Fifth Annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival
Presented by Food and Wine Magazine
February 24-26, 2006

The South Beach Wine & Food Festival is a national, star-studded, three-day weekend destination event showcasing the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities. Hosted by Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida and Florida International University (FIU), the festival benefits the Teaching Restaurant and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center both located at FIU.

Now in its fifth year, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival began as a one-day festival known as the Florida Extravaganza held at FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus. For five years, the Florida Extravaganza showcased wines from national and international wineries paired with food from local restaurants and chefs working with students of FIU’s School of Hospitality Management.

In 2002, Lee Brian Schrager, Director of Special Events and Media Relations of Southern Wine & Spirits of America, reinvented the Florida Extravaganza and produced the first annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2006, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival has become one of the largest and most well-known festivals of its kind, in the country. The festival continues to attract the best in the industry to a three-day wine, spirits and culinary celebration set against the Atlantic-framed, sandy beaches of America’s Riviera, South Beach.

Schedule of Events

February 24 : February 25 & 26 : February 25 : February 26

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2006

Celebrity Chefs Golf Invitational Presented By The Florida Restaurant Association
Registration 7am,Tee-off 8:30am
at The Biltmore Hotel Country Club, Coral Gables
(Foursomes: $2000, Individuals: $500)

Cigar Aficionado Executive Editor Gordon Mott and sponsor Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association will lead the field of culinary masters and wine authorities who trade their kitchen knives and vinometers for five-irons and putters. The Golf Invitational literally sets the course for a stellar weekend built around top cuisine, wines and spirits. At the par-71 championship golf venue on the grounds of Coral Gable's European-style Biltmore Hotel, enthusiasts will enjoy 18 holes in a gorgeous setting while partaking of excellent refreshment and the feast that follows.

For information on the 2006 Celebrity Chefs Golf Invitational please contact Shelly Siceloff, Corporate Events Manager of Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association by e-mail at shellys@flra.com, or by calling 888.372.9119 ext. 252.

For information on sponsorship opportunities for the 2006 Celebrity Chefs Golf Invitational please contact Dan Murphy by e-mail at dmurphy@flra.com or by calling 888.372.9119 ext. 235.

Taste Wine Like A Master Sommelier
1-3pm
Marriott, 161 Ocean Drive, South Beach
($100 per person)

Learn the secrets of those who taste wines for a living. Industry experts rely on the “double blind tasting" to truly judge a sample without regard to its origin, price tag or fancy label. You will learn some of the vocabulary necessary to talk about wines and the techniques helpful in making decisions about a sample's merits, or lack thereof. This event will drive home what we all already know: The best wine in the world is the one you like!

Come hear what professionals look for and learn how to identify different varietals and styles of wine following the Master Sommelier technique of wine identification. Master Sommeliers Laura DePasquale of Palm Bay Imports, Virginia Philip of The Breakers, John Blazon of Walt Disney World and Eric Hemer of Southern Wine & Spirits of South Florida will headline this event, moderated by Rick Garced, president of the United States Sommelier Association.

Trade Day Seminar: CHEFS GONE WILD!
1-4pm
Ocean Drive & 13th Street, Miami Beach
(By invitation only)

This event will showcase premium beverages from 150 of the world's most-respected wine, spirits, water and coffee producers. Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida offers this complimentary afternoon as a special thank you to its loyal customers and to help keep current those whose work encompasses aspects of food and beverage service.

Trade Day Seminar: CHEFS GONE WILD!
(Caution: For really mature audiences only!)
4pm
Grand Tasting Village, Ocean Drive & 13th Street, Miami Beach

Mature audiences will stay to witness an open panel discussion hosted by the caustically humorous star chef Anthony Bourdain about Chefs’ accounts of their most painful, humiliating and outrageous screw ups, near misses and low points. Among the panelists will be notable chefs from Bourdain’s recently released “Don’t Try This at Home,” a collection of tales that ruthlessly recount true stories of young chefs, employee turnovers, chefs on the road, and the often-bizarre relationships that so frequently develop in restaurants. Chefs will be encouraged to openly reveal the at-times unglamorous, backstage world of professional kitchens as they describe - sometimes hilariously, often crudely - anecdotes from their early careers. It's a rare insider's look at the kind of adversity faced regularly in a high-pressure industry and how these chefs lived to tell about it. The entirely unbounded, no-rules-here session (more "shop talk" than discussion) could veer in any direction - and undoubtedly will. Alcohol will be served.

