Learn test kitchen secrets with Chef Berlin Lillard and see how easy it is to create cocktails that are summer inspired for your guests by Colleen Johnson of Coco’s Cocktails.  We are also releasing our first Cuisine Noir  Summer Cocktail that you have to taste.

All Celebration guests will enjoy a gift bag as well as a chance to win prizes selected to give you the best food, wine and travel experiences this summer and beyond.

Tickets are just $10 and on sale now. Space is limited. To purchase, click here.   See you there!

Cellar Angels announces today a unique partnership with Sonoma County’s famed Dry Creek Vineyard to raise money for Cellar Angels’ growing list of charity partners. Cellar Angels, the nation’s fastest growing online wine marketing company will feature an exclusive opportunity for members to purchase Dry Creek Vineyard’s 2009 Meritage.

“We’re absolutely honored to work with such an esteemed winery and especially on such a fantastic wine as their critically acclaimed 2009 Meritage. As a family-owned winery for over 40 years, they continue to set the bar for both wine quality and customer experience,” stated Martin Cody, Cellar Angels Founder and President. “Everything they do is a lesson for any small business. We’re thrilled on behalf of our charity partners to present Dry Creek Vineyard. And with their association as “The Official Wine for Sailors,” the timing is perfect considering the America’s Cup is just around the corner in San Francisco.”

Cellar Angels connects their members with highly acclaimed wineries from Napa and Sonoma through weekly online wine offers. Members receive both a discount on the wine and the rare opportunity to select which charity Cellar Angels donates a portion of proceeds towards, a process Cellar Angels refers to as Sip Save Give. Accompanying each weekly offer is a custom video detailing the winery and wine being featured. Membership is free to anyone over the age of twenty-one and available at www.cellarangels.com

Dry Creek Vineyard is recognized around the world as a preeminent family-owned producer of fine wine. As the “Official Wine for Sailors” they’ve been connected to the sport of sailing since the winery’s founding in 1972. Dry Creek Vineyard has produced award-winning wines receiving both national and international acclaim, and they’ve never varied from their mission to produce distinctive wines that over deliver on quality. This is their first offer on Cellar Angels and the winery researched the company thoroughly to assure a perfect match.

“Cellar Angels is all about connecting consumers to great wine while simultaneously giving back. That’s precisely what we do at the winery and we have a long tradition of supporting numerous causes. This event allows us to do both and introduce Dry Creek Vineyard to a growing audience,” said second-generation owner and President, Kim Stare Wallace.

The online event  begins today, May 21 and concludes Saturday, May 25 at 12 a.m. PST. To access the incentive pricing for this charitable opportunity, wine lovers and sailors are encouraged go to www.cellarangels.com. All wine is sent directly from the winery to your door or office.

À La Cuisine home meal kits are packed with premium meats, farm-picked veggies, gourmet sauces, and aromatic basmati rice. Fresh ingredients set for you to cook and feed four in as little as 12 minutes. The product line features an assortment of flavors such as Garam Masala Chicken, Beef Mongolian, Thai Green Curry Beef, and Spicy Szechuan Chicken among others.

Unlike most other leading meal kit brands famous for being par cooked, precooked, or single serve microwavable meals, the quick to prepare À La Cuisine home meal kits set a higher food quality standard by providing fresh ingredients that are low in sodium and preserve their nutritional value.

“ICA is the main source of inspiration. The chefs are impressive. Foodies like myself are hooked,” says Anthony J. Elman, Premier Meat Packers – Senior VP of Sales & Marketing. “People love a bold and delicious dish. We felt the need to supply them with varied meal kit essentials, inspired by Iron Chefs. À La Cuisine caters to people’s cravings. We also designed two introductory sweeter flavors. It’s food they can conveniently and quickly cook up. This is a product people can identify with.”

The ICA home meal kits brand has already claimed shelf space across Canada and is rising at an exponential rate in the US.

The company is also developing product extensions. Hors D’oeuvres are underway and expected to hit shelves shortly. Iron Chef America brand remains committed to providing consumers with the freshest ingredients and innovative food solutions that are synonymous with first-rate taste and quality.

