SoDel Concepts employees win trip to Napa vineyard

Three SoDel Concepts employees recently won prizes from Bouchaine Vineyards, owned by Delaware residents Gerret and Tatiana Copeland. Mike Zygmonski, the company’s wine director, is pictured witht he winners. Shown are (l-r) Viktoria Kuleshova, Zygmonski, Samantha Danaher, and Sarah Shoemaker. SUBMITTED PHOTO.

Servers in SoDel Concepts’ 11 restaurants engaged in a friendly competition this summer to see who could sell the most wine from Bouchaine Vineyards.

Located in Napa, Bouchaine is owned by Delaware residents Gerret and Tatiana Copeland. 

From May 20 to Sept. 30, the servers received points every time they sold a glass or bottle of Bouchaine wine, including Estate Chardonnay, Estate Pinot Noir and SoDel Barrel Select Pinot Noir, which was created for the hospitality group.

“We are very serious about wine and wine and food pairings,” said Mike Zygmonski, a sommelier and director of SoDel Concepts’ wine program. “The contest was a fun way to educate the servers and the guests about Bouchaine’s incredible wines. So many people appreciate the Delaware connection to Napa.”

Samantha Danaher at Catch 54 in Fenwick Island sold more than five cases of wine, which earned her first prize. She receives a trip for two for three days and two nights to Bouchaine Villa in Carneros. The prize includes a VIP tour and wine tasting with lunch.

Viktoria Kuleshova at Bluecoast Seafood Grill + Raw Bar in Rehoboth Beach sold more than three cases for second prize. She receives a trip for two days and one night at the villa, as well as the tour and tasting.

In third place, Sarah Shoemaker of Bluecoast Seafood Grill + Raw Bar in Bethany Beach sold more than two cases, earning her wine and a gift card from Bouchaine Vineyards.

Catch 54 and both Bluecoast restaurants, along with Lupo Italian Kitchen in Rehoboth Beach, earned a 2019 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. SoDel Concepts restaurants regularly hold wine dinners and educational wine lunches.