Donelan Winery to Donate 10% of Sales to United Against Sexual Assault of Sonoma County
Santa Rosa, CA (PRWEB) October 6, 2010
One doesnt usually think of fine winery owners donating part of their sales to abuse crisis centers, but that is exactly what Joe Donelan, owner of Donelan Family Wines, has just announced he will do. For the next two months, 10% of his wine sales will benefit United Against Sexual Assault of Sonoma County (UASA), a non-profit organization based in Santa Rosa, California.
In 2000, Joe Donelan founded Pax Wine Cellars, recently renamed Donelan Family Wines. This boutique winery focuses on Syrah and other Rh
Sun, Sand and All That Jazz
Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla (Vocus) October 14, 2010
Five-star CuisinArt Resort & Spa will once again host Anguillas celebrated annual Tranquility Jazz Festival, November 11 14, 2010. In celebration, CuisinArt will offer a special Jazz Package that includes spa treatments, beachfront accommodations, and daily live jazz performances, plus the opportunity to experience the finest in Caribbean golf. Rates start at $ 2,025 and are based on double occupancy.
CuisinArt Resort & Spa Jazz Package is good for travel November 11-15, 2010 and includes the following:
Five days, four nights beachfront accommodations for two
Two 50-minute spa treatments at the newly renovated Venus Spa
Full breakfast served daily in Caf
Living the Suite Life at The Leading Hotels of the World
New York, NY (Vocus) November 3, 2010
Iconic views, one-of-a-kind accommodation eloquently embodying a destination, unusual services to pamper the jaded road warrior. Among The Leading Hotels of the World, there are suites to make even the most sophisticated travelers dream. Whether they have been the settings for historic events or are the ideal venue for writing futures history, these suites are meant to be experienced and enjoyed at least once in a lifetime. What follows is just a tantalizing sample of the dozens of super suites at Leading Hotels.
Ritz Paris, Paris, France
The Imperial Suite, the most expensive at Ritz Paris, has been restored in the grand tradition of French decorative arts, and comprises four immense rooms with six-meter high ceilings, bas reliefs and paneling that have been classed as Historic Monuments, and is highlighted with marble fireplaces, huge mirrors in carved gilded frames, and monumental sculpted doors. One room is the replica of Marie Antoinettes bedroom in Versailles. Her portrait decorates the wall, and a reproduction of her baldaquin bed, topped by a canopy of gilded wood, dominates the room. A PoggenPohl Porsche Design kitchen has been installed in the dining room, and there is also a small personal wine cellar filled with a selection of the finest French wines. Perhaps Hemingway summed it up best: When I dream of afterlife in heaven, the action always takes place at the Ritz, Paris. Rates from EUR 11,000 per night.
Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, Baden-Baden, Germany
Echoes of the past breathe at Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden in the Brenners Parkvilla where its Royal Penthouse Suite is located and where significant chapters in the annals of German-French history were written. This was where Charles de Gaulle and Konrad Adenauer met in 1962 to hold preliminary talks leading up to the Franco-German Treaty of Friendship a milestone on the way to a united Europe. On the second story of the villa, the Royal Penthouse Suite is a contemporary version of the traditional presidential suite, with a separate entrance, bulletproof windows and other safety characteristics, making it the ideal refuge for prominent people and heads of state. Additionally, it has a separate room with private cinema with a large-format screen. Rates from EUR 2000 per night.
Hotel Okura Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Holland
Hotel Okura Amsterdam invested EUR 2.3 million to create The Suite the largest one in the Benelux countries. The London architectural firm of RPW was entrusted with the design and execution of The Suite, which occupies the 17th and 18th floors of the hotel. The almost 360-degree view of Amsterdam, the picture windows and the natural daylight form a beautiful backdrop to the architects creativity. Its central reception area features a dramatic fiber-optic chandelier, which cascaded through the space over the dining area below. A glass stairway with LED lighting leads up to the two bedrooms on the 18th floor. There is also a room with fitness equipment, so guests can exercise at their leisure without leaving the suite, and a private cinema seating up to 14, perfect for exclusive presentations. Guests can enjoy dinner in The Suite prepared by two of the hotels Michelin-starred chefs, and are accorded limousine service from and to Schiphol Airport. Rates from EUR 1050 per night.
