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Philly: Bring Italian Flavor to Your Thanksgiving Feast with these Incredible Wines

Donnachiara Winery’s Ilaria Petitto brought Thanksgiving early to one of Manhattan’s top Italian restaurants Il Gattopardo.

Donnachiara Winery’s Ilaria Petitto brought Thanksgiving early to one of Manhattan’s top Italian restaurants Il Gattopardo.

Donnachiara Winery’s Ilaria Petitto

Donnachiara Winery’s Ilaria Petitto

Hosted by the always amazing certified Italian Wine Ambassador with a Diploma in Wines & Spirits,  Susannah Gold, we tasted through 6 wines (4 white, 2 red) paired with 4 courses aiming for a Thanksgiving to remember.

The secondo was very Thanksgiving – influenced (and spoiler alert:  the wine that Donnachiara chose was absolutely perfect.)

Wine Expert Susannah Gold

Italian Wine Expert Susannah Gold

The special secret to Donnachiara Winery’s roster in my humble opinion is incredible Old World quality with truly remarkable present day pricing.

Donnachiara Winery is Old World with Modern Twist

Before we ate, Ilaria introduced her family’s history and explained how the new generation (her generation) is leading the Montefalcione wine revolution, with her mother’s blessing.

Donnachiara Winery’s Ilaria Petitto

Donnachiara Winery’s Ilaria Petitto

 

In the same spirit, Ilaria proudly announced that she is now the Vice President of the Conosrzio di Tutela dei Vini dell’Irpinia.

Ilaria continued, sharing their winery is located in Montefalcione, in the Irpinia area near Avellino. While the vineyards have been in the family for over 150 years, the modern winery was completed in 2005.  Ilaria’s mother, Chiara Petitto, is a vocal supporter of her work in the winery.

 

Tell Me More About Donnachiara Winery

 

The Donnachiara Winery on the hills of Montefalcione

The Donnachiara Winery on the hills of Montefalcione

The Donnachiara Winery stands high on the hills of Montefalcione.

Montefalcione is nestled in the Central West of Italy, near Montevergine and Chiusano – just over two hours south of Rome and about an hour East of Naples.

The Donnachiara Winery on the hills of Montefalcione

The Donnachiara Winery on the hills of Montefalcione

The winery’s philosophy is to preserve the traditional grape varieties of the local territory and keep the typical character of the wines from being lost to standardization, like many of the wines on the market today. 

 

Our Early Thanksgiving Feast Starts

 

Antipasti

 

Crudo di Spigola marinato al lime ed erbe su crostino

Mini Mozzarelle in Carrozza Con Salsetta D’  Acciughe di Cetara

Palle di riso piselli, parmigiano e sughetto di vitello

 

Fiano de Avellino docg 2021 is the perfect start.  A golden shimmer in the glass.  The nose matches with a striking aroma of cream, a hint of bread crust and french vanilla.  The mouth is full bodied, bright and creamy.  A light touch, which would pair well with grilled salmon.

 

Empatia Fiano de Avellino BIO 2021 continues to tease and tickle your senses.  Straw yellow in the glass with a chalky, limestone bouquet.  A lighter mouthfeel with a soft, tart note. Would pair deliciously with seafood, mussels, lobster.

Fiano de Avellino docg 2021, Empatia Fiano de Avellino BIO 2021

 

Primo

 

Cavatelli di grano antico “Senatore Capelli”

Cavatelli di grano antico “Senatore Capelli”

Cavatelli di grano antico “Senatore Capelli”

Con fagioli Spollichini e cozze

 

Greco di Tufo docg 2021 is pale yellow in the glass.  A beautiful bouquet of peach, pineapple, and apricot. The mouth is fresh and soft, and lingers on and on.  Pairs well with light seafood and pasta with truffles.

