
Kathie Lee Gifford, Greenwich resident, television host and wine aficionado, visited Max’s Oyster Bar in West Hartford for a lunch presentation promoting Gifft Wines on March 31. Gifft Wines is a partnership between Gifford and Scheid Family Wines of Monterey, California. Gifford works closely with the vintners of Scheid Family Wines to create wines with “balance and style,” as well as packaging for the wines. During early discussions about what wines to create, Gifford said she wanted to create “easy-drinking wines people can enjoy with their loved ones.” She explained the quote displayed on each bottle sums up how she hopes others will “relax and enjoy” the wine: “The world speeds by at a dizzying pace, so fast that we may forget to stop and recognize our blessings. Family, friendship, laughter, love. Enjoy this moment. It’s a Gifft.” The lunch presentation featured Gifft Pinot Grigio, Gifft Chardonnay, Gifft Rosé and Gifft Red Blend. Each wine was paired with a dish created by Executive Chef Hunter Morton of Max’s Oyster Bar. Between courses, Gifford introduced each wine and food pairing. “It’s been really fun to see how the brand is taking off,” said Gifford. “It’s a fun business and the wine sells itself.”
- Kathie Lee Gifford visited Max’s Oyster Bar in West Hartford on March 31 for a paired Gifft Wines luncheon.
- Gifft Wines Pinot Grigio, Red Blend, Pinot Noir, Rosé and Chardonnay.
- Gifford and Brian Mitchell, Beverage Director, Max Restaurant Group.
- Brian Kociszewski, Regional Manager, Worldwide Wines; Kathie Lee Gifford; Tom Taylor, Sales Representative, Worldwide Wines; and Brian Mitchell, Beverage Director, Max Restaurant Group.
- Gifford and Laurie Kablik, Wine Manager, Gillette Ridge Wine and Spirits in Bloomfield.
- Robert Cooke, Partner, Max’s Oyster Bar and Gifft Wines Publicist Christine Gardner look on as Kathie Lee Gifford gets the luncheon underway.
- Gifford posing with fans.