The magic and power of honey is getting Rediscovered and Mellody Food’s Darko Mandich is leading the way
Honey has been a staple in my people diets for their whole. As a result, many of us take it for granted. But that’s changing thanks now.
Let’s find out in an exclusive interview with Mellody Food’s Darko Mandich.
Darko Mandich is a food entrepreneur in San Francisco. After spending almost a decade in the European honey industry as a business executive, Darko committed to reimagining the honey industry to become sustainable. Darko immigrated from Europe to California to launch Mellody, the world’s first plant-based honey brand. Darko is an advocate of saving the bees and wild pollinators.
Mellody Food’s Darko Mandich
Recently, I had a chance to talk with Darko.
Why honey? Was it a personal passion or where did the interest come from for you?
Honestly, at that time, it was a great opportunity and a very interesting company that had many different divisions all related to food and agriculture.
It’s my grandma’s fault that I got into the food industry because I remember when I was a kid, my grandma and my mom and dad, they were running a tiny tavern in the Mediterranean coastline.
Seeing people gathered around the food, seeing people running around prepping the food. In my family, whenever we would have guests visiting our home, there’s always gonna be like plenty of food. And I think that subliminally inserted in my brain. Even though I pursued business and entrepreneurship, that’s something that excites me. In the background of all of that was food. I don’t mind that because I’m a foodie myself.
Honey is being Re-Discovered. Why did honey become so important to us today?
There’s so many angles to that. If you ask consumers in the US their preferred sweetener is honey. Why? Because people understand that honey has the sugar part that gives you a kick, gives you energy; but honey also has a very exciting non sugary part to it, which makes it a better for you. I would say [it’s] the best sweetener out there.
Also, there’s something about the mythology of honey.
There’s this Greek goddess of honey. Honey has been presented as a divine product across many religious books in different religious and history is telling so many interesting stories about honey.
Around 200 years ago, they unsealed Egyptian pyramids, got inside, found a bunch of things, and amongst others there was honey in a pot. And you know what? That honey was edible. And no food in the world would actually stand against that shelf life because, [of honey’s ] special combinations of sugar acidity, pH. Now I’m nerding up.
But the thing is, honey is very special. It will never go bad. There’s kind of official shelf life to honey, but honey will actually never go bad.
And I think if you connect all these things and consumers looking for better solutions, looking for something that can satisfy them, not only on a taste, but on a nutritious level, honey [has] become so popular. I had a chance to witness this across my decade old career in the US and before that in Europe.
And look, I was very excited about honey. I didn’t know much about it when I joined that [first] company, but when I started learning about it, I was like, ‘Wow, this product is really amazing.’
Is the honey currently available at Eleven Madison Home?
This is the product from a direct to consumer collaboration. We just launched with three Michelin star, Eleven Madison Park in New York City.
Eleven Madison Home’s The Specialty Tea and Honey Box featuring Mellody Honey
Yeah, the honey is currently available. The Specialty Tea and Honey Box launched for the Mother’s Day collection and Earth Month.
It’s a specially curated box of artisanal teas coming from different parts of the world with honey and also amazing, shortbread cookies. All plant-based, also made with our honey. That’s available right now
Sometime very soon a standalone jar [of honey] will also be available to Eleven Madison Home.
Eleven Madison Home’s The Specialty Tea and Honey Box featuring Mellody Honey
Tell us again what’s available, how to find it; and how to follow you and support you.
Yeah, follow us on Instagram and TikTok at MellodyFoods
In terms of purchasing, head to ElevenMadisonHome.com and you can purchase it there.
Saving the bees is learning more about them. Learning more about pollinators and you can do that on our social media.
And finally, if you’re equally passionate about bees and plants as we are, ask your favorite restaurant to reach out to us to offer Mellody in your favorite restaurant. It can be a vegan restaurant on non-vegan.
We are gonna work with all the restaurants that reach out to us where people ask to see our product offered, either on the menu, either within a meal, or just if you order a cup of tea and you want a side of Mellody.
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Why Everyone in L.A. Is Talking About This Bottle from On The Rocks Cocktails —And Dylan Efron’s Got One in Hand
Why Everyone in L.A. Is Talking About This Bottled Cocktail—And Dylan Efron’s Got One in Hand
From Beverly Hills rooftops to the American Music Awards in Vegas, On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails is becoming the drink of the moment for Los Angeles tastemakers.
If you’ve been to a dinner party in Silver Lake, a pool day in Venice, or a rooftop gathering in West Hollywood lately, chances are you’ve already seen them—sleek bottles, bold labels, and cocktails so good, they taste like they came from a $20-per-drink mixologist.
We’re talking about On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails, the bartender-crafted ready-to-drink cocktails that have officially made the leap from local favorite to full-blown red carpet royalty.