 

Aletheia Greco di Tufo docg Riserva 2020 is quite incredible.  Pale yellow in the glass.  A complex nose of peach, pineapple and the faintest hint of cedar.  The strikingly fresh, bolder taste and slightly heavier mouthfeel would pair well with seafood, pasta with mushrooms, and blue cheeses.

Greco di Tufo docg 2021, Aletheia Greco di Tufo docg Riserva 2020

Secondo

 

Tacchino del “Ringraziamento” ripieno di Castagne e Salsiccia

Tacchino del “Ringraziamento” ripieno di Castagne e Salsiccia

Tacchino del “Ringraziamento” ripieno di Castagne e Salsiccia

con friarielli saltati in Padella

Tacchino del “Ringraziamento” ripieno di Castagne e Salsiccia

Tacchino del “Ringraziamento” ripieno di Castagne e Salsiccia

Aglianico Irpinia doc 2020 has a gorgeous violet shimmer in the glass.  The nose is blueberry with a hint of herb.  Medium mouthfeel with mineral and herbal hints.  Would pair well with turkey and rabbit.

 

Taurasi docg 2018 is an all-star for this meal.  Ruby red in the glass.  Burnt cherry, with plums and toast on the nose.  Mouth is a velvety, gush of jam with black currant.  Would pair well with gamey and braised meats.

If you’re serving cranberry as a side dish, this Taurasi bottle elevates the taste.  It’s a winner.

Aglianico Irpinia doc 2020, Taurasi docg 2018

Dolce

La Pastiera Napoletana

Caffe

Biscotti

La Pastiera Napoletana

La Pastiera Napoletana

While each of the wines tasted at lunch were enjoyable, there were two that are perfect for your Thanksgiving pairings.

If you ordered both for your Thanksgiving, poured Alethia Greco di Tufo docg Riserva 2020 as your guests are arriving and offered Taurasi docg 2018 as you served your main course, magic would happen!

The wines are available at Total Wine throughout the country and at selected stores and restaurants around the East Coast.
Donnachiara Winery’s website is Donnachiara.com

Hosted by the always amazing certified Italian Wine Ambassador with a Diploma in Wines & Spirits,  Susannah Gold, we tasted through 6 wines (4 white, 2 red) paired with 4 courses aiming for a Thanksgiving to remember.

Wine Expert Susannah Gold

Wine Expert Susannah Gold

The secondo was very Thanksgiving – influenced (and spoiler alert:  the wine that Donnachiara chose was absolutely perfect.)

 

The special secret to Donnachiara Winery’s roster in my humble opinion is incredible Old World quality with truly remarkable present day pricing.

Donnachiara Winery is Old World with Modern Twist

Before we ate, Ilaria introduced her family’s history and explained how the new generation (her generation) is leading the Montefalcione wine revolution, with her mother’s blessing.

Donnachiara Winery’s Ilaria Petitto

Donnachiara Winery’s Ilaria Petitto

 

In the same spirit, Ilaria proudly announced that she is now the Vice President of the Conosrzio di Tutela dei Vini dell’Irpinia.

Ilaria continued, sharing their winery is located in Montefalcione, in the Irpinia area near Avellino. While the vineyards have been in the family for over 150 years, the modern winery was completed in 2005.  Ilaria’s mother, Chiara Petitto, is a vocal supporter of her work in the winery.

 

Tell Me More About Donnachiara Winery

 

The Donnachiara Winery on the hills of Montefalcione

The Donnachiara Winery on the hills of Montefalcione

The Donnachiara Winery stands high on the hills of Montefalcione.

Montefalcione is nestled in the Central West of Italy, near Montevergine and Chiusano – just over two hours south of Rome and about an hour East of Naples.

The Donnachiara Winery on the hills of Montefalcione

The Donnachiara Winery on the hills of Montefalcione

The winery’s philosophy is to preserve the traditional grape varieties of the local territory and keep the typical character of the wines from being lost to standardization, like many of the wines on the market today. 