The Ritz London, London, England, UK
The Royal Suite is located in the hotels William Kent House, the Grade II listed mansion house acquired by The Ritz in 2006. Completely restored to its 18th-century glory, and offering views of Green Park from all its rooms, the split-level suite includes a stylish salon and a magnificent dining room with seating for up to 10 people on the first floor. The boudoir-style bedroom is reached by hidden staircase from the main drawing room. Dominated by a canopied bed and a spectacularly patterned carpet, the oval shaped room has two en-suite dressing rooms. Guests of the Royal Suite are accorded 24-hour butler service, as well as chauffeured airport pick-up, and complimentary refreshments including full bar, replenished daily; afternoon tea; and champagne and canap
Wine Guardian Through-the-Wall Quietest and Most Energy Efficient Wine Cellar Cooling System — Data Confirmed in Independent Lab Testing Conducted by Clarkson University
Syracuse, NY (PRWEB) December 1, 2010
Connoisseurs of fine wine store and age their collections according to special requirements that are not satisfied by a typical room air conditioner. So they turn to specialty cooling equipment provided by some manufacturers to control the internal environments of their wine cellars and storage rooms. Consumers can select from a variety of designs.
The newest in climate control solutions for wine storage is Wine Guardian’s Through-the-Wall(TTW) model, a compact and lightweight wine cooling system that has been specifically designed to fit into the same sized wall dimensions as competitive equipment, according to Wine Guardian Division Manager Michael Militi. In addition to its small footprint, which is an important consideration when building or retrofitting wine cellars, the system is available in two capacities to handle various cellar sizes and applications, Wine Guardian TTW009 and TTW018.
The patent pending Wine Guardian Through-the-Wall sets itself apart from other wine cooling equipment by being the quietest and most energy efficient through-wall system available in North America. These findings are based on research conducted by the Center for Atmospheric Research in Sciences and Engineering (CARES) at Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY in the spring and summer of 2010.
“The CARES report illustrates the technical differences between units of approximately the same capacity, which is what the customers will want to know before deciding on the cooling system most appropriate for their wine collection,” explained Mike Militi. “Sound levels are important to customers whose wine cooling equipment is located in a space adjacent to living areas,” Militi explained. “The Wine Guardian TTW units tested were approximately 50% quieter than the closest competitive unit tested.” Energy consumption during peak cooling, expressed in btu/hr/watts, also was measured. “Findings confirmed that both WG models, TTW009 and TTW018, have the best cooling capacities per unit energy consumed. In fact, WG Through-the-Wall systems use almost 50% less energy compared to competitive brands of comparable size,” Militi said.
CARES methodology included testing five different wine cooling units in a simulated wine room that closely mimicked typical cellar temperature and humidity conditions. The variables that were examined included: sound levels inside and outside the test room; air flow on both sides of each unit; electrical energy consumed; and, cooling capacity for each unit. The tested units included two Wine Guardian units, manufactured by Air Innovations (models TTW018 and TTW009), two WhisperKOOL units, manufactured by Vinotheque (models 4200 and 8000), and one Breezaire unit, manufactured by Breezaire Products Company (model 4000). The research was commissioned by Air Innovations.
Militi suggested contacting an authorized WG distributor for more information on how to correctly size and select the most appropriate climate control system for your particular wine cellar. “A variety of factors must be considered,” he noted, “including the size of the space to be cooled, whether or not it’s for residential or commercial use, the type of wall and ceiling construction and insulation values.”
The WG Through-the-Wall system features an electronic thermostat and humidistat to monitor cellar temperature and humidity. To enhance design appeal, the system boasts a contemporary design with streamlined airflow louvers and a black and stainless steel faceplate incorporating the digital display. Wine Guardian TTW is the only wine cellar cooling system that can control the relative humidity in a cellar with the addition of an optional humidifier. The TTW control system monitors, displays and controls the humidifier to control to the customer-selected set point. Wine Guardian TTW can easily be mounted flush with the cellar wall or racking, and includes Wine Guardian’s new EasyMount one-piece wall sleeve and support frame. Wine Guardian is manufactured with corrosion-resistant, commercial-grade components and is certified to Underwriters Laboratories standards.
Details regarding CARES testing methodology and assessment of wine cooling units is available at wineguardian.com/News. For more information or to contact an authorized Wine Guardian distributor visit http://www.WineGuardian.com or call 800-825-3268.
