Blackberry Farm welcomes one of Bon Appetit magazine’s “5 Chefs to Watch,” kicking off their 2007 Food and Wine schedule on January 21, 2007 with Chef Linton Hopkins of Atlanta’s Restaurant Eugene and Winemaker Andy Peay of Peay Vineyards, CA.

Welcoming one of Bon Appetit magazine’s “5 Chefs to Watch,” Blackberry Farm’s 2007 Food and Wine schedule will begin on January 21, 2007 with the pairing of Chef Linton Hopkins of Atlanta’s Restaurant Eugene and Winemaker Andy Peay of Peay Vineyards on the Sonoma Coast. Called Jump Start, this three-day cooking school will be complete with cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and special dinners, combining the creations of Chef Hopkins, Andy Peay and Relais Gourmand-accredited Blackberry Farm’s Chef John Fleer. Guests of this event will have the opportunity to discover new culinary tips and techniques while spending time with Chef Linton Hopkins and Winemaker Andy Peay, as the school is only available to an intimate number of attendees.

Recently acclaimed one of Where Magazine’s “Top Chefs” in 2006, Gourmet magazine recently acclaimed Hopkins’ Restaurant Eugene “A Place to Eat Now” in 2005 and Food Network named him “Iron Chef America Atlanta Challenger” in 2006. Inspired by family and community, Chef Hopkins and his wife combine a balance of genuine southern hospitality with a modern feel.

With Peay Vineyard’s drive to construct a vineyard from mere “vineyard potential,” Robert Parker acclaimed Peay’s wines as “complete, beautifully textured, and opulent…stylish with considerable finesse and elegance.” Peay’s three winemakers share a combined 39 years of experience in the industry. With their philosophy to gently work with the land of the viticulturally cutting edge Sonoma Coast, their slow and continuous ripening seasons offer incidences for only the most quality grapes.

Currently Blackberry Farm is the only Wine Spectator Grand Award restaurant and Relais Gourmand destinations in Tennessee. Contact Sarah Elder for more information on Jump Start and other Food and Wine Experiences at Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm – often described as “Easy to get to. Hard to leave.” is located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. This 51-room Relais & Chateaux & Relais Gourmand property offers some of the world’s finest wines, cuisine, fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking, cycling, sporting clay and mountain biking opportunities. In addition to an abundance of outdoor activities, Blackberry Farm offers an Aveda-Destination Spa and a series of annual cooking schools and culinary events featuring Chef John Fleer along with other world-renowned guest chefs and vintners. For reservations and information, please call 800) 993 7824