How big is this brand getting? It just returned for a second year as the official cocktail of the American Music Awards, serving drinks to celebrities, influencers, and VIPs live from the brand-new Fontainebleau Las Vegas. But make no mistake—this is still an L.A. story at heart.
From Westside to Worldwide
On The Rocks™ might be making waves in Vegas, but it was born for places like Los Angeles: where people love a great cocktail but hate waiting in line to get one.
At this year’s AMAs, while the music world’s biggest stars lit up the stage, On The Rocks™ was making headlines of its own. Guests were treated to their full line-up inside the lavish BleauLive Theater lobby, transforming the pre-show cocktail game into something more stylish, accessible, and yes—very L.A.
And backstage? Dylan Efron casually popped open a Margarita, toasted with an Old Fashioned, and showed America how to “Make it a Cocktail”—a moment that aired during the live broadcast and gave fans a peek into the effortless cool the brand is pushing.
You can check out his behind-the-scenes content on Instagram at @otrcocktails, and honestly, it looks more like an Echo Park house party than a backstage award show.
A Campaign Made for L.A. Life
Carol Robert, managing director of U.S. ready-to-drink at Suntory Global Spirits, summed it up perfectly:
“The American Music Awards are all about celebrating the moments that bring people together—and that’s exactly what On The Rocks™ is created to do.”
That idea is at the heart of their new “Make it a Cocktail” campaign, which made its primetime debut during the AMAs. The campaign flips the script on traditional drinking occasions—showing people ditching wine or beer in favor of a proper cocktail at times you’d never expect it. Think: an Espresso Martini at a backyard movie night, or a Cucumber & Lemongrass Mule at a Dodger game tailgate.
It’s all about elevating everyday moments, something Angelenos know a thing or two about.
The L.A. Factor: Convenience Meets Craft
Founded in 2015 by a group of industry vets who knew the pain of finding a decent cocktail outside of a high-end bar, On The Rocks™ delivers all the flavor and balance of a hand-mixed drink—minus the bartender, the mess, or the Uber ride home.
Their lineup reads like the menu at a trendy cocktail bar on La Brea:
The Aviation, Old Fashioned, Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita, Cosmopolitan, Mai Tai, and more. Limited editions like the Spiced Pear Whiskey Sour and Blue Hawaiian have become collector items for cocktail connoisseurs across town.
And now, with the launch of their sparkling canned line—Sparkling Lime Margarita, Mango & Mint Mojito, and Cucumber & Lemongrass Mule—On The Rocks™ is staking its claim on poolside coolers from Malibu to Marina del Rey.
Where to Sip in L.A.
Whether you’re hosting a movie night in Culver City, planning a beach day in Santa Monica, or pre-gaming for a night out in West Hollywood, On The Rocks™ is the go-to. You can find the full lineup at major retailers around Los Angeles, or just visit ontherockscocktails.com to stock up.
Follow @otrcocktails on Instagram for the latest drops, cocktail inspo, and behind-the-scenes celebrity moments.
Bottom line:
L.A. is a city that doesn’t wait—and now your drink doesn’t have to either. On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails is delivering mixology-level cocktails without the fuss, and everyone from Dylan Efron to your neighbor in Brentwood is pouring one.
Big Papi’s Ultra-Premium Ozama Rum Just Landed in L.A.—Here’s Why You’ll Want a Bottle
Big Papi’s Next Power Play: David Ortiz Uncorks a Dominican Rum With Soul, Swagger, and Serious Flavor
In a town that thrives on reinvention, where tequila tastings compete with mezcal masterclasses and everyone knows their Negroni from their Paper Plane, the arrival of Ozama Rum might just disrupt L.A.’s sipping scene in the most unexpected—and welcome—way. But this isn’t just another luxury bottle with a celebrity signature. It’s Dominican-born, baseball-bred, and brimming with heart.
Launched by none other than Hall-of-Famer David “Big Papi” Ortiz, Ozama Rum is a lush, premium spirit that pays homage to the rhythms, rituals, and resilience of the Dominican Republic. And while Ortiz may be best known for smashing home runs for the Boston Red Sox, his latest swing connects straight to his roots—and it’s a clean hit.
“To me, Ozama isn’t just about rum, it’s about identity, pride, and progress,” Ortiz says.
“I wanted to build something that celebrates the energy and soul of my people and shows the world what we’re made of. It’s always been important for me to do things the right way, which is why this labor of love has been one of the most rewarding projects of my career. I can’t wait for people to try it! They say that perfection doesn’t exist, but you can get close to it.”
