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Raise A Glass To Festivin 2025

Arts and Entertainment

December 28, 2024

From: Raise A Glass To Festivin

Welcome to Festivin, our annual four-day celebration of wine, food, and education! Now in its fifth year, this festival features four unique dinners and interactive seminars led by experts, including Advanced Sommeliers, Master Sommeliers, Winemakers and Executive Directors. Guests will also enjoy an engaging cooking demonstration and the Grand Tasting, a standout event with over 150 wines to sample alongside delicious food. Plus, a portion of the proceeds will support Almost There: A Mom and Pup Rescue. Adorable puppies will be on hand to snuggle and even adopt!

Schedule of Events:

January 16, 2025

Unplugged & Uncorked Dinner & Music: Geordie's
6:00 pm: Festivin 2025 kicks off with an unforgettable evening! Start with a lively reception followed by the Unplugged and Uncorked dinner at 6:30 pm. This unique event blends exceptional wines and live music featuring Master Sommelier Michael Jordan and renowned winemaker Fred Scherrer. Wines from Jackson Family Wines and the Scherrer family will be expertly paired with a delectable five-course dinner crafted by Executive Chef Nick Kennedy. $195++pp

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KRUG DINNER: Christopher's
6:00 pm: Join us for a rare tasting of Krug's finest, including the Krug 169ème Grande Cuvée, Krug 169ème MAGNUM Grande Cuvée, Krug Vintage 2004, and Krug Rosé 24ème.

Chef Christopher presents a special menu complement these remarkable Champagnes.

For a truly exclusive experience, a very limited pre-event in the wine cellar offers Krug “Clos de Mesnil” 2008 Blanc des Blancs, paired with caviar.

Dinner: $550++ per person

Clos de Mesnil Experience: $350++ per person

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January 17, 2025

Unplugged & Uncorked Dinner & Music: Geordie's
6:00 pm: Festivin 2025 kicks off with an unforgettable evening! Start with a lively reception followed by the Unplugged and Uncorked dinner at 6:30 pm. This unique event blends exceptional wines and live music featuring Master Sommelier Michael Jordan and renowned winemaker Fred Scherrer. Wines from Jackson Family Wines and the Scherrer family will be expertly paired with a delectable five-course dinner crafted by Executive Chef Nick Kennedy. $195++pp

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January 18, 2025

Grand Cru Burgundy Fête
12 pm: This extraordinary lunch features Grand Cru Burgundy begining with a reception followed by a five-course menu crafted by James Beard Award-winning Chef Christopher. These exceptional wines, known for their rarity and complexity, will be perfectly paired with each dish to highlight their unique flavors.
$500 ++pp


Battle on the hill dinner: Geordie's
6:00 pm: Get ready for a wine pairing showdown where each course becomes a competition! Chefs create standout dishes, and Master Sommelier Mark Guillaudeu and our Wine Director/Advanced Sommelier Jodi Bronchtein expertly pair each one with a wine. Guests will taste, compare, and vote on each pairing. It’s Arizona vs New York; Advanced Somm vs Master Somm; Man vs Woman.
Will Jodi get her revenge? Will their friendship survive? And whose ego will end up in the trash? You decide with each vote!
$250++pp

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Saturday Afternoon

Chef Nick's Demo & Lunch: 11am - 1:30pm
Watch and learn how to make some of Geordie’s Chef Nick Kennedy’s favorite dishes. You’ll enjoy a three-course lunch paired with wines from Arizona’s own Advanced Sommelier Mark Yeager of Giuliana Imports.
$125++pp.

