TasteTV Press Releases and Announcements

Media Business News: Alex Assouline appointed COO, Brand and Strategy at luxury publisher Assouline

Alex Assouline has recently been appointed Chief of Operations, Brand and Strategy, and has moved into a beautiful new apartment in New York City, which he designed and decorated himself- including the custom library and bookshelf. ASSOULINE is a global leader in luxury book publishing.

Formerly the Global Vice President, Alex will continue to play an essential part in strategizing and expanding Assouline’s business development in the US and abroad in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East in his newly expanded role, while overseeing the company’s umbrella of key departments including marketing, communications, wholesale, retail, logistics, and digital.

In addition, Alex has inaugurated Assouline’s curated library service, in which he works closely with clients to visualize, design, and curate bespoke libraries. He will also continue to expand on successful partnerships and collaborations, such as the Assouline Travel Series x Zara, Assouline x Olympia Le-Tan, and the introduction of products including stationery, notebooks, bookstands, candles, and more.

Alex was born in Paris and moved to New York City in 2007. Following his undergraduate studies in Montreal, he earned his Executive Education Degree in Digital Marketing at Columbia Business School. After the success of the 2020 Olympia Le-Tan clutch collaboration, Alex was instrumental in spearheading and expanding Assouline’s international footprint through a fashion capsule collection with Zara in 2021.

The limited-edition partnership democratized the publishing house’s acclaimed “Travel Series” by inviting customers to experience the brand in a new wearable form, featuring iconic cover art from select titles on travel-ready clothing, bags, and men’s accessories, including Capri Dolce Vita, St. Tropez Soleil, and Provence Glory. “At the core of our affinity for culture is our love of sharing its beauty worldwide. We are delighted to have collaborated with Zara in not only translating our unique view on the world’s most beloved destinations but also encouraging others to embrace them” adds Alex.

ABOUT ASSOULINE

Founded by Martine and Prosper Assouline in 1994, Assouline is the first luxury book publisher and brand on culture. Assouline began with the desire to create a new, contemporary style of book, using the family’s experienced eye for visually rich stories and compelling narratives. Guided by their passion for knowledge, culture, and travel, the Assouline’s have since expanded their vision to 1,500 titles in 5 main collections, and they have curated some of the world’s most aspirational private libraries. Throughout the last quarter of a century, the brand has established international boutiques in prominent places across the globe, with each location contributing to their vast collection of titles, as well as their personal curations of rare books and objects—creating the perfect cabinets de curiosités. With a distinguished team of creative talents and exceptional producers, which includes Alex, the brand continues to reinvent the notion of true luxury. Assouline’s roster of collaborators includes some of the world’s most respected artists, photographers, writers, designers, and more, who together, help tell a story. Assouline continues to exude an unparalleled signature style and elegant savoir-faire, which has redefined modern publishing.

www.ASSOULINE.com

California Vintners Report Outstanding Quality for Recent Harvest

Winemakers across California predict that the 2021 vintage will be one of the best in recent memory, while the Golden State’s winegrowers enjoyed a smooth harvest following a moderate and consistent growing season.

Picking began early in many regions, including the North Coast — ranging from a week to several weeks ahead of average. Central Coast appellations experienced a cool year that prompted a later-than-average start.

Grapes for sparkling wines are typically the first to be picked in California, but this year, some varieties for still white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc, were the first to ripen. In addition, varieties that do not normally reach maturity at the same time ripened simultaneously, resulting in vineyard crews in some regions picking multiple varieties at once.

The ongoing drought presented challenges for winegrowers, resulting in reduced yields, but vintners are reporting outstanding quality and great concentration in the fruit.

California produces about 80% of the nation’s wine, making it the world’s fourth-largest wine producing region. More than 80% of California wine is made in a Certified Sustainable California Winery and over half of the state’s 637,000 vineyard acres are certified to one of California’s sustainability programs (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing, Fish Friendly Farming, LODI RULES, Napa Green and SIP-Certified). Along with preserving the land for future generations, many of the sustainable practices used by the state’s vintners help make the harvest and growing season run more smoothly and increase wine quality.

“The weather was excellent this year, with mild temperatures at the end of the growing season,” said Ted Henry, director of winegrowing at Groth Vineyards in Oakville in Napa Valley. “We got a little more time to mature flavors before pulling the fruit off the vine.” Yields were on the lighter side due to smaller clusters and berries, but otherwise, the vintage was free from significant issues. “I think 2021 will be a top vintage in the Napa Valley,” Henry said. “Reds are very dark and extracted, with nice balance and freshness. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon stood out as exceptional, and whites were bright, fresh and full flavored.”

