Cabernet Cookoff In Napa Valley: Come Judge For Yourself

Hall Cabernet Cookoff Notice Come join fellow Cabernet Sauvignon lovers and Foodies as they converge at HALL Wines on Saturday, April 27th for the Fourth Annual HALL Cabernet Cookoff.  Competing chefs from the Napa Valley and Bay Area will craft small bites dishes to pair with the HALL 2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon as they try to raise money for their favorite local charity.  This epicurean event promises a lot of fun, food, and wine and will take place between 11 am and 2 pm at HALL Wines (401 St. Helena Highway South, St. Helena, 707-967-2626). 

The 2010 HALL Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of special lots from their estate vineyards along with fruit from their premiere Napa Valley vineyard partners.  Before tasting the wine, you may discover a bouquet of dark ripe fruit, blackberry pie and hints of espresso on the nose.  When tasted, this wine is opulent with flavors of plum, cherry and jam leading to a velvety finish.  These characteristics should provide interesting options for chefs to use as a basis for their delicious competition entries.

 

Clinic Ole

Clinic Ole, Represented by Oenotri at the Cabernet Cookoff

All tickets proceeds and a portion of wine purchases during the Cabernet Cookoff will be donated to local charities.  So, please go here now to purchase your tickets in advance as this event is sure to sell out.  Tickets are $65 per person or $50 for HALL Wine Club Members.  You can also order tickets by phone at (707) 967-2626.  Last year’s crowd of wine and food lovers were able to raise a record $13,000.

HALL Cabernet Cookoff:  Competitors and Judges

These are the culinary teams for this year’s HALL Cabernet Cookoff and the charities they are competing on behalf of:

Ca’ Momi  – Napa County Animal Shelter, the County’s animal shelter and adoption center, dedicated to teaching responsible pet ownership and the importance of vaccination and licensing of dogs.

Carpe Diem Wine Bar – Napa Humane, the local Human Society and SPCA whose mission is to promote the welfare of companion animals through protection, advocacy, education, and by example.

Culinary Mercenary – Slow Food USA, part of a global, grassroots movement (with members in over 150 countries) which links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment.

Feast Catering – Katie’s Clinic, one of the few places in the US specializing in diagnosis and comprehensive care for girls and young women with Rett Syndrome, a neurological disorder affecting primarily females.

Fumé Bistro & Bar – Grace Academy, a private K-8 Christian school operating as a ministry of Grace Church of Napa Valley.

Kara’s Cupcakes – Save the Bay, the largest regional organization working to protect and restore San Francisco Bay in order to make it cleaner and healthier for people and wildlife.

La Condesa – Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga, local efforts of national organizations trying to provide all young people a safe, positive,and unique place to develop their natural talents, and to inspire them to achieve their full potential.

Market St. Helena – Legal Aid of Napa Valley, which provides free bilingual legal assistance to seniors, immigrants, and low-income residents of Napa County, in addition to occasionally hosting free legal advice clinics.

The Grill at Meadowood  – Community Resources for Children, a nonprofit, community-based organization providing resources for the early care and education of children throughout Napa County.

Napa Valley Biscuits – We Care Animal Rescue, a cage-free sanctuary operating under an unwavering “no-kill” philosophy where animals are able to live out the remainder of their natural lives in a peaceful, serene environment free from judgment or harm.

Oenotri – Clinic Ole, a family of community health care service providers comprised of Community Health Clinic Ole (a Federally Qualified Health Center and the only nonprofit community clinic in the County),  Sister Ann Dental Clinic, Healthy Moms and Babies (a Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program), and Napa Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical Group.

Paula LeDuc Fine Catering – St. Helena Hospital, a part of the Adventist Health network offering compassionate care through an integrated system of hospitals and clinics while promoting  whole-person wellness (balancing physical, mental and spiritual needs).

Restaurant Cuvée – Connolly Ranch, an education center on 12 acres working to connect kids with nature through farm-based environmental education programs.

For 2013, the guest Judges for the HALL Cabernet Cookoff will be Hiro Sone and Lissa Doumani (Terra, Bar Terra and Ame), Brandon Sharp (Solbar), and  Ken Frank (La Toque).

HALL Cabernet Cookoff:  Past Winners and Recipes

At last year’s HALL Cabernet Cookoff, the People’s Choice Winner was Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ for their Baby Back Ribs with HALL Cabernet “Q” Sauce.  The Judges’ Choice Winner was Restaurant Cuvée for a dish of Kobe Beef Belly with Arbuckle Grits, Prune, Parmesan Reggiano, and Ramps.  Second Place in 2012 went to Grapevine Catering (People’s Choice) and Neela’s Contemporary Indian Cuisine (Judges’ Choice).

We’re also delighted to share with you two recipes from prior Cabernet Cookoff events, available through the HALL Wines website:  

  • Seared Duck w/ Port Reduction (with a sauce of Citrus, Cherries, and Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • Chipotle Chocolate Short Rib Tamales (with a sauce of Red Wine, Chipotle, Cumin, and Chocolate)

 

HALL Wines LogoHALL Wines’ estate vineyards encompass more than five hundred acres of classic Bordeaux varietals; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc.  Under the artisanship of winemaker Steve Leveque, HALL continues to set new heights in Napa Valley winemaking.  Owners Kathryn and Craig Hall continue to demonstrate their commitment to Environmental and Social Responsibility through the Cabernet Cookoff™ (now in its 4th year) and their support for several other ventures (including the Wine Valley Cycle For Sight & Rotary Ride for Veterans).   In 2008, the HALL St. Helena winery was the first winery in California to become LEED Gold Certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).  More recently, it also became Napa Valley’s first winery to install an Electric Vehicle charging station. 

We can’t wait to see who wins the HALL Cabernet Cookoff this year!  Once again, to order tickets, just go here.

 


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