The SOBE Wine & Food Festival honours the Wines of Spain in the presence of the King and the Queen

March 18, 2009

The 2009 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival and Southern Wine & Spirits of America hosted an unprecedented tribute to the wines and foods of Spain held in the presence of Their Majesties, King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain. This fund raising event took place on Thursday, February 19 in Coral Gables, Miami. Pancho Campo, was one of the guests invited to the “Viva España” gala dinner, as President of The Wine Academy of Spain and first Spanish Master of Wine.

"We are privileged to present this exquisite evening in the presence of Their Majesties," noted Mel Dick, president, wine division and senior vice president of Southern Wine & Spirits of America. "We are honoured to have many of Spain's finest winemakers and culinary personalities join us for this event, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the best of Spain right here in South Florida."

A distinguished array of guests attended this Gala, including Florida Governor Charlie Crist, seven time Grammy Award winner Gloria Estefan and fellow Grammy Award winner and Spanish singer/songwriter Julio Iglesias. Taking place at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, the evening's show of Iberian haute cuisine was overseen by culinary chairman Jose Andres; who is known for his show on PBS "Made in Spain" and companion book "Made in Spain" (Clarkson Potter 2008), and often referred to as Spain's unofficial ambassador to the United States. Andres will be joined by an exclusive parade of talent including: Pedro Subijana, whose Akelare restaurant in the resort area of San Sebastian is Michelin 3-star rated; Daniel Garcia, the youngest of Spain's celebrated "10 Chefs de Vanguardia," a group of masters considered among the country's most ground-breaking; and Paco Torreblanca, considered the best master patissier in Spain and throughout Europe.

"This Gala has been a great push for the wines and gastronomy of Spain in the US. The tribute to our wine industry proves that America is a firm believer that our wines will lead the future of the wine sector. It was a great honour to meet King Juan Carlos and I was pleasantly surprised to hear that H.H. was aware of what a Master of Wine is and that he knew already that Robert Parker has accepted the invitation of The Wine Academy to take part in WineFuture-Rioja 2009", declared Pancho Campo.

The evening started with a courtyard reception featuring some of Spain's finest winemakers will entice guests. Participating wineries included: Bodegas Campo Viejo, Bodegas Montecillo, Bodegas Dinastía Vivanco, Codorníu Cava & Estate, Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España -- CVNE, Freixenet USA, Grupo Barón de Ley, Grupo Pesquera, Marqués de Griñón, Marqués de Murrieta, Marqués de Riscal, Numanthia, Pago de Vallegarcía, Pazo Barrantes, Palacio del Conde, Real Sitio de Ventosilla, Sánchez Romate, and Torres.

The entire affair culminated in a luxurious after-dinner Sherry, Brandy & Cigar Lounge on the terrace. Featuring Padron cigars, the final palate pleasers included the following brandy and sherries from Spain: Cardenal Mendoza, Sánchez Romate, Emilio Lustau, Harveys Import Company, Osborne, Sandeman.