Your friends will tell you not to bid on this 'cause they want it. Can't blame them. Enjoy a private tasting of assorted Tequilas from Montalvo Tequila in the privacy of your own home. Plus, it includes a pairings of small bites with a Mediterranean fusion flair and a pestos bar from famed Chef Steven Stroh's of Chef Stroh's Pestos. Great opportunity for up to 12 adults in the Ventura County area only.

About the Tequila

Montalvo is an award winning, ultra-premium tequila brand created by Casa Montalvo. Fourth-generation tequila producers Sergio and Carlos Gonzalez have combined their family’s ancient traditions with modern techniques, resulting in a clean, smooth and memorable tequila.

Made with 100% Blue Weber Agave from Jalisco, in the heart of the Lowlands of Mexico, Montalvo offers three triple-distilled and meticulously formulated varieties; Plata, Reposado and Añejo.

Montalvo may be enjoyed mixed, yet is handcrafted perfectly to be sipped as one would a fine whiskey or brandy.

PLATA

Plata, or “Silver” tequila, is characterized by little to no aging and, in addition to being enjoyed alone, is typically used in mixed drinks or shots.  Montalvo Plata is bottled immediately following distillation, capturing the truest agave flavor.

• Gold Medalist - 2012 Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition – San Diego, CA

REPOSADO

Montalvo Reposado, or “Rested” tequila, is rested in oak whiskey barrels for four months, where it gains flavors of oak and agave and takes on a richer and smoother flavor profile that includes notes of honey.

• Silver Medalist - 2012 Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition – San Diego, CA


• Bronze Medalist - 2012 SF World Spirits Competition – San Francisco, CA

ANEJO

Añejo, or “Aged” tequila, is aged for a minimum of 14 months to produce a robust, flavor-filled tequila.  While resting, the tequila is transformed into the richest, most superior tequila that challenges and captivates even the most experienced tequila drinker.

• Silver Medalist – 2012 SF World Spirits Competition – San Francisco, CA


• Bronze Medalist - 2012 Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition – San Diego, CA

About Montalvo Tequila

Montalvo is a handcrafted, meticulously formulated and triple distilled tequila produced from only the highest quality Blue Agave plants from the Lowlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Montalvo takes great pride in ensuring the brand’s premium quality by handcrafting in small batches, using hand-selected Blue Agave plants picked at the peak of maturity and employing a third distillation.

Montalvo is available in three varieties: Plata, Reposado and Añejo

Headquartered in the Tequila region of Mexico, with satellite offices in the U.S., Montalvo is committed to environmental initiatives and works closely with tequila manufacturers in the region to responsibly distill tequila while leaving as minimal a carbon footprint as possible.

About Chef Stroh's Pestos

THE GREEN MONSTER

A refreshing burst of just picked basil, lemon, and spiced garlic.

Ingredients:
Basil, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Sunflower Seeds, Olive Oil, Lemon, and Spices.

Pairs well with chicken, shrimp, pasta, and garlic bread.  Serve it with a crisp, citrusy wine such as Chardonnay, Riesling, or Pinot Grigio.
    
SUNDRIED TOMATO

A savory blend of sundried tomatoes, roasted sunflower seeds, parmesan, and finished with a warm cayenne oil.

Ingredients:
Sundried Tomatoes, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Sunflower Seeds, Olive Oil, Basil, and Spices.

Pairs well with red meat, chicken, pasta, or as a sandwich spread.  Serve it with a Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir.

SMOK'N

A wine lovers best friend.  It starts with the freshness of cilantro and lime, quickly followed by the nuttiness of smoked gouda oil, with the chipotle rolling in for a big finish.

Ingredients:
Cilantro, Gouda, Chipotle, Parmesan Cheese, Lime, Garlic, and Sunflower Seeds.

Pairs well with chicken, roasted vegetables, halibut, or use it as a marinade.  Serve it with Moscato, Blush, Grenache, or Shiraz.

BLUE APRICOT   

A pesto that doubles as a chutney with a hint of cinnamon, that can be served with dessert or with your main course.

Ingredients:
Dried Turkish Apricots, Candied Roast Almonds, Blue Cheese, Basil, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Apple Cider, and Olive Oil.

Pairs well with brie, pork, chicken, and ice cream. Serve it with Champagne, Moscato, buttery Chardonnay, or Gewurztraminer.

About Chef Stroh

Chef Steven Stroh is passionate about food.

His culinary ambitions began at the early age of 5 and by 12, he was competing in mock "Iron Chef" style cooking contests hosted by friends and family in his hometown of Oxnard, CA. Key ingredients like eggplant were transformed into creative dishes such as Crispy Eggplant Chips with eggplant tapenade (appetizer), Teriyaki Eggplant Skewers over pasta (main course), and Baked Eggplant with brown sugar served with a scoop of ice cream (dessert).

His interest in cooking continued while at Northwest Missouri University, where he played football and pursued a business degree. It’s no surprise that he ended up cooking for his friends and teammates or whoever pitched in looking for a "real" meal.

Upon his return to California, Steven helped Nick Fisher open a tapas bar, The Cave, which complimented Nick’s wine store in Ventura. Steven was one of the first to cook in the new kitchen following its grand opening. There he apprenticed under Chef Gary Daniels for three years, all the while continuing to cook for friends and family.

As a result of frequent requests, Steven began making pestos in small batches, experimenting with unique flavor combinations. The pestos were so well received, that as calls for orders increased, he decided that it was time to seriously look at launching a product line. Partnering with Red Hot Foods in Santa Paula, the first batch of pestos were completed on 12/22/11, and Chef Stroh’s Pestos opened for business. His "Culinary Dreams Come True" had became a reality.

As of today, Chef Stroh’s Pestos are carried in twenty-two stores spanning five different counties in California, with interest continuing to grow.  

Outside of the kitchen, Steven coaches high school football at his alma mater. He currently resides in the beautiful Heritage Valley, CA.