Think your four-legged friend is the cat’s meow? Does your furry pal meow all the way to the food bowl each morning? Then the Meow Mix^® cat food, “Meow for Mealtime” contest is right up your alley! Starting May 10, pet parents can create their own version of the iconic Meow Mix Jingle starring their favorite feline and could win $10,000, plus a lifetime supply^* of Meow Mix^® cat food. The brand’s latest endeavor highlights mealtime as the perfect connection for cats and cat parents to celebrate together by using the classic Meow Mix jingle.

“It’s no secret that cats are the stars of the internet, but Meow Mix^® wants to show that cats are also the stars of their pet parents’ lives, especially during mealtime,” said Kimberly Rom, Senior Brand Manager, Meow Mix^® cat foodfor Del Monte Foods. “The ‘Meow for Mealtime’ promotion invites pet owners to celebrate their cat’s star power alongside the iconic Meow Mix Jingle, the classic tune where cats ask for Meow Mix by name.”

The classic Meow Mix tune is one of America’s most memorable jingles, according to a 2012 survey by Kelton Research.  Second only to the Oscar Mayer song, the Meow Mix Jingle has a special place in pet parents’ hearts, with 32 percent of Americans saying they remember the Meow Mix lyrics better than the Pledge of Allegiance!  For years, cat parents have asked how to get their favorite felines a starring role in a version of the famous Jingle, and now they have a chance.

Cat parents can go to http://www.Meowmixjingle.com or log on to Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MeowMix now through June 9 to enter the “Meow for Mealtime” promotion. By simply uploading a picture of their cat, choosing a background, and picking the purrfect singing voice, cat parents can produce a fully customized video. They can then show everyone that their cat is just as irresistible as the taste of Meow Mix^® cat food, and share the video through social media channels. Winners will be chosen daily, and a Grand Prize winner will be chosen at the conclusion of the promotion.

For more information about Meow Mix^® cat food, visit www.MeowMix.com.

After the Open House, we welcome you to join us at the post screening party and tasting at The Madrones starting at 5:00 pm. Winemakers from Bink Wines, Drew Family Cellars, Knez Winery and Signal Ridge will be pouring their acclaimed wines paired with food from The Madrones’ new restaurant Stone and Embers run by chef Patrick Meany who worked under Thomas Keller at Buochon as well as Gary Danko’s San Francisco Restaurant.

Meet the star sommeliers from SOMM (Sabato Sagaria and Ian Cauble) and get a chance to test your own palate and match the wine sensory evaluation notes from the winemakers and somms—prizes will be awarded.

Tickets will be $25 for the party or bundle it with the Open House for $40.

The Madrones and sponsoring vintners are proud to partner with the Mendocino Film Festival to celebrate the screening of SOMM—Jason Wise’s documentary following four friends’ quest to pass one of the most difficult and secretive tests on the planet: The Master Sommelier exam. Tickets are limited for the screening and can be purchased at www.mendocinofilmfestival.org.

 10SPAN Vineyards, a new selection of fine wines from Monterey and Santa Barbara counties, is now available for purchase in bottles and kegs to on-premise venues. 10SPAN signature varietals include Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Crafted by winemaker John Clark, 10SPAN is sourced from select cool-climate vineyards along California’s Central Coast, showcasing the best of Monterey and Santa Barbara. The region is rife with distinct microclimates, which result from cool breezes that form from the Pacific Ocean and play along the coastal mountains. Such an environment cultivates a long growing season that enables slow, even ripening and allows select grape varietals to thrive.

“I have a strong passion for crafting fine wines from California’s premiere coastal winemaking region,” said Clark. “I hope to share the best single varietals sourced from these distinct microclimates with 10SPAN wines, while introducing new experiences for wine lovers to enjoy.

The Inspiration behind 10SPAN

The inspiration behind 10SPAN wines comes from the California condor, the largest flying bird in North America that soars above California’s coastline. According to Clark, “My passion for the Central Coast region extends beyond winemaking, and I’m very excited about our mission of supporting efforts to preserve the California condor – giant, majestic birds that are a symbol of this gorgeous coastline and call it home.” With the purchase of 10SPAN wines, a portion of proceeds will benefit the Ventana Wildlife Society and its efforts to reintroduce the California condor back into the wild.

