Press Releases
SEVENTH ANNUAL WINEMASTER’S WEEKEND AT TENAYA LODGE AT YOSEMITE
Two-night program at four-diamond resort features wine blending and food pairing workshops, wine competition, wine-tasting receptions and gala dinner
FISH CAMP, Calif., November 8, 2007 -- Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, located just two miles south of the National Park, once again will be the venue for the annual Winemaster’s Weekend, produced in cooperation with California State University, Fresno’s acclaimed Department of Viticulture and Enology. Super Tuscans and Pinot Noirs from around the world will headline the weekend of workshops and wine, which will take place February 29 to March 2, 2008 at the four-diamond resort set amidst the Sierra National Forest.
Winemaster Ken Fugelsang will be joined by Tenaya Lodge Executive Chef Frederick Clabaugh to present a food and wine pairing workshop Saturday morning. Other workshops will include one on international styles of Pinot Noir with Master of Wine Tim Hanni, and a hands-on blending and competition using Tuscan reds and led by Clark Smith. Experts from the university will be present throughout the weekend, assisting at the various workshops and answering participants’ questions.
The weekend kicks off Friday, Feb. 29 with an evening reception, featuring wine and foods from the University’s own vineyards and farm, complemented by a concert by the President’s Quintet, a woodwind ensemble. Saturday evening will begin with another wine reception followed by a five-course gala dinner prepared by Chef Clabaugh and his team. This year’s dinner features country-style dishes with an elegant European twist. Each course will be complemented by award-winning wines.
The price of the weekend is $656 (inclusive of all taxes) for two persons, double occupancy. The package includes two nights’ accommodations (Friday and Saturday) at the four-diamond Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, participation in the Saturday workshops and the wine blending competition, two wine receptions and the five-course dinner on Saturday night. Early bird bookings made by December 31, 2007, will be only $616 for the same package for two. The workshops are not sold separately and are available only with the two-night package. Reservations may be made by calling Tenaya Lodge at 1-877-322-5492 or online at www.tenayalodge.com.
Reservations for Saturday’s gala dinner only (no accommodations), are available for $115 per person, and can be booked through Tenaya’s Guest Services Department at 559-683-6555, ext. 1722 or online at http://www.tenayalodge.com/.
TENAYA LODGESM AT YOSEMITE RELEASES
FALL/WINTER PROGRAMS AND PACKAGES
FISH CAMP, Calif., October 4, 2006 -- Fall ushers in crisp mountain mornings and hints at winter's imminent arrival in the Sierra, and Tenaya Lodge, the only AAA Four-Diamond resort in the region, is set to celebrate the season "like there's snow tomorrow". Tenaya's "Winterlude" offers guests a mountain of brand new ways to play as well as fall values for those who just can't wait.
Fall (ing) Room Rates
Autumn means three things for Tenaya guests: incredible weather, Yosemite National Park all to yourself, and some of the best lodging values of the year. Fall rates begin at only $129 per night.
Ice and Fire at Tenaya
Ice skating is “hot,” ‘cause it’s cool. Gliding along a sheet of ice is fun for all ages and abilities, and Tenaya is delighted to announce the installation of an open-air ice rink for the coming winter season. Framed by majestic evergreens, the sparkling white ice rink measures an expansive 80 feet by 40 feet, and is open for day and night skating at very reasonable rates. Skates are available for rent at nominal fee, as well. These will help to pay for the “Bambino” (a baby Zamboni, of course), that will regularly lay down new ice surfaces to keep the rink smooth as glass and twice as fast. Ice skating is low impact, high reward fun, and beginners are very welcome. Skate off the ice for a toasty rink side hot chocolate or coffee drink, and when you’re ready to unlace there’s a roaring bonfire and s’mores waiting to warm -- and fill -- you up.
Calling All Chocoholics
Crazy for cocoa anything? On several days in November and December treat your taste buds to Tenaya’s newest culinary delight: The Chocolate Bar. It’s an all-chocolate, all-you-can-eat extravaganza of cakes, cookies, confections and other indulgences. Licking your fingers is perfectly acceptable. Available November 22, December 23 and 30. Bring your sweet tooth.
Walk Like an Eskimo
When the snow falls, strap on a pair of Tenaya’s snowshoes and explore miles of forest trails surrounding the property, and don’t miss Tenaya’s famous flashlight hikes that continue year-round providing adventure for all ages. Kids will gladly scale Tenaya’s new groomed sledding hill, and they’ll love the lodge’s snowman building contests, too. And of course there is all of Yosemite National Park to explore, on foot, snowshoes or skis.
Ho Ho Ho
Tenaya is extra-festive during the holiday season, with activities happening every day and around the clock in magical mini-kingdoms like Tenaya’s Santa Workshop where guests can make toys, stockings, tree ornaments and holiday greeting cards, and even build a gingerbread house. Amateur chefs will like the cooking demonstrations of holiday dishes. Kids can try their hand at decorating cookies (and adults are welcome to try, too). Hot cocoa will be served in the grand lobby, to be sipped in front of the roaring fire. Santa arrives at Tenaya on November 23, so kids can share their wish lists as parents snap instant memories on their digital cameras; the jolly one will make additional visits on December 21 and 22, in case there are any last minute wishes.
Fall in Love with Tenaya
Tenaya sets the stage for a fine fall romance with a pair of feel-good packages designed with couples in mind.
Tenaya’s popular Signature Spa package includes two one-hour spa treatments, two plush Tenaya logo robes, and a gift basket filled with spa amenities including a soothing CD, aromatherapy set, aromatic candle and eye pillow. The package starts at $471 per night and is available now through December 31, 2006.
