Boston Wine Festival

More than 23 years ago, when Chef Daniel Bruce was one of the country’s most promising young culinary talents, he was lured into the kitchens of Boston’s landmark waterfront hotel, the five star Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf. Almost immediately upon taking the reins, his passion for pairing the flavors in food and wine launched the hotel’s most successful ongoing event, the Boston Wine Festival.  More than twenty-two seasons later, the Festival has evolved into a world renowned series featuring winemakers from some of the world’s best wineries. Through 2 decades of developing the Festival, Daniel has created more than three thousand original dishes, each one designed to perfectly complement the special wine with which it was served.

Daniel has earned the Boston Harbor Hotel a reputation for excellence in its culinary offerings.  Meritage, one of Boston’s few Forbes four star restaurants, is the manifestation of Daniel’s passion for food and wine pairing, a bold restaurant with an innovative menu designed to marry culinary flavors to wine flavors. His latest endeavor, the waterfront Rowes Wharf Sea Grille, celebrates the sea through its breathtaking setting, nautically-influenced design, and menu which reflects the best of the local catch—the freshest seafood prepared in a minimalist yet artful way.

While always focused on the Boston Harbor Hotel, Daniel still has found time to lend his expertise elsewhere and expand his beloved Festival and Meritage to other cities.  In March 2011, the Maison Dupuy Hotel in New Orleans celebrated its 5th season of the French Quarter Wine Festival.  In 2010 Daniel brought the Festival to 2 new cities, Washington D.C. and Berkeley,CA.  The Capital Wine Festival launched at The Fairfax at Embassy Row, and the Claremont Hotel Club & Spa welcomed the Berkeley Wine Festival.  The Festival’s growth and success have also generated new culinary endeavors in the host hotels.  Two years ago Daniel worked on the opening of two new Meritage restaurants, one at the Maison Dupuy and the other at the Claremont. Inspired by Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel, these new restaurants similarly celebrate food and wine pairings.

Born and raised in northern New England, Daniel Bruce graduated with honors from Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, and then traveled to Italy and France for more traditional training. Upon his return to the United States, he began working in New York City at 21, becoming in quick time the youngest executive chef in the history of that legendary restaurant.  Daniel’s dream, however, was to return home to New England and find a place where he could fully develop the many dimensions of his talent and culinary interests.  Now in his 3rd decade at the Boston Harbor Hotel, Daniel has never allowed his time at the hotel to become routine, always finding creative ways to broaden the culinary experience of his restaurants’ patrons and guests of the hotel.  Internationally-renowned, Daniel Bruce has been awarded the title of Vice Consellier Culiniaire, Bailliage de Boston, and he has been honored twice as one of the “Best Hotel Chefs in America” at the James Beard House. In 2009 Daniel was the featured chef at the Celebrity Chefand Winemaker Auction Dinner at the Nantucket Wine Festival, as tribute to two decades of dedication to wine and food education. Additionally, Daniel is an honorary member of Chevalier du Tastevin and has been recognized by Boston magazine as the city’s Best Hotel Chef. Daniel has made numerous live television appearances on national programs such as NBC’s Today and Live with Regis and Kelly. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, Johnson & Wales University in 1996.

May 2013

• Albino Rocca Azienda Agricola

  This family owned winery was founded in 1960. Their commitment for the maximum expression and purity has elevated them to one of the well known wineries in Piedmont, where they produce Barbaresco, Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto, along with a selection of chardonnay. Granddaughter Daniela Rocca will present the wide range of these hand crafted wines.

  http://www.albinorocca.com/

• Altesino S.p.A. – Società Agricola

  Located to the northeast of the small hilltop town of Montalcino, this winery has been a trendsetter for the past thirty years in the production of Brunello di Montalcino, including the concept of cru, which was used for the first time in the Montesoli vineyard on the property. Join assistant winemaker Guido Orzalesi as he discusses the nuances of these famous wines paired with the Tuscan inspired cuisine of Chef Bruce.

  http://www.altesino.it/ita/azienda.php

• Amapola Creek Vineyards & Winery

  The legendary Richard Arrowood whose eponymous Sonoma winery produced decades of great wine now owns Amapola Creek in the western Mayacamas Mountains. His estate grown zinfandels and cabernets have received rave reviews for their full body and distinctive characteristics. This is a dinner not to be missed.

  http://www.amapolacreek.com/

• Cakebread Cellars

  Owner Dennis Cakebread returns to host this dinner featuring a variety of their sauvignon blanc, merlot and reserve wines from Napa Valley. Cakebread Cellars celebrates their 40th Anniversary year and continues their dedication to making the highest quality wines. Tonight, Chef Bruce prepares a meal to compliment these food friendly bottles.

