Photo by Ian Andreae/Mutineer Magazine

Mutineer Magazine’s Editor in Chief was recently named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list for food and wine and was asked to put together an auction lot for Food Network’s South Beach Food & Wine Festival to benefit Florida International University. Alan, wanting to do this big as he does all things, put together an incredible auction lot.

Bidders have a once in a lifetime opportunity to win the chance for two couples to dine with Ben Flajnik, winemaker at Envolve Winery & star of ABC’s “The Bachelor”, and Alan Kropf, Editor-in-Chief of Mutineer Magazine. The lucky winners will dine at Chef Victor Scargle’s restaurant “Lucy” located within the renowned Bardessono eco-luxury hotel in Yountville, CA. After a memorable dinner paired with delicious Envolve wines, both couples will stay the night at Bardessono in the lap of luxury. Both couples will also receive 2-year subscriptions to Mutineer Magazine.

Special Instructions

• Valid from May 1, 2012 – February 1, 2013.
• Dinner to happen at a mutually agreeable date.
• Package redeemable Sunday – Thursday nights based on availability.

Click here to bid on this incredible lot. Bidding closes March 5, 2012 at 7pm EST.

Special thanks to Envolve Winery, Bardessono, Teplin+Nuss, and Charlotte Milan Communications.

It’s true, Frank Thomas has his own beer. The future hall of famer known as The Big Hurt has a beer called Big Hurt Beer, a “crisp, full flavored American lager.” He, apparently, also (unofficially) has a song about it.

The Discovery Channel will debut Moonshiners this December, an all new series with a real life look at the moonshining men of Appalachia. Discovery says the show “tells the story of those who brew their shine – whether in the woods behind their house using camouflaged equipment or legally in their garages for local distribution – and the local authorities who try to keep them honest. The series show what life is like in the Appalachian Mountain region, a close-knit society where survival depends on resourcefulness and endurance. From hunting bear and raccoon to catching frogs and catfish, theirs is a world forgotten by modern conveniences.”

To me, it looks and sounds like they took the cast of Discovery’s Sons of Guns, put them in overalls and threw them in the mountains in Appalachia. We’ll see. Stay tuned this December.

Mutineer Magazine and Warner Bros. are giving away a 32″ flat screen TV and 10 copies of The Hangover Part II. Entering to win is easy.

1) If you haven’t already, visit us on Facebook and like us.

2) Subscribe or renew your subscription to Mutineer Magazine by 11:59PM PST December 31 2011.*

- * Anyone who subscribed or renewed since November 1st will be automatically entered into the contest.
- Only open to U.S. residents.
- Winners will be selected at random.
- Winners to be announced shortly after contest deadline.

CellarPass and TasteLive have announced its live streaming broadcast schedule for the 2011 Napa Valley Film Festival. Hosted by Editor-in-Chief Alan Kropf of Mutineer magazine, the one-hour daily broadcasts from marquee Napa Valley Film Festival events will take place on November 10th, 11th and 12th and feature a who’s who in regional winemaking, the culinary arts and special guests. Wine bloggers from around the U.S. will join the shows virtually to taste wines, post comments, and ask questions of guests.

“We’ll be producing five shows in three days,” said Kropf, “so we’ll be running the gauntlet of tight timelines and pushing the threshold of live-stream broadcasting. Along with our scheduled line up, we’ll be inviting talent off the red carpet for spontaneous interviews, and responding to questions posted by our blogger panelists. It’s going to be a bit of a thrill ride that should deliver some sweet surprises.”

Guests wishing to join the conversation can create an account in advance at TasteLive. Visitors traveling to the Napa Valley Film Festival are encouraged to use CellarPass’ industry-leading winery reservation system to book movie-inspired wine tasting itineraries and experiences and enter its sweepstakes to win an exclusive VIP trip to Napa Valley.

