Looking for a fabulous food and wine festival where the best all-star chefs and mixologists come together under one roof? 

These food and wine festivals are jam-packed with celebrity chefs, top entertainment, zero-waste efforts, and some seriously fun fundraising that makes the price of the ticket totally worth it. If you’re a culinary conscious foodie looking for a good time, you’ll love these food and wine festivals.

1. The Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival

For four days and nights, the Los Angeles Food & Wine festival spreads its wings hosting bespoke and eclectic red carpet events. Indulge in culinary delights such as satellite festival dinners and lunches at iconic and trendy restaurants in Santa Monica, Hollywood, and Venice Beach with an intimate behind-the-scenes presentation by chefs the likes of Stepanie Izzard and Antonia Lofaso.

Saturday night’s LIVE on Grand with Tyler Florence is a classy urban date night red carpet affair under the modernist backdrop of the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Custom lounges serve mixologist masterpieces made from organic spirits such as Diplomatico rum. While the legendary hip-hop trio De La Soul added just the right beat to top off the night.

The all-star chefs certainly take their epicurean delights seriously. But not themselves! Starry Kitchen’s Nguyen Tran served tofu balls in a banana suit. And whimsical Instagram photo opportunities abounded in custom-styled lounges.

The Lexus Grand Tasting at Barker Hangar was transformed into a food wonderland and featured conscious chefs such as Matthew Beaudin. Executive Chef at the Monterrey Bay Aquarium, he spearheads responsible fishing practices. One must-try dish the crowd couldn’t get enough of was the halibut with pineapple and rice noodle from Charles Phan. And Stephanie Boswell, executive pastry chef at The Peninsula Beverly Hills created a colorful sky-high edible extravaganza of stunning desserts.

But, the sweetest part? The Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival has impacted charities nearing $750k total over the past 6 years including The Boys and Girls Club, CASA, Make a Wish Foundation, Meals on Wheels, and Share our Strength, among others.

2. Field to Fork at The TASTE

On Labor Day weekend the Paramount Studios Backlot transforms into a foodie paradise for the Field to Fork event at the Los Angeles Times THE TASTE. Award-winning restaurants, master chefs, mixologists, and vintners come to dazzle conscious foodies with new tastes, textures, and flavors.

Hosted by LA Times food editor Amy Scattergood and Michael Cimarusti of Providence, this culinary celebration brims with demos and panel discussions by celebrity chefs focused on farm fresh locally sourced ingredients. Fans of artisan grains ate up Scattergood’s panel featuring Nan Kohler (Grist and Toll), Alex Weiser (Weiser Farms), and Roxana Jullapat (Friends and Family). All the while, guests nosh on fresh locally sourced dishes and organic spirits. A few favorites were Mionetto prosecco and refreshing cocktails featuring Ocean Vodka. Gastro-pub Manhattan House dazzled with a re-imagined bruschetta embracing Chef Diana Stavaridis’ seed-to-plate philosophy.

3. L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade

This star-studded, informal, family friendly, picnic-style “cookout” is just as serious about fun as it is about fundraising. Think sunshine, tender grass under your feet while being face-to-face with your favorite chefs the likes of Susan Feniger (Border Grill), Jeremy Fox (Rustic Canyon), and Ray Garcia (Broken Spanish). To pair with all the mouthwatering cuisine, superstar mixologists create specialty cocktails. Not to mention more than thirty vintners pouring all afternoon so you can raise your glass to support a great cause.

Hosted by Chef Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne (Lucques), the event raised $4.2 million for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation to fight childhood cancer. When it’s auction time, keep your ears open as the superstar chefs often spontaneously offer themselves as a surprise private dinner ticket item. So, put your money where your mouth is and join than 2,000 guests, 100 chefs, mixologists and winemakers who come to together for a good cause and a great time.

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Images courtesy of The Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival, The TASTE, and Alex J. Berliner/ABImages

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Biodynamic wine tasting in Europe! What could be better?

Imagine strolling through vine-covered rolling hills. Touring centuries-old cellars. And winding through narrow passageways in ancient medieval hilltop towns. That’s wine tasting in Europe. It’s romantic and enchanting. Think chateaux, manicured gardens and river cruises – each an experience that pairs beautifully with biodynamic wines that sing out of the glass. You’ll feel like you’re starring in your own fairy tale.

Even better news is that biodynamic wine in Europe is making a comeback and the results are delicious. This is not airy-fairy hippy wine. Au contraire! Biodynamic wines are snapping up awards and are stealing the hearts and palates of even the most critical wine snobs. In 2006, Decanter Magazine bestowed Ms. Leflaive of Domaine Leflaive in Burgundy the honor of making the best white wines in the world. Besides, presidents have been known to consult the stars before making important decisions. So, why would it ever be odd for growers and wine makers to consult the cosmos and cycles of nature to grow the best grapes to make award winning wine?

Either way, biodynamic wines have irrevocably entered the luxury market and appear on Michelin starred restaurant wine lists. Why? Well, who wouldn’t want all of the delicious flavor and romance of fine wine without the morning after headache from sulfites? No headache? That’s certainly my fairytale ending after a three-hour wine pairing dinner.

So, why is biodynamic wine (presumably) better?

According to Adam Morganstern, editor of the Organic Wine Journal, “Biodynamics is special because it looks at the vineyard as its own ecosystem. They have a variety of plants and animals. They consider how the water flows. They think about how to attract beneficial insects to the vineyard and they strive to keep the soil healthy. A biodynamic farmer might say, ‘organic farming’ simply does no harm, whereas biodynamics actually improves the health of the vineyard.”