Food Network Challenge: Bartender Battle
Top bartenders from across the US compete in a high energy, bottle tossing, flair Bartending challenge. These acrobatic performers will have you on the edge of your seat and ready for a cocktail. The winner takes home $10,000!

Fontainebleau Resorts Presents Wine Spectator's Best Of The Best Sponsored By Bank Of America
7:30-11 pm
Fontainebleau Resort, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
($300 per person)

Partake of the good life when you join Executive Editor Thomas Matthews at Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best at the Fontainebleau Resort, crown jewel of South Beach. Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best brings together the finest reserves from 25 of the country’s top wineries poured by their respective winemakers, matched with the mouth-watering bounty of a sophisticated tasting menu prepared by culinary Goliaths. Refresh your palate with the cool, clear taste of Voss Artesian water from Norway. And to add yet another measure of drama to an already dramatic evening, make your way to the silent-auction table to place bids on any of the dozens of unique wine lots offered up for your consideration.

Collect your keepsake Vinum Extreme Cabernet glass compliments of Riedel, known for designing the most finely tuned drinking instruments for every level of wine sophistication.

Participating Chefs:

• Chef Alfred Portale (Gotham Bar and Grill, New York)
• Chef Angelo Elia (Casa D’Angelo, Ft. Lauderdale)
• Chef Clay Conley (Azul at Mandarin Oriental, Miami)
• Chef Dewey LoSasso (North One 10 Restaurant, Miami)
• Chefs Dominique and Cindy Duby (DC Duby Wild Sweets, Vancouver)
• Chef Eric Klein (SW Steakhouse at Wynn Las Vegas)
• Chef Geoffrey Zakarian (Country in New York, New York)
• Chef Laurent Tourondel (BLT Steak, BLT Fish, BLT Prime, New York)
• Chef Mark Militello (Mark’s Las Olas, Mark’s CityPlace, Mark’s Mizner Park, Mark’s South Beach)
• Chef Michael Bloise (Wish restaurant at The Hotel, Miami Beach)
• Chef Michael Mina (Michael Mina Bellagio, Las Vegas)
• Chef Paul Bartolotta (Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare at Wynn Las Vegas)
• Chef Scott Conant (L’impero, Alto, New York)
• Chef Todd English (Blue Zoo, Bonfire, English is Italian, Figs, Fish Club, Kingfish Hall, Olives, Todd English on the QM2, Todd English’s Tuscany) Chef
• Chef Tom Colicchio (Gramercy Tavern, Craft, Wichcraft, Craftsteak)

• Andrew Geoffrey Vineyards
• Au Bon Climat
• Beaulieu Vineyard
• Betz Family Winery
• Caymus Vineyards
• Constant
• Diamond Creek Vineyards
• Dolce
• Far Niente
• Gypsy Dancer Estates
• Hanzell Vineyards
• Jordan Vineyard & Winery
• Joseph Phelps Vineyards
• Lancaster Estate
• Landmark Vineyards
• Loring Wine Company
• Markham Vineyards
• Mer Soleil Winery
• Nickel & Nickel
• Qupé Wine Cellars
• Roessler Cellars
• Scherrer Winery
• Schrader Cellars
• Tandem Winery
• Trinchero Winery
• Vine Cliff Winery
• Wines of Thomas Brown

Bobby Flay and Friends Moët & Chandon BubbleQ
7:30-11 pm
Delano Hotel, 1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
($300 per person)