  http://www.cakebread.com/

• Center of Effort

  Bill Swanson, owner of Center of Effort, and Nathan Carlson, General Manager and winemaker, will showcase their artisan pinot noir.

  http://www.centerofeffortwine.com/

• Châteauneuf-du- Pape

  Ambassador Alain Junguenet and his son John present an evening featuring one of the greatest wine regions of the world in terms of value, the wines of Châteauneuf-du- Pape. This is an exclusive collection of hand-picked, small family-owned estates and is a unique opportunity to meet many of these winemakers. Chef Bruce will create a meal influenced by the culture and heritage of this special region.

  http://www.chateauneuf.com/english/

• Chimney Rock Winery

  Chimney Rock was established in 1980 in the Stags Leap District in Napa Valley, the smallest but arguably the best Napa Valley appellation. The wines are created with the goal of competing against the best of Bordeaux. Acclaimed winemaker Elizabeth Vianna joins us to discuss the history and future of this extraordinary winery.

  http://www.chimneyrock.com/

• Cliff Lede Vineyards

  Cliff Lede Vineyards is relatively a newcomer in the Napa Valley winemaking circuit, having released its first wine in 2002. The vineyards are planted with cabernet sauvignon, malbec, cabernet franc, merlot and petit verdot, the basis of their Bordeaux style wines. Jack Bittner will present a seminar featuring Poetry, their meritage blend. Dinner will follow with a wide range of the winery’s offerings. This is a special evening for Chef Bruce, as he created a meal in their vineyards for the Napa Valley Wine Auction.

  http://www.cliffledevineyards.com/

• Cuvaison Estate Wines

  Cuvaison Winery is situated on the Silverado Trail in Northern Napa Valley with the vineyards spanning the Carneros, Mount Veeder, and Napa Valley regions. Though chardonnay is Cuvaison’s most dominant wine with regard to production, the Carneros, Merlot, pinot noir, and Brandlin Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon have all received numerous accolades. Steve Rogstad joins us for a lively evening filled with amazing wine and food.

  http://www.cuvaison.com/

• DeLille Cellars

  DeLille Cellars, founded in 1992, is a small, independently owned family winery located in Woodinville, WA. The gregarious owner Jay Soloff hosts this evening. See how the winery has achieved its goal of making the very best handcrafted, old-world style of red and white wine made in the state of Washington. Savor DeLille Cellars’ Bordeaux style-wines, and indulge in the evenings pairings.

  http://www.delillecellars.com/

• Diamond Creek Vineyards

  Founded in 1968, Diamond Creek is California's first exclusively Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Vineyard. Visionary pioneer Al Brounstein defied modern conventions and planted Bordeaux varietals on secluded Diamond Mountain. The three vineyards produce a small amount of long-lived wines that are elegant with great depth and richness. Son Phil Ross will discuss the differences imparted to the wine by the distinct soils and micro-climates of Diamond Creek Vineyards.

  http://www.diamondcreekvineyards.com/home.html

• Domaine Du Vieux Lazaret

  Jerome Quiot’s family has been working the vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape for over 250 years. His family also owns Chateau du Trignon in Gigondas. This evening will begin with a seminar of his top wine Cuvee Exceptionelle followed by a dinner with Viognier, Southern Rhone Blends and finishing with their dessert wine Muscat de Venice.

  http://www.famillequiot.com/domaines.php?idDom=2&langue=en

• Domenico Clerico Winery

  Domenico is known as one of the ‘New Generation’ of Piedmont producers and as one of the most respected names in the region. One of his vineyards, which produces nebbiolo, stands on one of the highest points in Monforte. They produce wines from their incredible four vineyard holdings representing some of the greatest crus of the region. Luciano Racca presents the full range of wines, along with their pride and joy - Percristina Barolo.

  http://www.domenicoclerico.it/page/eng/vigneti.asp

• Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery

  For years, Ferrari-Carano has been producing excellent wines from vineyards throughout Sonoma. Recently, it expanded its red wine production to Alexander Valley. Rhonda Carano will navigate through their full portfolio of wines, including their Mountain and Vineyard Ranches wine.

  http://www.ferrari-carano.com/
• 
  Frog’s Leap Winery

  Founder John Williams, a Wine Festival perennial favorite, reaches deep into his cellar -as well as his pasture- to display the full scope of the Frog’s Leap philosophy and organic approach. The winery’s primary focus is sustainable farming and understanding and appreciating the soil, which is apparent in their merlots, sauvignon blancs, cabernet sauvignons and legendary zinfandels.

