Rudi Rudi Rudi…I like to say Rudi three times fast, not unlike Barney Phife.

1963 Rudi Gernreich wool knit swimsuit

And there are at least three things that you probably already know about controversial 1960s designer Rudi Gernreich.  His muse was the raccoon-eyed gamine Peggy Moffitt.  He’s the one that created the “Monokini” (think topless) swimsuit–see iconic photo of Peggy below.  He was famous for his futuristic clothing using vinyl & plastic before even Paco Rabanne.

Last week, I visited the “Sporting Life” exhibit at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in NYC (AND the jaw-dropping Daphne Guinness show).  The sporting exhibit showed both the origins of women’s athletic and swimwear (not pretty) and the influence sports have had on fashion (think duck boot Manolos).  As they point out, why do you think it is called “Sportswear”.  Imagine my delight when, among the woolen knickers and tunics, there was a Rudi Gernreich patchwork knit tanksuit, dated 1963.  As a lover of 1960s and Rudi and Courreges and the gang, I was elated to see the cool swimsuit included.  Even more exciting was the fact that we have a Rudi Gernreich dress at cV from the same 1963 collection!  I was able to assemble a few other images from that season’s lookbook.  Let’s hope that next year FIT will feature an all Rudi show…

1963 Rudi dress at cV!

1963 RG Collection

Rudi Gernreich swimsuit 1963

TIME 1967

Rudi Gernreich's Monokini

Tuesday, July 19, 2011 was a lovely day for a Garden Party.  Lilly & Pucci were present, as was most of Sconset….A grand estate, inventive cocktails, a happening DJ and models galore…all for a good cause.  As you can see from these snaps, a good time was had by all!

“Fashion in a Sconset Garden” to benefit A Safe Place.

Fashions by currentVintage + Cheryl Fudge & Peter Beaton Hats.  Many thanks to Gene Mahon of Nantucket’s Mahon About Town for fabulous photos!

Rosé wines–so summery, so beautiful….so DIVISIVE!  Our customers are basically divided into three camps:

1.  Those who drink little else for these three months

2.  Those who realize rosé has a lot to offer, but are still discovering regions and styles

3.  Those who ‘just say no’.

Most of us at currentVintage dwell proudly in the first category, especially when it comes to French rosé!  We asked cV Staff Member & Sommelier at The Pearl, Jenny Benzie, to share her thoughts on summer & Rosé…

Summer on Nantucket would not be complete without including a bottle of rosé wine for whatever  the occasion might be – sunset at The Galley, an afternoon picnic at Ladies Beach or brunch at The Boarding House on the weekend.   With so many fabulous rosé wine selections available,  it’s almost like taking a mini-vacation to France as you taste through the varying styles offered from the different regions…

Cótes de Provence is a large and non-contiguous rosé producing region of Southern France in the Côte d’Azur spanning several communes.  This area accounts for the largest amount of rosé production in Provence.  The wines produced are made from a blend of no more than 40% Carignan and at least 60% of Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre and Tibouren.  At least 20% of the rosé must be blended from wine produced in the saignée method (bleeding of the vats, removing some pink juice from red wine production).  These wines are often bottled in the traditional regional wine bottle that almost looks like a bowling pin!

Jenny Recommends:  Saint Roch les Vignes, 2010, $15

Bandol is a small region on the water located in the Provence region of Southern France and is one of the more internationally recognized wine regions from this area.  The only region based more so on the Mourvedre grape, which must be at least 50% of the blend, grenache and cinsault are used to complete the wine.  Small amounts of syrah and carignane may also be used (up to 15% if blended or 10% if used individually). Since red wine is more prevalent here, there is only a small amount of rosé wine production and even less white (check out the Domaines Ott Blanc de Blanc we have in the store made from Clairette + Ugni Blanc!).  The combination of the warm coastal climate and silicone/limestone soils create a wine that offers character and complexity

Jenny Recommends: Château Pradeaux , 2010, $27

Tavel can be found in the Southern Rhône Valley, just across the river from Châteauneuf-du-Pape.  This region ONLY makes rosé wine (that’s right, no red or white wines here) and must have an alcohol content between  11 – 13.5%.  Grenache and Cinsault are the main grapes used, accompanied by Syrah and Mourvedre.  These wines tend to have body and structure and therefore making them one of the few rosé wines that could possibly benefit from some aging.