The best of American barbecue meets the best of French bubbly at this perennially chic but comfortably casual outdoor party. Chef Bobby Flay (Mesa Grill, Bolo, Bar Americain, New York) proves why he is one of the country's favorite barbecue gurus as he leads an all-star cast of grilling greats. Guests will receive a warm SoBe welcome from hosts Jeffrey and Linda Chodorow of China Grill Management, publisher Julie McGowan and editor-in-chief Dana Cowin, both of Food & Wine, and Benoît Gouez, the new Chef de Cave at Moët & Chandon, the evening's featured beverage. In between courses, place bids on the exquisite wine lots, dinners and weekend getaways offered up for bids at the evening's silent auction.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 and SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26

Grand Tasting Weekend Pass
($200 per person)

Grand Tasting Village
11am-6pm
Ocean Drive & 13th Street, Miami Beach
($125 per person)

The Grand Tasting Village is entrance to myriad activities competing for attention. Recipes and techniques from culinary personalities will be shared in KitchenAid Demonstration Tents. The Target Cook-Off Tent will feature a battle of the chefs, Iron Chef-style. Witness cooking demos on your way to the Books & Books Tent where you can purchase your favorite celebrity chefs’ signed cookbooks. Two American Express Grand Tasting Tents will offer samplings from your favorite restaurants and wine and spirits producers; then walk a little further to sample Spanish wines in the Wines from Spain Tent. The Evian "Detox" Lounge will offer complimentary, rejuvenating spa treatments, refreshments and music. Purchase your new must-have kitchen gear from retailer Sur La Table. Relax in the FedEx lounge before heading to the Culinary Shell Game which challenges the shucking times of the best east and west coast oyster shuckers at the Seminole Hard Rock - Mohegan Sun Shuck Off South Beach. After all this, do not skip the 10 Cane Rum Courtyard featuring "rum's redemption." Lastly, make sure to hit the Parrot Bay Courtyard and enjoy Parrot Bay's new tropical flavors..."The Parrot is Calling."

Culinary and Lifestyle Seminars
11am-6pm
Learn the cooking secrets of superstar chefs and culinary personalities who will share recipes, helpful hints and time-saving techniques in the KitchenAid Tents.

Food Network Challenge: Hottest Chef
$10,000 first place prize and the Hottest Chef crown will be awarded to the most captivating, charismatic, talented chef from across the country!

Grand Tasting
1-5 pm
Distinguished Chef Michael Blum of Michael's Kitchen in Hollywood, Fla., and Chef Govind Armstrong of Table 8 in Los Angeles, Calif., and soon Miami Beach, host more than 75 of South Florida's greatest restaurants and caterers as they serve up generous tastings of their chic cuisine, while more than 150 world-class wineries and spirits producers offer their best under two American Express Grand Tasting Tents. Sample products and offerings from more than 30 exhibitors, and check out the centerpieces of the American Express Grand Tasting Tents: the Moët Lounge, the House of Clicquot and Verizon Wireless.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25

Barolo Vs. Brunello Hosted By Joe Bastianich
10-11am
Marriott, 161 Ocean Drive, South Beach
($75 per person)

The battle royal of Italy's reds. This is a great opportunity to taste Barolo, the king of Piedmont, and Brunello, the queen of Tuscany, side by side without any distractions. Wine authority Joe Bastianich will teach you to examine the qualities of each and provide you with enough history to help you understand their progression through the ages and what makes these some of Italy's most legendary wines.

Wine Spectator Wine Seminars
10am-6pm
Hotel Inter-Continental Miami, 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami
($300 per person)

The festival invites those who seek a serious education in the finer things in life, whether novices or aficionados, to its teaching tastings. The all-inclusive daylong series - six distinct mini-courses and an informative "wine luncheon" - offers guests a comprehensive view of today's vin scene by bringing together experts ready to share their unique knowledge. Learn about the special qualities of specific wines (while sipping from your keepsake Riedel glass) as well as the grapes and techniques that go into creating them. Wine Spectator Executive Editor Thomas Matthews will introduce the first session, and vintners and principals from a variety of handpicked houses will head the others. The pleasure of consuming wine starts with the glass. Riedel: The Wine Glass Company celebrates its 250th anniversary this year, and their special gift to you is a pair of Riedel Vinum Burgundy glasses.