“We’re so grateful for the support of 10SPAN in bringing such an important cause to light to a broader audience,” said Kelly Sorenson, executive director for Ventana Wildlife Society. “For more than 15 years, Ventana has been working to return the California condor to its habitat. We are thankful more consumers will be able to support Ventana directly, while at the same time enjoying fine wine from this beautiful region.”

Adding to its dedication to conservation, 10SPAN is being offered in kegs to on-premise clients interested in less packaging and added freshness for by-the-glass purchases.

The Portfolio of 10SPAN Fine Wines

The 10SPAN portfolio includes finely crafted Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, each exhibiting characteristics unique to their particular vineyards and providing wine drinkers with new interpretations of the Central Coast wine region.

 10SPAN Pinot Gris

10SPAN Pinot Gris comes from the Rava Black Jack Vineyard, located in the heart of Monterey County, and benefits from the region’s cool ocean breezes. 10SPAN Pinot Gris is fermented in 100 percent stainless steel tanks and undergoes 30 percent malolactic fermentation, which delivers a bright, clean and smooth palate at the entry as well as weight in the mid-palate. On the nose, scents of ripe apple and cantaloupe overwhelm the senses. The bouquet is perfumed with vibrant notes of apricot and honeysuckle.

 10SPAN Chardonnay

10SPAN Chardonnay is sourced from Santa Maria Valley’s Sierra Madre Farms and Riverbench Vineyards. 10SPAN Chardonnay is 100 percent barrel aged for up to six months using a combination of Burgundy French oak barrels and American aroma barrels. Half of the wine goes through malolactic fermentation. On the nose, bright citrus aromas are accented by fresh meringue with a hint of vanilla. On the palate, the essence of Sierra Madre’s unique fruit shines through: rich, mouth-filling flavors of crisp citrus with a delicate, balanced pear finish. 10SPAN’s natural acidity will allow this wine to age gracefully and improve for an exceptionally long period.

 10SPAN Pinot Noir

10SPAN Pinot Noir is grown in the Santa Maria Valley’s Garey Ranch Vineyard and Riverbench Ranch Vineyard, prime sites for producing world-class Pinot Noir due to its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean’s cool breezes. 10SPAN Pinot Noir is 100 percent barrel-aged for 10 months in new and old French oak. Sexy, high-pitched aromas of red berries and fresh flowers are complemented by Asian spice notes that add complexity. Juicy and precise, the wine showcases energetic raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that provide very good palate coverage. The finish impresses with its vivacity and length, leaving a spicy note behind.

For more information on carrying 10SPAN, as well as pricing and distribution inquiries, please visit www.10spanvineyards.com.

Wake up, America, and see what’s brewing in the Folgers® Jingle Contest. Visit www.Folgers.com/Jingle to meet the artists whose original renditions of the iconic Folgers Best Part of Wakin’ Up™ jingle have earned them a spot in the Top 10. Cast one vote each day through June 19 for chances to win the $10,000 grand prize and daily prizes including Folgers coffee for a year, iTunes® gift cards, signed Gavin DeGraw CDs and coffee mugs.

Meet the inspiring Top 10 Jingle Contest finalists:

• Andrew David P., Fenton, MI
• Ben S., Nacogdoches, TX
• Chris C., Dublin, OH
• Djamila O., Harlingen, TX
• Enoch K., Chicago, IL
• Jon-Michael S., El Cajon, CA
• Kari F., West Henrietta, NY
• Sawyer F., Carthage, NC
• Stephanie P., Arlington, TX
• Willy R., Council Bluffs, IA

Earlier this year, the makers of Folgers Coffee and multi-platinum recording artist Gavin DeGraw teamed up to invite aspiring musicians to submit an original interpretation of the classic Best Part of Wakin’ Up jingle. The Top 10 finalists found ways to weave passion, optimism and great coffee into their entries and Folgers is proud to share their inspired submissions with coffee enthusiasts everywhere.

“I was blown away by the different ways each of these ten artists blended their musical talent and unique style with the iconic Folgers Jingle,” said Gavin DeGraw. “Building upon something everyone can relate to, like the jingle, and using it as a foundation to express your own thoughts and ideas is what being a songwriter and musician is all about.”

Following the Online Vote, the winning rendition will be announced on or about June 24, 2013. For Official Rules, a list of daily prizes and complete details visit Folgers.com/jingle.  Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., 18 years of age and older. Void where prohibited.