Napa Valley Film Festival TasteLive / CellarPass Streaming Broadcast Schedule

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10th 2011

OPENING NIGHT GALA
Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville
8:00pm to 9:00pm
Go to TasteLive Event Page

Featured Winery & Wines
Robert Mondavi Winery
2009 Fume Blanc Reserve – $40
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve – $135

Blogger Panelists
Bean Fairbanks, @WineBeerWA
Beau Carufel, @ucbeau
Dennis Atick, @decaturwinedude
Dezel Quillen, @myvinespot
Grace Hoffman, @cellarmistress
Lain Bradford, @winereview
Matthew Horbund, @mmwine
Megan Kenney, @sonadora
Thea Dwelle, @winebratsf

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11th 2011

CALISTOGA WINE PAVILION
Mountain View Hotel, Calistoga
1457 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga CA 94515
12:00pm to 1:00pm

Go to TasteLive Event Page

Featured Wineries & Wines
Mumm Napa
Brut Reserve Rosé NV – $36

Merryvale Vineyards
2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – $65

Tedeschi Family Winery
2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – $116

Blogger Panelists
Bean Fairbanks, @WineBeerWA
Beau Carufel, @ucbeau
Dennis Atick, @decaturwinedude
Thea Dwelle, @winebratsf
Dezel Quillen, @myvinespot
Grace Hoffman, @cellarmistress
Katie Pizzuto, @gonzogastronomy
Lain Bradford, @winereview

ST. HELENA WINE PAVILION
Carnegie Building, St. Helena
1360 Oak Street, St. Helena, CA 94574
3:30pm to 4:30pm

Go to TasteLive Event Page

Featured Wineries
Savour St. Helena
2008 Ramian Canard Merlot – $TBA

Clif Family Winery
2008 Kit’s Killer Cab, Napa Valley – $38

Raymond Vineyards
Raymond 2008 Reserve Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – $35

Flora Springs Winery & Vineyards
2008 Trilogy Napa Valley – $65

Blogger Panelists
Bean Fairbanks, @WineBeerWA
Beau Carufel, @ucbeau
Dennis Atick, @decaturwinedude
Dezel Quillen, @myvinespot
Grace Hoffman, @cellarmistress
Katie Pizzuto, @gonzogastronomy
Lain Bradford, @winereview
Matthew Horbund, @mmwine
Megan Kenney, @sonadora
Thea Dwelle, @winebratsf

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12th 2011

YOUNTVILLE WINE PAVILION
V Marketplace, Yountville
1870 Parking lot, 6525 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599
12:00pm to 1:00pm

Go to TasteLive Event Page

Featured Wineries
John Anthony Vineyards
2010 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc – $20
2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – $56

Jessup Cellars
2009 Napa Valley Red Wine, Estate Grown – $TBA

Chiarello Family Vineyards
2008 Roux Old Vine Petite Sirah – $46

Blogger Panelists
Beau Carufel, @ucbeau
Dennis Atick, @decaturwinedude
Dezel Quillen, @myvinespot
Grace Hoffman, @cellarmistress
Katie Pizzuto, @gonzogastronomy
Lain Bradford, @winereview
Matthew Horbund, @mmwine
Megan Kenney, @sonadora

NAPA WINE PAVILION
Napa Oxbow Wine Pavilion
COPIA Center, 644 1st Street, Napa, CA 94559
4:00pm to 5:00pm

Go to TasteLive Event Page

Featured Wineries
Swanson Vineyards & Winery
2009 Napa Valley Pinot Grigio – $21
2007 Oakville Merlot – $38

Saintsbury
2009 Lee Vineyard Pinot Noir – $45

Pine Ridge Winery
2007 Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon – $80

Blogger Panelists
Beau Carufel, @ucbeau
Dezel Quillen, @myvinespot
Grace Hoffman, @cellarmistress
Katie Pizzuto, @gonzogastronomy
Lain Bradford, @winereview
Matthew Horbund, @mmwine
Megan Kenney, @sonadora

The King’s Waes Hail
by Michael Jack Pazdon, SolBar

Combine all ingredients, aside from the genever, in a mixing glass, dry shake for 10 seconds, add ice, shake hard and double strain into a chilled coupe. Float dehydrated apple chip, fresh grated nutmeg, rosemary flowers, 5 drops gingerbread spice tincture and 5 drops Genevieve on top of foam.

*Bring 1 part fresh pomegranate juice to just below a simmer then add 1.2 parts granulated sugar, stir until dissolved. Let cool then add rose water to taste. Bottle and refrigerate.

