Donna Wolfe of Hamilton, New Jersey, takes home Grand Prize
Sonoma, CA (October 12, 2015) — Donna Wolfe, a reference librarian from Hamilton, New Jersey, is the winner of the Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards “Glorious Bites Competition” and has earned bragging rights, a custom glass trophy and a check for $5000. Wolfe’s recipe wowed Top Chef Star & Lead Judge Brooke Williamson and the entire judging panel in the final cook-off event at the winery on Saturday. Her Fried Lobster & Goat Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms with Sweet Thai Chili Dipping Sauce has been deemed this year’s most glorious appetizer recipe in the country to pair with Gloria Ferrer’s sparkling wine: Sonoma Brut. After the announcement that she was the winner, Wolfe exclaimed, “I am so amazed. There was some incredible competition.”
Out of more than 360 entries from 36 states, Wolfe’s recipe rose to the forefront, bringing her to the semi-finals and ultimately to the winner’s circle on Saturday. “Donna’s appetizer was not only the perfect pairing for the Sonoma Brut, but a perfect bite of food in general. It was crisp and flavorful, yet delicate. She so impressed me with her talent, composure and attention to detail,” said Top Chef Season Ten Star Brooke Williamson. “As a sommelier, I felt the vibrant flavors and delicate nature of this tasty bite really complemented the crisp texture and creamy bubbles in the Sonoma Brut,” said Sommelier and Judge Christopher Sawyer. “Overall, an elegant, sexy, and rewarding creation!” Judges Michelle Heston, Regional Director of PR and Marketing Communications for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, and Sondra Bernstein, Proprietor of the girl & the fig and ESTATE in Sonoma & the fig café & winebar, echoed these sentiments.
Wolfe’s inspiration for the dish, in part, came during a trip to Washington, D.C. “I had immediately thought of using lobster in my recipe submission, because it is so luxurious and would go with the sparkling wine. But while dining out during this trip, I tasted the most delicate and delicious fried squash blossoms and that’s when I realized I wanted to combine those flavors and textures to create something original.”
All finalists’ appetizers were judged on originality, taste appeal, overall appearance/presentation and ability to pair with the Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut. During the competition, the more than 200 guests in attendance were entertained by TV Host, Wine Expert and Author Leslie Sbrocco, known for her appearances on NBC’s The Today Show and as the host of Check Please! Bay Area. Attendees also voted on their favorite appetizer from among the four finalists. Taking home the popular vote, or the “Pop Award,” was Merry Graham of Newhall, California, for her Lemongrass & Ginger Crab Crisps with Asian Apple & Vietnamese Avocado Mash.
“Gloria Ferrer will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2016 which will make next year’s Glorious Bites Competition even more exciting,” said Gloria Ferrer Vice President of Marketing Eva Bertran. “Budding cooks around the country should put on their thinking caps now in preparation for next year.”
Recipes from the 2015 finalists are available for download from the Glorious Bites website: www.gloriousbites.com
About Gloria Ferrer
A pioneering history and approach to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have made Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards a leader in California sparkling wine for almost 30 years. Founded in 1986 in Sonoma, California, by the Ferrer family of Spain, Gloria Ferrer combines the best of sparkling winegrowing history with the bounty of the Carneros winegrowing region using time-honored méthode champenoise winemaking traditions and centuries-old sustainable practices. Gloria Ferrer produces the most awarded California sparkling wines that have won over 400 gold medals and received 30 outstanding 90+ point ratings in the last 5 years. Discover the Glorious Life at www.gloriaferrer.com .
