Presented in collaboration with the Italian Trade Commission
Mile Rupcic
La Mancha: Spain’s Awakening Giant
Description/Bio
Mile Rupcic
Mile Rupcic has been in the wine business for many years. After his initial bite by the wine bug, he started an intensive self-educational program, reading wine books and magazines, tasting as many wines as he could, traveling to wine producing regions and working first in wine retail and then in wine wholesale.
Presently he is a wine consultant for Wine Worldwide, Inc., an importer and distributor, and a wine school program developer for International Wine Masters, both based in New Paltz, New York.
Originally a well-known actor and songwriter from Croatia, he moved to New York City to marry and worked in a broad range of fields: restaurants, catering facilities, travel agencies and import-export. During the 1990s he opened three retail stores in Croatia and produced and wrote a T.V. documentary about New York City (12 30-minute shows) for Croatian television. Following this, he spent five years in Bosnia with the US peace-keeping forces as an interpreter and media analyst, serving eight US commanding generals.
Among other works, Mile has written a theater play, Pete…and this is America, a book, Bosnian Diary, and a musical, Down Memory Lane. He has also performed in numerous classical theater productions, TV series, and many movies, including appearances in Gospa with Martin Sheen, and, most recently, in Angelina Jolie’s In the Land of Blood and Honey.
In 2014 Mile presented “Bordeaux: The Empire of Good Stuff” and in 2015 he presented “David and Goliath: Croatia and Italy.”
Mile Rupcic
A Journey Through Wine “A 40-Year Perspective” with Kevin Zraly (TRADE ONLY) (Suite 61)
Presented in collaboration with the Italian Trade Commission
Description/Bio
Kevin Zraly
Internationally acclaimed wine educator and best-selling author Kevin Zraly has been described as a naturally gifted speaker who is both refreshingly humble and candid. His passion for wine and his engaging teaching style helps demystify the ever-changing world of wine.
Kevin moved to New York City and a chance meeting with legendary restaurateur Joe Baum led to his hiring as the first cellar master and eventually wine director for the renowned Windows on the World restaurant atop One World Trade Center. Windows soon became the country’s top grossing restaurant and, with Kevin at the helm of its highly acclaimed wine list, sold more wine than any restaurant in the world. It was there that he established his Windows on the World Wine School now in its 38th year graduating more than 20,000 students. Kevin worked at the Windows on the World Restaurant from the day it opened in 1976 until September 11, 2001.
With his first book, Windows on the World Complete Wine Course published in 1985, Kevin began translating his classes onto the pages of books where his quick wit and capacity to communicate takes the reader through his worldwide journeys from grape to glass. Each year, Kevin updates the book with additional wine recommendations and new chapters and it remains the world’s best selling wine book with more than 4 million copies sold. He is the author of the first book that covers wineries and vineyards in all 50 states, Kevin Zraly’s American Wine Guide and The Ultimate Wine Companion, a compilation of 40 world-renowned wine writers. Kevin’s newest book, A Glass Half Full: A Cellarmaster’s Journey Through Wine and Life will be released in 2016.
Kevin has garnered numerous awards including the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. He was also the recipient of the 2006 Wine Literary Award, the 1993 James Beard Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional Award, the Food and Beverage Association’s Man of the Year Award, the 2009 Wine Professional of the Year from Sante, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the European Wine Council, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Wine Educators. He is a member of the Culinary Institute of America’s Board of Trustees since 1990 and director of the Sherry-Lehmann/Kevin Zraly Wine Club in NYC.
Michael Weiss
Trade Wine Seminar with Michael Weiss
(Sunset Lounge)
Presented in collaboration with the Italian Trade Commission
Description/Bio
Michael Weiss
Michael Weiss is originally from Montreal Canada from a family involved with catering, restaurants, and hotels. He has 20 years of restaurant experience and has worked as Chef Sommelier and Maitre D’ at 4 and 5 star hotels. Michael joined the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York in 1987 and is the chair of wine studies.
Michael Weiss has served as a wine judge in America and abroad. Mr Weiss has a Bachelor of Science in Education , a hotel management diploma, and holds the advanced certificate from the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Certified Specialist of Wine from the Society of Wine Educators.. In 1998, the Corporation des Vignerons des Champagne France chose him as the American recipient of the St Vincent Diploma of Honor. In 2007 he was in-ducted in to the Confraria (Brotherhood) de Porto and received the European Wine Councils lifetime achievement award for wine education. In 2009 he was given the distinguished service award from the Italian Trade Commission.
Michael lectures at wine festivals, conferences, and dinners and features music at many events. Michael Weiss is co-author of Exploring Wine, a textbook published by Wiley, that was nominated for the James Beard award. He is also co-author of Wine Wise 2009 winner of the James Beard award for best beverage book and Georges Dubouef award for best wine book. Exploring Wine third edition (completely revised) was nominated for best wine book by the IACP (International Association of Culinary Professionals).. Michael Weiss lives in the Hudson Valley of New York with his wife Jennifer who is an artist and art therapist.
