Famed chocolatemaker Guy Debbas will lead a workshop on wine and chocolates at the ninth annual Fresno State Winemaster’s Weekend on March 5-6. at the Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite.

Debbas, a California State University, Fresno alumnus and co-founder of the Fresno-based G. Debbas Chocolatier Inc., will discuss and demonstrate “Sweet Surprises: Fine Chocolate & Wine” during the Food and Wine Pairing Workshop at 1:30 p.m. March 6.

It is one of three workshops moderated by wine educator G.M. “Pooch” Pucilowski in which food and wine aficionados can partake that day at the four-diamond resort in Fish Camp, just outside Yosemite National Park’s Highway 41 entrance.

The other workshops are:

  • “Red Wine Blending and Competition,” featuring Fresno State winemaker John Giannini. The workshop begins at 9 a.m. Participants team up to blend their own wines and possibly win a medal at that evening’s dinner, the main attraction of the weekend.
  • “The Birth of the Vine – Grapevine Grafting Workshop,” featuring John Duarte of Duarte Nursery in Hughson. Duarte Nursery cultivated vines in San Joaquin County produce grapes that have helped Fresno State Winery vintages win numerous medals in commercial competitions. The Duarte workshop begins at 11 a.m. March 6.

The Winemaster’s Weekend draws wine and food fans from throughout the country. It begins with the Welcome Reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 5. Students and faculty from the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology showcase products, programs and Fresno State farm enterprises in which they’re involved. Guests can sample Fresno State wine, dairy products, sausage, almonds, raisins, coffee and organic vegetables.

Culinology® program students, supervised by program director Klaus Tenbergen, a classically trained chef who is an assistant professor in Fresno State’s Department of Food Science and Nutrition, will prepare food samples originating from the university’s farm.

The Fireside Nightcap from 9 to10:30 p.m. closes March 5 with Fresno State’s Triangulum port-style wine and smores.

Debbas’ presentation will be joined by Tenaya Lodge executive chef Frederick Clabaugh and Fresno State winemaster Kenneth Fugelsang. Together they will provide participants with historical information about chocolate and demonstrate how to create the perfect chocolate and wine combination using Fresno State’s wines.

“Chocolate and wine is a classic pairing,” Fugelsang said. “The chocolate often plays off the wine’s flavor and texture, making it a treat for many. Our attendees will discover how a combination they would never have considered before can come together to truly make the experience.”

Fugelsang said that Debbas is considered one of the nation’s premiere chocolatiers. While he was studying food science at Fresno State, Debbas developed the first Fresno State chocolate ice cream in 1980.

At the 2009 America’s Best™ Professional Food Competition – billed as the “largest professional food competition in the United States” – G. Debbas Chocolatier won seven awards, including Grand Champion-Best Overall Product. The Wall Street Journal named his wine-filled chocolates the world’s best.

The Winemaster’s Weekend ends with a reception at 6 p.m. March 6, followed at 7 o’clock by a six-course gourmet dinner paired with Fresno State wines. Culinology students will assist in preparing the meal, prepared under the direction of Tenaya Lodge executive chef Clabaugh.

The Fresno State Winemaster’s Weekend is hosted by the Tenaya Lodge in partnership with the university’s Department of Viticulture and Enology, whose alumni have won numerous awards for wineries throughout the nation. Students learn their craft at the first fully licensed commercial winery on a United States college campus.

The Winemaster’s Weekend Package starts from $330 per night for two persons. Bookings made by Feb. 21 will be discounted $40 for the two-night package. A special discount also is available for Fresno State alumni and students by obtaining the promo code at the Fresno State Winery Facebook page.

The package includes two nights’ accommodations, the welcome reception and nightcap on March 5 and the next day’s workshops, reception and dinner. Reservations for the March 6 reception and dinner may be purchased separately Reservations are available by calling 888.514.2167 or online at www.TenayaLodge.com/Winemasters.

For details about specific events, call 559.278.2089 or visit www.FresnoStateWinery.com.

(University Communications news intern Amanda Fine contributed to this copy).

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