Livermore Wineries, Wente Vineyards, Murrietas Well and Tamas Estates, Latest to Join VinoVisit and Accept Online Reservations.
Napa, CA (PRWEB) December 8, 2010
VinoVisit.com today announced the addition of two three more wineries to its online reservation site: Wente Vineyards, Tam
Introducing Aged Gin by Cognac Ferrand: Citadelle Reserve Vintage 2010 — The Only Craft Distilled, Vintage Dated Aged Gin
New York, NY (PRWEB) December 8, 2010
Alexandre Gabriel, owner and president of Cognac Ferrand, recognized as the birthplace of the artisanal spirits movement, is proud to announce the introduction of Citadelle Gin Reserve Vintage 2010, the third vintage aged gin from the company that produces award winning craft distilled spirits in Cognac, France. While this is the third year that Citadelle Gin Reserve has been created, this is the first time that the cellar master has created a gin with a specific combination of botanicals intentionally designed for oak aging.
Aging is a tried and true method of bringing out the best in a spirit, but its virtually unheard of in the world of gin. Citadelle Gin Reserve was born from Alexandre Gabriel’s thirst for knowledge about the true origins of gin – when gin was stored and transported in wood, not glass or plastic or stainless steel. Interestingly, back in 1775 two men by the names of Carpeau and Stival founded a French genievre distillery in Dunkirk in an old citadel (and where todays Citadelle recipe and name comes from). Gabriels research has unearthed documents from that time which shows that most of the distillerys genievre production was being smuggled from France to England at night in small oak barrels and the smuggling was legally approved by the French King Louis XVI! They were transporting gin under Royal Warrant into England mon dieu!
While the 2008 and 2009 vintages of Citadelle Gin Reserve were created from Gabriel’s signature Citadelle Gin – distilled in a pot still and infused with 19 botanicals – for the 2010 vintage aged gin, Gabriel and cellar master Frederic Gilbert decided to engineer the perfect ‘aging’ gin.
“Six generations of expertise at Cognac Ferrand in aging spirits helped us know exactly which aromatics would work best in oak casks,” says Cognac Ferrand cellar master Frederic Gilbert. “By testing the aging properties of different botanicals, we were able to construct the perfect Citadelle suited for oak cask aging.”
Gabriel and Gilbert decided to develop more flower and spices notes so during the distillation of the special Citadelle Gin, they emphasized notes of violet and iris for the flower aromatics, and grains of paradise for spice. They believed that the emphasis on these botanicals would create a gin with a perfect roundness, harmony and elegance. The gin was aged for 6 months in used 12-year old oak casks that had a light char. The result is a sublime gin, built on Cognac Ferrands years of experience in cask aging. Citadelle Gin Reserve Vintage 2010 is truly special and its quantity is truly limited. Only 11,250 numbered bottles will be produced for the entire world. SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE – $ 40.00, 750ml bottle (44% ABV).
TASTING NOTES from Cellar Master Frederic Gilbert:
COLOR – pale gold
NOSE – delicate floral notes revealed by the addition of violet and iris; spicy notes from grains of paradise
FLAVOR – flowers, cinnamon with a hint of wood; retains the aromatic palette and the crisp vividness of Citadelle Gin that is enriched with a soft fullness; the fresh and spicy aroma of juniper, citrus and star anise are still very present in the scent as well as the taste
FINISH – shows a unique depth and finish that only cask aging can provide
COCKTAIL RECIPE: The Aramis Martini
Strega
Citadelle Gin Reserve
Pierre Ferrand Cognac Reserve
Orange Zest
Wash the glass with Strega (to accentuate herbaceous nature of C Reserve). Stir Citadelle Reserve over ice and double strain into martini glass. Mist the glass with Pierre Ferrand Reserve Cognac. Garnish with thick twist of orange zest.
A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
The first aged Citadelle Gin Reserve was born in 2008, when Gabriel and Gilbert began to experiment with aging techniques just to see what would happen – and if the end result would be drinkable. They placed their Citadelle Gin in used oak casks that had a strong char for six months. The result was a very rounded gin with notes of wood and touches of vanilla. It was so good they decided to bottle and sell it in extremely small quantities. It was sold out in one week so they decided to do it again. In 2009, they wanted less wood flavor and more of the finesse that aging in wood can provide, so they placed Citadelle Gin in oak casks that had a medium char for five months. This produced a gin with subtle flavors of vanilla, flowers and cinnamon and a delicate finish. A mere 8,000 bottles were released for the whole world but it made quite a splash – F. Paul Pacult named the 2009 Vintage one of the “TOP 50 Spirits of the Year” in Wine Enthusiast magazine.
