Contact: Julie Ann Kodmur, 707/963-9632, corking@julieannkodmur.com

Photos : https://appellationsthelena.com/about/trade-and-media/2024-bash-images

APPELLATION ST. HELENA’s bASH IS A SMASH

bASH 2024: Appellation St. Helena's Premier Food and Wine Pairing Event Delights Sold-Out Crowd in its 13th Year

St. Helena, CA – March 23, 2024 – Appellation St. Helena (ASH) proudly hosted its highly anticipated annual food and wine pairing extravaganza, bASH, on March 23, drawing a sold-out crowd of 300 enthusiastic attendees. Held at The Culinary Institute of America Greystone, this year marked the event's triumphant 13th year, showcasing the exceptional talents of both emerging culinary students and seasoned professionals alongside the wonderful wineries of St. Helena.

The coveted "Fan Favorite" awards were clinched by Revana Estate with culinary students Munkhbaatar Gantulga, Chloe Wakayama and John Valdez, Chase Cellars with culinary students Amina Rateb and Noga Ramon, and Young Inglewood with culinary students Sarah Petersen, Clay Gerdin and Alex Bleakley, claiming first, second, and third place respectively. Meanwhile, in the fiercely contested "Professional Favorites" category, culinary students Keaton MacKenzie, Kaihan Qazen, and David Bell, expertly paired with CourAvant Winery took first place followed by Buena Vista Winery with culinary students Krish Mahendra Todekar, Juan Montano and Ciro Medina-Mendoza, and Pellet Estate with culinary students Katherine Kowal and Ashton Altares.

Julia Jinks, Board President of ASH and Director of Marketing at Boisset Collection, expressed her delight with this year's event, noting, "This year's bASH was a fabulous success, boasting a diverse range of competitors and incredibly creative food-wine pairings. It is truly wonderful to see the community come together for such a fun and delicious event."

Lars Kronmark, Professor of Culinary Art at The Culinary Institute of America, lauded the exemplary performance of the culinary students, stating, "The culinary students did amazingly well, showcasing their remarkable talent and passion for the culinary arts."

Appellation St. Helena extends heartfelt gratitude to Sunshine Market and Le Creuset for their generous donations and unwavering support. Proceeds from the evening will contribute to the continued success of ASH and bolster the scholarship fund of The Culinary Institute of America, empowering future generations of culinary professionals.

Next year’s bASH will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025.