No musical talent? No problem! Now everyone can put their words to the tune of the iconic Folgers jingle! Download Insta-Jingle, the newest iPhone® mobile digital device app from Folgers, powered by Smule®, available for free download at the App Store^SM. Choose from three genres including rock, country and R&B. Or, try all three to create a variety of different jingles you can share with your friends and family via Facebook, Twitter, or email.

For more information on Gavin DeGraw visit gavindegraw.com or facebook.com/gavindegraw or twitter @gavindegraw.

Find Folgers on Facebook and join the Wakin’ Up Club on Folgers.com for the latest news and updates.

Manzanita Sol today unveiled its new “Haz Lo Diferente” campaign, inviting consumers to embrace their own uniqueness and “Do What’s Different.”  In addition, two new delicious, true-to-fruit flavors – Mango Citrus Sol and Pina Sol – join the current portfolio which includes Manzanita Sol, Toronja Sol and Tamarindo Sol.

To bring the campaign to life, Manzanita Sol enlisted world-renowned percussionist, Rafael Padilla, and international flautist, Pedro Eustache, to create the music for the brand’s award-winning TV commercial using only Manzanita Sol bottles, caps and straws, showcasing a truly creative and unique production technique.

“Manzanita Sol’s true-to-fruit flavors have always been a refreshing alternative to lemon-lime and cola beverages, and now, with the addition of Mango Citrus Sol and Pina Sol, our consumers have even more of an enjoyable selection to choose from,” said Martha Bermudez, Brand Director, Manzanita Sol.  ”From our unique flavors to our innovative commercial music, Manzanita Sol has embraced what it means to ‘do what’s different’ and we’re excited to invite consumers to do the same.”

Starting today, Manzanita Sol ambassadors will begin sharing how they “Do What’s Different” in their hometowns across visual arts, music, mixology and fashion. Ambassadors include:

• Carlos Donjuan , visual artist from Dallas, Texas
• Antonio & Jesus Estrada , fashion designers from San Diego, Cali.
• Goldie Garcia , visual artist and jewelry maker from Albuquerque, N.M.
• Sergio Serna , mixology expert from Chicago, Ill.
• Jorge Villanueva , musician from Los Angeles, Cali.

Beginning May 31 through October, Manzanita Sol will visit major Hispanic festivals and retailers in California, Texas and Chicago to give consumers an opportunity to sample all five flavors in unique and unexpected ways – while doing the limbo, hitting a pinata, playing the drums, dribbling a soccer ball – and share photos of those fun experiences via their social channels.

Mango Citrus Sol and Pina Sol will be available by Memorial Day weekend in key markets, including California, New Mexico, Texas, Chicago and Las Vegas. The new flavors will be available in 12-oz. single-serve glass bottles (suggested retail price of $0.99-$1.25) and 2-liter multi-serve bottles.

For more information about Manzanita Sol, visit www.ManzanitaSol.com and www.facebook.com/ManzanitaSol, or follow @ManzanitaSolUSA on Twitter.

About Manzanita Sol:

With its distinctive, true-to-fruit apple flavor, Manzanita Sol arrived in the U.S. from Mexico in 2005 and has become a refreshing alternative to the usual lemon-lime and cola flavors ever since. Manzanita Sol is joined by four other great tasting flavors – Toronja Sol, Tamarindo Sol, Mango Citrus Sol and Pina Sol – that provide the perfect options for those who want more from life and to try something different. For more information, please visit www.ManzanitaSol.com, www.facebook.com/ManzanitaSol or follow us on Twitter @ManzanitaSolUSA.

Today, LUNA®, the maker of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women®, kicked-off an interactive contest aptly named, “Feed Your Strength…at Work!” on Facebook, which aims to reinforce LUNA’s philosophy of positive snacking during the workday. Women will also be able to experience the delicious and nutritious rewards from LUNA vending machines at events taking place in New York, Chicago, Austin, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego (see below for a full schedule).

“We’re flipping the typical perception of vending machine snack food on its head,” said Rosa Compean, LUNA brand director. “LUNA is encouraging women to feed their strength and that starts by making healthier choices that add to their overall workplace wellness.”

