately fell in love. The family tradition continues, as Chef Michael Marchitelli Michael serves the food he grew up on at Marchitelli’s Gourmet Noodle. His 17 years at “the Noodle” have garnered him a faithful following from the restaurant, as he now sews up his seasons touring as a private chef. Give the Italian a glass of wine and be ready for a raucous good time.

2015 CRESTED BUTTE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

Photo by Nathan Bilow

CHEF ROSE REYES CHEF ROSE REYES GREW UP IN A TIME and place where farm to table ingredients were the only way to prepare food — shopping at the local farmer’s market for what was the freshest. Watching her mother work with what was available still stands as one of Rose’s strongest inspirations. Now formally trained at the Cook Street School of Culinary Art in Denver, Rose integrates that dedication to freshness into her Nouvelle Cuisine dishes that sparkle with an Asian Fusion twist. Her Chef Rose Reyes modern interpretations of wine country gastronomy reference classical French and Italian while assimilating the roots of her ethnic influences. Her sensibilities dedicate her to the full range of aesthetic and sensual experiences of eating. Teaming up with Rose is Level 2 Sommelier Terann Wight. With over 25 years in the culinary industry, Terann focuses her passion to perfectly pair a specially selected wine with each course from her large wine portfolio.

CHEF JASON VINCENT JASON VINCENT SERVED AS Executive Chef at Chicago’s Nightwood for five years, during which time he won Food & Wine’s prestigious “Best New Chef” award. He is additionally the winner of the Chicago Cochon 555 and the Grand Cochon at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. In a world of chefs using avant-garde techniques, Chef Jason is known for making simple, delicious food with superb skills, not technology. Formally trained at the Culinary Institute of Chef Jason Vincent America, he additionally spun his talents at Arzak (San Sebastián, Spain), rated a 3 Star Michelin and Eighth Best Restaurant in the World by S. Pellegrino; foodie destination Lulu Café (Chicago) and Fore Street (Portland, ME).

www.crestedbuttearts.org

JAMES & MARK BLANCHARD Wine Blending Seminar Friday Night Winemaker Dinner BLANCHARD FAMILY WINES is the creation and dream of two brother, James and Mark Blanchard. While both boys grew up together in Peoria, Illinois, they went their separate ways later in life, one James & Mark Blanchard to study creative writing and poetry in Chicago and the other to Colorado to join the Air Force. While they spent their formative years separated by thousands of miles, they found that the passion for wine brought them back together. James flew Air Force helicopters in California and Mark moved to Napa to further his wine career. They both decided to settle their business in Sonoma County and vowed to create wines that brought the joy and togetherness to others that they themselves experienced. They focus on top quality, family owned vineyards, and produce wines that exhibit the qualities of the local region.

STEVE FELTEN Klinker Brick Winery

Steve Felten

TOGETHER WITH HIS WIFE LORI, Steve Felten represents the fifth generation of their family to grow grapes in Lodi. Warm and friendly, with a passion for producing exceptional wine, they view themselves of stewards of the land and their ancient vines. In addition to their own property, they manage a number of vineyards in the region with the goal of producing incredible fruit. They started Klinker Brick Winery and produced their first vintage of old vine zinfandel in 2000.

KAREN HOSKIN Owner, Montanya Distillers KAREN HAS BEEN A BUSINESS OWNER in Colorado for 16 years, and a distillery owner for the last five. Her graphic and web design firm Beckoning Design built brands for clients from 1996 to 2008, when she decided to focus exclusively on building her own brand. Karen combined her personal love of culinary cocktails and rum with her business development skills to start Montanya Distillers. Since then, the company's Karen Hoskin distillery and busy rum bars in Silverton and Crested Butte have been changing the way people think about cocktails and rum nationwide. The company now distributes rum in 39 states and overseas.

2015 CRESTED BUTTE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

TAVIO LAUDISIO Co-founder, Giuliana Imports Farm to Table Dinner TAVIO WAS BORN IN IBIZA, SPAIN, his father is Italian and mother, American. He grew up travelling to Italy and working in his family's Italian restaurant, Laudisio's in Boulder, CO. Tavio co-founded Giuliana Imports in 1996 with partner Steve Lewis. Today, they continue to import great wines from all over Italy and Spain, as well as olive oil for their company, Giuliana Tavio Laudisio Direct Olive Oil (golive.oil.com). Tavio lives with his wife Milena who is from Capri, Italy and their two children in Boulder, CO.