Daniela Paris, author of six books on wine and a wine educator in Rome at Comptoir de France waxes poetic on biodynamic wines. She says, “It’s about respecting and developing a relationship with the soil. We are what we eat and drink. You feel and taste the energy of the grape and the soil. A wine producer is an artist that transfers the secrets of the soil into the glass. The soil wants to tell a story. And the wine you make from it passes on that story.”

Marco Amato, sommelier and director at the Michelin-stared restaurant IMÀGO in Rome’s historic Hassler Hotel notes that “About five years ago, there was a tipping point and more customers were asking for biodynamic wines, especially whites. For all the enjoyment, but less of a headache. This health trend is global. But biodynamic wine was already a part of our culture as it used to be. We have invented nothing but returned to natural cycles. It’s important to remember that we are a part of the solar system.”

Nikki Wooldridge, a private wine broker and level 3 sommelier who specializes in small vintage biodynamic wines, says, “While in Provence, I’m learning about astrological farming at Les Verveines de Vaison, where they use a calendar of weather patterns, moon cycles, eclipses, and the stars to decide when and what to plant. It’s fascinating how well everything grows when it is in harmony with the cycles of nature. Amazing wines are coming from biodynamic vineyards and the wine industry is taking note – even Chateauneuf du Pape!”

Are you ready to taste delicious biodynamic wines?

While France’s Loire Valley, Burgundy, Languedoc, and Alsace are certainly the forerunners in biodynamic wineries, you’ll also find delicious must-try producers in Italy, Germany, Austria, Hungry and even Slovenia. Take note, biodynamic wineries aren’t so much in Tuscany and Bordeaux. If in doubt, look for the Demeter symbol on the bottle that authenticates the wine as biodynamic.

Here is a list of amazing and some award-winning biodynamic wineries where you’ll experience all the romance and pleasure of wine tasting in Europe.

Burgundy, France 

Domaine Leflaive

Domaine Rossignol Trapet

Rhone Valley, France

Domaine Montirius

Domaine Dieulefit

Domaine DeMarcoux

M. Chapoutier

Alsace, France

Domaine Marcel Deiss

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Domaine Josmeyer

Domaine Dirler-Cadé

Loire Valley, France 

Château de la Roche aux Moines

Provence, France

Château de Roquefort

Château Margüi

Château Léoube

Domaine les Fouques

Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Domaine d’Aupilhac

Domaine Cigalus

Domaine des Mathouans

Domaine Saint-Julien

Italy 

Azienda Agricola COS

Slovenia 

Movia Rebulla

Curious?

If you’re tasting biodynamic wines for the first time here are some recommendations from the experts to get you started. Both Daniela Paris and Adam Morganstern recommend Fleury Champagne. While Adam is a fan of Domaine Zind-Humbrecht for whites and M. Chapoutier for reds. Daniela suggests Domaine Vacheron Sauvignon Blanc and Rossignol-Trapet for Pinot Noir. Marco Amato adds that for an adventure in biodynamic wines, let your sommelier guide you through the perfect pairing. And that you can definitely age biodynamic wine.

Endnotes: It was most interesting how what began as a simple discussion of biodynamic wine almost always transcended into a discourse on humanity. How we are all connected. And how when we flow with nature’s cycles, it’s a delicious co-creative experience. So, drink up. And santé!

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Image of wine via Shutterstock and friends drinking wine via (C) Atout France/Joėl Damase

The post Here’s Why You Need to Go Biodynamic Wine Tasting in Europe appeared first on EcoSalon.

While the growth of organic wine in the market place hasn’t been particularly explosive, it has been steadily increasing its market share since the 1990’s. With overall wine consumption growing in the U.S., buying organic wine makes sense for those of us concerned with supporting organic farming practices.

Some confusion exists over what constitutes organic wine. Technically speaking, few wines qualify for certification according to the high approval standards set by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), which mandate organic wine be free of any sulfites. Sulfites are a naturally occurring compound and almost all winemakers add sulfur dioxide to their wines for consistency and preservation. (For more on sulfites in wine, check out this great Kitchn blog post.) Therefore, generally speaking, organic wine means wine made with “organically grown grapes.”

The question remains, however, is organic wine any good? A few of us at EcoSalon decided to see for ourselves and gathered together to taste a selection of organic red wines. We chose four reasonably priced organic wines that are considered best sellers at Whole Foods. Parducci 2006 Zinfandel, Boneterra 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Vida Organica 2010 Malbec, and Green Truck 2008 Petite Sirah. I’ve summarized our findings below.

Parducci 2006 Zinfandel, Mendocino County, California

Personally, I’m not a huge zinfandel fan. So I was pleasantly surprised to find that this zinfandel did not have the full-blown fruitiness of most zins. This version is mildly plummy and very agreeable. Parducci, “American’s Greenest Winery,” is a family-run winery that prides itself on its sustainable business practices. Retails for $10.99.

Bonterra 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendocino/Lake County, California

This cabernet sauvignon was distinctly peppery. Unexpectedly bright for a cabernet, robust and highly drinkable. Everyone gave it an enthusiastic thumbs up. Bonterra Vineyards has been farming organically since 1987 and makes both organic and biodynamic wines. Retails for $11.99.

Vida Organica 2010 Malbec, Argentina

This Argentinian malbec was a general crowd-pleaser. It is a very mellow, non-offending, soft wine with low tannin. A good everyday wine and complement to lighter fare. Quite a reasonable buy at $8.99.

Green Truck 2008 Petite Sirah Mendocino County, California

Unfortunately, we were not impressed by this Green Truck Petite Sirah. This was the last wine we tried, and you’d think that our standards would gradually decrease by wine number four given the mood-mellowing effects of three earlier wines. Not the case here, I’m sorry to say the words we bantered about to describe this wine included “raw,” “rustic,” “leathery,” and “crude.” Too bad, as the name is such a fun play off the “Red Truck” label often sold at Trader Joe’s. Retails for $10.99.

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