This show will be FUN! If you have not traveled to the New York Finger Lakes for a wine trip…you are missing out. Joining me this Saturday is Jim Trezise, a great guy who has been the head of the New York Wine and Grape Foundations for three decades. He resigned that position last year and in addition to being the founder of the International Riesling Foundation (IRF) he has now become the president of Wine America as of January 2017.
Jim Trezise
Trezise was the President of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation since its creation in 1985, and has been involved with the industry since 1982. The Foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization which sponsors research and conducts promotion programs in support of New York grapes, grape juice and wine. The Foundation’s research and promotion programs have received international recognition, as has its close and productive partnership with the State of New York.
Jim is also widely recognized for his leadership in the broader American wine industry, having received six national awards or other recognition for his many contributions: The “Grand Award” of the Society of Wine Educators in 2014; one of “The 20 Most Admired People in the American Wine Industry” in 2013 based on a survey by Vineyard & Winery Management Magazine; the Wine Integrity Award in 2006 from the Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission; the first-ever “Distinguished Service Award” in 2001 from the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (Eastern Section); the Perpetual Monteith Trophy (Thomas Jefferson Cup) in 1995 from the Vinifera Winegrowers Association; and recognition by “Wines & Vines” magazine as one of the “top 50 movers and shakers” in the United States wine industry. In addition, in 2014 he received the coveted “Chairman’s Award” of the New York Wine & Culinary Center.
In the second half Jenny Bartels from Breckenridge Distilling joins us to talk about this Colorado producer of fine spirits. Jenny will be in Wichita for the June 4 “Spirited Spirits” event at the Wichita Boat House. This event is the first of two VIP events offered during this year Riverfest. For only $85 you can attend this very limited seating Spirits event and then on June 8, at Century-II Exhibition Hall Balconey Level the all new “Old World vs. New World” Wine tasting.
Again, for only $85 you get to attend both VIP events and each event is followed by front row seating at that evenings concert. After Spirited Spirits Sunday June 4 it’s Carrie Nation and The Speak Easy on the RedGuard Stage. Then the Thursday night June 8 wine event is followed by the world famous Mavis Stapels on the Kennedy Plaza Stage.
Saturday May 20 Doors open at 1 p.m. for the Grand Tasting and Silent Auction. Tickets for the Grand Tasting are $45 (inclusive of convenience fee) and can be purchased at Century II’s WichitaTix box office, by calling (316) 303-8100 or online at ww.wichitatix.com.
Create complex, authentic southern flavors with smoking secrets from American Grilled champion Staci Jett. Bring competition-worthy dishes right to your table with secret ingredients like Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale and Jim Beam Whisky barrel pieces, which add a rich and delicious caramel oak flavor to smoked meat; use Chop House Seasoning to make your burger taste like premium steak, or try an Old Bay dry rub to add new dimensions of flavor to Slow Smoked Baby Back Ribs. With Staci’s unique ingredients and winning techniques, you can serve next-level dishes like Kentucky Beer-Braised Beef Short Ribs smoked over cherry and oak wood, Sweet Chili Smoked Wings and Ginger Pecan Bourbon Glazed Salmon.
Staci Jett was a contestant on Food Network’s Chopped Grill Masters, won Travel Channel’s American Grilled and was awarded third place at the International BBQ Festival. In addition to being a competitive chef, Staci also owns a catering business, Hog’s Heaven BBQ. She lives in Kentucky. 
Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
In this splendid cookbook, bicultural cook Sandra Gutierrez blends ingredients, traditions, and culinary techniques, creatively marrying the diverse and delicious cuisines of more than twenty Latin American countries with the beloved food of the American South. 
st a Meeting” And on May 6th, WGO will follow that very sentiment as we will toast the town, with THE WICHITA GRAND OPERA CHAMPAGNE BALL, The only Social Event or Opera Ball of it’s kind in the state of Kansas.
2015 Bula Red Blend, D.O. Montsant, Spain (40% Cariñena, 40% Grenache and 20% Syrah)