Jenny Recommends: Chateau Trinquevedel, 2010, $20

Want to learn more about these wines?  Come buy a bottle and try it!  You can find these and many other fabulous rosés on the shelf or chilled in our cooler at currentVintage.

Jenny Benzie is the owner of Pour Sip Savor, a forward thinking wine business in which she is able to provide ‘An Assemblage of Sommelier Services’ by creating wine education opportunities for consumers, private client wine services, restaurant wine list consulting and brand ambassador to wine regions from around the world.  Her sommelier expertise has been honed by working at some of the finest establishments – Caneel Bay Resort in St. John, Michael’s in Santa Monica, Cafe Boulud in Palm Beach and The Pearl on Nantucket.

A few years ago, I was interviewed by Jen Murphy of Food & Wine magazine.  She asked me to envision several quintessential Nantucket summer occasions and suggest the perfect fashion and wine pairings–much like we do every day in the store–for FoodandWine.com.  I happily obliged and the piece was posted in June of 2009.

Two years later, currentVintage is once again featured in Food & Wine–this time in print!!  (F&W Best New Chef 2000) Amanda Lydon & Gabriel Frasca ( Straight Wharf, Provisions) were designated “Most Anticipated Opening” among a list of hotly anticipated restaurants,  for their new farm-to-table Italian eatery, Ventuno. They were kind to recommend cV as Nantucket’s  “Top Wine Store” in the July 2011 issue…

“Our friend Beth English owns currentVintage, a quirky store that sells both wine and vintage clothes. It’s sort of like chicken and waffles—until you experience it, it’s hard to believe what a great idea it is.”

It was an aw shucks moment, which led me to revisit the earlier piece…and I was delighted at how “current” it felt!  It was only two years ago, but that can be eons in the world of fashion.

Nevertheless, I thought it would be fun to update for Summer 2011.  The occasions may be the same but it’s fun to mix it up a little in what we wear AND what we drink.  The new improved list of Nantucket occasions and their 2011 “Suggested Pairings” are in PINK.  Happy Summer!

Nantucket Wine & Fashion

POSTED JUNE 23, 2009 AT 8:49PM EDT

The 16th Nantucket Film Festival took place on Nantucket Island June 22-26.

I am a Nantucket Film Festival ninja.  A 16-yr veteran.  I strategize as to how to fit in the utmost and fill in every hour of every day, from morning til midnight each year.  I pore over the festival program and pencil in my film selections for the week.  That list may then be tweaked based on Artistic Director Mystelle Brabee’s picks, and yet, it will evolve daily, based on what I hear at “Morning Coffee” and ‘the Buzz of the Fest’–Nevermind the demands of my store!

Vera Farmiga & Renn Hawkey

This year, I knew that my film time would be short, so I concentrated on the events and programs that simply could not be replicated after the Festival, such as live events, short films, and screenings with a Q & A.  As much as I hate to miss anything, there is at least the possibility of catching the missed films on TV or in NYC or from Netflix or screeners, however Late-Night Storytelling only happens once.

“Morning Coffee With…” is a series I love–a one hour opportunity to begin each day eavesdropping on an honest discussion between writers (and filmmakers/producers) about how their films came to be and where they’re going.  Each day is a different moderator (Will Conroy, John Shea, Jonathan Burkhart) and a different panel.  There is no doubt that that the highlight (and biggest celebrity) was Kevin Clash and his puppet, Elmo–or should I say Elmo and his puppeteer, Kevin Clash–there wasn’t a person in the room that did not completely melt at the first words out of his furry red mouth.  This was an instance in which I quickly updated my schedule, via the new Nantucket Film Festival app on my i-phone, to include BEING ELMO–one of the star documentaries of the fest.

Jerry Seinfeld & Co

Another see-it-here-or-not-at-all program is “In Their Shoes”–a live conversation between two people you really want to hear from.  This year featured Vera Farmiga, interviewed by Richard Corliss of TIME Magazine on Thursday,  and screenwriter Paul Haggis, interviewed by Hard Ball’s Chris Matthews on Friday.   Farmiga was lovingly presented with the NFF Compass Rose Acting Award by Joshua Leonard (Blair witch Project ), her co-star in the new film Higher Ground (in which she starred and directed).  The montage of her many roles demonstrated why TIMEOUT NY called her “This generation’s Streep”.  Listening to Paul Haggis discuss the emotions and dynamics of his conflicted characters in CRASH is exactly why I move heaven and earth to attend the NFF.  Haggis was also honored on Saturday night with the NFF Screenwriters Award and a tribute by Brian Williams, who, by the way, is funnier than all the funny people in the world combined…and so very handsome.