You say Syrah, I say Shiraz - A panel of experts will guide you through a tasting of world-class wines made from fruit grown in four different terroirs especially suited to producing magnificent syrah/shiraz grapes. Distinguished panelists include Jacques Grange of Delas Freres in France's Rhone Valley; Bob Lindquist of Qupe in Santa Barbara County, Calif.; Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery in the Columbia Valley, Wash.; and Jonathan Maltus from the Colonial Estate in Barossa Valley, Australia.

Over, Under, Sideways, Down: Global Pinot Noir Perspective - Taste great wines produced from the grape that made Burgundy famous long before Santa Barbara. Guiding you will be winemakers Alex Gambal of Maison Alex Gambal, Burgundy; Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat, Calif.; and Gary Andrus of Gypsy Dancer, representing both Oregon and New Zealand.

Thomas Brown: California's New Generation - In 1997 Brown met Ehren Jordan from Turley cellars and worked his way up from "Cellar Rat" to assistant winemaker, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after consulting winemakers in the Napa Valley. In 2000 he began making wine for several high-profile wineries, among them Chiarello Family Cellars, Outpost, Nicholson Ranch, Tamber Bey and Rivers-Marie, whose products he will include in today's tasting.

"Chateau Lafite abroad . . . or why I chose to invest in vineyards in Chile, Argentina, Portugal and the Languedoc" - BARON ERIC de ROTHSCHILD - Beginning in 1988, Baron Eric de Rothschild began a series of investments in high quality, elite vineyards around the world. We will taste the fruit of his long-range project labors in these wines along with the first and just-released wines from the Chateau d'Aussieres, the most recent of the great vineyards outside of Bordeaux. The seminar will conclude with the tasting of a specially selected vintage of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild from Baron Eric de Rothschild's personal cellar.

Ageability in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Grand Cru California Farming at Hanzell Vineyards: Jean Arnold Sessions will lead a rare vertical tasting of four selected vintages each of Hanzell Vineyards Chardonnay and Pinot Noir spanning three decades of great California Winemaking. Taste through these rare wines and learn why Hanzell Vineyards has been honored by former Time Magazine writer George Taber as "the place where great California winemaking began". Experience for yourself the answers to how needlepoint "Grand Cru" farming practices and attentive hands on winemaking can provide structure for great abeability for leading New World wines.

Marqués de Riscal: Historic Rioja Tasting - Marqués de Riscal, founded in 1860, sends Luis Hurtado de Amézaga, winemaker, and José Luis Muguiro to guide us on a journey that will demystify Spain's lovely Rioja. The secrets of Rioja will be revealed as you taste through the top vintages of Marqués de Riscal wines of the past century including 2001, 1999, 1995, 1994, 1990, 1989 and 1964.

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates luncheon - Ste. Michelle Wine Estates luncheon - Washington State's oldest and most acclaimed wine company hosts a special meal that is custom-prepared by its culinary director John Sarich and complemented by its award-winning Col Solare, Northstar and Chateau Ste. Michelle wines. Washington's emerging prominence as the nation's second largest wine-producing region will be explored by today's guest speaker Ted Baseler, president/CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.

Kidz Kitchen hosted by Emeril Lagasse
11am-12pm
Grand Tasting Village, Ocean Drive & 13th St, Miami Beach
($30 per person)

Kids will roar with approval as everyone's favorite cook takes it up a notch. With his famous kitchen yell – “Bam" – his fun-loving personality and down-to-earth demeanor, Food Network's Chef Emeril Lagasse, host of “Emeril Live" and “The Essence of Emeril," is just the kind of chef to inspire youngsters. The master will have them ready to go home and try their hand at any number of dishes, proving a big pay-off for parents who could use a little extra help in the kitchen.

