Quintessa Winemaker Dinner

Join us at SideBern’s as we kick off Bern’s 15th Annual Winefest with a six-course dinner featuring Charles Thomas, winemaker of the Agustin Huneeus Family of Wines.

Quintessa is a remarkable estate located in the heart of the Rutherford appellation of Napa Valley. The legendary Agustin Huneeus found the property that would become Quintessa in 1989. With 280 acres, it was the last great undeveloped property in Napa Valley and had all the characteristics of a great wine estate: rolling hills, various microclimates and a range of soil types.

Our very special guest Charles Thomas will guide us through his spectacular wines.

Join us as we take you back to the 1920’s to enjoy Old Tampa. Get ready as we take you back to the Cuban rich days of Ybor City and beyond. Enjoy Cuban inspired drinks and fare by the talented SideBern’s chefs as well as themed music, cigar rollers, and all the spicy Cuban flair! Bring your dancing shoes and a partner as we dance the night away as if we were in Havana!

At the VIP Party you can truly enjoy the grandeur and elegance of the winefest as you taste your way through the Grand Tasting tents before general admission begins! Start early and enjoy your favorite wines from all over the globe & savor the regional fare created by our culinary teams-without waiting in line!

During the VIP Party only, our premier sponsor Moët & Chandon will offer a decadent, luxury champagne paired with a bite of indulgence from our culinary teams.

Also, get a head start at the Winefest Silent Auction. Wineries from all over the world donate unique items only for Bern’s. The auction benefits both the Bern Laxer Scholarship Fund and the Vincent Lecavalier Foundation. The fund awards three scholarships per year, through the James Beard Foundation. Created in the spirit of Bern Laxer, these scholarships are to assist students who are interested in a career in culinary, hospitality management, or viticulture. The Vincent Lecavalier Foundation make a $3 million commitment to All Children’s Hospital and recently opened the Vincent Lecavalier Pediatric Blood Disorders Center.

Tickets to the VIP Party are limited to 150 guests and include admission to the Grand Tasting from 12:30-4 p.m.

There is not another wine tasting in the state of Florida that can match the quality of food and wine that is presented at Bern’s Grand Tasting.

A rare opportunity to taste more than 200 top-rated wines, arranged by country of origin and paired with culinary delights from Bern’s & SideBern’s it is the perfect way to spend the afternoon! And don’t forget the cheese and dessert!

Visit the Moët & Chandon Oasis where you can sip premium Champagnes paired with our avant-garde caviar creations. The Oasis will also feature innovative cocktails created by SideBern’s featuring Belvedere Vodka. We are proud to welcome Moët Hennessy as our premier sponsor again in 2012.

The Grand Tasting will also feature educational seminars presented by our special winemaker guests fro Chateau Ste Michelle and Plumpjack. Seminars are included in the Grand Tasting ticket price and offer 75 guests the opportunity to taste 5-8 wines and learn directly from our talented guest winemakers.

Don’t forget to bid at the Winefest Silent Auction. Wineries from all over the world donate unique items only for Bern’s. The auction benefits both the Bern Laxer Scholarship Fund and the Vincent Lecavalier Foundation. The fund awards three scholarships per year, through the James Beard Foundation. Created in the spirit of Bern Laxer, these scholarships are to assist students who are interested in a career in culinary, hospitality management, or viticulture. The Vincent Lecavalier Foundation make a $3 million commitment to All Children’s Hospital and recently opened the Vincent Lecavalier Pediatric Blood Disorders Center.

End the decadent weekend with Famille Perrin Wines Featuring Tablas Creek and Chateau Beaucastel and and paired dinner at Bern’s Steak House. Talented Chef de Cuisine Habteb Hamde will marvel you with a magnificent 5-course dinner complimented with special wines. .