New Orleans French Quarter Wine Festival

Michael Farrell hails from central Virginia and growing up,  he observed with awe as his mother carefully planned and shopped for the frequent cocktail and dinner parties she and her husband hosted at their home.

“I learned as a boy from watching my parents entertain,” Farrell said. “It is in the smallest of gestures that the gap is bridged, from ordinary dining to extraordinary dining. Of course it is the food,” he said. “But it is also the shade of the flowers, the texture and fragrance of fresh herbs, the placement of a napkin, a warm welcome upon arrival.”

Michael started working in professional kitchens at the age of fifteen, and never looked back.  Over twenty-five years later he has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation, DiRoNA, Wine Spectator, Zagat and Bon Appetite, in a career that has taken him across the United States.

Michael has served in a variety of prominent positions including Owner and Executive Chef of Nantucket’s  Summer House and Executive Chef of Colorado establishments such as Beano’s Cabin and Saddle Ridge in Beaver Creek and Castle Pines in Denver.  Chef Farrell also opened Anthem Country Club in Las Vegas.

In January 2009, that same warm welcome Chef Farrell is careful to share, was extended to him in New Orleans when he took the lead as Executive Chef and F&B  Operations Manager at the Maison Dupuy Hotel. In March of that year he opened his first restaurant in New Orleans, Le Meritage, which features his signature Southern Coastal Cuisine on a menu that offers each dish in small and large portions while pairing with half and full glasses of wine.

Since moving to New Orleans Chef Farrell has taken the culinary scene by storm. Recently recieving 4 Beans and 4 Star ratings by the city’s top restaurant critics was just the beginning. Farrell has been featured in Louisiana Cookin’, New Orleans Homes and Life Style, New Orleans Weddings, Esquire and Playboy Magazine to name a few.

Farrell also won a Gold Medal in 2010 Taste of New Orleans and was one of three local chef’s representing the crescent city in Montreal’s “Festival of Lights.”
Chef Farrell was also invited to do a dinner at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City.

Most recently, in September of 2010, Chef Farrell opened his second restaurant in the Maison Dupuy. Bistreaux, featuring “Inspired Comfort Food” and live music every night, is a change of pace for those who are fans of Farrell’s food, but are looking for a more relaxed and casual environment.

Chef Farrell is looking forward to delighting your taste buds again this year at the 2012 Anual French Quarter Wine Festival.

March 2012

• Benziger Family Winery

  Benziger Family Winery is dedicated to the natural growing of sustainable agriculture. They produce organic and biodynamic wines from the Sonoma Mountain. General manager and winemaker Mike Benziger will offer his single-vineyard reserve and estate wines, plus the signature Tribute blend. The evening’s four course meal will feature organic ingredients prepared by Chef Farrell.

  http://www.benziger.com/

• Chateau Musar

  This Lebanese winery in Ghazir was founded in 1930 by Gaston Hochar. The wines are considered the premier cru of their region with comparisons to some of the best Bordeaux’s and Rhône’s. Second generation Serge Hochar will lead an informative discussion on these spectacular blends. This is a rare opportunity to taste this remarkable property’s portfolio.

  http://chateaumusar.com/

• Chimney Rock Winery

  Chimney Rock was established in 1980 in the Stags Leap District in Napa Valley, the smallest but arguably the best Napa Valley appellation. The wines were created with the goal of competing against the best of Bordeaux. Acclaimed winemaker Elizabeth Vianna joins us to discuss the history and future of this extraordinary winery.

  http://www.chimneyrock.com/

• Darioush

  Most noted for its Bordeaux-style estate wines, Darioush crafts fine wines from its vineyards located in the appellations of Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder and Oak Knoll. This is a unique opportunity to experience the winery’s sensible approach to winemaking, while tasting their chardonnay, viognier, shiraz, pinot noir and Bordeaux varietals.

  http://www.darioush.com/

• Elk Cove Vineyards

  Elk Cove is one of Oregon’s oldest wineries, making wine since 1977. Family owned and operated, this winery consistently receives high marks from numerous wine publications. Adam Godlee Campbell, winemaker and owner, will return to celebrate his newest vintages, along with a library selection of his pinot triology: noir, gris and blanc.