 

Our Early Thanksgiving Feast Starts

 

Antipasti

 

Crudo di Spigola marinato al lime ed erbe su crostino

Mini Mozzarelle in Carrozza Con Salsetta D’  Acciughe di Cetara

Palle di riso piselli, parmigiano e sughetto di vitello

 

Fiano de Avellino docg 2021 is the perfect start.  A golden shimmer in the glass.  The nose matches with a striking aroma of cream, a hint of bread crust and french vanilla.  The mouth is full bodied, bright and creamy.  A light touch, which would pair well with grilled salmon.

 

Empatia Fiano de Avellino BIO 2021 continues to tease and tickle your senses.  Straw yellow in the glass with a chalky, limestone bouquet.  A lighter mouthfeel with a soft, tart note. Would pair deliciously with seafood, mussels, lobster.

Fiano de Avellino docg 2021, Empatia Fiano de Avellino BIO 2021

 

Primo

 

Cavatelli di grano antico “Senatore Capelli”

Cavatelli di grano antico “Senatore Capelli”

Cavatelli di grano antico “Senatore Capelli”

Con fagioli Spollichini e cozze

 

Greco di Tufo docg 2021 is pale yellow in the glass.  A beautiful bouquet of peach, pineapple, and apricot. The mouth is fresh and soft, and lingers on and on.  Pairs well with light seafood and pasta with truffles.

 

Aletheia Greco di Tufo docg Riserva 2020 is quite incredible.  Pale yellow in the glass.  A complex nose of peach, pineapple and the faintest hint of cedar.  The strikingly fresh, bolder taste and slightly heavier mouthfeel would pair well with seafood, pasta with mushrooms, and blue cheeses.

Greco di Tufo docg 2021, Aletheia Greco di Tufo docg Riserva 2020

Secondo

 

Tacchino del “Ringraziamento” ripieno di Castagne e Salsiccia

Tacchino del “Ringraziamento” ripieno di Castagne e Salsiccia

Tacchino del “Ringraziamento” ripieno di Castagne e Salsiccia

con friarielli saltati in Padella

Tacchino del “Ringraziamento” ripieno di Castagne e Salsiccia

Tacchino del “Ringraziamento” ripieno di Castagne e Salsiccia

Aglianico Irpinia doc 2020 has a gorgeous violet shimmer in the glass.  The nose is blueberry with a hint of herb.  Medium mouthfeel with mineral and herbal hints.  Would pair well with turkey and rabbit.

 

Taurasi docg 2018 is an all-star for this meal.  Ruby red in the glass.  Burnt cherry, with plums and toast on the nose.  Mouth is a velvety, gush of jam with black currant.  Would pair well with gamey and braised meats.

If you’re serving cranberry as a side dish, this Taurasi bottle elevates the taste.  It’s a winner.

Aglianico Irpinia doc 2020, Taurasi docg 2018

Dolce

La Pastiera Napoletana

Caffe

Biscotti

La Pastiera Napoletana

La Pastiera Napoletana

While each of the wines tasted at lunch were enjoyable, there were two that are perfect for your Thanksgiving pairings.

If you ordered both for your Thanksgiving, poured Alethia Greco di Tufo docg Riserva 2020 as your guests are arriving and offered Taurasi docg 2018 as you served your main course, magic would happen!

The wines are available at Total Wine throughout the country and at selected stores and restaurants around the East Coast.
Donnachiara Winery’s website is Donnachiara.com
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Drink like a Movie Star: Clarendelle, Domaine Clarence Dillon Return as Official Wine Partner of 97th Oscars

Drink like a Movie Star: Clarendelle & Domaine Clarence Dillon Return as Official Wine Partner of 97th Oscars

Clarendelle & Domaine Clarence Dillon Return as Official Wine Partner of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and Exclusive Wines Poured at the 97th Oscars Ceremony

Clarendelle and the family company Domaine Clarence Dillon announce the brand’s return as the official wine partner of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

Wine for the Academy

The Academy Awards, renowned for their glamour and celebration of cinematic excellence, also feature a notable emphasis on fine wines during their events. A substantial amount of wine is served to accommodate the numerous attendees. For instance, during the 90th Academy Awards, over 2,400 bottles of wine were provided, equating to approximately 14,000 glasses.