Rum, Reimagined
Named after the Ozama River—the same one Ortiz grew up fishing, swimming, and crabbing along as a boy—Ozama Rum isn’t just Dominican in spirit. It’s 100% Dominican in production. From the locally grown sugarcane to the fermentation, distillation, and
Taraji P. Henson Brings Hollywood Flair to the High Seas with Seven Daughters Moscato and Princess Cruises
Taraji P. Henson Brings Hollywood Flair to the High Seas with Seven Daughters Moscato and Princess Cruises
The Academy Award-nominated actress, entrepreneur, and proud Angeleno has teamed up with Princess Cruises to bring her fan-favorite Seven Daughters Moscato to travelers worldwide. The wine, celebrated for its vibrant, lightly sweet notes of tropical fruit and honeysuckle, is the latest addition to the cruise line’s Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection.
And for L.A. locals who already know Taraji as more than just Cookie Lyon or Melinda Gayle, this new venture is pure Taraji: bold, inviting, and full of heart.
“Seven Daughters is more than just a bottle of wine; it’s a celebration in a glass,” said Henson. “Our Moscato is inviting, refreshing, and perfect for moments of connection which is what makes this partnership with Princess Cruises so amazing. Now we can experience this feeling with people from around the world, whether they’re toasting under the stars or relaxing on the open sea.”
Headquartered right in Santa Clarita, Princess Cruises has long been a part of Southern California’s luxury travel DNA. With its proximity to the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro—just a freeway ride away from Taraji’s hometown hustle—this partnership feels especially fitting. L.A. residents looking for a chic weekend escape can now sip on Seven Daughters while cruising down the Pacific Coast or setting out on a Mexican Riviera getaway, glass in hand and ocean breeze in hair.
“Princess Cruises is committed to curating distinctive, high-quality experiences for our guests, and Seven Daughters aligns seamlessly with that vision,” said Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Princess Cruises. “Taraji’s Moscato reflects a bold yet approachable style that we know our guests will love.”
Seven Daughters isn’t just another celebrity wine—it’s a labor of love and creativity. As Strategic Advisor and Creative Collaborator, Henson has poured her personality into every bottle. For L.A. tastemakers and wine lovers, this means more than a quality drink; it’s a chance to connect with a star who has always stayed rooted in the community.
With her inclusion in the Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection, Henson joins a glamorous circle of fellow celebrity spirits makers including Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson (Meili Vodka), Camila and Matthew McConaughey (Pantalones Organic Tequila), Blake Lively (Betty Booze and Betty Buzz), Liev Schreiber (Sláinte Irish Whiskey), Jason Aldean (Melarosa Wines), Romero Britto (Love Prosecco), and Kylie Minogue (No Alcohol Sparkling Rosé).
For Angelenos used to spotting stars in Studio City or sipping cocktails in West Hollywood, the idea of toasting with a Taraji-crafted wine while watching the sunset over the Pacific feels just right. Whether you’re heading to Catalina for the weekend or sailing out to Alaska, Seven Daughters is now the perfect local-meets-luxury beverage choice.
The Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection, launched by Princess Cruises to spotlight exclusive, star-powered wines and spirits, is about more than just sipping—it’s about celebrating. And with Taraji P. Henson at the helm of her Moscato, there’s never been a better time to raise a glass to life, love, and L.A. style.
More details and sailing options available at www.princess.com.
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Knox Dobson RTD Wins Double Gold Medal, Old Fashioned Wins Gold At 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Knox Dobson ’s Superior Ready-to-Drink Improved Whiskey Cocktail Wins Prestigious Double Gold Medal & Old Fashioned Wins Gold At 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Knox & Dobson, a new collection of superior ready-to-drink cocktails, proudly announces that their Improved Whiskey Cocktail has been awarded the prestigious Double Gold Medal and their Old Fashioned Cocktail has won a Gold Medal in the Ready-to-Drink category at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).
Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the oldest and largest competition of its kind. Receiving a high-tier medal at SFWSC is a testament to exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
This year’s competition featured nearly 5,000 entries, judged by experienced and knowledgeable spirits critics through a blind tasting process, ensuring impartiality and integrity.
Knox & Dobson’s new collection of premium ready-to-drink bottled cocktails is designed to be shared with friends, making it easy to simply Open, Pour, and Enjoy!
The collection was meticulously curated with an uncompromising commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and taste by Knox & Dobson Founder & President Rob Levy (Former Owner, The Raymond 1886) and Creative Director Peter Lloyd Jones (The Raymond 1886, Everson Royce Bar, Proof Media Mix).
The lineup includes a gin Martini, classic Old Fashioned, Improved Whiskey Cocktail with Maraska Maraschino Liqueur, Rye Manhattan, and Moscow Mule.
Each cocktail features the highest quality ingredients such as hand-selected barrel-aged whiskey, distilled gin, natural cane sugar, and authentic Angostura Bitters.