  http://www.elkcove.com/

• Flowers Vineyard & Winery

  Founded in 1989 by Walt and Joan Flowers, this winery is located just two miles from the Sonoma Coast and produces wine in this cool climate that are terroir driven. With minimal intervention the wine is made in small batches, basket pressed and free-run fermented with wild yeast. Join Director of Winemaking Jason Jardine as he walks you through their full line of chardonnays and pinots.

  http://flowerswinery.com/

• Frog's Leap Winery

  Founder John Williams, a Wine Festival perennial favorite, reaches deep into his cellar — as well as his pasture — to display the full scope of Frog’s Leap’s philosophy and organic approach. The winery’s primary focus is on sustainable farming and in understanding and appreciating the soil, which is apparent in their merlots, sauvignon blancs, cabernet sauvignons and legendary zinfandels.

  http://www.frogsleap.com/flash/intro.html

• Opus One Winery

  Considered by many to be America’s first growth, Opus One is a legendary winery whose name is synonymous with perfection and harmony. Join Karen D’Amour for an exquisite dinner with these popular and highly desirable wines from California.

  http://www.opusonewinery.com/

• Page Wine Cellars

  We welcome back brothers Bryan and Chris Page, as they showcase their ever growing portfolio. This includes the small production Le Nu Chardonnay and Revolver Wine Company with varietals ranging from sauvignon blanc to their premium Meritage blend The Stash. Chef Farrell will create a perfect match from his “stash” of ingredients.

  http://pagewinecellars.com/

• Patz& Hall

  Since the founding of Patz & Hall in early 1988, the winery’s goal has been to produce the finest quality chardonnay and pinot noir in California. Donald Patz will present a spectacular display of terroir driven wines produced from the winery’s distinctive vineyard sites throughout California, including its outstanding Pisoni Vineyards Pinot Noir.

  http://www.patzhall.com/

• Pio Cesare

  Pio Cesare has been producing top barolos, barbescos, barberas and nebbiolos, since 1881. This is a perfect opportunity to meet Pio Boffa, great-grandson of the founding family, for an unforgettable evening of hand-crafted, classically styled and world renowned Piedmont wines with a creative four course meal.

  http://www.piocesare.it/home.htm

• S.A. Prum Winery

  Located on Wehlen-on-the-Mosel, one of the premier sites in all of Mosel, Prüm has been commercially producing wines for more than 200 years. Raimund Prüm took over the family business in 1971 and is renowned for producing some of the best Rieslings in the world. Raimund, with his large than life personality, will entertain us while showcasing these beautiful wines.

  http://www.sapruem.com/startpage.php

• Saintsbury

  Saintsbury has always produced award winning pinot noirs. Founders Dick Ward and David Graves produce terroir based chardonnays and pinot noirs which will be highlighted at the dinner, along with their limited production Brown Ranch wine. Learn why Carneros is known for consistently producing world class wines.

  http://www.saintsbury.com/

• Simi Winery

  One of the oldest Sonoma Wineries founded in 1876, Simi has continued to grow as a landmark California house, branching from its beginnings in the Alexander Valley to the Russian River Valley. Today, the portfolio of wines include cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, shiraz, pinot noir, and zinfandel. New Orleans’ beloved winemaker Steve Reeder, along with his wife Donna, will present these quality wines, including their Landslide Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon alongside the reputable cuisine of Chef Farrell.

  http://www.simiwinery.com/

• St. Supery Vineyards and Winery

  St. Supéry wines are created from two estate vineyards located in Napa Valley. Owner Emma Swain will share her diverse wines including Dollarhide Cabernet Sauvignon and their Meritage blends Élu and Virtu. An exciting meal by Chef Farrell will accompany these fine wines.

  http://www.stsupery.com/

• Viader

  Viader Vineyards is located on the steep, rocky slopes of Howell Mountain overlooking Napa Valley. Delia Viader, proprietor and winemaker, has succeeded in producing brilliant wines by observing a biodynamic approach. She follows a strict philosophy, allowing the handpicked grapes and terroir to express themselves naturally in every glass.

  http://www.viader.com/

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