2013 Iron Vintner Cooking Challenge Heats Up Wednesday at Willows Lodge

The fourth annual Iron Vintner Challenge, a month-long charitable event where Woodinville winemakers compete for the coveted title of Iron Vintner gets cooking Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at Willows Lodge. 

The event raises funds for Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center in Redmond. The Iron Vintner Challenge happens on four consecutive Wednesdays in June, concluding with a four-course Championship Winemaker Dinner prepared by Barking Frog Chef Bobby and his culinary team. 

The Iron Vintner Challenge has become one of the most popular fundraising events for Little Bit, whose mission is to improve the bodies, minds and spirits of children and adults with disabilities through equine-assisted therapy.

With Chef Bobby Moore leading the charge as emcee, the following winemakers will put their cooking skills to the test in front of a panel of celebrity foodie judges: 

·       Chris Peterson, Avennia
·       Lisa Baer, Baer Winery
·       Tyson Schiffner, Betz Family Winery
·       Tracey LaPierre, DiStefano Winery

For each competition round, which take place on the patio outside Fireside Cellars at Willows Lodge, attendees will be able to watch the action as it unfolds on two opposing Viking grills, observing contestants’ cooking techniques, execution and how they react under pressure against their rival.

To begin each round, winemakers and their cooking partner will be given ingredients along with a top secret protein revealed by Chef Moore seconds prior to start time. 

The winemakers are then asked to craft an appetizer and an entrée in 60 minutes or less. Celebrity judges will taste and critique each contestant’s dishes and name a winner based on three categories: presentation, flavor and creativity.

Each competition round will also present an opportunity for guests to bid on rare magnums and other culinary and wine experiences donated by the winemakers, Willows Lodge and Barking Frog, such as private wine dinners and tastings, overnights at Willows Lodge and a few unexpected surprises.

The 2013 Iron Vintner Challenge competition schedule is as follows:
June 5, 2013 @ 5:30 p.m. – Round 1: Tracey LaPierre, DiStefano vs. Chris Peterson, Avennia       
June 12, 2012 @ 5:30 p.m. – Round 2: Lisa Baer, Baer Winery vs. Tyson Schiffner, Betz Family Winery      
June 19, 2012 @ 5:20 p.m. – Championship Round: Round 1 Winner vs. Round 2 Winner      
June 26, 2012 @ 7 p.m. – Championship Winemaker Dinner on Fireside Cellars Patio A Championship Winemaker Dinner will complete the Iron Vintner Challenge, as Chef Moore steps down from being emcee for the evening to prepare a four-course meal, featuring the winning appetizer and entree along with wine pairings from the participating IVC winemakers. A lively auction with priceless experiences donated by the winemakers and Willows Lodge will round out the experience.

Tickets for Iron Vintner Challenge are on sale now at $50 per person for each competition round, which includes a tasting from each winery competing that evening. The four-course Championship Winemaker Dinner is $135 per person, including wine pairings. For attendees who’d like to stay overnight on the Wednesday evenings of competition, Willows Lodge will extend a special 15 percent discount on the best available room rate.

For additional information and to buy tickets, please visit www.willowslodge.com.