JUAN MERCADO Founder, Realm Cellars EVEN WHEN HE HAD TWO VINTAGES of wine in the bottle — and the debt to show for it — Juan Mercado didn’t think of himself as an entrepreneur. For Juan, starting Realm Cellars was simply following a dream; he wasn’t entirely sure where it would take him. But when he quit his hospital job, cashed in his 401K and started to actually sell the wine — to tell people his story and how he had scraped and held Realm together, Juan Mercado even after his entire second vintage was destroyed by fire — he was able to recognize and embrace the entrepreneurial spirit that had allowed him to get as far as he did. “Cashing in your retirement to do something like this, it’s not normal. But at the time it felt natural to me. I’m not opposed to dealing with a little discomfort, a little uncertainty.” Juan’s sanguinity is due in no small part to his background in both the military and medical fields, and his memories of those former lives are a constant reminder of how right he was to follow his dream into wine. “The worst days we have here are not that bad. You’re not talking about life and death. I remind myself of that all the time.”

DAMON ORNOWSKI Master Sommelier

Damon Ornowski Master Sommelier

ORIGINALLY FROM NEW YORK, Damon now lives in Denver and holds the title of Key Account Wine Specialist for Southern Wine & Spirits. He earned the designation of Master Sommelier in 1996 and is currently one of only 219 Master Soms world-wide. When asked what he likes most about wine, after briefly joking “wine tastes good!”, he shared his belief that wine is the embodiment of people, culture and geography, and that wine ties the world together.

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BEN PARSONS Winemaker, The Infinite Monkey Theorem WE NAMED OUR WINERY AFTER an old mathematical theorem. When you think about it, it’s all about creating order out of a chaotic system and, we would argue, there is nothing more chaotic than growing grapes at 4,500 ft. in Colorado and making wine in a warehouse in an alley in a city. There are an infinite number of variables at play, decisions to be made and possible outcomes. It is the job of Ben Parsons our team to create order out of this inherently chaotic system as we craft our ridiculously good wine. When we started the winery, we decided to focus on the variables that really mattered: using the best grapes, harvesting them at their peak, nurturing each batch of juice as it became our wine, and getting to know the people who drink it. We also decided to get rid of the variables that don’t matter: the vineyard location, the rolling hills, and the tasting room covered in granite and marble. We make our wine in a 15,000 square foot urban winery in the River North Art District of Denver. We source our grapes predominantly from the Western slope of Colorado and the results are top notch, well-respected deliciously accessible wines.

DOUG REED Sales Manager, Riedel Crystal BORN AND RAISED IN KANSAS, Doug Reed has had a 23 year history in the Tabletop / Home Décor Industry. Following his graduating from the University of Kansas in 1988, Doug worked as a sales agent representing some of the most iconic and prestigious brands in the tabletop / home décor world. Lalique, Portmeirion Potteries, Royal Doulton, Faberge, Charles Sadek Co., Riedel Crystal et. al. Doug Reed In 2003, Doug purchased the company he worked for and ran his own marketing firm catering to the Tabletop / Home Décor market under the title, Doug Reed and Associates. In 2009 Doug was offered a sales management position with Riedel Crystal in 2010 and closed his business to work directly for Georg (10th generation of the Riedel Family) and Maximilian Riedel (11th generation of the Riedel family). When not traveling the United States selling and promoting Riedel wineglasses, Doug lives in Overland Park, Kansas with his wife Michelle and their four children.

2015 CRESTED BUTTE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

DARIN THORN Sommelier Sales Representative, Republic National Distributing Colorado DARIN HAS 12 YEARS fine dining experience and 17 years of wines sales experience and has Level 1 Sommelier certification.

AARON TOMCAK Darin Thorn

Sommelier Owner, Mountain Spirits Liquors

AARON TOMCAK IS A LAID BACK, entrepreneurial sort of gentleman. Just the kind of person one expects to meet in a paradise like Crested Butte, CO. He has owned Mountain Spirits Liquors since 2004. The store has an amazing selection of wines, beer, and spirits, and is located right across the street from the post office. A certified sommelier who has studied in Tuscany, California, Oregon and Washington, he teaches a wine class for the unpretentious on Tuesdays during the winter at the West End. It is fun; he shares wine knowledge and wines that are affordable and delicious. In March, when the classes end, Aaron Tomcak students have tried wines from around the globe and know how to get what they like when ordering wine. Aaron is a torch bearer at Vinotok and a boot packer for CBMR and Irwin, he embodies what being a Buttian is all about.