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Champagne Wishes & Caviar Dreams: 12 - 1:30pm
Join Christine Mercnik, owner of Grace Under Pressure and importer of Special Club Champagne, and Christopher Klapp of Petrossian Caviar for a one-of-a-kind tasting experience. Discover why Petrossian is considered some of the finest caviar in the world and learn what sets Special Club Champagne apart from the rest—if you’ve never heard of it, you’re in for a treat! You’ll get to taste the differences firsthand, while exploring the art of pairing, caviar grading, and Champagne production.
$129++pp

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Mystery in a Glass: A Blind Tasting: 12 - 1:30pm or 2 - 3:30PM
Watch as two top sommeliers are put on the spot in a thrilling blind tasting. They’ll share their thought process, explaining how they identify wines with just a sniff and a sip, and teach you what to look for. Taste along with the pros and put your own skills to the test, while learning insider tips from some of best. It's an interactive, educational experience perfect for the oenophile eager to sharpen their palate!

Each session will feature different sommeliers and different wines.
$89++pp.

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Bordeaux Excellence: Château Sociando-Mallet: 12-1:30PM
Join Winemaker François Hugueniot and Mansion CEO/Advanced Sommelier Jason Caballero for an exclusive deep dive into the renowned Château Sociando-Mallet. Delve into the history and unique characteristics of this exceptional Bordeaux estate, celebrated for its bold, age-worthy wines with remarkable structure and complexity.

Uncover what makes Sociando-Mallet a distinctive gem in the Haut-Médoc and enjoy a tasting that reveals the essence of this celebrated château.

As a testament to the greatness of the Château, Jason Caballero has amassed over a dozen vintages within the cellars of the Wrigley Mansion.

(There might be an appearance of the eponymous Cuvée Jean Gautreau...)
$129++pp.

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A Tale of Two Nebbiolos: Barolo vs Barbaresco: 2 - 3:30 pm
Discover the nuances of the most prestigious areas for Nebbiolo in our Barolo vs. Barbaresco class. Both from the famed Piedmont region and made from the Nebbiolo grape, Barolo and Barbaresco each have their own distinct personalities. In this class, you’ll explore what sets these two powerhouses apart—delving into differences in terroir, aging requirements, and winemaking styles. Taste side by side and learn how each wine’s unique characteristics influence flavor and structure.
$89++pp.

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Napa Valley Cabernet: Valley vs Mountain 2-3:30
Is there really a difference between mountain-grown and valley-grown grapes, or is it just clever marketing? Join us for a lively panel discussion moderated by our Wine Director/Advanced Sommelier, Jodi Bronchtein, (former Lead Sommelier of Press) as we dive into the heart of this debate. We'll explore whether it's a genuine distinction or a PR spin gone wild. Hear from industry experts, taste the wines for yourself, and decide if this is the real deal or just a well-played marketing strategy.
$129++pp.

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Mystery in a Glass: A Blind Tasting: 12 - 1:30pm or 2 - 3:30PM
Watch as two top sommeliers are put on the spot in a thrilling blind tasting. They’ll share their thought process, explaining how they identify wines with just a sniff and a sip, and teach you what to look for. Taste along with the pros and put your own skills to the test, while learning insider tips from some of best. It's an interactive, educational experience perfect for wine lovers eager to sharpen their palate!

Each session will feature different sommeliers and different wines.
$89++pp.

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Take a break! Join us for Aperitivo: 4-6pm
Take a break and unwind with Aperol on the beautiful Garden Terrace. All of our class participants are invited for an Aperol Spritz, small bites and mingling before dinnertime!
Andiamo!

January 19, 2025

The Grand Tasting 2:00-6:00PM Festivin 2025 concludes with our Grand Tasting event! This is your chance to stroll through an exquisite selection of wines that are often hidden from the public eye. With more than 150 wines to sample you're sure to discover your new favorite-available for purchase. Indulge in fabulous cuisine crafted by Chef Nick Kennedy while enjoying the vibrant beats from our DJ. Plus, don't miss the chance to snuggle with adorable puppies from Almost There Rescue, available for adoption! A portion of the event proceeds benefits ATR, so your fun evening also contributes to a great cause. It's the perfect way to relax, sip, and savor an unforgettable experience. $195++pp.

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Date: January 16 - 19, 2025

Location: Geordie's at Wrigley Mansion, 2501 E Telawa Trail Phoenix, AZ 85016

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