*This is a demonstration only. No food will be served

Grand Tasting Village
11am-6pm
Ocean Drive & 13th Street, Miami Beach
($125 per person)

Barilla Interactive Cooking Lunch Hosted By Andrea Curto Randazzo
12pm-2:30pm
The Biltmore Hotel Country Club, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables
($150 per person)

Learn to cook while rubbing elbows with Food Network's Chef Cat Cora and South Florida's own Chef Andrea Curto Randazzo. The pair will delight participants with their attention to crafting bold, flavorful dishes. Chef Cora’s Greek and southern American backgrounds, combined with her training in classical French and authentic Italian cuisines, led her to be the first female Iron Chef on Food Network's American version of the popular program. Chef Randazzo, co-owner of South Beach's Talula, prides herself on exciting both the palate and the mind by joining the familiar with the unique. The chefs' lively demonstrations will give way to personalized instructions as they direct all in attendance to individual cooking stations for the preparation of the day's luncheon. This truly memorable afternoon of learning, cooking and dining will be accompanied by wines from Trinchero Family Estates.

Sideways Taste-off: Extraordinary Pinot Noirs Vs. Extraordinary Merlots Hosted By Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson
12:30-1:30pm
Marriott, 161 Ocean Drive, South Beach
($75 per person)

This blind tasting should prove a real eye opener as it pits a recent star of the silver screen, Pinot Noir, and the champion of red-wine sales, Merlot, against your taste buds. Master sommelier Andrea Robinson asks you to forget what you think you know about these two, so that you can taste them again as if for the very first time.

Kidz Kitchen Hosted By Rachael Ray
1:30-2:30pm
Grand Tasting Village, Ocean Drive & 13th St, Miami Beach
($30 per person)

Cooking should be a family affair. So says Food Network's Chef Rachael Ray, who encourages parents to get children involved. The exuberant Chef Ray, host of "30-Minute Meals," "Inside Dish" and her newest show, "Tasty Travels," credits her mom with piquing her culinary interest, and now she aims to do the same for your child. Known for time-saving measures and easy methods, here's a learning opportunity that cuts across generations.

*This is a demonstration only. No food will be served

Decoding Ferran Adrià: The Tribute Dinner
7-11pm
The Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Miami Beach
($600 per person, Limited availability to Weekend Pass "A" purchasers only)

Largely credited with Spain's emergence on the stage of international haute cuisine, this creative genius, Chef Ferran Adrià, has wowed critics, patrons and his peers alike with his startling contrasts of tastes, textures and temperatures. A one-time dishwasher who trained in France's top kitchens, the man honored tonight has indicated no sign of letting up on his quest to continually astound the eating world. Join Jean-Luc Naret, Director of the Michelin Guide, in welcoming Chef Anthony Bourdain, emcee of this historic dinner spearheaded by Chef Adrià's good friend Chef José Andrés and featuring the creations of some of the world's top Spanish-influenced chefs in a salute to the master of their cuisine.

• Chef Emeril Lagasse (Emeril's, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Miami Beach, Orlando, Atlanta)
  
• Chef Norman Van Aken (Norman's, Coral Gables, Orlando, Los Angeles)

A selection of fine Spanish wines from Terras Gauda, Torres, Cune and Marqués de Riscal will be perfectly matched with a seven-course dinner prepared by:

• Chef José Andrés (Jaleo, Café Atlantico, Zaytinya, Washington D.C.)
• Chef Thomas Keller (Per Se, New York; French Laundry, Yountville)
• Chef Gray Kunz (Café Gray, New York)
• Chef Nobu Matsuhisa (Nobu, worldwide; Matsuhisa, Aspen, Beverly Hills)
• Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten (Jean-Georges Management LLC)
• Chef Marc Ehrler (Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Miami Beach) and
• Chef Pierre Hermé (Pâtisserie Pierre Hermé, Paris).

