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 Domaine Chandon, winner of the 2009 international 'Best Of' award in the restaurant category, hosted the award ceremony for the 2010 winners from San Francisco/Napa Valley on October 15.
The awards are an initiative of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network (http://www.greatwinecapitals.com), made up of nine global cities – Bilbao/Rioja, Bordeaux, Cape Town, Christchurch/South Island, Florence, Mainz/Rheinhessen, Mendoza, Porto and San Francisco/Napa - located in or near world-renowned wine regions.
More than 50 wineries and wine tourism-related businesses competed in seven categories, making this year's event the most successful ever for San Francisco/Napa Valley.
Winners of a regional award were:
Accommodation: Auberge du Soleil (http://www.aubergedusoleil.com) Kara Adamson, director of marketing and public relations stated, “Auberge has always focused on the most inviting experiences and truly embodies the world of hospitality to each guest that passes the threshold of the resort and restaurant.”
Wine Tourism Restaurant: The Napa Valley Wine Train (http://winetrain.com)
Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald noted, “There is some really tough competition for top honors in this field. To be so recognized for the work we do is humbling.”
Architecture, Parks and Gardens: Chateau Montelena (http://www.montelena.com)
“We take as much pride in our place as we do our wines, so it is especially nice to be recognized for it”, said Jeff Adams, marketing director.
Art and Culture: Clos Pegase (http://www.clospegase.com) Owner Jan Shrem commented that art is “our passion and we are dedicated to further educating people about wine and art and the enhancement of culture in our community and the world.”
Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences: St. Supéry Vineyards & Winery (http://www.stsupery.com) As Cooky Logan, special events coordinator explained, “St. Supéry strives to showcase the Best of the Napa Valley in an approachable, friendly way.”
Wine Tourism Services: California Wine Tours (http://www.californiawinetours.com)
“Over the last 24 years, we have invested much in our diverse fleet and most importantly in training our drivers to create top notch experiences for each and every visitor” stated founder and CEO Michael Marino.
Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices: Quintessa (http://www.quintessa.com) For Gwen McGill, director of marketing and public relations “Quintessa is honored to be recognized for our sustainable practices and to be in the company of some great wineries.”
The San Francisco/Napa winners will compete for the international awards with the winners from the other members at the network's annual meeting in Bordeaux in early November.
Photo credit Jason Tinacci, Napa Valley Vintners
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