Rodney Strong Vineyards in Healdsburg in Sonoma County began picking about a week earlier than normal, on Aug. 8. The season progressed without heat spikes or cold snaps. “What was crazy was the condensed ripening of all of the different varieties at once,” said Justin Seidenfeld, director of winemaking. “I had one day where I picked Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Merlot, Grenache Blanc and Zinfandel. That’s not a normal kind of day for us.” Yields were down about 14% overall, while Chardonnay and Pinot Noir came in around average. “The quality and the color of the wine, and the tannin development are some of the best I’ve ever seen,” Seidenfeld said. “Our Bordeaux reds are amazing. It’s going to be an off-the-charts vintage for sure.”

Corey Beck, executive vice president of production and chief winemaker at Delicato Family Wines, also noted a decrease in yields. “We had to deal with drought conditions across Napa and Sonoma County, leading to lower cluster weights,” he said. “The good news is that we see a fantastic concentration of flavors and color in our reds. Our Lodi and Central Coast vineyards share a similar story as a result of the moderate summer and drought conditions — resulting in lighter grape structure.” Beck is particularly excited about Chardonnay, which is showing vibrant flavors, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon. “Wines in the fermenters at all sites have very nice, mature flavors and good concentration,” he said. “Acids are a bit higher than typical, so the wines are very bright. The concentration and cleanness of the fruit are two pillars that make 2021 such a stand-alone harvest.”

In Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards began picking earlier than normal, around the second week of August. Harvest in the winery’s Monterey County vineyards began about two weeks earlier than average due to cold temperatures throughout the season, while grapes from the winery’s Arroyo Seco vineyards weren’t ready until the last week of September. Growing conditions in Livermore Valley were ideal, with few heat spikes noted viticulture manager Niki Wente. Strong winds during flowering caused some shatter in the reds, but whites were not affected. Though yields were down about 15% for red varieties, quality increased as a result. “There’s a lot of flavor concentration and really small berries,” Wente said, particularly for Cabernet Sauvignon and red Bordeaux varieties. This will also be a solid vintage for whites. “They’re going to be really beautiful and floral.”

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines saw a good amount of pre-season rainfall for its Paso Robles vineyards this year. However, most of the precipitation arrived during a single storm event, causing runoff that prevented much of the water from penetrating the soil. “No matter how you irrigate, the vines love rainwater more than anything,” said director of winemaking Steve Peck. “Canopies and vines were a little bit smaller this year because of that lower rainfall total.” Even so, he added, yields came in around average, with fruit showing more structure and higher tannin levels than typical. “For people that really like that intense mouthfeel,” he said, “I think they’re going to be very pleased with 2021.”

Hopland-based Fetzer Vineyards, which grows grapes all over California, began picking several weeks ahead of historical averages. Minimal rainfall and a warm summer led to lower fruit volumes and smaller berries. John Kane, Fetzer’s vice president of winemaking and winery operations, notes that impacts on the 2021 vintage began with unusually cold and dry post-harvest weather in 2020, putting the vines into protective mode. “As soon as the weather warmed in March, the vines did not hesitate to set buds,” he said, “but not as many as they would after a winter with normal rainfall. Early bud break was followed by a spring and early summer of high heat, which added more stress for the vines.”

Low water availability coupled with a warm growing season meant growers had to be precise with irrigation and canopy management. Smaller berries and lower yields brought intense concentration to the wines, with notable vibrancy. “Monterey Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and bright,” Kane said, “and Cabernet Sauvignon from all over the state has great variety typicity without green characteristics.” Marty Spate, vice president of winemaking and winegrowing at O’Neill Vintners & Distillers in Parlier, Fresno County, said the season progressed without extreme heat events or impacts from wildfire smoke. Not only that, but fruit quality is excellent across the board, and especially for Petite Sirah. “We source grapes from up and down the state, and the most consistent item of note this year is how good the fruit looked and tasted,” he said. “We are seeing intense levels of fruit characteristics, fine quality of tannins and well-balanced chemistries and acidity. I can say with confidence that our 2021 vintage is shaping up to be one of the best in the past decade.”

In Santa Barbara, winegrowers experienced a moderate growing season, with harvest timing in line with, or a bit behind, the historical average. “Weather during the ripening period was about as ideal as you could ask for in Santa Barbara County,” said Tyler Thomas, winemaker at Dierberg Vineyard in Lompoc. “We had cool mornings and ample fog, with little-to-no heat events.” Other than some canopy variability early in the season, the vintage proceeded as normal and yields came in at or just below historical averages. Wines are showing great depth of flavor at lower potential alcohol levels and higher acidity. “We are very excited about the ability to promote energy in wines with terrific depth and generosity,” says Thomas. “The Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir wines especially seem to display this quality.”

About Wine Institute

Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. The organization works to enhance the economic and environmental health of the state through its leadership in sustainable winegrowing and by showcasing California’s wine regions as ideal destinations for food and wine travelers to the state. To learn more about California wines, visit DiscoverCaliforniaWines.

Watch the 2021 TASTE AWARDS Show HERE


WATCH THE 2021 TASTE AWARDS

The TASTE AWARDS Show is coming to a screen near you, and viewable on Facebook and on the TASTE AWARDS website**.