Sam Ramic
“Trade Talk” moderated by Sam Ramic
(Suite 61)
Presented in collaboration with the Italian Trade Commission
Description/Bio
Sam Ramic
Description/Bio to come.
Kevin Zraly
White Wines of the Loire Valley and Red Wines of the Rhone Valley
Description/Bio
Kevin Zraly
Internationally acclaimed wine educator and best-selling author Kevin Zraly has been described as a naturally gifted speaker who is both refreshingly humble and candid. His passion for wine and his engaging teaching style helps demystify the ever-changing world of wine.
Kevin moved to New York City and a chance meeting with legendary restaurateur Joe Baum led to his hiring as the first cellar master and eventually wine director for the renowned Windows on the World restaurant atop One World Trade Center. Windows soon became the country’s top grossing restaurant and, with Kevin at the helm of its highly acclaimed wine list, sold more wine than any restaurant in the world. It was there that he established his Windows on the World Wine School now in its 38th year graduating more than 20,000 students. Kevin worked at the Windows on the World Restaurant from the day it opened in 1976 until September 11, 2001.
With his first book, Windows on the World Complete Wine Course published in 1985, Kevin began translating his classes onto the pages of books where his quick wit and capacity to communicate takes the reader through his worldwide journeys from grape to glass. Each year, Kevin updates the book with additional wine recommendations and new chapters and it remains the world’s best selling wine book with more than 4 million copies sold. He is the author of the first book that covers wineries and vineyards in all 50 states, Kevin Zraly’s American Wine Guide and The Ultimate Wine Companion, a compilation of 40 world-renowned wine writers. Kevin’s newest book, A Glass Half Full: A Cellarmaster’s Journey Through Wine and Life will be released in 2016.
Kevin has garnered numerous awards including the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. He was also the recipient of the 2006 Wine Literary Award, the 1993 James Beard Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional Award, the Food and Beverage Association’s Man of the Year Award, the 2009 Wine Professional of the Year from Sante, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the European Wine Council, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Wine Educators. He is a member of the Culinary Institute of America’s Board of Trustees since 1990 and director of the Sherry-Lehmann/Kevin Zraly Wine Club in NYC.
Michael Weiss &
Ric Orlando
Wine & Food Pairing
Presented in collaboration with the Italian Trade Commission
Description/Bio
Michael Weiss
Michael Weiss is originally from Montreal Canada from a family involved with catering, restaurants, and hotels. He has 20 years of restaurant experience and has worked as Chef Sommelier and Maitre D’ at 4 and 5 star hotels. Michael joined the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York in 1987 and is the chair of wine studies.
Michael Weiss has served as a wine judge in America and abroad. Mr Weiss has a Bachelor of Science in Education , a hotel management diploma, and holds the advanced certificate from the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Certified Specialist of Wine from the Society of Wine Educators.. In 1998, the Corporation des Vignerons des Champagne France chose him as the American recipient of the St Vincent Diploma of Honor. In 2007 he was in-ducted in to the Confraria (Brotherhood) de Porto and received the European Wine Councils lifetime achievement award for wine education. In 2009 he was given the distinguished service award from the Italian Trade Commission.
Michael lectures at wine festivals, conferences, and dinners and features music at many events. Michael Weiss is co-author of Exploring Wine, a textbook published by Wiley, that was nominated for the James Beard award. He is also co-author of Wine Wise 2009 winner of the James Beard award for best beverage book and Georges Dubouef award for best wine book. Exploring Wine third edition (completely revised) was nominated for best wine book by the IACP (International Association of Culinary Professionals).. Michael Weiss lives in the Hudson Valley of New York with his wife Jennifer who is an artist and art therapist.
Ric Orlando
Guided by these words, Ric Orlando brings an inspired blend of lust for life, outspoken passion for the flavors and ingredients of the world community, and nationally renowned cooking prowess to his roles as chef, lecturer, author, and media source.
Ric has been a locavore since before the word existed, preparing and promoting both global and local food for over 20 years.
His recipes and commentary are consistently in demand by the regional media. His tireless work in promoting the products, people, and beauty of the region has made him one of the Hudson Valley’s leading culinary spokespeople.