**Grind 2 tsp. cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, 9 black peppercorns. Grate 2 whole nutmegs. Toast gently in a pan, remove and combine with 1 oz. grated ginger and 1 c. over-proof rum in an airtight container. Steep for 2 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and bottle in a medicine dropper.

In second place, Jason Withrow of Yountville’s REDD with his cocktail “Rosey Cheeks”.

In third place, Matt Jerome of Napa’s Angèle with his cocktail “Fallen Apple”.

Michael Jack Pazdon announced as first place winner for The King’s Ginger Holiday Cocktail Competition.

Competitors of The King’s Ginger Holiday Cocktail Competition pose on the red carpet with Anchor Distilling’s President David King.

Mutineer Magazine is thrilled to announce that we have been nominated as a finalist in the 3rd Annual Taste Awards in the category of “Best Branded Program” for Mutineer Magazine’s 4-part “Cognac Conversations” series produced in partnership with the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac. The series stars Ben Morrison (MTV’s Punk’d), Daryl Wright (Showtime) and Mutineer’s Alan Kropf and was filmed on-location at the Jon Lovitz Comedy Club at Universal Studios.

Finalists for the Taste Awards are selected from all qualified nominees based on their level of excellence in the categories in which they have been nominated with six finalists being selected for each category. The Judges Panel for 2012 has approximately over 150 industry experts, gurus, peers, and media and they will be responsible for choosing the winner, which will be announced on January 12, 2012.

Best Branded Program Nominees:

1. Magnum Ice Cream Original Short Film Series by Karl Lagerfeld featuring Rachel Bilson
2. Lanvin Fall 2011 Campaign Movie
3. Cooking.com
4. Cuisinart
5. Kraft Cooking School
6. Mutineer Magazine’s Cognac Conversations

Mutineer Magazine’s Cognac Conversations Credits

Executive Producer: Evelyne Resnick
Producers: Alan Kropf, Jeff Dorenbush, Brian Kropf & Ian Andreae
Associate Producers: Julie Hadjinian, Chris D’Amico & Erin Jimcosky
Created by: Alan Kropf and Ben Morrison
Starring: Ben Morrison, Daryl Wright & Alan Kropf
Cinematography: Ian Andreae & Alan Kropf
Editing: Alan Kropf & Ian Andreae
Sound: Alan Kropf
Lighting: Ian Andreae
Intro Theme Music: Hunter Lea
Production Consultant: Ignacio Delgadillo
Title Sequence: Ian Andreae
Location: Jon Lovitz Comedy Club at Universal Citywalk at Universal Studios

Special Thanks to the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac for giving Mutineer the opportunity to help tell Cognac’s story and to everyone that helped us bring this project to life.

Beverage influencers from across the country will come together to celebrate drink culture and the exciting cocktail renaissance in Napa Valley on November 6, 2011 at the 3rd Annual Mutineer Magazine Red Carpet Party at the historic Napa Valley Opera House. After two years in Hollywood, this renowned beverage event moves to the epicurean Napa Valley, whose glamorous food and wine culture needs no introduction.

Mutineer is thrilled to be partnering with two of Anchor Distilling’s iconic spirits brands on the event: Luxardo, the legendary Italian distillery now in its sixth generation of production, and Chinaco Tequila, which introduced the United States to ultra-premium Tequila in 1983.

“Luxardo is an iconic brand that has long been embraced by bartenders around the world, and Chinaco Tequila is on the verge of a massive resurgence as Tequila drinkers become aware of its pivotal role in the introduction of ultra-premium Tequila in the United States,” says Mutineer Editor in Chief and Publisher Alan Kropf. “These are two very special brands to Mutineer and we couldn’t be more excited to be featuring them at this year’s Red Carpet Party.”

In addition to the hand-crafted premium spirits brands, the Mutineer Red Carpet Party will feature Chinaco Tequila and Luxardo-infused canapés led by Millennial Napa Private Chef, Gary Penir of Cuisine GP. Chef Penir will focus on savory bites alongside rising star Pastry Chef Sara Wurst, who will create sweet and unforgettable cocktail inspired morsels.