Annually, the Academy hosts several official events where wine is prominently featured. The most notable of these is the Governors Ball, the official post-ceremony celebration, where distinguished wines and champagnes are served to winners, nominees, and guests. In addition to the main ceremony and the Governors Ball, there are various pre-show receptions and ancillary gatherings throughout the awards season, each offering curated wine selections to complement the festivities.

These events underscore the Academy’s commitment to providing a luxurious and celebratory atmosphere, with fine wines playing a central role in the experience.

For the third consecutive year, the prestigious family-owned wine company will exclusively pour exceptional red and white wines at the 97th Oscars® ceremony.

This partnership bridges the world of fine wine and film, elevating the Oscars experience for Hollywood’s biggest stars.

In addition to delighting guests at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, Clarendelle and Domaine Clarence Dillon wines will be served at the iconic Governors Ball after the Oscars ceremony and the Official Oscars® Watch Party at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. This year, Governors Ball attendees can enjoy a glass of our elegant and contemporary wines while winners have their Oscar® statuettes engraved. The wines will also be perfectly complemented with a legendary gastronomic menu crafted by Wolfgang Puck Catering for an unforgettable evening.

“Before joining the family business, I began my career as a screenwriter, so to have the opportunity to partner with the Oscars for the third consecutive year is truly an honor,” said President and CEO of Domaine Clarence DillonPrince Robert of Luxembourg. “This collaboration is a natural extension of my family’s longstanding commitment and deep connection to film and the arts.”

Domaine Clarence Dillon will introduce two new wines for the star-studded events:

  • La Clarté de Haut-Brion 2021: A sought-after white wine of rare delicacy with only 1,000 cases produced annually, La Clarté brings together the qualities of a fine white Bordeaux wine with fresh citrus and white flower aromas, followed by a crisp and refreshing finish of lemony brightness.
  • Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2015: Château Haut-Brion became the first Bordeaux vineyard to be named after its terroir, making the estate the first luxury brand in the world. The exquisite red Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2015 is similar in style and elegance to its elder and encompasses all unique attributes of a fine wine with an attractive profile – smooth yet powerful, tasty and full-bodied, with notes of ripe fruit leaving an impression of freshness and volume, without heaviness.

Among the returning wine favorites are:

  • Clarendelle Bordeaux White 2023: A refined and elegant wine, offering bright citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit, balanced by the smooth sweetness of pear and lychee.
  • Clarendelle Bordeaux Red 2016: A wine with fruity aromas of red fruit and blackcurrant alongside floral overtones balanced by great tannic power and delicious velvety texture.
  • Clarendelle Amberwine 2021: A complex, well-concentrated and modern sweet wine distinguished by its freshness and harmonious balance of floral fruit and acidity with a smooth finish.

Founded in 1935, Domaine Clarence Dillon is a family-owned group renowned for its prestigious Bordeaux estates, including Château Haut-Brion, Château La Mission Haut-Brion, and Château Quintus. Under the leadership of Prince Robert of Luxembourg, the company has earned a global reputation for excellence in winemaking, joining Primum Familiae Vini, an international association of some of the world’s finest wine producing families. Domaine Clarence Dillon has long been a supporter of the arts, with Prince Robert’s background and screenwriting playing an essential role in merging the worlds of wine and cinema by bringing Clarendelle and Domaine Clarence Dillon to the biggest night in Hollywood.

For more information, follow on Instagram @clarendelle @chateauhautbrion_ @chateaulamissionhautbrion  @chateauquintus  @leclarenceparis.