“Our mission was to create a collection of cocktails that were equal in taste and quality to those freshly crafted by a skilled bartender. Peter Lloyd Jones was the best choice, and I can’t imagine working with anyone better,”
Rob Levy
Knox & Dobson Founder & President
“Pete’s experience at 1886 Bar at The Raymond and Everson Royce Bar, combined with his passion and creativity, make him the perfect partner at Knox & Dobson.”
Levy’s upbringing in Skokie, Illinois, at Knox Avenue and Dobson Street, is where he spent most of his adolescence in the ‘60s and ‘70s, hanging out “on the corner” with neighborhood kids who remain lifelong friends. Knox & Dobson is as much an elevated on-the-go handcrafted beverage experience as it is a distillation of hometown pride and a love of bringing people together.
The Knox & Dobson Improved Whiskey Cocktail (35.42% ABV), which was awarded this year’s Double Gold Medal, is made with straight aged rye whiskey, Maraska Maraschino Liqueur, and Angostura bitters. This cocktail features a spiced flavor profile combined with American oak, citrus, and bright and deep cherry notes, making it a whiskey cocktail meant to be sipped and savored.
The Knox & Dobson Old Fashioned (38% ABV), which was awarded the Gold Medal, consists of straight aged bourbon, natural cane sugar, orange oil, and Angostura Bitters. Enjoy the taste of aged bourbon with bright citrus flavors, bitters, raw cinnamon, clove, and American oak.
Knox & Dobson’s new collection of superior bottled cocktails are best served chilled or over ice. Each 200-milliliter bottle features two servings, perfect for sharing, so simply Open, Pour, and Enjoy!
Knox & Dobson is available for delivery Nationwide.
Visit Knox & Dobson to order your new favorite bottled cocktails today.
To see the full list of locations to purchase directly, please visit Knox & Dobson’s Stockists page.
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“Exhilarating and Breathtaking” Eve Bushman Covers Riesling in Germany’s Mosel Region
“Exhilarating and Breathtaking” Eve Bushman Covers Riesling in Germany’s Mosel Region
I found myself describing the experience as both exhilarating and breathtaking, and these two words have now taken on a new meaning for me, probably forever. Raimund added to my thoughts when he said that here, we “always sit in the green.”
Middle Mosel, aka Mittelmosel, wine region of Germany / Photo credit: Ed Bushman
Have you been to the Middle Mosel, aka Mittelmosel, wine region of Germany? I had learned about the area, saw photos of the steep vineyards and their ancient stone sundials dating back hundreds of years, during a tasting with Raimund Prum from S.A. Pruem many years ago. Fast forward to this year, and we planned our first trip there, where we stayed at the S.A. Pruem guesthouse and visited with Raimund again! We also toured and tasted with Eifel-Pfieffer, C.A. Immich-Batterieberg, Villa Huesgen and Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler.
A sundial in their vineyards / Photo credit: Ed Bushman
Know before you go: Rieslings are not all sweet! They range from bone dry to sweet. And though “Riesling is King” in the Mosel we enjoyed sparkling wines and rose, as well as Pinot Noir during our tastings. Not all wineries are in Bernkastel-Kues, many are in towns all roughly within 30 minutes of each other.
Wineries to Tour and Taste
S.A. Pruem: We must start with this winery as they are the reason we traveled to the Mosel for wine. I had met Raimund Prum in 2013 when he led a class for Ian Blackburn of Learn About Wine. Fast forward to this past May 2024, when I finally got to see Raimund again – this time at his home and winery. Raimund inherited the 800-year-old family winery in 1971 and has “expanded from 8.6 acres to 27.9 acres.”
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His family had used money that they made from their apple farms to fund their wine growing business. Back in those days 100% of the people living in the area worked in the wine industry according to Raimund. Nowadays young people may leave, but they come back.
Raimund is a busy man, representing the winery almost all over the world. But he doesn’t do this alone. Raimund’s wife Pirjo, a WSET Diploma graduate, represents the brand in U.S. and Finland. Saskia, their oldest daughter, took over as the owner in 2017.
They produce many still and sparkling wines, from dry to sweet Rieslings to Rose of Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines. I had the opportunity to try most and had a hard time not finishing every sample that was offered. And though other places in the world make Riesling, Raimund said that the “character of the wine is different here” which began over 2,000 years ago by the Romans. (Many Roman pressing stations have been found along the Mosel.)
Weingut Eifel-Pfeiffer / Photo credit: Ed Bushman
During the days we visited we had many opportunities to talk, but at our appointed time for our interview Raimund took us on a drive to the top of one of his vineyards, and it happened to be the oldest one that also is famous for its sundial. His tallest vineyards are 336 meters high, and the Mosel River is at 136. The ground is a combination of lush earth, wildflowers, and different types of slate rock – the rock in particular adds to the minerality found in the wines.