Chef, Owner: New World Home Cooking Cafe and New World Catering, Saugerties-Woodstock, NY, Chef, Management Consultant New World Bistro Bar, Albany, NY Blog: Ricthechef.blogspot
Awards and Recognitions:
· 2010 Food Network CHOPPED CHAMPION, Episode 5.2
· Chopped Champions Semi Final Winner
· Host/Creator/Writer Ric Orlando’s TV Kitchen (PBS)
Author We Want Clean Food, CF Press
· Sante Restaurant Award Winner 2006 and 2010 for innovative Cuisine
Metroland and Albany Times Union Best Of Winner in numerous categories including Best Restaurant 1999-2011
Steven Kolpan
Sparklers of the Old World
Description/Bio
Steven Kolpan
Steven Kolpan is Professor of Wine Studies at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), and holds the Charmer Sunbelt Endowed Chair for Wines and Spirits. He teaches Wine Studies, a course emphasizing a country-by-country and region-by-region approach to wine. Students learn about the theory of matching wine with food in a professional environment, as well as the service and marketing of wines and the criteria by which they are evaluated: appearance, aroma and bouquet, and taste. Steven also teaches Advanced Wine Studies, which focuses on enhanced tasting skills (including blind tasting) and food pairings, as well as an in-depth approach to the world wine market.
Steven is the author of Exploring Wine, Completely Revised 3rd Edition (Wiley, 2010), the textbook used in both Wine Studies classes, as well as in dozens of other academic and professional wine courses. Exploring Wine, which has sold more than 140,000 copies, was nominated as Best Wine and Spirits Book by the James Beard Foundation (1st edition, 1997), and the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) as Best Beverage Book (3rd ed.ition 2011).
Steven is also the author of WineWise: Your Complete Guide to Understanding, Selecting, and Enjoying Wine (Wiley, 2008). WineWise is a book for wine consumers, from novices to connoisseurs, and features a guide to more than 500 bargain wines. In May 2009,WineWise won both the coveted James Beard Foundation Award for Best Beverage Book of the Year and the Georges Duboeuf Wine Book of the Year Award.
Steven is a co-author and made the wine choices for Italian Cooking at Home (Wiley, 2011), with recipes by CIA chef-instructors Gianni Scappin and Alberto Vanoli, and photographs by Francesco Tonelli.
In 2007, Professor Kolpan was named Wine Educator of the Year by the European Wine Council.
Lou DiPalo
Italian Wine and Cheese Seminar
Presented in collaboration with the Italian Trade Commission
Description/Bio
Lou Di Palo
Lou Di Palo is a noted trade member, epicurean and fourth generation purveyor of authentic products of Italy. His family run business, Di Palo’s Fine Foods, opened its doors in 1925 in New York City’s Little Italy where it remains today. Lou and his family are personally involved in every facet of the business as their customers remain their first priority.
Lou travels to Italy several times a year to personally select the country’s best handcrafted specialties, ensuring excellence with every season. When he’s not in Italy, Lou is behind the counter at the store, where crowds of faithful customers brave the wait for knowledgeable and personalized service. Lou explains the traditions and history behind the products, offering tastes to store patrons, many of whom have known Di Palo’s through the generations.
It is out of his passion for authentic Italian Products along with his desire to share his knowledge and experiences with others that Lou has become New York City’s very own beloved Italian Cheese Guru and a regularly featured educator and lecturer on Italian Cheeses and specialty products.
Lou has appeared on many radio and television broadcasts and been featured in numerous magazine and newspapers including The New York Times, Vogue, Gourmet, Wine Spectator, and various publications on Italian Cuisine.
Visit Lou in store or online:
Di Palo’s Fine Food
200 Grand Street (between Mulberry St & Mott St)
New York NY 10013
tel: 212.226.1033
www.dipaloselects.com
Zina Mashin
Emperor Vodka Tasting
Description/Bio
Zina Mashin
Zina Mashin is one of two children born to her parents David and Mila Mashin in Ukraine, a former republic of the Soviet Union. Her parents made the decision to bring Zina, along with her younger brother, Boris, to immigrate from Ukraine to the United States in April 1990.
Zina is a 1993 graduate of Charles E. Smith School in Rockville, MD. She continued her education at the University of Maryland while working full time during her studies. After completing her degree in Business Management, Zina held positions in several major corporations including Marriott, Rio Center, FRIT (Federal Real Estate Investment Trust), WRIT (Washington Real Estate Investment Trust) and Digene Co.
In 2006, Zina and her forever supportive family decided to venture into the spirits industry on a ground-breaking mission. Her family invested in a new and highly promising product: Emperor’s Brand, a line of vodkas that would challenge the exclusivity within the vodka industry and vodka distributors worldwide. Emperor’s line of vodkas would be the first in the world to be granted Certificates of Authenticity from the union of all French distillers — an achievement never before held by any other vodka company. Zina introduced the first line of premium vodkas to the Washington DC market in late 2007.
Zina’s devotion to excellence, tireless search for superior ingredients, desire to educate people about quality and commitment to customers’ satisfaction, are the primary reasons behind the unmatched quality and unparalleled taste of Emperor’s line of vodkas. The quality of Emperor’s Brand vodkas opened the doors to one of the biggest names in the world of fashion, style, class and sophistication: Giorgio Gucci. Mr. Gucci has contracted Emperor’s Brand to create rare and collectors cognacs for the 10th anniversary of his new company, Giorgio G.
* Must be 21 and older to attend seminars.