Come watch it and see who wins, celebrate some of the most exciting and creative food, fashion and lifestyle programs, videos, films, series, podcasts and radio.

This year’s TASTE AWARDS all digital and all virtual awards show features a star-studded lineup of food and fashion TV, Film and Video celebrities, including winners, nominees and presenters. Some participating Celebrity awards presenters include Michelle Harris (Alive and Well TV), Kim Estes (Emmy nominated actor), Jernard Wells (Food Network, Cleo TV), Mickela Mallozzi (PBS, CreateTV), Danielle Nottingham (NBC), Margaret McSweeney (Kitchen Chat), Chris Knight (Gusto TV), Andrea Feczko, Joanne Weir, Jazz and Jake Smollett, the Food Nanny (IG).

WHEN: April 12, 5:30 PM Pacific Time (LA/SF Time Zone)
WHERE: On the Awards Site and Facebook
HOW: Go to www.TheTasteAwards.com and www.facebook.com/tastyawards

** As with most awards shows this year (Critics Choice, SAG, WGA, the Gothams, Emmys, Grammys, BET, Music Video Awards, etc), the 2021 TASTE AWARDS in Beverly Hills will also be virtual this year.

The TASTE AWARDS in Hollywood & Beverly Hills are the premier awards celebrating the year’s best in Food, Fashion, Health, Travel, and Lifestyle programs in Film, Television, Online & Streaming Video, Podcasts, Radio and Photography.


 

World Dog Surfing Championships Livestream Hybrid Event Make Sports History

The World Dog Surfing Championships and TasteTV thank all of the fantastic dog surfers (and humans) who took part in the 2020 Livestream Hybrid Event. To our knowledge no other sports has ever attempted to organize and produce an event that utilizes the video and tech capabilities of Zoom to broadcast a live competition via livestream from multiple locations and multiple teams.

This was an historic, first-of-its-kind event, including both the heats live-streamed directly from various beaches across North America, as well as featuring recorded video from 2020. Realtime viewers and aficionados of the sport watching on Facebook Live numbered in the several thousand, and the amount of fans continues to grow daily as they watch and share the video replay of the event on Facebook.

Because of the unique nature of the Championships and the scarcity of live sports events at this time, enjoyment of the dog surfing event was extremely high.  A side effect was that judging was an unexpected challenge due to the great coordinated efforts of all of the surf dogs.

Teddy and Derby at the World Dog Surfing Championships

Below are the final results:

VIDEO HEATS

Highlight Reels
1 Carson
2 Charlie (tie)
2 Delilah (tie)
2 Flofy Tiny Surfer (tie)
2 Rothstein (tie)
2 Samson & Delilah Tandem (tie)

Small Dog Video
1 Carson (tie)
1 Flofy Tiny Surfer (tie)
1 Rusty (tie)
1 Tristan (tie)

Large Dog Video
1 Faith (tie)
1 Koa (tie)

Very Large Dog Video
1 Charlie Surfs up
2 Lily Lilo the Lab
3 Beezel

Tandem Dog Video
1 Brandy, Derby, Carson, Faith, Flofy, Rusty, Tristan
2 Rusty and Faith

Tandem Human/Dog Video
1 Koa and Oak (uncontested)

Fetch-Frisbee Video
1 Lani
2 Bamboo & Bobby Ellis

LIVE HEATS (LIVESTREAMED)

Small Dog Heat 1: LIVE
1 Carson
2 Delilah
3 Samson
4 Ziggy

Medium Dog: LIVE
1 Cherie
2 Tristan

Large Dog: LIVE
1 Faith the Surfing Pitbull (tie)
1 Rothstein (tie)

Very Large Dog: LIVE
1 Charlie Surfs Up
2 Derby
3 Teddy

Tandem Dogs Heat 1: LIVE
1 Derby & Teddy
2 Rusty & Faith
3 Samson & Delilah

Tandem Human/Dog: LIVE
2 Bamboo & Bobby Ellis (tie)
1 Derby & Kentucky
2 Quadruple tandem/Koa & Oak (tie)


WATCH THE CHAMPIONSHIPS REPLAY HERE ON FACEBOOK LIVE

TasteTV Partners with Cision’s PRWeb for Business Press Release Promotion

FOR PRESS RELEASES AND IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Cision has created a special press release package in honor of the TasteTV events, partners, awards, and fans so that you can economically announce any of your achievements or partnerships.

Everyone is invited. This 15% discount applies to any Basic, Advanced, or Premium press release distribution through PR Web. To enjoy this promotion, new users should go to this PRWeb site to register, then login at app.prweb.com, and enter: Promo code (15% OFF): TASTE2021

If you are an existing PRWeb customer, you can login as usual at https://app.prweb.com/Login.aspx and then use the TASTE2021 promo code.