Making the Rounds, Savoring the Season by Helen Benefield Billings

MAKING the ROUNDS With Helen Benefield Billings

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The holiday season is upon us!! Spending precious time and making memories with special friends, family and co-workers is hopefully on everyone’s “to do” list, especially this year. When a previously postponed Jimmy Buffett concert was confirmed for December 7th in Jacksonville, Florida, we decided to hit the road for a quick adventure to kick up our heels a bit

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville

with fun friends. On the agenda: an overnight at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, cocktails and appetizers at Bar 12-21 at Morton’s The Steakhouse, which is conveniently located at the hotel, followed by an exhilarating pedicab ride over to VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for the long-awaited Buffett gig, Life On The Flip Side. The Hyatt Regency Jacksonville has been recently renovated and offers glorious views of the St. Johns River with beautifully appointed, modern rooms. First impressions are always important, and we received a warm and hospitable welcome that included a complimentary margarita. The hotel was completely decked out for the holidays and for the hordes of Buffett fans, all checking in seemingly at the same time. Morton’s offers an awesome mixology menu that includes a memorable array of custom cocktails, martinis and, of course, Champagne and wines. The ambiance and vibe at Bar 12-21 were upscale cozy and

refined in the main bar area and enclosed adjacent patio. The featured holiday cocktail, aptly named the Sparkling Holly, is available through New Year’s Eve and is a tasty showstopper. Bright and bubbly, it is served in a sexy coupe glass with a creative berry garnish. Post-concert libations and snacks were enjoyed back at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville’s Tavern Bar, which recently reopened featuring an all new menu that focuses on handcrafted cocktails and delicious food options, including flatbread pizzas, burgers and wings.

BAR 12 21 at Morton’s Steakhouse

Sparkling Holly

— a blend of Combier Crème De Cassis and cranberry syrup, topped with Decoy Brut Cuvée Sparkling Wine.

Since Caymus Vineyards was founded in 1972, our family has worked with the soils and climate of Napa Valley to develop techniques for farming grapes and producing fi ne wines. We are now applying these techniques to making a range of varietals from other parts of California and beyond, where conditions exist to create exceptional wines with a signature style. —Chuck Wagner

Emmolo Merlot Napa Valley

Winemaker Jenny Wagner sources grapes from vineyards in Napa Valley with light gravelly soil and ideal conditions that enable longer “hang time” to produce rich, dark and lush Merlot.

Red Schooner Malbec Argentina

Born from a bold idea and overseen by Charlie Wagner, this Malbec is produced from grapes grown in the Andes Mountains of Argentina and shipped chilled to Caymus. The family’s proven winemaking practices create a style that is dense, dark and supple.

Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif Suisun Valley

Separated from Napa Valley only by an invisible county line, Suisun (“su-soon”) Valley is a “hidden gem” with a similar maritime climate. Its richer soils are conducive to producing Durif, synonymous with Petite Sirah. Chuck Wagner added “Grand” to the name for its grand style and luxurious softness.

Mer Soleil Reserve Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

Morning fog, followed by bright sun and wild, cooling wind are the hallmarks of the Santa Lucia Highlands on California’s central coast—ideal conditions for Pinot Noir. An extended growing season allows winemaker Charlie Wagner to create a wine with intense fl avors and layered complexity.

MADE BY THE WAGNER FAMILY