The Wine Conference, Houston’s Wine Event

Gary Vaynerchuk on Jimmy Fallon

Popularity: 100% [?]

Wine has delighted people since before history was recorded.  From ancient Greece, Egypt and China, through Medieval Europe, and all the way to modern day production in the “new” world of the Americas and Australia, wine has been celebrated in cultures around the word for purposes varying from religious observance to pure, old-fashioned hedonism.

As we sip from a glass of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and enjoy conversation with friends, it can be fun to imagine how this lovely habit came to be.

Wine appreciation in America has played a significant role in our young nation’s cultural maturation, and while wine drinking culture in the US has had its ups and downs (let’s just forget about the whole Prohibition thing), its history is a long and fascinating one.  From early Spanish colonists to Thomas Jefferson, wine cultivation was attempted with varying success before there were United States.

It is fun to find evidence of our wine drinking past like this excerpt from The New York Times dated May 7, 1893:

New York Times, May 7, 1893

I highly recommend reading the full pdf of this archived piece.  By examining and appreciating the roots of our affinity for wine, I believe we can enjoy the flavor and experience of a nice glass that much more!

Popularity: 5% [?]

Wine making & exporting is a growing industry in Israel. Come be introduced to some of those wines during the conference.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Clive Berkman

Clive Berkman, author of Creating Empty Bottle Moments: Cooking with Clive is known as the chef, manager, and owner of one of the finest restaurants in Houston. Under his guidance, the restaurant achieved many accolades, including The DiRoNa Award and Travel and Holiday magazine’s Dining Award. It was one of only three restaurants in Texas to win Wine Spectator magazine’s Grand Award.

A native of Johannesburg, South Africa, Berkman began his culinary career in the South African Army as a kosher chef. Upon leaving the army, he attended chef training at Cassio College in London and traveled to the vineyards of Germany and France to learn the art of winemaking. After completing his education, Berkman relocated to New York and later moved to Miami, where he met his mentor, Victor Broceaux, director of research and development for Restaurant Associates. They worked together to open Reflections on the Bay in the Miami Marina.

While in Miami, Berkman worked as service director for Banker’s Club of Miami and later as part of a regional team for Club Corporation of America, operating several clubs in the Miami area. In 1982, he moved to Houston and began his illustrious career at Charley’s 517. Berkman helped create Charley’s wine cellar and hosted themed vinter dinners with proceeds donated to various charities. He also helped carry the restaurant through the oil market crash of the mid-80’s with creative pricing strategies.

In 1997, after a fire destroyed the restaurant, Berkman reopened it as Clive’s. He also owned and operated Crème de la Crème Catering and a special events company, True Concessions.

Berkman is known for his humor, warmth, creativity, and love for people. He currently provides private cooking classes and group demonstrations, creating empty bottle moments whenever possible. Berkman lives in Houston.

Update: Clive Berkman will not exhibit this year.

Popularity: 8% [?]