Speaking of funny, the most coveted ticket this year, by far, was the All Star Comedy Roundtable–JERRY SEINFELD, BEN STILLER, SETH MEYERS, COLIN QUINN & AZIZ ANSARI–wonder why?!  And they did not disappoint.  Somehow, I landed in the second row–so close, it was like being in Jerry Seinfeld’s living room.  Seth Meyers opened by saying what an honor it was to play the Nantucket High School auditorium on a Sunday afternoon.  “For a musician, it’s Carnegie Hall.  for a comedian, it’s the Nantucket High School auditorium in the daytime.”

I managed to squeeze in these and a few others…

Opening Film:   BUCK

The beautifully filmed and shared story of the real-life Horse Whisperer, Buck Brannaman, who has the rare ability to teach all horses–and people– he encounters.  This was definitely the buzz of the fest.  Astonishingly, it is made by first-time filmmaker Cindy Meehl.

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jun/17/entertainment/la-et-buck-20110617

Closing Film:  HIGHER GROUND

The story of an overwhelmed young mother who turns to a fundamentalist community for answers, but after years of unfulfilling dogma, must find the courage to reclaim her life.  They intent was to to show a multi-dimensional religious character, which I feel they achieved, however the portrait of religion in general, was still one note.  I loved its attempt at the  complicated portrayal of religious choices and for the fact that it features 3 Broadway stars–Donna Murphy, Norbert Leo Butz and Dagmara Dominczyk!  Vera Farmiga stars and directs;  Produced by Nantucket Film Festival co-founder, Jonathan Burkhart.

Documentary:  UNRAVELED

Yet another mind-blowing tale of hubris…Marc Dreier’s $700 million Ponzi scheme was front page news–until the Madoff story broke 5 days later.  Marc Simon, a filmmaker and attorney in Mar Dreier’s firm seemed destined to film the story of his mentor.

Documentary:  BEING ELMO:  A PUPPETEER’S JOURNEY

The heartwarming  story of a dream come true against the odds.  I smiled and cried through the whole thing.

OVERHEARD…the verbal highlights of the NFF

“I said “altruistic” because I know in Nantucket you people know what that means.  If I was in Revere, I would say, ‘Yous good people’.”–Comedian Colin Quinn at All-Star Comedy roundtable

“As many shake shingles as there are on Nantucket, that’s how much I thank you.”–Vera Farmiga, on receiving the Nantucket Film Festival Compass Rose award.

“We all have a compelling story that needs to be heard…and so we do what we do.”–Amy Sultan, documentary filmmaker, TO BE HEARD (NFF Audience Award Winner)

“The last big gamble that took place here was when the architect said to the Nantucket High School wood shop class, ‘Surprise Me’.”–Brian Williams, re the oddly named Sconset Casino

“Tommy Lee Jones has a face that will hold a gallon of water–and with Paul Haggis’ writing, two gallons.”–Chris Mathews??  Not sure if he or Brian Williams or Ben Queen or John Shea said this!

“Having a writer in the family is like having an assassin in the family.”–Ben Queen, screenwriter of CARS2 at “Morning Coffee”

“If you ever write a memoir, you could sell the shit out of it.”–A Professor to Carolyn Briggs, whose autobiography later became the Vera Farmiga film Higher Ground

“People say you need to have balance in your life and a broad perspective. I’m against all these things.  I advocate for narrow and unbalanced. And that is the only possible route to becoming a comedian.”—Jerry Seinfeld, as told to the Track Gals, Boston Herald

“And if there’s a prize for festival-sponsored libations, Nantucket took it with Scholium Project white wine and homemade strawberry-basil lime rickeys.”–IndieWire, referring to wine donated by wine sponsor, currentVintage

http://www.indiewire.com/article/2011/06/27/small_and_highly_desirable_nantucket_film_festival_plays_to_its_strengths

“Elmo gets the rock star treatment in Nantucket”–Headline in the Boston Herald

http://bostonherald.com/track/inside_track/view.bg?articleid=1347804&position=1

photo compliments of Being Elmo: A Puppeteers Journey

Cesare Casella and Elisabeth English

The 15th annual Nantucket Wine Festival has wrapped and the clinking of glassware subsided.  It was 5 wowza days of learning and meeting while having the most fun possible.   Most folks have now boarded a plane or boat to carry them home, while we business owners are working overtime to ready ourselves for Memorial Day weekend.  Where did those 5 days go?  It was kind of a blur…

Opening night at the White Elephant was a brief, but essential 2 hour party featuring Veuve Clicquot.  People were electrified for the start of the festival and elated that the gloomy weather prognosis was wrong, wrong, wrong.  My friend Cesare (Salumeria Rosi, NYC) and I continued the evening at The Pearl, where we had plate after plate of inventive morsels (and glass after glass of Veuve rosé) dining at the bar.  Like Cinderella, I was just barely home by midnight.