Mother and daughter Tanja Gorgen-Eifel and Mia-Katharina Gorgen from award-winning Weingut Eifel-Pfeiffer. Photo credit: Ed Bushman
Eifel-Pfieffer: Did you know that award-winning Weingut Eifel-Pfeiffer has been in the same family since 1642, and is currently worked by three generations? We had a fabulous tour and tasting with mother and daughter Tanja Gorgen-Eifel and Mia-Katharina Gorgen.
We also learned that they only produce Riesling wines, have the coveted 1A rating which means that some of their vineyards are considered the best in the area, motivated Romanians work the steep vineyards, rainfall can’t always be counted on as it changes from year to year, and they have a total of 10 hectares over 30 kilometers in the Middle Mosel.
Their low-alcohol, not-overly-sweet, fresh, and mildly acidic wines are made from single vineyards – and also a blend of different vineyards that are only from the same area. Riesling “show character of each vineyard that you can really taste in the wine…the structure, minerality and acid” according to mother and daughter.
There are less winemakers now than there used to be: several of the smaller wineries have been absorbed by the larger ones as it’s been noted over time that it’s too cost prohibitive to run a small one-hectare winery.
2021 Mia from Trittenheimer Altarchen / Photo credit: Ed Bushman
These Rieslings pair well with all types of food – German, Indian, Chinese to name a few – and China just might be the largest importer of Eifel-Pfieffer wines. I was super impressed with all of their wines, from dry to sweet, but must give a special nod to a 1990 vintage from Trittenheimer Apotheke and the 2021 Mia (made by Mia while she finishes up winemaking school) from Trittenheimer Altarchen.
Immich Batterieberg wine roster / photo credit: Ed Bushamn
Immich-Batterieberg: This time we had the opportunity to sit down and taste with winemaker Gernot Kollmann while learning all about Immich Batterieberg. Let me just start by saying we liked every wine that Gernot opened for us. Most were very dry, all are organic, and 96% of the wines that they make are Rieslings.
Immich-Batterieberg where we were able to sit down with winemaker Gernot Kollmann / photo credit: Ed Bushman
What makes them special: they are the largest owner of old and ungrafted vineyards in the Mosel, all rocky and steep, and the winery dates back to 1425.
Seventy-eight percent of the 80k bottles they produce a year is exported to Japan, Italy, U.S., Switzerland, and the U.K. They receive top scores from Suckling and Parker, and those top-scoring wines sell out quickly.
The wines are a perfect example of the trend toward dry white wines (which means not sweet) and the continual production of lower alcohol wines.
Pic credit: Ed Bushman
Villa Huesgen: If you are looking for a grand tasting experience, Villa Huesgen is it. Of course, if you have the opportunity to be charmed by Adolph Huesgen VIII himself, then it’s even more special. Adolph’s wine curriculum vitae is almost as interesting as the winery alone! He regaled us in stories of his many collaborations (from Australia to South Africa), work in wineries in California (he started his career at Robert Mondavi as the European sales director with Michael Mondavi) and what he and his family have currently achieved (sparkling, still, rose in the original blue bottles Riesling were first made in) at Villa Huesgen.
Adolph Huesgen VIII / Photo credit: Ed Bushman
The Huesgen family established the vineyard nine generations before, in 1735. The art nouveau-styled estate was built in 1904. They grow Riesling and Burgundy grapes, currently have their first block of Chardonnay in barrels and make more dry than sweet wines. They import to 35 countries.
We tasted ten wines, one of which recently was listed as one of the top nine Rieslings in the world by the Robb Report April 2024. We would have a hard time not liking any Villa Huesgen wines.
Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler / Photo credit: Ed Bushman
Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler: This estate is right in the popular part of Bernkastel-Kues, and just adds to the beautiful Mosel landscape. We were greeted by Stefan Pauly, who led us on a tour of the building and the many tasting areas for their guests. As this was the last tour of our trip, we “drank it up” for the history, and of course, the wines. We tasted many Rieslings, and even a beautifully made Eiswein, and were thrilled to discover that our local Total Wine stores has the exclusive label, Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler, and it’s very reasonably priced though it sells out every year. (Made a mental note to go there as soon as we get home!)
Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler // Photo credit: Ed Bushman
We learned that the winery was founded in 1556, they own 22 kilometers of vineyard along the Mosel, and they even offer an alcohol-free wine. One of the tasting areas we saw had a slight walkable ramp and was large enough to “seat a whole boat” of tourists that preferred not to climb up or down ancient steps for a wine tasting.