The Quintessential Romance package is based in a posh honeymoon room featuring an expansive 550 square feet of living area, private balcony, wet bar with refrigerator, and an extra large bath with a whirlpool spa tub separate from the shower. The package includes a Chateaubriand dinner for two by candlelight at Sierra Restaurant, champagne on ice and chocolate-dipped strawberries, VIP turndown service, and a Yosemite gift basket including aromatherapy eye pillow, Tenaya logo stemware, scented candle, chocolate espresso beans and other surprises. Available now through December 31, 2006 starting at $509 per night.
About Tenaya Lodge
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, offering 244 newly-remodeled rooms and suites, is a classic mountain resort surrounded by noble evergreen forest and a rich range of Sierra recreation. It is located near the northern end of Highway 41, just two miles from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. Tenaya Lodge is owned and operated by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, Inc., a subsidiary of Buffalo, N.Y.-based Delaware North
DELAWARE NORTH COMPANIES CHEF LAUNCHES LEGACY AT TENAYA LODGE Chef Dwayne McFann completes certification, rounding out the company’s first fully ACF-accredited culinary management team
BUFFALO, N.Y. (Oct. 19, 2006) – Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite recently began a legacy, stepping up as the first Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts location to boast a culinary leadership team that’s entirely certified by the American Culinary Federation (ACF). A food service and hospitality veteran, Delaware North Companies has invested the tools and resources to create a trifecta of nationally recognized chefs at Tenaya Lodge: Certified Chef de Cuisine Frederick Clabaugh, Certified Sous Chef Andrew Worrall and Certified Sous Chef Dwayne McFann.
The latest chef to be accredited, McFann developed his culinary passion from humble beginnings. More than 14 years ago he started at Delaware North’s famed Ahwahnee kitchen in Yosemite National Park as a line cook. According to Chef Roland Henin, Certified Master Chef (CMC) and Corporate Chef for Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, McFann is on track to become one of the company’s most valued culinary professionals.
“Chef McFann is truly an example of a Delaware North ‘in-house product,’” explained Henin. “As operator of some of America’s most treasured destinations, we pride ourselves on our pool of top-notch culinary professionals. McFann’s lengthy history with the company and his new ranking only reinforces our commitment to be a leading example in the industry. We applaud his drive for excellence and his recent ACF honor as a Certified Sous Chef. We’re eager to watch how his passion for food further enhances guests’ experiences at Tenaya, and how we might share his expertise and talent nationwide.”
McFann continued his professional journey with Delaware North as a Chef De Partie at The Ahwahnee, and later as a Sous Chef for the Wawona Hotel, at which point he began attending the California Culinary Academy (CCA). In just two years, McFann graduated from CCA at the top of his class. He returned to The Ahwahnee in Yosemite as Sous Chef for two years and received the prestigious Manager of the Year award in 2005. Currently, McFann serves as Chef de Cuisine at Tenaya Lodge.
“I’m a prime example of how deep Delaware North’s promise runs to continually invest in its family of associates and portfolio of cherished destinations,” said McFann. “I never could have imagined the success I’ve achieved since my wife and I moved here after our honeymoon. But the culinary team saw promise in me. It’s truly been rewarding, living in a majestic place and doing what I love, while creating culinary magic for our guests.”
“Chef McFann and the rest of the culinary management team at Tenaya Lodge exhibit the excellence the ACF strives for,” said John Kinsella, CMC, Certified Culinary Educator (CCE), American Academy of Chefs (AAC) and ACF president. “The success of the culinary industry is determined by the competence of the individuals in this field. There’s no doubt in my mind that Delaware North will continue to produce chefs of the highest caliber.”
Delaware North Companies also applauds chefs Frederick Clabaugh and Andrew Worrall for their commitment to culinary excellence and sustaining their esteemed ACF status.
According to the ACF, the organization awards 14 levels of certification and each requires specific qualifications, in addition to knowledge of culinary nutrition, food safety, sanitation and culinary supervisory management. ACF certification demonstrates to the industry that “a chef has the initiative to take charge of his/her professional development and career, verifies that professional chefs and cooks have the knowledge and skill required for elevated culinary positions, and reassures consumers the food they eat is of the safest and highest standards.”
About Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is a classic mountain resort set two miles from Yosemite National Park’s southern gate, surrounded by a noble evergreen forest and a rich range of Sierra recreation. The Tenaya experience is classic, yet perfectly modern, with such contemporary amenities as wireless Internet, spa services, fine dining and gracious guest service. Serving as operator for Tenaya Lodge, Delaware North is responsible for overseeing all lodging, dining and recreational operations for the destination.
About Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts
Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts is a subsidiary of Delaware North Companies, a leading hospitality provider with significant experience in hotel, retail, food service, recreation and transportation operations. The company’s portfolio includes historic properties in North America, such as Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; Yosemite, Sequoia, Yellowstone and Grand Canyon national parks; Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds; Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite; Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa; Niagara Falls State Park; Jones Beach; Old Town San Diego; the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia and Denver; The BALSAMS Grand Resort; and The Lodge & Conference Center at Geneva State Park, Ohio.
About Delaware North Companies
Delaware North Companies is one of the world’s leading hospitality and food service providers. Its family of companies includes Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment, Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services, Delaware North Companies Sportservice, Delaware North Companies International, TD Banknorth Garden and American Park ‘n Swap. Delaware North Companies is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States with revenues approaching $2 billion annually and 40,000 associates serving half a billion customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.\
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