Alexandre Gabriels focus and philosophy are simple to produce special, unique spirits gems so distinctive and revolutionary that they set the bar for all others that come after them. Mr. Gabriel has done this with his award-winning portfolio of Pierre Ferrand Cognac, Citadelle Gin, Mathilde Liqueurs, Plantation Rums and now, the exceptional Citadelle Gin Reserve Vintage 2010. Citadelle Gin is available in the United States, Europe (France, U.K., Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany, Netherlands and Eastern Europe), Asia (Japan, Malaysia, Thailand) and Canada. It is the ONLY GIN in the world distilled in small cognac pot stills over a naked flame (not steam distillation). Citadelle Gin and Citadelle Gin Reserve are imported to the U.S. by W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Ltd.
For more information, visit http://www.citadellegin.com.
FOLLOW CITADELLE GIN ON FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/CitadelleGin
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Air Innovations Named Economic Champion
Syracuse, NY (PRWEB) December 12, 2010
Air Innovations, Inc. (AI) was recognized in October as an “Economic Champion,” by the CenterState CEO, a business leadership and economic development organization that serves 12 counties in Upstate New York. AI was acknowledged for contributing to the region’s growth by adding employees, increasing capital expenditures and receiving state and national recognition.
According to AI President and CEO Michael Wetzel, P.E., Air Innovations increased employment 10% in the past two years and posted a 51% increase in revenues during the past three years. “This year, the company made significant investments in staff development, production equipment and test cell laboratories to accommodate higher volume orders for larger environmental control systems,” Wetzel said.
New Ventilating Room Air Purifer Uses “Clean and Green” Approach to Reduce Indoor Air Pollutants that can Trigger Respiratory Problems
Syracuse, NY (PRWEB) January 15, 2011
The first and only patented indoor air quality product in America that is dedicated to improving the health of occupants by using fresh, outside air is now available. Designed and manufactured by Air Innovations, the HEPAiRx
PowerShell.com Introduces New Webcast Series
Houston, TX (Vocus/PRWEB) January 26, 2011
PowerShell.com, the online resource for Windows PowerShell users to communicate, collaborate and learn about the platform, today launched the new PowerHour webcast series featuring popular PowerShell experts from around the world. The first webcast in the series How to Format in PowerShell will air today at 12 p.m. CT and will be led by Thomas Lee, a veteran PowerShell MVP who has been involved in the PowerShell community since the very beginning.
Lee will examine how to format output using PowerShell. The 250-level talk first looks at default formatting and using Format-Table, Format-List and Format-Wide. Lee will also discuss .NET Composite formatting strings and PowerShell’s -F operator that enable users to format individual values into output strings. Attendees will learn how to use hash tables with Format-Table and Format-List to provide more control. The webcast finishes with a look at additional output mechanisms, including out-gridview.
The next webcast in the series will be hosted by PowerShell.com founder and PowerShell MVP, Dr. Tobias Weltner, on March 2, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. CST. This webcast will take viewers on a tour of PowerShell, demonstrating techniques, tips and tricks that enable prospective users to quickly become proficient.
Celebrate Valentines Day on the Madera Wine Trail with the Wine and Chocolate Weekend
Madera, California (Vocus/PRWEB) January 27, 2011
The Madera Vintners Association’s family wineries are proud to present the Madera Wine Trail’s “Wine and Chocolate Weekend” on February 12 and 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved one and friends as you taste the award-winning wines of the Madera Wine Trail!
Madera’s warm climate and geographical features gives our winemakers the ability to craft wines that offer distinct flavors of unique varietals. Wine Trail visitors will have the opportunity to taste a variety of aperitif, table and dessert wines that are sure to satisfy any palate! There will be indulgent chocolates and truffles, food, local art and live music along the trail, providing the perfect setting for Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Give Wine! Are there wine enthusiasts amongst your family and circle of friends? Then, share the gift of Madera wines. Say ‘I love you’ with the gift of wine and pick out just the right varietal for that special person.
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