Farmstead cheese plate

Thursday began with a cheese course for breakfast and 6 glasses of wine.  Perhaps you would call it brunch, in that it was 10am, but breakfast sounds more outrageous and it was my first meal of the day.

I’m all for cheese for breakfast, anyway, but these were special cheeses, selected by Matt Jennings of Farmstead in Providence and Ihsan Gurdal of Formaggio Kitchen in Cambridge and NYC.  It was billed as an Old World-New World “smackdown”, with Matt representing New World American farmstead cheese.  It was amazing how they each had selected, without prior consultation, plates of contrasting, but complimentary cheeses.  Our table loosely agreed that it was a tie for the most part, but for me, the New World Ascutney Mtn. raw cow’s milk  from Cobb Hill Farm commune in Vermont–golden yellow and rich, caramelized flavors–gave Matt the victory.

I followed my cheese & wine breakfast with a champagne lunch.  A rock star champagne lunch, actually, meaning the cuisine of Seth Raynor (Pearl, Boarding House, Corazon del Mar) paired with the champagnes of Veuve Clicquot in an exquisite outdoor setting.  It was the 2nd annual “Nantucket Women of Wine luncheon” hosted by Veuve, and Mother Nature must have been in full favor of the event.  It was a lovely opportunity to connect with other businesswomen from the Nantucket community and luxuriate in  food and wine splendor–French Kiss oysters poached in Grande Dame, Grande Dame-braised lobster and toasted vermicelli…!  Poor Dominique Demarville (Chef de Cave)–he arrived late, newly initiated to the troubles of fog, airlines and island transportation.

Of course, one does not ideally follow these two events by going to work for the rest of the day, but alas, duty calls.  It was a busy afternoon of visits and sales and before I knew it, it was time to pour at the Comte Senard table at the Nantucket Wine Festival Gala.  If I was to be behind one table and taste wines of only one winery for the entire evening, this was where I wanted to be.  One, because Beatrice Senard is so fabulous and chic, and two, because the wines were possibly the best of the night.  Beatrice greeted me with a welcome sip of Bourgogne Blanc and from there, we progressed to the Premier Cru Les Valozieres, and TROIS GRAND CRU….2009 Clos des Meix, 2007 Les Bressandes, 2006 Les Paulands.  What a pleasure!

I did manage to sneak a taste of Alex Gambal’s 2009 Puligny Montrachet from winemaker Fabrice Laronze en route to our table and also had a night cap of Tim Mondavis 2008 Continuum while noshing on porchetta from Salumeria Rosi.  From there, Mark and I joined Cesare and Lia Tolaini-Banville of Tolaini Estates for a late bite at Lola 41, before continuing on to the obligatory bottle of Veuve rosé at, where else, The Pearl.  I forfeited the Coach in lieu of the Pumpkin, and stopped by the Club Car for a midnight tune at the piano on the way home.

Dominique & Cesare

Nevertheless, Friday began at 5am, when my feline alarm clock encouraged me to rise.  It was a big day and there were preparations to be made;  we had two major wine events scheduled at currentVintage.  First off, Lia Tolaini-Banville was pouring Terlano “Vorberg” Pinot Bianco plus two Tuscan reds and Cesare was hand-carving 30-month cured prosciutto paired with Petticoat Row Bakery baguettes.  The prosciutto melted in your mouth like none other and the bread was perfectly chewy and delicious.  Next was our Veuve Clicquot champagne tasting and bottle signing with Dominique.  We held the same event last year and all who attended were euphoric over meeting the gentile winemaker and sampling the beautiful wines from his hands in such an intimate setting.  It was one giant photo op, as we took group pictures with Dominique and a 1931 Veuve yellow taxi.  That was last year–this year was a mob scene.  There was hardly time to pop the Grande Dame as festival goers and winemakers packed the house.  It was the largest turnout for a retail store of our size ever, according to Veuve, a testament to Dominique’s popularity and the majesty of Veuve Clicquot.