Stefan Pauly for Dr. Pauly Bergweiler wine estate / Photo credit: Ed Bushman
When to Visit
We happened to be in Bernkastel-Kues area of the Middle Mosel during Open Wine Cellar Days, which this year began on Germany’s Father’s Day. The holiday and the multi-day event brought many German tourists to the area, which added to the trip for us to “pick up some local color” so to speak. The event shows off many wineries not just during the day for tastings but also for night for tastings, meals, and live music. We chose to stay at the guest house at one winery, S.A. Preum, which made it even more convenient to walk over each night. We have been told that there are always wine festivals, so I highly recommend that you look at the calendar for these before planning your trip.
Raimund Pruem from Weingut S.A. Pruem / Photo credit: Ed Bushman
We got to Bernkastel-Kues from the Frankfurt airport, we rented a car and enjoyed the easy freeway routes and arrived just under two hours. We went in May, as we tend to pick times of the year when tourist areas are less crowded with summer travelers.
Bernkastel-Kues area / Photo credit: Ed Bushman
Besides wine tasting many tourists rent bicycles and e-bikes, tour on motorcycles, rowboat, parasail, take a boat tour and hike the vineyards. It’s a very walkable area in town with many wine bars, brew pubs, restaurants, and shops along the cobblestone streets. In other parts of the Mosel River, you can find sandy beaches and even water skiing.
Gastehaus at Prum / Photo credit: Ed Bushman
There are many hotels along the Mosel River, we chose to stay in a suite at the Gastehaus at Prum and we would definitely return. Beautiful accommodations, locally sourced breakfast, and of course wine!
Find on Instagram: @VisitMosel @EifelPfieffer @ImmichBatterieberg @VillaHuesgen1735 @Weingut_PaulyBergweiler @S.A.Pruem
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.
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Broadway and Vine’s 2023 Concert Series: Brooke Shields, Sutton Foster, Darren Criss, Tituss Burgess and More Will Headline Broadway and Vine’s 2023 Concert Series
Brooke Shields, Sutton Foster, Darren Criss, Tituss Burgess and More Will Headline Broadway and Vine’s 2023 Concert Series In Napa Valley
Broadway and Vine, a nonprofit organization bringing the best of Broadway to the best of Wine Country, kicks off its summer season on Tuesday, June 27
with Emmy Award and SAG Award nominee Tituss Burgess (TV: “Schmigadoon,” “Unbreakable Kimmie Schmidt,” Broadway: Jersey Boys, Disney’s The Little Mermaid) at Tre Posti Vineyards in Napa Valley.
The vineyard concert series will continue throughout the summer with Golden Globe, SAG, and Emmy Award Winner Darren Criss (TV: “The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” Broadway: American Buffalo, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, How to Succeed in Business…) at Carneros Resort’s Hilltop Vineyard on July 28.
Tony Award-winning actress, singer, and dancer, Sutton Foster (“Younger,” The Music Man, Anything Goes, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Drowsy Chaperone) will appear on August 2 at a Napa Valley vineyard estate.
Actress, model, author, entrepreneur, and Broadway star, Brooke Shields (Wonderful Town, Chicago, Cabaret, Grease, The Addams Family) will appear on August 29 in an intimate concert at an exclusive vineyard estate.
On August 16, Erika Henningsen (TV: “Girls 5 Eva,” Broadway: Mean Girls, Les Misérables) will headline with special guest Kyle Selig (Broadway: Mean Girls, The Book of Mormon); and on September 26, Julian Ovenden (TV: “Downton Abbey,” Broadway/West End: South Pacific, Butley) will perform with Scott Frankel, both at Tre Posti.
World renowned Pianist and composer, Natalie Tenenbaum (Lang Lang’s Disney Songbook, David Byrne’s American Utopia, MJ: The Musical, Mean Girls) will be featured throughout the summer as this year’s emerging artist.
Broadway and Vine was founded and is produced by Tony Award nominee Jacob Langfelder (Sea Wall/A Life) with a mission to provide mentorship, masterclass and performance opportunities for students and pre-professional performing artists.