For non-alcoholic beverages, Seattle-based DRY Soda will be pouring its line up of fruit, flower and herbal sodas, and Blk. Water will be pouring its unique black water infused with fulvic acid.

Local bartenders will be on hand to showcase their skills in “The King’s Ginger Holiday Cocktail Competition.” The King’s Ginger is an emphatically ginger liqueur originally created for King Edward VII of England (aka “Edward the Caresser”) in 1903. The eight battling bartenders will include:

Matt Jerome – Angèle, Napa
Cory Hancock – Bottega, Yountville
Christopher Kennedy – Bouchon, Yountville
Noel Lopreore – Farmstead, St. Helena
Steve Middler – Morimoto, Napa
Melanie Smith – Press, St. Helena
Jason Withrow – Redd, Yountville
Michael Jack Pazdon – SolBar at the Solage Resort, Calistoga

An impressive panel of bartenders, media and cocktail influencers has been assembled to judge the competition, including:

David King – Anchor Distilling Company
Sara Schneider – Sunset Magazine
Kevin Diedrich – US Bartenders’ Guild SF President + Bar Manager at San Francisco’s Jasper’s
Judd Finkelstein – Founder of F.O.A.M. (Friends of Ardent Mixology) + Winemaker at Judd’s Hill
Bradley Bolt – General Manager & Mixologist at Bar Deville in Chicago

Video footage from the cocktail contest and the event at large will stream live from MutineerMagazine.com and from ToutSuite Social Club, a virtual space where real life intersects with technology.

“We are excited to partner with Mutineer on this unique approach to a cocktail competition. King’s Ginger is fast becoming a staple behind some of the best bars in the U.S. and abroad. We want to highlight the riches of the liqueur with the talent of Napa Valley’s finest gems,” said Rusti Porter, Director of Marketing, Anchor Distilling.

The event is by invitation only; however, Mutineer readers will have the chance to win a limited number of tickets through social media contests in the weeks leading up to the festivities on November 6th.

Red Carpet Event Details:
WHAT: Third Annual Mutineer Magazine Red Carpet Party // The King’s Ginger Holiday Cocktail Competition
WHERE: Napa Valley Opera House – 1030 Main St. Napa, California
WHEN: November 6 // 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.

CellarPass, the leading online destination to explore, book and share wine country experiences has announced that it is partnering with TasteLive.com, the world’s premier online wine tasting community and social network, to produce live streaming broadcasts from the inaugural Napa Valley Film Festival on November 9th through the 13th.

“CellarPass and TasteLive have a complementary relationship in reaching new audiences and engaging them in conversation,” said Sarah Elliman of CellarPass. “CellarPass brings people to wine country, while TasteLive exports wine country virtually. So while CellarPass is making it easy for visitors to book their Napa Valley Film Festival experiences, TasteLive’s platform will promote the valley and festival to wine and film lovers across the country.”

Hosted by Mutineer Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Alan Kropf, the one-hour daily broadcasts from marquee Napa Valley Film Festival events will feature a who’s who in regional winemaking and culinary arts. Wine bloggers from around the United States will join the shows virtually to taste wines, post comments, and ask questions. TasteLive’s fully independent platform, which is integrated with Twitter, Facebook and other Social Media sites to provide extended “reach” across multiple networks, will push the content to the bloggers’ combined followers numbering in the tens-of-thousands.

Mutineer Magazine is proud to be a marketing sponsor for the inaugural Napa Valley Film Festival. For more information on the Napa Valley Film Festival, visit their website.

Gary Vaynerchuk, as seen on the cover of Mutineer Magazine Issue #3 and in front of the camera on Wine Library TV and the Daily Grape, officially retired yesterday from regularly producing internet video content. The move comes after ending his five year stint with Wine Library TV, his daily internet webcast about wine, in favor of doing the Daily Grape, which was typically a shorter video and only included two wines. @garyvee says he isn’t leaving wine, but first and foremost he is an entrepreneur and the entrepreneurial itch he felt when he wanted to start filming Wine Library TV everyday is the same itch he’s feeling now and he’s gonna follow it.

Gary, we look forward to seeing what you have in store for us all.

Cheers.

To watch his final segment of the Daily Grape, click here.

To read our Mutineer Interview with Gary Vaynerchuk, click here.