What next?  Oh, yes–it was opening night at Ventuno, the new Italian restaurant from the team behind Straight Wharf restaurant and Provisions.  The opening was hotly anticipated as it was in the former location of beloved island institution, 21 Federal.  Although the end of the 21 era provoked nostalgia, and even tears, the new reign offers excitement and imagination in its menu and wine list, both welcome on the Nantucket culinary scene.  It was a who’s who table, organized by Sarah Powers of Kobrand, including Mike Trujillo, winemaker of Sequoia Grove (and a few other prestigious properties), and Chris Silva, the charismatic, fun-loving CEO of St. Francis Winery.  Cesare guided us through the offerings, both food and wine, and we proceeded to order almost everything on the menu, sometimes twice.  Highlights from the intriguing and affordable wine list included the lovely Ceretti Arneis and dry, but layered GrosJean Freres Petite Arvine.  The pasta star of the table was most definitely braised rabbit strozzapretti, although I loved my whole wheat pasta with ramps, morels and ricotta, as well.  Teeth brushed and tucked in just before the clock struck 12.

Joel Gott at cV

Saturday–let the Grand Tasting begin!  currentVintage had a new location this year, sandwiched between Cain and Frog’s Leap in the cooking demo tent.  We showed our cV Signature RRV/Sonoma wines alongside vintage grape-themed jewelry from the 1930s-70s, both to unanimous (as much as we could hear) praise.  Between the Grand Tasting sessions, we hosted Joel Gott for a tasting & bottle signing of some of his favorite wines.  He threw in a fashion show, modeling western shirts and departing with a new addition to his wardrobe.

Joel Gott in his new old shirt

Saturday night, I attended a wine tasting party, featuring Bodega Chacra, Sequoia Grove and St. Francis paired with Pi Pizza and Pappardelle Bolognese from the Pasta Goddess.  Given the preceding 72 hours, I thought almost nothing could dazzle me, but the Sequoia Grove chard, St Francis VV Zin and trio of Bodega Chacra Patagonia Pinots totally wowed.  So did the charming Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, founder of Bodega Chacra and member of the Tuscan family that brought us Sassicaia.  His totally cool vibe and euro-style made it even more of a surprise that he’s crafting exceptional single-vineyard Pinot Noir in the hinterlands of Patagonia from 55-80 year old vines…we might have to go and visit.

The only thing that got me through Sunday was knowing that the next day was Monday.  We had another awesome day at the Grand Tasting and I got around to visit some old friends and savor some new wines, as well.  The grand tasting segued into a Sinskey Family BBQ at the Boarding House, where Rob Sinskey poured his Abraxas and POV and Maria grilled duck sliders.  And just to gild the lily, there was a NWF staff party that night at the Lombardi barn, featuring a veritable feast of roasts and pastas and 200 or so leftover bottles of wine.  I joined briefly to toast the team and sup with Ray Coursen of Elyse, and then, it was homeward to savor it all.

In the vineyard with Tim Mondavi, daughter Carissa, and Bayla of Continuum

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO THE NANTUCKET WINE FESTIVAL 2011?!

Oh, how we love the Nantucket Wine Festival…the annual ritual of welcoming old friends and making new ones—meaning, of course, people AND wines.  We’ve made many friends at the NWF through the years, and brought other friends to the event, both luminaries and patrons.  This January, Mark and I had the distinct honor of meeting Tim Mondavi and luring him to be the Nantucket Wine Festival Luminary of the Year.   His legacy as the winemaker for Robert Mondavi is laudable as is his impressive new label, Continuum Estate, and its commitment to excellence in winemaking.  Continuum makes “a single red wine produced with clarity of focus at the highest quality level”, a blend of varieties from the cabernet family, and aspires to the level of a first growth Bordeaux.

We have in stock or can order wines from any of these producers, including Continuum Estate.  Our selection is all the more compelling due to the inclusion of  these esteemed makers.  Offered here are some photos of the many friends of currentVintage–on both our turf and theirs.