The concert series is paired with world class wineries and wines including Chateau Montelena, Gargiulo Family Vineyards, Frog’s Leap, PEJU, Lloyd Cellars, Arietta, Cervantes Family Vineyards, Titus, Prescription Vineyards and more. Chefs Peter Halikas, Nash Cognetti, and Jeffrey Jake will showcase their cuisine in the picturesque vineyard and resort settings. Tickets begin at $95 and are on sale now at www.broadwayandvine.org
● JUNE 27, 2023 7:00pm Tituss Burgess at Tre Posti
● JUNE 28, 2023 7:00pm Natalie Tenenbaum at Meadowood Resort
● JULY 28, 2023 7:30pm: Darren Criss at Carneros Resort
● AUGUST 2, 2023 7:30pm: Tony Award Winner Sutton Foster at a Napa Valley Vineyard Estate
● AUGUST 16, 2023 7:30pm: Erika Henningsen at Tre Posti
● AUGUST 17, 2023 5:00pm: A Taste of Broadway with Natalie Tenenbaum at Estate Yountville
● AUGUST 29, 2023 7:00pm: Brooke Shields at Napa Valley Vineyard Estate
● SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 6:30pm: Julian Ovenden with Scott Frankel at Tre PostiBroadway and Vine was founded by Tony Award nominee Jacob Langfelder
Broadway and Vine was founded by Tony Award nominee Jacob Langfelder (Sea Wall/A Life), with a mission to provide mentorship, masterclass and performance opportunities for students and pre-professional performing artists. It launched in 2021 and has featured appearance by Golden Globe nominee Lea Michele, Tony Award winners Beth Leavel and Matt Doyle, Tony Award nominees Christopher Sieber, Tony Yazbeck, and Shoshana Bean, as well as Abby Mueller, Jelani Remy, Natalie Tenenbaum, and Taylor Iman Jones. Its Founder, Jacob Langfelder, is a former performer and Tony Award nominated producer who has also worked with acclaimed chefs including Tom Colicchio, Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Daniel Boulud. In Napa, he executive produced Festival Napa Valley, Taste of Napa, and has worked with dozens of wineries and resorts presenting luxury concert events.
Brooke Shields began her accomplished professional career…
Actress, Model, Author and Entrepreneur, Brooke Shields began her accomplished professional career at only eleven months of age when she was selected as the Ivory Snow Baby, and by age 3 was a runway model. At age 9, Shields began her extensive film career when she won her first acting role in Alice Sweet Alice and rapidly gained fame after starring in Louis Malle’s Pretty Baby, the Palme D’or Award winner at the Cannes Film Festival, and the coming-of-age tales Blue Lagoon and Endless Love. As a model, Brooke has graced the covers of hundreds of magazines, most notably Time Magazine as the “Face of the Eighties.” Today, Shields continues her prolific appearances in a broad range of worldwide publications, decades after it all began.
The two-part documentary Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields (which screened to critical acclaim at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival) premiered on Hulu in April. This galvanizing look at Brooke as an actor, model, and icon, as she transforms from sexualized young girl to a woman discovering her power, is directed by Lana Wilson (Miss Americana). Holding a mirror up to a society that objectifies women and girls, Brooke’s story shows the perils and triumphs of gaining agency in a hostile world. The documentary is now ABC News’ most-watched Hulu debut program ever.
Sutton Foster was most recently seen on the Broadway revival of The Music Man, opposite Hugh Jackman.
Tony Award-winning actress, singer, and dancer, Sutton Foster was most recently seen on the Broadway stage starring in an acclaimed turn as “Marian Paroo” in the Broadway revival of The Music Man, opposite Hugh Jackman at The Winter Garden Theatre. Her performance earned her seventh Tony award nomination as well as the coveted 2022 Drama League Distinguished Performance Award. In the summer of 2021, Sutton reprised one of her most notable roles as “Reno Sweeney” in Anything Goes at the Barbican Theatre in London in which she earned an Oliver Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. Her original performance in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre earned her a 2011 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
The two-time Tony winning actress starred as “The Baker’s Wife” in the Hollywood Bowl’s sold-out summer 2019 production of Into the Woods. Previously, she appeared in the title role of The New Group’s 50th anniversary revival of Sweet Charity and in Jeanine Tesori and Brian Crawley’s Tony-nominated Broadway revival, Violet. Sutton also appeared on stage as “Queenie” in New York City Center Encores! Off-Center’s production of The Wild Party in July 2015. Sutton’s performance as “Janet Van De Graaff” in Casey Nicholaw’s The Drowsy Chaperone at the Marquis Theatre in 2006 earned her Tony Award, Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle, and Ovation Award nominations.
On television, Sutton led the critically acclaimed TV Land series, “Younger” for seven seasons. Created by “Sex in the City’s” Darren Star and styled by the iconic Pat Field, the seventh and final season of series premiered in April 2021, making it the longest running original series in TV Land history. As a solo artist, Sutton has toured the country with her hit solo concert which featured songs from her debut solo CD Wish as well as her follow up CD, An Evening with Sutton Foster: Live at the Cafe Carlyle. She has also graced the stages of Carnegie Hall, Feinstein’s, Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series and many others. Sutton released her third solo album, Take Me to the World, through Ghostlight Deluxe, June 1, 2018.
