Well, the Wine and Chocolate festival was a huge success. We tripled our anticipated attendance with 203 attendees. There were 18 children, 15 non- drinkers, 40 with receipts of $100 from Ouray venues on Yule night and many happy people reporting they over dosed on some of the best in chocolate they ever had. Many praised the talent of our local vendors. We saw all sorts of delights to include cheesecake, key lime pie, fondue and a special debut of Woody Creek Wineries Colorado Champagne.
A panel of judges (David Mullings, Charlie Berger and Pam Mahan) awarded the following:
Most Festive Dessert – Rose Marie Piper with the Western Hotel
Most Creative Dessert – Khris Dunham with Khristopher's Culiniare
Most Decedent Dessert – Rose Marie Piper with the Western Hotel
And People Choice was awarded to Rose Marie Piper with the Western Hotel for dessert and to Paul Choate, owner of the Outlaw Restaurant for his wine selection, which he debuted at the event.
The Weehawken Dance Troupe awarded the Kids’ Choice Award to the Outlaw Restaurant.
The event was predominately organized by Faith Parry with Morning Song B&B with support from Jennifer Loshaw. Prizes were donated by the Weisbaden Hot Springs Spa and Lodge, Ouray Massage Therapy and Rays Good Stuff.
Thank you for covering the event in your paper. This was our first wine and chocolate event and I assure you it won't be the last!
Happy Holidays!
– Jennifer Loshaw
Scott K. Gordon
Dallas, Texas