Philly Orders The White Lotus Season 3 with Patrick Schwarzenegger Sipping Ketel One Family Made Vodka and Tanqueray Gin

‘Sip into The White Lotus’ with Patrick Schwarzenegger for Season 3 with Ketel One Family Made Vodka and Tanqueray Gin

Ketel One Family Made Vodka, one of the bestselling and top trending vodkas (Drinks International, 2025), and Tanqueray Gin, the seven-time winner of the bartenders’ choice of gin (Drinks International, 2023), have long been at the forefront of cocktail culture, consistently shaping and elevating the craft with their unwavering dedication to quality and innovation.

The Cocktail Culture of The White Lotus: Sipping in Style

HBO’s The White Lotus isn’t just known for its biting satire and stunning backdrops—it’s also quietly shaped the world of cocktail culture. Set against the luxurious resorts of Hawaii and Sicily, the show’s characters are often seen clutching artfully crafted drinks, turning simple sips into statements about wealth, indulgence, and escapism. In Season 1, tropical classics like the Mai Tai and Pineapple Daiquiri make frequent appearances, aligning with the show’s Hawaiian setting and nodding to the tiki cocktail revival. These vibrant, rum-based drinks not only complement the scenery but also subtly underscore themes of paradise lost.

Season 2 shifts to Sicily, and with it comes a more European drinking aesthetic. Think Aperol Spritzes, Negronis, and chilled white wines, evoking la dolce vita while masking the tension simmering beneath the surface. The show’s cocktail choices aren’t just background props—they reflect character dynamics and mood. For example, Tanya’s over-the-top drink orders often mirror her chaotic, lavish lifestyle.

Since its debut, The White Lotus has inspired bartenders and fans alike to recreate its signature drinks, blending TV-inspired nostalgia with real-world cocktail trends. Whether it’s a Mai Tai or a Spritz, every glass tells a story.

In an exciting collaboration with Max and HBO, the two iconic brands invite fans of The White Lotus to experience the timeless elegance and charm that define both the series and their curated cocktail creations.

In anticipation of the series returning on February 16, on Max and HBO, Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray Gin introduce, ‘Sip into The White Lotus,’ a dynamic, multifaceted collaboration which includes series-inspired cocktails, Thailand destination giveaway, immersive events and engaging content.

“Our partnership with Max and HBO’s hit series The White Lotus is a perfect blend of luxury and sophistication.  The show’s exploration of timeless hospitality aligns perfectly with the craftsmanship behind Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray Gin, both of which are synonymous with the highest standards of quality,” said Julie Yufe, Senior Vice President of Vodka, Gin and Rum at DIAGEO North America. “The show is a cultural phenomenon, creating its own universe of intrigue and vibrancy. As consumers increasingly value experiences, we’ve been intentional about crafting fan-centric moments where our brands can create memorable occasions with every sip.”

Inspired by the show’s luxurious destinations, the partnership with Max and HBO kicks off with an original short film starring actor and entrepreneur Patrick Schwarzenegger, who whisks viewers away to a dreamy Thai escape. As Patrick mixes The White Lotus Vesper Martini—crafted with Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray Gin to embody the captivating elegance fans expect from the show—he invites viewers to immerse themselves in the world of The White Lotus, exploring its story, characters, and the lavish setting of the highly anticipated new season.

“Being part of the cast of The White Lotus has been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to partner with Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray gin to bring fans closer to the unforgettable moments of season three,” said Schwarzenegger. “Just like these iconic spirits, The White Lotus is all about storytelling and savoring every experience. I can’t wait to watch the new season unfold while toasting The White Lotus Vesper Martini with friends and family.”

To toast to season three of HBO’s The White Lotus, Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray Gin have crafted exclusive cocktails inspired by the season’s stunning Thailand setting: The White Lotus Vesper Martini and The White Lotus Punch.