  http://www.frogsleap.com/flash/intro.html

• Hanzell Vineyards

  From high in the Sonoma Mountains, Hanzell produces handcrafted limited production Burgundian style chardonnays and pinot noirs. Winemaker Michael McNeil will share with you the Hanzell Family philosophy and approach to creating Burgundian style wines in California. A fabulous meal by Chef Bruce will follow paired with these hallmark wines.

  http://www.hanzell.com/

• Hedges Family Estate

  Founded by Tom Hedges in 1986, Hedges Family Estate has focused on cabernet sauvignon, syrah, and merlot blends in the French winemaking style. Join Christophe Hedges as he presents these blends and his port style dessert wine from Red Mountain AVA in Washington State, the site of this family owned and run winery.

  http://www.hedgesfamilyestate.com/

• Joseph Phelps Vineyards

  Joseph Phelps Vineyards, an independent, estate-based winery located outside St. Helena, celebrates their 40th harvest this year. Damian Parker, Director of Wines, returns to the festival for a special seminar featuring four wines from four decades. This will be followed by a four course dinner with a full range of wines including his Backus Cabernet and Insignia.

  http://www.jpvwines.com/

• Martinelli Winery

  Martinelli is a family owned winery in Sonoma that has been growing grapes since 1887. Their estate grown grapes were so highly sought after that in 1973 the family decided to produce their own wines. Consulting with legendary winemaker Helen Turley, Martinelli Winery has positioned itself as one of the premier wineries in Sonoma. The charismatic Regina Martinelli will return to host this year’s event.

  http://www.martinelliwinery.com/

• Montes

  Founded in 1987 this Chilean winery is focused on producing world class wines including their signature Bordeaux style Alpha M. Montes approach to wine making is to select premier vineyard sites; this coupled with meticulous farming and grapes picked at peak maturity allows for full expression of the varietals.

  http://Monteswines.com

• Opus One Winery

  Considered by many to be America’s first growth, Opus One is a legendary winery whose name is synonymous with perfection and harmony. Join the inimitable France Posener for an exquisite dinner with these popular and highly desirable wines from California. Located in Napa, CA

  http://www.opusonewinery.com/

• Peter Michael Winery

  In 1982, Sir Peter Michael started the winery on the western face of St. Helena in Sonoma Valley, with a commitment to create wines reflective of Old World traditions and New World influences with a focus on terroir. They have since expanded to the Sonoma Coast and produce hand-crafted chardonnays, Bordeaux blends and pinot noirs, in very limited quantities. Winemaker Nicolas Morlet continues the line of world class winemakers, which has been the hallmark of Peter Michael Winery.

  http://www.petermichaelwinery.com/

• Pine Ridge Vineyards

  Pine Ridge, in Napa Valley, has a long reputation for creating elegant, distinct, and expressive wines. Michael Beaulac joined the winery in 2009 as General Manager and Winemaker with impressive experience having participated in 23 Napa harvests. Take this rare opportunity to hear a firsthand account of Pine Ridge’s past and present, and savor its phenomenal lineup of Crimson Creek Merlot, single-vineyard cabernet, and Andrus Reserve in magnum.

  http://www.pineridgevineyards.com/

• Prunotto Winery

  Alfredo Prunotto took over this prestigious property in the Langhe region of Italy in 1923. Today it is run by the famed Tuscan winery Antinori and continues to add to the fame of the wines. Emanuele Baldi hosts this special dinner featuring the wines of Prunotto, including its Moscato D’Asti, Barbaresco, and Barolo.

  http://www.prunotto.it/inglese/home.php
• 
  Quarterly Review of Wines

  One of the world’s most influential wine magazines returns with a selection of wines from its 27th annual California “Best of the Best” issue. Richard Elia and Randy Sheahan will host this unique dinner as Chef Daniel Bruce pairs his cuisine with the Grgich Hills Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection and Kathryn Hall Sacrashé Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as other spectacular selections.

  http://www.qrw.com/

• Quivira Vineyards and Winery

  Winemaker Hugh Chappelle will share his extensive collection of wines from Dry Creek Valley.

  http://www.quivirawine.com/

• Silver Oak Cellars

  Since its founding in 1972, Silver Oak has devoted their efforts towards the pursuit of a single wine with a style all its own, cabernet sauvignon. Winemaker Daniel Baron continues this commitment to excellence and will open with a seminar featuring their Twomey Cellars pinots and merlots. Dinner will follow highlighted by Silver Oak’s Alexander Valley and Napa Valley cabernets.

  http://www.silveroak.com/

• Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery

  This family owned Napa winery founded in 1882 is known for producing classic, elegant refined wines, with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. Beth Novak Milliken, President and CEO, returns after 20 years to host, and will delight you with her green approach to all aspects of wine production. The evening will cap off with a magnum of 1999 cabernet from this iconic estate.

  http://www.spottswoode.com/

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