Voted Crested Butteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Pizza & Wings Since 2002

LOCALS FAVORITE

303 Elk Avenue www.StashPizza.com

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Creative Catering is a full service catering business that can help plan and execute your next event. They have 25 years of local knowledge, professional wait staff and yummy fresh food.

301 Belleview 970.209.3928 www.crestedbuttecatering.com

EDGAR & ERIKA TORRES Paso Robles Seminar Thursday Night Winemaker Dinner ONE OF PASO ROBLES MOST RESPECTED WINEMAKERS, Edgar Torres is known for bottling handcrafted masterpieces. The story began with his father, a young immigrant who envisioned a better life for his family. Now, Edgar and his wife Erika produce 100% varietals and blends full of heart and heritage from their own Bodega de Edgar. With respect for his Edgar Torres Hispanic roots, Edgar’s passion for Spanish wines shines in both flavor and name — from his Toro de Paso of the Fiesta Blends described by Wine Enthusiast as “lusty and ripe,” to the presence of “Bodega,” Spanish for winery or cellar, in their name. He focuses on sourcing the highest quality fruit to craft the best wines, pouring into every vintage a love of the art of winemaking, a love of the land, and an unyielding commitment to small production, natural wines. With a moniker of “wines made for people who work hard but enjoy playing harder,” Bodega de Edgar wines are a match made in heaven for Crested Butte.

BENOIT TOUQUETTE Winemaker, Realm Cellars Winemaker Dinner at Soupçon WHEN BENOIT’S DREAM OF being a fighter pilot in the French army fizzled because of a medical test, Benoit Touquette tried his hand working at an auto body shop, in road construction and even in banking alongside his father. But when he got a job with a mobile bottling line in Bordeaux, he was introduced to the wine business and his Benoit Touquette career choice started to crystallize. While working toward his Masters diplomas in both Chemistry and Oenology, Benoit worked at several French wineries in a production capacity. His experience made two things clear to him: he didn’t want to work in Bordeaux, where opportunities were limited if you weren’t born into a wine family; he did want to be involved with making high end, limited production wines, wherever that might take him. Upon graduation, with the help of his friend and mentor Michel Rolland, Benoit got a job with winemaking consultant Andy Erickson in California. Eventually he formed his own consulting business with clients such as Hartwell and Jack Quinn. When Realm’s first winemaker left in 2010, Benoit offered to help his friend — and Realm’s founder — Juan Mercado with blending the 2009 vintage wines. That offer turned into a full-time gig, and Benoit joined Realm in 2011.

2015 CRESTED BUTTE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

KELLY WOOLDRIDGE Wine Director, Bonanno Concepts Gaslight Brasserie KELLY WOOLDRIDGE just received the call. At the ripe age of 28, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been invited by the Court of Master Sommeliers to take the Diploma Examination. Wooldridge oversees one of the most progressive wine programs in the American West as wine director for the nine-restaurant group Bonanno Concepts, led by esteemed restaurateur Frank Bonanno. In Kelly Wooldridge addition to his wine and food credentials, Kelly is also an accomplished barman; helping develop the award-winning bar program of Gaslight Brasserie du Coin in Boston as well as having worked with Kevin Burke at Colt & Gray.

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Supper at

Mexican cuisine made from scratch in Crested Butte for over 35 years! Open 5:00 to 9:30 Nightly 330 Elk Avenue • 349–6674 www.donitascantina.com

Executive Chef Kalon Wall creates a new menu each day featuring the finest local, organic, and artisan foods. Tuesday – Saturday 6:00 p.m. – closing 214 Elk Avenue (970) 349–6866

2015 CRESTED BUTTE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

Featured Art & Music at THE GRAND TASTING Artist Shaun Horne

Artist Ivy Walker

THE CRESTED BUTTE LOCAL ART SHOW A LARGE GALLERY STYLE exhibition of Crested Butte’s best home grown two and three dimensional art will be located at the Big Mine Ice Rink where the Grand Tasting will be held.

GYPSY JAZZ SOCIAL CLUB BUILT FROM GUITARIST LES CHOY’S DESIRE to create a string-band based jazz ensemble, Gypsy Jazz Social Club draws from a roster of versatile musicians inhabiting Colorado’s western slope. Gypsy Jazz is the accepted moniker for a genre of music that was all but single-handedly developed by Django Reinhardt, a visionary gypsy guitar player of Belgian descent who successfully integrated American jazz, traditional gypsy melodies, popular tunes from the 1920’s to modern times, and a respectable selection of original compositions. Mysterious yet strangely familiar, semi-obscure but always swinging, this unique form of music and Gypsy Jazz Social Club are a perfect match.