The White Lotus Vesper Martini is an elegant twist on the traditional cocktail, featuring Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray London Dry Gin as its smooth, classic base. It delivers a refined, refreshing tasting sip with a sophisticated balance of dry and fruity notes. A French white wine aperitif adds crispness, while lychee liqueur imparts a delicate floral sweetness. The White Lotus Punch strikes a perfect balance between tart and tropical, making it the ideal cocktail for any getaway. With a vibrant blend of Ketel One Vodka and Tanqueray London Dry Gin, it showcases tropical flavors of pineapple, mango, and lime. The gin lends a hint of herbal complexity, while the tropical fruits provide sweet, juicy depth.

The unique creations tap into a feeling of luxury familiar to a White Lotus guest while reimagining how fans can enjoy cocktails with a modern twist. Featured in The White Lotus limited-edition cocktail kits, these perfect accessories for viewing parties include everything needed to craft season three-inspired drinks at home. Fans 21+ can purchase the kits at https://www.cocktailcourier.com/pages/the-white-lotus-cocktails.

The White Lotus Punch

¾ oz. Ketel One Vodka

½ oz. Tanqueray London Dry Gin

1 oz. lime juice

¾ oz. mango syrup

2 oz. pineapple juice

 

Combine all ingredients into a highball glass

filled with crushed ice and stir. Garnish with

a pineapple wedge and serve. 

The White Lotus Vesper Martini

¾ oz. Ketel One Vodka

½ oz. Tanqueray London Dry Gin

¼ oz. French white wine aperitif

1 bar spoon or teaspoon lychee liqueur

1 bar spoon or teaspoon butterfly pea tea

 

Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled

with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass

and garnish with a lychee. 

 

 

Thanksgiving in Philly: perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s… [Find Recipe Inside]

This Thanksgiving in NYC, the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s brioche.  As in St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing

No Thanksgiving spread is complete without a hearty stuffing. While add-ins are a matter of preference, choosing the right bread is crucial. One underrated choice is eggy, rich brioche – and with St Pierre Bakery, you don’t need to go to France to get it.

Thanks to its butter and egg content, St Pierre’s Brioche Loaf provides the perfect balance of crisp toastiness while remaining soft and creamy inside, while its lightly sweet flavor adds a decadent quality that can still lean savory. Attached below is an approachable recipe for stuffing allowing for all the craveable crunch for the whole family with minimal effort required.

St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing

By @BrandiMilloy

Ingredients

1 loaf St. Pierre Brioche Bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 medium onion, diced

3/4 cup celery, diced

3/4 cup carrots, diced

1 cup mushrooms, diced

2 large eggs

1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

3 sprigs fresh thyme, just the leaves

1 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped

1 small apple (granny smith works well), peeled and diced

Salt and pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut brioche bread into 1” cubes and bake for about 10-15 minutes until toasted.

  2. Meanwhile, into a pot over medium high heat add butter until melted. Add onion, celery and carrots and cook until everything starts to soften, about 7 minutes.  Add mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes longer.  Remove from heat and set aside.

  3. Into a bowl whisk together the eggs, herbs, apples, mushrooms, and salt and pepper. Add your cooked vegetables and mix to combine.

  4. Pour mixture on top of toasted bread and stir to combine. Bake stuffing for about 45 minutes. If your stuffing starts to get too brown, cover until finished baking. Enjoy!

As America’s favorite brioche brand, St Pierre’s products are widely available via grocery stores nationwide as well as Walmart.

About the Author
Joe Wehinger (nicknamed Joe Winger) has written for over 20 years about the business of lifestyle and entertainment. Joe is an entertainment producer, media entrepreneur, public speaker, and C-level consultant who owns businesses in entertainment, lifestyle, tourism and publishing. He is an award-winning filmmaker, published author, member of the Directors Guild of America, International Food Travel Wine Authors Association, WSET Level 2 Wine student, WSET Level 2 Cocktail student, member of the LA Wine Writers. Email to: Joe@FlavRReport.com

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