Darren Criss exploded into the internet’s subculture
Darren Criss exploded into the internet’s subculture as both an actor and songwriter for the YouTube viral hit A Very Potter Musical in 2009. From there was cast on FOX’s massively successful musical series “Glee,” from which many of his performances of popular songs would lead to several Billboard-topping records. In 2015 his songwriting also landed an Emmy nomination for Best Original Music and Lyrics, from penning the song “This Time” for the show’s series finale.
Criss has continued to write and produce music extensively through the years, whether for his own releases as an artist or as a songwriter for theater, film & television. In 2019 Criss created, executive produced, starred in, and provided all the original songs for his short-form musical comedy series “Royalties,” and earlier this year provided the music & lyrics for the opening number of the 2022 Tony Awards: Act One. As an artist, he most recently delivered a genre-diverse collection of “character-driven” singles as part of his 2021 solo EP titled Masquerade(BMG), and in the same year, released a full-length Christmas album titled- aptly- A Very Darren Crissmas (Decca).
As an actor, Criss is a veteran of the stage whose Broadway credits include the titular role of Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2015), How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying (2012), and the most recent 2022 revival of David Mamet’s seminal play American Buffalo alongside Laurence Fishburne and Sam Rockwell. In 2018 his work in Ryan Murphy’s “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” received wide critical acclaim, earning him a Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and Critics’ Choice Award. He was most recently seen starring in Netflix’s hit series “Hollywood,” for which he also served as executive producer.”
Tituss Burgess has quickly emerged as one of the entertainment industry’s most versatile and dynamic performers
Tituss Burgess has quickly emerged as one of the entertainment industry’s most versatile and dynamic performers, with his work in television, film, and theater generating both critical and commercial acclaim. Tituss starred as ’Titus Andromedon’ in the hit Netflix comedy series “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (nominations for four consecutive Emmy Awards, a SAG Award, and two Critics’ Choice TV Awards). He reprised his role in the Netflix interactive special “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend” and was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting actor. Tituss can be seen in the second season of the Apple TV+ musical comedy “Schmigadoon!,” and recently starred in the MGM Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect. Previously, he starred in the Netflix films Set It Up and Dolemite Is My Name. An accomplished voice actor, Tituss currently stars in the animated musical comedy series “Central Park” for Apple TV+, for which he was nominated for his sixth Emmy Award. A veteran of the stage, Burgess made his Broadway debut as “Eddie” in Good Vibrations and has played “Hal Miller” in Jersey Boys, “Nicely-Nicely Johnson” in the 2009 revival of Guys and Dolls, and “Sebastian” inThe Little Mermaid.
Julian Ovenden has starred in many TV shows
Julian Ovenden has starred in many TV shows on both sides of the Atlantic, including “Downton Abbey,” “Foyle’s War,” “Person of Interest,” “Any Human Heart,” “Knightfall,” “Smash,” “The Crown,” The Sound of Music Live” and “Adult Material.” Recent screen work includes the second season of Armando Ianucci’s Avenue 5 for HBO, the global hit “Bridgerton” for Netflix and Shonda Rimes, and The People You Hate At The Wedding for Amazon. Julian has just begun to film the second season of “Trigger Point” for ITV and Jed Mercurio.
As a singer, Julian has headlined at some of the world’s great venues, including Lincoln Center; Carnegie Hall; Sydney Opera House; the Royal Opera House; the Concertgebouw; the Palladium; the Royal Albert Hall; the Royal Festival Hall. He has been a recording artist for both Warner Music and Universal; his latest recording work includes a Broadway Duets album with the American soprano Sierra Boggess and Carousel for John Wilson and the London Sinfonia.
Erika Henningsen is most known for originating the starring role of in the hit, Tony-nominated musical, Mean Girls.
Erika Henningsen is a Bay Area native and is most known for originating the starring role of Cady Heron in the hit, Tony-nominated musical, Mean Girls. She was reunited with Tina Fey when she went on to recur as “Young Gloria” on Peacock’s acclaimed series, “Girls5Eva.” Other theater credits include Fantine opposite Ramin Karimloo in the recent revival of Les Miserables. She originated the title role of Joy in the Broadway-bound musical adaptation, based on the life of Joy Managano, which premiered at the George Street Playhouse. Other roles: Nellie Forbush in South Pacific & Sophie in Mamma Mia! (PCLO), Nina in the Dear World opposite Tyne Daly. Her solo show, Raise Your Standards has played to sold out venues in New York City & San Francisco. Additional TV credits include CBS All Access’ “Blue Bloods,” HBO’s “That Damn Michael Che“ and Tracy Oliver’s original comedy, “Harlem,” for Amazon. She can be heard as the leading voice actor in A24’s upcoming musical animation series, “Hazbin Hotel.”
