Cayman Wine Fest 2023
Tortuga’s Wine Fest a delicious success
Delicious wines, fascinating conversations, yummy food, lively music and great fun; that’s what Tortuga Fine Wine & Spirits 3rd Annual Wine Fest offered on 17 October at the Wharf Restaurant.
The event had two segments: an afternoon session for those in the food and beverage industry and an evening session for members of the wine-loving public. Although the afternoon involved a bit of business mixed with pleasure for the industry folks, the evening was pure fun with music provided by saxophonist Denys Carbo, a feast of food that included freshly made paella and a Flor de Caña rum bar outside.
Guests were able to sample more than 50 different wines, many presented by visiting representatives of wineries around the world.
“Our annual Wine Fest is an opportunity to showcase some of our many fine wines and spirits in a relaxed and fun setting,” said Natalie Porter, Tortuga’s Head of Marketing and Communications. “It’s also a chance for wine aficionados and those in the food and beverage industry to speak to wine and spirits experts.”
One of those experts was Maria Camila Alvarez Valencia, who was on hand to help present several brands of Delicato Family Wines. Although Napa Valley is California’s most famous wine region, Delicato focuses on wines from other California regions like Lodi, Sonoma, Monterrey and the Central Coast. Tortuga’s brands from these regions include Gnarly Head, Three-Fingered Jack (named after a local legend in Lodi), Noble Vines and Coppola Diamond Collection. Because they are produced outside of the more expensive land in Napa Valley, these wines can enter the market less expensively.
“Delicato overdelivers on quality with all brands giving consumers some of the best value propositions in the industry,” said Alvarez Valencia
Indeed, even without the discount offered to Wine Fest attendees, all the Delicato wines showcased at the event retail for under CI$25.
Another wine featured at the event was Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon, which Tortuga’s Wine Sales Manager Massimo Consolini said is winning over wine critics and consumers. Made in the Paso Robles region of California, this wine was ranked #7 on Wine Enthusiast’s “Enthusiast 100” list in 2020. Austin Hope was also named “American Winery of the Year” in 2022 by Wine Enthusiast.
Other notable brands featured at the Wine Fest included Robert Mondavi, Kim Crawford, Simi, Beringer, Mionetto and Bottega.
“Many people are saying it’s as good as Caymus and it’s half the price,” Consolini said, referring to Austin Hope’s Cabernet Sauvignon when compared to that of the iconic Napa Valley winery.
Also visiting for the Wine Fest was Pascal Bony, who provided a sneak peek of several lines of Château de Berne rosé.
“Château de Berne is an iconic producer in Provence and we’re thrilled to add the brand to our portfolio,” said Porter. “The shipment of those wines will be arriving on island next month and we’re looking forward to launching the brand here in Cayman.”