Sweet Deco-dence celebrating 5 Sweet Years Of The South Beach Wine & Food Festival
10pm-Until
Loews Miami Beach Hotel, 1600 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
($100 per person)

Leave your South Beach diet at home and get ready to mix and mingle with your favorite celebrity chefs and culinary personalities at the greatest dessert party of all times. Join South Florida's own Chef Hedy Goldsmith (Nemo, Prime 112, Shoji Sushi, Miami) as she leads a baker's dozen of her fellow pastry chefs in concocting Chef Maida Heatter inspired confections for this heavenly extravaganza. It all comes to a calorie crescendo with a huge birthday cake prepared by sugar artist Margaret Braun who will be joined by the Festival's assembled cast of celebrity chefs, culinary personalities, wine-makers and oenophiles to blow out the candles on this huge and fittingly glamorous birthday cake. Providing the festive accompaniment to the rich and creamy creations of these dessert gurus: Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte, Belle de Brillet "Extra" Pear Liqueur, Chambord, Navan, Starbucks Coffee Liqueur and a selection of the rarest Sherry, Vinos de Jerez, from the top bodegas of Jerez, Spain. The Cigar Aficionado lounge, hosted by Executive Editor, Gordon Mott, and La Aurora and Africa cigars will complement the evening with a place to sit down and enjoy a smoke with your favorite dessert. A very happy birthday indeed!

2006 participating chefs:

1. Chef Andrea Santiago (Timo, Sunny Isles)
2. Chef Carmen Gonzalez (Carmen the Restaurant, Coral Gables)
3. Chefs Dominique and Cindy Duby (DC DUBY Wild Sweets, Vancouver)
4. Chef Francois Payard (Payard Patisserie & Bistro, New York, Brazil)
5. Chef Jennifer Brown (Chef Allen's, Aventura)
6. Chef Jose Flores (Ola Steak, Miami)
7. Chef Karen De Masco (Craft, New York)
8. Chef Margaret Braun
9. Chef Maria Frumkin (DUO, Miami)
10. Chef Max Santiago (Norman's, Coral Gables)
11. Chef Nancy Silverton (La Brea Bakery and Campanile, Los Angeles)
12. Chef Vicki Wells (Mesa Grill, New York)
13. Chef Vita Shanley (SW Steakhouse at Wynn Las Vegas)
14. Chef Jason Morale (Wish Restaurant at the Hotel, Miami Beach)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26

From Spain With Amor Hosted By Andrea Immer Robinson
10-11am
Marriott, 161 Ocean Drive, South Beach
($75 per person)

Fall in love with some of Spain's best wines, both classics and up-and-comers, when master sommelier Andrea Immer Robinson shows you how to pair them with delicious cuisine inspired by Spain and beyond. Chef Juliana Gonzalez of Mosaico in Miami will prepare the perfect tastes to complement the featured vino.

Kidz Kitchen hosted by Alton Brown
11am-12pm
Grand Tasting Village, Ocean Drive & 13th St, Miami Beach
($30 per person)

It's never too early to learn the art and science of cooking. And leave it to Food Network's Chef Alton Brown to make the experience a fun one for kids. Chef Brown, who writes, directs, produces and stars in "Good Eats," is often described as a culinary version of Mr. Wizard or Bill Nye because he brings a scientific and humorous approach to his program. In 2004 he was named "Cooking Teacher of the Year." His references to chemistry and his quirky presentation combine to intrigue audience members young and old alike.