Lunch with Tim and Carissa Mondavi

Alex Gambal in Beaune

Sean Larkin in currentVintage

Jack Larkin of Jack Larkin in cV

with Don & Joanne of Shibumi Knoll

John Arns and Sandy Belcher in currentVintage

with Ray Coursen at Elyse

Sonoma Coast lunch with David Hirsch

Maria and Rob Sinskey

Tyler Thomas, Donelan winemaker, at Cyrus

Michael & Fiona Ragg of Mischief & Mayhem at cV

Michel Anglada of Anglada-Deleger, in Beaune

Domaine Comte Senard in Aloxe-Corton

with Kristen at Newton Vineyard

Hourglass

Seminar with Elton Sloane of Robert Craig Winery

Andy Peay pouring for me and Ziggy the Wine Gal

Magnificent Palmaz winery

Big Bottles at Miner Family

Cesare Casella, Chef-Owner Salumeria Rosi Parmacotto, NYC

60+ Days on the fly!

vintage finds, wine discoveries, dining, family, friends, fun

]]> http://currentvintage.com/blog/2011/04/27/where-weve-been/feed/ 0 http://currentvintage.com/blog/2010/12/01/its-a-wonderful-year/ http://currentvintage.com/blog/2010/12/01/its-a-wonderful-year/#comments Thu, 02 Dec 2010 03:37:30 +0000 admin http://currentvintage.com/blog/?p=1910 Only one month to go in 2010, but the year is already overflowing with wonderful times, great adventures, fabulous memories.  The last eleven months have been filled with annual traditions (Daffodil Day, Nantucket Wine and Film Festivals) as well as travel, friends and new experiences.

cV continued to get a lot of press and was featured in a gorgeous 6-page spread in Cape Cod Life.  There were numerous trips…California, NYC, St John, France…and we launched our signature cV wines, including our 2008 currentVintage “Boschetti Vineyard” Pinot Noir.  There were wine tastings, photo shoots, and VIPs–the store practically  pulsated with energy and inspiration!

Most importantly:  I got engaged (!), then, currentVintage had its first store engagement (he proposed to her in cV!) and, our little Rosie (*star employee*) got married.

Here’s a look at a few highlights…

Our first proposal at cV!

She said "I do"! Congrats Brendan & Kate!

Rosie & Ivan got married!

Getting engaged at the Wauwinet...

...on our 8th anniversary!

11th Annual Lingerie Fishing Tournament

Wendy Schmidt & Co at Petticoat Row

Dominique Demarville of VCP!

Content at Caneel Bay

Stylist Julie Biondi (ctr) & friends

cV models in Cape Cod Life

MLK Jr Day at Glide in San Fran

B-52s Kate Pierson in cV

modeling Cheryl Fudge (who just opened a store in Santa Monica)

Actor Sarah Fraunfelder modeling for cV

Burgundy:)

Many a Grand Cru...

with LA Lifestyle Chef & "Food to Flowers" Author, Lulu Powers

Meursault & Margaux

NFF Party with Kim Corkran of Cape Air, Kate Brosnan & Tom Scott of Plum TV, Caterer Susan Warner

going to The Bazaar in LA, Pre-Grammys

La Superica in Santa Barbara

with Dan Kosta of Kosta Browne

cV Signature Wines launch at Nantucket Wine Fest

Michael Ragg of Mischief & Mayhem, Burgundy

Daffodil Day

at The Vanderbilt in Newport

Asst Mayor and Mayor of Beaune with two Nantucket Selectmen

Did you know that Nantucket and Beaune are twinned?

Jumelage means twinning. It is a movement started after WWII to bring together municipalities, in hope of fostering the opportunity to learn more about the daily lives of those in other places, develop a dialogue and possibly enter into joint projects.

Hospice de Beaune

Fast-forward to 2005, and, thanks to the efforts of Denis Toner, founder of the Nantucket Wine Festival, Beaune and Nantucket are sister cities.  Dismayed at the perpetuation of “Freedom Fries”, Denis approached the Mayor of Beaune with the idea of Jumelage and ceremonies on both continents soon followed.  Inspired by the common culture–an appreciation for fine dining and wine, a respect for history and architecture and a pervasive spirit, to name a few–Denis pioneered the concept and realized it in a celebration of a lifetime over a long weekend in October 2006.

Attended by nearly 50 Nantucketers, I will never forget the moving ceremony in the Hospice de Beaune and the festivities that surrounded it.  The town rolled out the red carpet and we were feted like royalty by all the big guys:  Corton Charlemagne in the caves of Latour, a toast in the ancient-modern maze of Bouchard, another lavish dinner at Jadot, La Paulée (a tented BYOW party) they are still talking about.  Let’s just say, if there’s ever an anniversary bash, you will want to be there.

On the eve of a trip to Beaune, I thought I would post a Jumelage photo album.

Mark & Elisabeth at the 2006 Jumelage of Nantucket and Beaune