The contest will be open from May 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013. Two lucky winners of the “Feed Your Strength…at Work!” contest will be awarded the opportunity to host a LUNA vending machine at their place of employment, filled with complimentary LUNA bars and featuring a touch screen display that gives nutrition tips and guidance on snacking positively throughout the day, as well as six consultation sessions led by registered dietitian and nutrition strategist for LUNA, Tara DelloIacono Thies and her expert team.

“Often when hunger strikes, women grab for whatever is convenient with little consideration for its nutritional value,” said DelloIacono Thies. “Packed schedules and stress at the office can lead to a pattern of making impulsive and unhealthy nutritional choices. By carving out a few minutes for a proper break – and a nutritious snack – women can maintain energy levels to get them through their busy days in a more positive manner.”

“Feed Your Strength…at Work!” is a part of LUNA’s larger Feed Your Strength campaign which kicked off earlier this year with the LUNA webisode series, “Debunking the Diet” which tackles common diet myths and provides women with sound, relatable nutrition advice. The webisodes can be viewed on the LUNA YouTube page.

To enter the “Feed Your Strength…at Work!” contest, participants will be prompted to post photos and descriptions showcasing the healthy changes they are making in their workplace to www.Facebook.com/luna. On LUNA’s Facebook page users will also find more information on submission instructions as well as contest official rules.

LUNA Feed Your Strength…at Work! Vending Machine Tour Schedule

 New York, NY

·  SELF Workout in the Park – May 11, 2013

·  Wanderlust Yoga in the City – June 9, 2013

·  SHE Summit – June 14 – 15, 2013

·  Solstice in Times Square – June 21, 2013

Chicago, IL

·  SELF Workout in the Park – June 1, 2013

·  Wanderlust in the City – June 2, 2013

Austin, TX

·  Austin Fashion Week: May 8 – May 9, 2013

San Francisco Bay Area, CA

·  Professional Women’s Conference – May 23, 2013

 Los Angeles, CA

·  UNIQUE LA – May 11-12, 2013

·  Wanderlust in the City – June 30, 2013

San Diego, CA

·   Wine Chocolate & Cheese Festival, June 21, 2013

Connect with LUNA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/luna and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/lunabar.  Join the conversation: #FeedYourStrength.

The undeniably peculiar Hendrick’s Gin is setting sail for its second annual “Voyages Into the Unusual” event series, featuring an enthralling cast of characters, delectable tipples and curious enjoyments. Kicking off in Houston on May 21, Voyages will also travel to Austin, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston and Philadelphia.

“Voyages Into The Unusual” will give the curious and cavalier the opportunity to interact with the world as Hendrick’s sees it while allowing them to sample specially-crafted Hendrick’s cocktails. The unique setting in each city will be transformed into a highly unusual Shoppe of Curiosities outfitted with a grand Explorer’s Lounge and a full-scale Apothecary Shop.

Guests will be entertained all night as they voyage into the unusual with a cast of characters including: a botanist that demystified the eleven botanicals found within the Hendrick’s bottle, a chemist that takes guests into the Apothecary Shop, and music interspersed throughout by the eclectic band, White Ghost Shivers, along with other unexpected surprises. An array of tipples will be served, from the signature Hendrick’s & Tonic to more complex creations such as the “Traveling Punch,” which will be modified to reflect the best local and seasonal ingredients each city has to offer.

“Hendrick’s is not for everyone. It attracts genuine free-thinkers and those who gravitate to the odd and exquisite,” said Joanne Birkitt, Hendrick’s Gin Senior Brand Manager. “We truly are inspired by imagination and that is demonstrated in every aspect of ‘Voyages Into The Unusual.’ We can’t wait for the truly curious to discover our peculiar world.”

“Voyages Into The Unusual” will begin in Houston, TX on May 21 and move onto to Austin, TX (May 29), Los Angeles, CA (Aug. 20-21), Chicago, IL (Sept. 18-19), Boston, MA (Oct. 7) and conclude in Philadelphia, PA (Oct. 23).

To learn more about the peculiar world of Hendrick’s and be the first to get information on “Voyages into the Unusual” in your market, visit: http://www.hendricksgin.com/t/press-release.

Join the conversation at Twitter.com/HendricksGin and Facebook.com/HendricksGin #HendricksVoyages.