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New Building EXPANSION UPDATE

Photo by Nathan Bilow

THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS CONTINUES TO GROW with each passing year. In 2014 over 41,000 art lovers of all disciplines were served by The Center — attending concerts, dance and visual arts classes, film showings, wine seminars and culinary events. That’s a 26% increase from the previous year. The Crested Butte Dance Collective tripled their class offerings. Numbers of attendees to Art Studio classes and Crested Butte Film Festival events doubled in each realm. The Crested Butte Wine & Food Festival continues to grow, adding over 150 wine enthusiasts to its roster last year. The Center’s facilities must also grow to meet the demand on the arts services being provided. A plan is under way to remove the current 8,000 square foot Center for the Arts building to be replaced with a new building occupying 38,000 square feet. The goal is to break ground on a new building in May 2016 and to open the doors of a new Center in summer 2017. The Center for the Arts is the cultural hub of Crested Butte, the place where our community comes together. Please join us in making this building a reality for our neighbors, families, friends and visitors. To find out more or to contribute contact Executive Director Jenny Birnie at (970) 349–7487, ext. 2 or jenny@crestedbuttearts.org.

2015 CRESTED BUTTE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

KEY FEATURES OF THE NEW FACILITY THEATRE IMPROVEMENTS Keep up with the technology of the times and make the experience even better. • The 300 seat, ADA compliant theater maintains The Center’s renowned intimate experience while extra seats allow for bigger acts and lower price points • Express yourself! Auditorium floor with removable chairs allows for greater freestyle dancing capabilities at concerts while a balcony offers seating for those who desire • State-of-the-art lighting, sound and visual equipment • The entire building will be energy efficient HVAC and LEED certified

REHEARSAL SPACE Rehearsals occupy 63% of the current Center, with fewer other options in the community. One of the major features of the new building is substantial additional rehearsal space to accommodate this need. • Three dedicated dance studios for the Crested Butte School of Dance and the Crested Butte Dance Collective • A music rehearsal room for use by the Crested Butte Community School for instruction and lessons

MAINTAINING COMMUNITY Providing a space for meetings, classes and other gatherings is a crucial role The Center plays and a proven need in the community. Additionally, it is important to remember that a community includes children, and provide opportunities for them as well. • Several multipurpose community spaces • 3,500 square feet for the Trailhead Children’s Museum with outdoor music garden

VISUAL ARTS While the theatre of The Center sets the stage for performances, it is in the Art Studio classes and Piper Gallery where students and budding artists can pursue their own creative explorations. • Three times the space for Visual Arts programs and a Clay Studio which have seen a doubling in attendance in one year • Enlarged Piper Gallery on the ground floor with improved natural light and outdoor patio access

CULINARY & VINTNER ARTS The Crested Butte Wine & Food Festival and Tour de Forks events prove a desire to delve into the creative world of food and wine. • A catering kitchen for large events, Piper Gallery receptions and culinary demonstrations and classes

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CHEERS TO CELEBRATING LIFEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ADVENTURES! Mountain Spirits Liquors specializes in small batch fine wines to fit any budget, delectably crafted spirits and the finest beers from around the world. Thank you for supporting our business and our family.

WE APPRECIATE YOU! 220 ELK AVENUE 970.349.5401 www.mountainspiritsliquors.com

2015 CRESTED BUTTE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

Truly homemade ice cream made from scratch, in small batches, right here in Crested Butte! • • • •

Traditional & innovative flavors Non-dairy ice creams & sorbets Hormone-free milk & cream Local & organic ingredients

349–2888

Open 11 A.M. to 10 P.M. Daily 403 4th Street • Crested Butte, Colorado

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Simple & Creative Gourmet Fare Breakfast Salads & Sandwiches Homemade Soups Supper 214 Elk Avenue Downtown Crested Butte Across From The Post Office (970) 349–6866

Great Italian Food Great Service Great WINE list 411 3rd Street 1/2 Block Off Elk Avenue (970) 349–7401 34

2015 CRESTED BUTTE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

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130 elk avenue • crested butte, colorado 970.349.5118

311 ELK AVE CRESTED BUTTE 970.349.0116 38

2015 CRESTED BUTTE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL