Held at the M Resort Spa & Casino and beverages provided by yours truly, this is your opportunity to get away from it all with lavish food tastings, live entertainment, fabulous wine and a great auction that’s all in the spirit of authentic southern hospitality.

The event begins on June 1, 2012 from 7-11 pm and will take place at the M Resort’s iconic Poolside.  Be sure to get your tickets in advance to take full advantage of the All Y’all Package as well as the Private Porches deal – includes a private cabana, unique amenities and more –  if you’re thinking about squeezing in a group of 10 for the event.  And if you’re wanting to spend the night at the M Resort after the festivities, then be sure to call the M Resort at 1-877-673-7678 and reference the Bishop Gorman Wine Tasting Event for June 1, 2012 to receive a complimentary 10% discount.

Bishop Gorman High School is located in Summerlin, Nevada.  All proceeds from the 2012 Southern Hospitality event will go to the school’s tuition assistance program.

Click on the picture above for more information on the event.  You can also visit Bishop Gorman’s website for additional details by clicking on the logo below.

(Written by: Ari Weinryt)

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A college education is often the driving force of one’s success.  Wirtz Beverage Nevada has firmly stood behind this belief by continuing to donate to the College of Southern Nevada’s Department of Hospitality.  But for 2012, the company has gone the extra mile in its support of this highly valued school.

Recently, the executive team members of WBN congregated at CSN for the purpose of participating in a High Performance Team exercise, which involved an exclusive dinner for the team as well as a CSN Scholarship contribution from the Brown Forman Corporation.  The WBN team was first greeted by Chef Tom Rosenberger, Department Chair for CSN’s Department of Hospitality.  After everyone became acquainted, Tom presented each Wirtz executive with personalized CSN / WBN chef’s  jackets and promptly took them on a tour of the school’s many hospitality facilities.

Thanks to the scheduling efforts of Bart Masi, WBN Director of Marketing and a CSN Board of Trustee Member, the executive team was able to visit the following departments: the Schools for Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, Food and Beverage Management and Hotel and Casino Management.  It was also during the tour that the new Wirtz Beverage Nevada Beverage Training Lab (Bar) was unveiled. This great facility will ensure the ongoing support of  the Wirtz Scholarship Fund and add even greater value to CSN’s hospitality department.

After the educational tour, the Wirtz executive team was split up into four and were assigned a portion of the exclusive dinner to prepare, ensuring they would make good use of their classy new chef’s jackets.  The newly appointed chefs were instructed by CSN’s student instructor teams, which were in turn led by Chef  John Metcalf (Program Director, Culinary Arts) and Joe Quagliano (Program Director, Food and Beverage).  Under their supervision,  each course was superb! The dinner also demonstrated not only the professionalism of CSN’s hospitality students, but their utmost thankfulness for all of Wirtz Beverage Nevada’s support.

When every plate was finally empty, Kevin Roberts - WBN Senior Vice President – presented a check for $7,500 from the Brown Forman Corporation for the “Distributor of the Year” Award (2011) to the CSN Foundation to be applied to the Wirtz Beverage Nevada’s Scholarship Fund.  Additionally, an all-new Wirtz Beverage Nevada Internship opportunity, exclusive to the college’s hospitality students, was pledged to be made available in Fall 2012.

The goal: a brighter and even more hospitable Nevada in the near future.

WBN has provided over $350,000.00 in scholarship funds to the CSN Foundation in the last decade.  Annual support such as this will continue  to ensure that a great education shall create an even greater tomorrow.

(Written by: Ari Weinryt)

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Cuervo De Mayo, as everyone at Wirtz likes to call, is what it’s all about.  Yes, plenty of folks prefer a Dos Equis or even a glass of wine on the 5th of May, but at some point during the celebration, all of us end up having the ever famous Jose Cuervo Gold in either a margarita or as a shot.  Because of everyone’s passion (or need, perhaps?) for Jose Cuervo, Wirtz Beverage Nevada made sure that every venue throughout the sagebrush state’s greatest cities was properly stocked.

Cuervo De Mayo, Reno Style

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

As you can see, Reno meant business when it came to readying the local supermarkets for Cuervo De Mayo.  There was no room for other brands taking the spotlight.  From Especial to Tradicional and even La Reserva De La Familia, all of the very best names in Cuervo’s portfolio was given its rightful honor for helping drive the holiday spirit.

Additionally, Jose Cuervo Light Margarita Mixers made their appearances in order to shake things up a bit.  Available in Classic and Wild Berry, these beauties only need to be poured over ice and they’re good to go.  Also, you’d never guess that each serving is under 100 calories.

Good luck finding a lighter margarita.

Cuervo De Mayo, Las Vegas Style

Wirtz Beverage Nevada Las Vegas put on a similar performance by giving its local markets and liquor stores a Cuervo makeover, but also took advantage of the Cinco De May celebration 6th Annual Lee’s Beer & Tequila Experience, sponsored by local powerhouse Lee’s Discount Liquor and held at the Las Vegas Hotel (formerly the Las Vegas Hilton).

The holiday extravaganza was truly made especial thanks to WBN LV’s many tasting booths, rife with ice-cold shots of Jose Cuervo Tradicional and even Platino.  Furthermore, the Jose Cuervo Light Margarita Mixers made a super debut as hundreds of individuals stopped by to experience the lighter (and even more delicious) side of margaritas.  And just to keep everybody on their toes, Ballast Point Brewery and SnoBar Cocktails were given their own tables, rocking the crowds with some of the most novel products currently available in the world of beverages.

There’s a saying that the best way to appreciate another culture is to eat its food and drink its spirits. So do not fret if you missed this year’s Cinco De Mayo celebration; all you have to do is pour yourself a nice shot of Jose Cuervo and you’ll be experiencing the festivities wherever you are.

(Written by: Ari Weinryt)

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The Wirtz Beverage Nevada Company Picnic has returned!  

Bring the kids.  Bring the family.  But leave the suit at home.

On April 28th 2012, Wirtz Beverage Nevada Las Vegase decided it was time for a break.  A picnic break.  As such, it only made sense to invite everyone to the Wirtz Company Picnic and just relax.  No one seemed to mind the lazy Saturday.

Here was the breakdown of the picnic:

11:00 AM: Wirtz team members and family members arrived at the Police Memorial Park.  Those entering in the Three Square Wine Walk brought 5 non-perishable food products in exchange for raffle tickets while those who had entered in the Best Salsa Contest brought two quarts of their finest salsas and a bag of chips (the Wirtz Best Salsa Dancing Contest has been put on hold until further notice).

11:30 AM: Wheel of Fortune spins began while Clowns and Face Painting were released upon the crowds (the adults seemed to like them even more than the kids)

12:00 Noon: Bingo commenced and the Photo Booth was opened to the public (please e-mail your sales representative directly if you wish to see his/her most embarrassing pics)

1:00 PM: Winners of the Salsa Contest were announced (the whole thing was just an excuse to have some delicious food!)

1:30 PM: Magic Show (no bunnies were harmed in the making of the performance)

2:15 PM: 36 winning Wine Raffle Tickets were drawn (guess what the prizes were)

3:45 PM: Wheel of Fortune Grand Prize was given out (it’s a secret, but let’s just say the winners went home happy)

2:30 PM: Juggling on a Unicycle took the stage (again, the adults seemed more impressed than the kids)

Conclusions?  The event was a success and demonstrated one of the most important ethics of Wirtz Beverage Group: Celebrate Success and Have Fun.  Here’s to future events!

(Written by: Ari Weinryt)

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On April 25th 2012, the restaurant Herbs & Rye held a kickoff party for Fratelli Branca and its fine products.  With locals and key industry buyers alike pressing through the door, Herbs & Rye’s turnout was massive.  “I never knew that these products could be mixed in this fashion” was the major reply given by the crowds after seeing the mixology boundaries of Fernet Branca and Branca Menta pushed like never before.  Both digestifs served as the base for The Old Country, List of Demands, and Charlotte’s Web, each one tastefully (literally) inspiring in their own unique ways.

Not only did these fine concoctions serve as a method of bringing great exposure to both Brancas, Herb & Rye also brought Cafe Borghetti liqueur and Carpano Antica vermouth into the mix, two international favorites that truly deserve the same recognition within the sagebrush state. Carpano Antica and Cafe Borghetti also served as the base flavors for one of a kind doughnuts prepared especially for Herbs & Rye.  In case it wasn’t obvious, these culinary works of art were simply amazing.

So then, make yourself a deal.  If you’re shaking your head after reading this article, then you owe yourself a Fernet Branca with Coke at the very least.  After you’ve expanded your cocktail horizons with this simple combination, you’ll realize that the mixology opportunities are endless.

 FERNET AT ITS FINEST

The Old Country

2 oz.                                      Carpano Antica

1 oz.                                       Fernet Branca

0.5 oz.                                 Solerno Blood Orange

2 dash                                Angostura Aromatic Bitters

1 dash                                  Scrappy’s Cardamom Bitter ( Regan’s # 6 will suffice )

Garnish:                            Orange Twist

Glass:                                  Lowball/Bucket:  Large Format Ice

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stir gently and strain over a large ice block.  Garnish.

List of Demands

1 oz.                                      Fernet Branca

1 oz.                                      Carpano Antica

0.5 oz.                                Fresh Lime Juice

2 dash                              Angostura Aromatic Bitters

Top                                      Fentiman’s Ginger Beer

Garnish:                         Mint Sprig

Glass:                                Highball/Collins

In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients  ( except Ginger Beer ) and toss quickly to mix.  Dump components into the suggested glass, add ice and top with Ginger Beer.  Garnish.

Charlotte’s Web

1.5 oz.                                 Hendricks Gin

0.75 oz.                            Branca menta

0.75 oz.                            Hiram Walker White Crème de Cacao

0.5 oz.                                Monin Vanilla Syrup

1 oz.                                      Half & Half

2 dash                              Angostura Aromatic Bitters

Garnish:                           Mint Sprig/Cocoa Powder

Glass:                                Cocktail

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, shake and double strain into a chilled cocktail glass.  Garnish accordingly.

(Fernet Branca artwork courtesy of artist Justin Teodoro)

(Written by: Ari Weinryt)

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What’s the value of a good mojito?  In Las Vegas, it can be worth sponsorship parties, publicity in the most read magazines, and even a trip to Puerto Rico.  In the case of Bacardi’s 150th Anniversary Cocktail Competition, a cocktail that goes down smooth is worth all three. 

MGM Resorts lent Wirtz Beverage Nevada its best bartenders for the day so they could dish it out in a tense (and delicious) cocktail competition, all in celebration of Bacardi’s 150th Anniversary.  The cocktail playoffs were held in WBN’s Alchemy Room, which was given a white-rum makeover thanks to a few hundred bottles of Bacardi Superior.  The mood was further set by live music, traditional Cuban buffet and Bacardi girls passing around cocktails and smiles.

If all that wasn’t enough to keep the crowds in awe, both Hall of Fame Bartender Ray Srp and Master Mixologist Andrew Pollard spiced things up further with hand-shaken daiquiris and classic Bacardi mojitos (Mr. Pollard’s signature drink just so happens to be the mojito).  WBN’s Drew Levinson and two others sat at the judges’ table (or barstools, rather) and carefully scrutinized each bartender’s craft. In the end, only two remained as the Bacardi champions.

Mike Musinski of Luxor’s Tender Steakhouse won the Core Division of the competition with his Basil Mojito, a delicious combination of Bacardi Superior, basil, rock candy syrup, club soda and fresh lime.  On the other end of the competition was Luxury Division winner Stanley Schaffe of MGM Grand’s Zuri.  His winning concoction was the Cherry Drop, utilizing the delicious combination of Bacardi Superior, Bacardi Torched Cherry, rock candy syrup, lime and cherry brandy syrup.

Want to enjoy each of these Superior cocktails?  Well, don’t worry about Mike and Stanley packing their bags for Puerto Rico; the Basil Mojito and Cherry Drop will both be available at their respective restaurants on the strip until February 2013.

From everyone at Wirtz Beverage Nevada and Bacardi, congratulations to Mike Musinski and Stanley Schaffe for their victory!

(Written by: Ari Weinryt)

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Kinky (adj): Slang. Marked by unconventional, sensual behavior.

Kinky (noun): A delicious infusion of super premium vodka distilled 5 times with succulent mango, blood orange liqueur, and passion fruit.

Wirtz Beverage Nevada Reno decided to get a little wild with its Kinky Tahoe Celebration.  Held at Harvey’s Lake Tahoe from April 13th – 14th, 2012, Kinky Liqueur unveiled its goods with a massive celebration.  From vibrant, powerful cocktails to celebrities and guests hitting the dance floor, Kinky Liqueur made an unforgettable entrance into the world of spirits.   Even ‘Mr. Kinky’ himself (he’s hard to miss in the picture below) busted a move in the name of great liqueurs.

Do you live in Reno and want to get Kinky (the noun, not the adjective) too?  Kinky Liqueur is going to be hosting another celebration on May 20th at Mount Blu Resort and Casino.  So be sure to stop on by and join in on the fun!

Kinky Liqueur is owned and operated by Crosby Lake Spirits Company.  To learn more, visit their homepage HERE.

(Written by: Ari Weinryt)

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Beam Inc, world-famous for its line of Jim Beam products and several other bourbon and whiskey brands, has decided to add some major flavor to its already impressive roster: Pinnacle Vodka.

On April 23 2012, Beam Inc. purchased Pinnacle for a whopping $605 million.  The massive buy is expected to provide Beam with a cutting edge advantage in the vodka realm.  Pinnacle Vodka is known worldwide for taking some of the least expected flavors  and making delicious sense of them in their topnotch vodkas.  For example, when was the last time you enjoyed Swedish Fish candy in a liquor?  If you haven’t, go purchase a bottle of Pinnacle Gummy Vodka ASAP so you can understand what this French distillery is all about.

Pinnacle isn’t the only vodka in Beam’s account.  The corporation also owns Pucker as well as Effen, two very powerful vodka brands as well.  However, the major trend in the vodka realm today is the embracing of all potential flavors to mix with the neutral spirit.  Three Olives Vodka has just recently released its Supercola flavor while Vincent Van Gogh Vodka is just about to release its PB & J (peanut-butter & jelly) flavor, making Pinnacle Vodka an incredibly powerful name to have in one’s portfolio.  In fact, the union of Beam and Pinnacle is expected to create more than 3 million sales in cases within the U.S. alone.

Wirtz Beverage Nevada is the proud distributor of both Jim Beam and Pinnacle in the sagebrush state.  You can find out more about these fine products from our products list.

To read about Beam’s purchase of Pinnacle in the media, use the link below:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/23/beam-idUSL2E8FN0VC20120423

(Written by: Ari Weinryt)

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Any wine enthusiast recognizes the name Rudi Wiest. After all, the brand carries Germany’s finest dry wines.  And luckily for Nevada, Rudi Wiest Selections has decided to place its best stock in the fine hands of Wirtz Beverage Nevada’s wine team: Trilogy Fine Wine & Spirits.

The event was truly honored by legendary Rudi Wiest himself making an appearance at Wirtz Beverage Nevada’s Alchemy Room, the leading beverage development and training establishment in Nevada.  “No importer that we know of has the knowledge of Rudi Wiest when speaking on the topic of German wines,” says Trilogy members, reflecting upon the experience of the powerful event.

Joining Mr. Wiest was his magnificent portfolio of German Dry Wines.  Here was the line up:

• Franz Künstler (Rheingau Region): famous for its unmatched dry Rieslings and unique Pinot Noir, a wine that’s still quite new to Germany’s vineyards
• Rebholz Estate (Pfalz Region): living by the words “No Compromises,” Rebholz carries many great wines ranging from Chardonnays to Pinot Blancs and is the  winner of the Gault Millau Wine Guide 2002 Vintner of the Year
• Becker Estate (Pfalz Region): Becker represents a farmer’s dream to stop being the grape supplier and become the vintner.  Becker’s Pinot Noir Tafelwein (table wine) has been ranked the best red wine of its vintage in the whole of Germany for four years in a row

If you’ve been thinking about finally expanding your wine portfolio, look no further than Rudi Wiest Selections.  And if you haven’t, now’s a good time to start considering it.

You can find more about Wirtz Beverage Nevada’s fine selections by clicking HERE.  Additionally, you can learn more about Rudi Wiest Selections by clicking on any of the links above.

(Article by: Ari Weinryt)

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Does Mexican food and a couple cervezas sound good to you?  Then you and the Rio Las Vegas Hotel have a lot in common.  It’s hosting the second annual International Latin Taste & Music Festival from April 20th – 22nd and its going to be incredieble (not a misspell).

The poster above says it all.  There will be food, dancing and carnival rides, all of which celebrate Latin culture. Additionally, be sure to enjoy a Tecate and a Coors Light while you’re having the time of your life, both of whom are providing the cervezas.

The event arrives on a weekend, so be sure to bring the whole family.  Besides, if they’re shorter than 48 inches, they get in for FREE.  Keep in mind that every day at the festival has a different main attraction.  For example, Friday is a grand concert featuring Arley Perez, Ramon Ayala and many more while Saturday is the giant Car Show.  Be sure to keep your days in order if you want to experience something specific.  Or just come for each day and have the time of your life.

You can learn more about the event at its homepage: http://internationallatintaste.com/home/

(Written by: Ari Weinryt)

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