*This is a demonstration only. No food will be served

Grand Tasting Village
11am-6pm
Ocean Drive & 13th Street, Miami Beach
($125 per person)

Tribute Brunch
11:30am-1:30pm
Loews Miami Beach Hotel, 1600 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
($150 per person)

Festival hosts Florida International University and Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida pop the corks to honor leaders in the food and wine industry. Loews Miami Beach Hotel Executive Chef Marc Ehrler will be joined by Chef Allen Susser (Chef Allen's, Aventura), Chef Jonathan Eismann (Pacific Time, Miami Beach), Chef Todd English (Olives, Figs, Kingfish Hall, Blue Zoo, English is Italian), Chef Michael Mina (Michael Mina Bellagio, Las Vegas) and Chef Scott Conant (L'impero, Alto, New York) to serve up a bountiful, mouth-watering brunch matched with wines from the portfolio of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). Chef Wolfgang Puck (Spago, Beverly Hills; Granita, Malibu; Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, Las Vegas) will present dear friend and prize-winning confectioner Maida Heatter with the South Beach Wine & Food Festival Lifetime Achievement Award. Southern Wine & Spirits will present its Lifetime Achievement Award to Eric de Rothschild. FIU will honor Regynald Washington, vice president and general manager, Disney Regional Entertainment (ESPN Zone), and former chairman of the National Restaurant Association, with the Michael E. Hurst Distinguished Hospitality Leaders Award. Barilla, the Italian food company recognized all over the world for its pasta and sauce, will for the third year recognize a student from the FIU School of Hospitality and Tourism Management with the Barilla Best New Student Chef Award.

Barilla Interactive Cooking Lunch Hosted By Lidia Bastianich
12-2:30pm
The Biltmore Hotel Country Club, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables
($150 per person)

Learn to cook great Italian from the kind of grandmother we could all use in the kitchen. Restaurateur (Felidia, Esca, Becco, New York; Lidia's Kansas City; Lidia's Pittsburgh), cookbook author, businesswoman and PBS cooking-show host Chef Lidia Bastianich shares her cooking philosophy, techniques and recipes in the most intimate of ways: First, she will demonstrate the featured dishes to the entire group, and then she will work hand-in-hand with participants at their individual cooking stations as they contribute to the day's luncheon. With Chef Lidia explaining the history of Italian-American cuisine and giving directions for specific preparations and food assembly, all in attendance will learn how to make a tasty, authentic and joyful meal accompanied by wines from Trinchero Family Estates. Buon appetito!

Italy's Noble Reds Hosted By Joe Bastianich
12:30-1:30pm
Marriott, 161 Ocean Drive, South Beach
($75 per person)

Taste the biggest, boldest reds Italy has to offer, from the timeless classics to the new stars on the scene. Wine authority Joe Bastianich offers tasters the best of the best: Barolo, Barbarescos, Super Tuscans, Amarones and much more.

Kidz Kitchen hosted by Giada De Laurentiis
1:30-2:30pm
Grand Tasting Village, Ocean Drive & 13th St, Miami Beach
($30 per person)

Growing up in a large Italian family, Rome-born Chef Giada De Laurentiis learned quickly the importance of food in bringing everyone together. The host of Food Network's "Everyday Italian" and "Behind the Bash," she takes pride in recreating some of her favorite childhood dishes, often with a healthy twist. Professionally trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, this rising star of the culinary scene welcomes the chance to help get budding young chefs excited about the kitchen.

*This is a demonstration only. No food will be served

Chateau Lafite Rothschild: The World's Greatest Wine With Baron Eric De Rothschild
3-5pm
Hotel Inter-Continental, Miami
($150 per person)

Join Thomas Matthews, Executive Editor of Wine Spectator, as he introduces Baron Eric de Rothschild who will survey recent vintages of Chateau Lafite Rothschild, produced on his family's estate since 1868 and considered by many to be the greatest red wine in the world. Baron Eric de Rothschild, recipient of the Southern Wine & Spirits of America Lifetime Achievement Award earlier that day at the Tribute Brunch, will guide us through a tasting of recent and past vintages personally selected from his private cellar, and explain what happened during that vintage and why Chateau Lafite Rothschild is unique. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a window through which to view history.

After this memorable tasting, take home the ultimate wine glass, the Riedel Sommeliers Bordeaux, perfectly balanced, whisper thin, hand-made, mouth blown lead crystal to meet the highest expectations of wine aficionados.