TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Forks & Corks University
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Educational, inspiring and delicious—these interactive seminars are led by recognized wine experts from around the world.
(Sarasota, Florida) The Sarasota-Manatee Originals’ (SMO) eighth annual Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival features Forks & Corks University, Saturday, January 24, 2015, as part of the four-day event, which runs January 23-26, 2015. Foodies and oenophiles will converge at Michael’s On East Ballroom and Wine Cellar, 1212 East Ave. S., Sarasota, to taste and learn about rare and inspired wines during seminars led by a panel of celebrated winemakers.
“Forks & Corks University is an extremely popular part of the festival,” says Kate Atkin, executive director of The Sarasota-Manatee Originals. “Guests are not just passively consuming—they’re also absorbing the expertise of world-renowned wine experts.” She adds that each session includes a gourmet, four-course luncheon with wine pairings. Atkin urges people to purchase their tickets soon as tickets are going quickly. To learn more about the event and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.dineoriginal.com/the-festival/forks-corks-university-festival, or call 941-365-2800.
Forks & Corks University Schedule:
Full-Day Seminar
Morning Session: “You Had Me at Pinot”
Saturday, January 24, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Michael’s on East § $95 (+ service charges; ticket price includes four-course gourmet luncheon with wine pairings)
Pinot noir is so popular it’s become ubiquitous. What makes a world-class pinot noir? Leading wine experts from California and Oregon will show you what qualities make this high-maintenance grape great.
Featured panelists:
- Bill Batchelor, Martin Ray Vineyards
- Mary Joli, Willamette Valley Vineyards
- Chris Kajani, Saintsbury
- Dan Karlsen, Talbott Vineyards
- Matt Murphy, Presqu’ile Vineyards
Afternoon Session: “Amore Vino Italiano!”
Ready to get to know Italian wines? These renowned winemakers from Italy take you on an up-close–and delicious–tour of the different varietals and regions.
Featured panelists:
- Marco Fizaletti, Castello di Querceto
- Alberto di Gresy, Marchesi di Gresy
- Vittorio Marianecci, Zenato
- Guido Oralesi, Altesino
- Valentino Sciotti, Farnese Vini
Half-Day Seminar
“Kings (and Queen) of Cab”
Saturday, January 24, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Michael’s on East § $60 (+ service charges; ticket price includes four-course gourmet luncheon with wine pairings)
Cabernet Sauvignon is big, bold and beautiful! This session, led by some of California’s leading cabernet producers, will take your love for this wine to whole new levels!
Featured panelists:
- Anthony Bell, Bell Wine Cellars
- Michael Deloach, Hook & Ladder Winery
- John Emmerich, Silverado Vineyards
- Tom Gamble, Gamble Family Vineyards
- Diana Schweiger, Schweiger Vineyards
- Harry Wetzel IV, Alexander Valley Vineyards
For more information about the eighth annual Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival, visit www.dineoriginal.com/forksandcorks, or call 941-365-2800. For more information about The Sarasota-Manatee Originals, visit www.dineoriginal.com.
About the Sarasota-Manatee Originals
The Sarasota-Manatee Originals is a not-for-profit trade organization founded in 2003. Together, more than 50 locally-owned, independent restaurants throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties work collaboratively to celebrate and promote the creative cuisine of the region, from unique quick service eateries and waterfront family restaurants to award-winning fine dining establishments. Passionate member restaurateurs work together to produce community events, optimize cooperative marketing efforts and develop synergistic partnerships among members as they focus on preserving the culinary heritage of the region. With more Florida Trend and Zagat top-scoring restaurants within a 20-mile radius of downtown Sarasota than any other area in the Florida, the Sarasota-Manatee Originals is dedicated to sharing the area’s vibrant culinary scene with the world. For more information, call 941-365-2800 or visit www.dineoriginal.com.
