Entertainment

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. -  Wine tasting enthusiasts from around the state competed in the US Open Blind Wine Tasting Competition to become Team USA at the upcoming World Wine Tasting Championship being held on October 13, 2018 in Chateau Saint-Pierre de Serjac, Languedoc, France.

On August 11, 2018, 8 teams of 2 converged at the Marina Del Rey Hotel in Los Angeles, CA in hopes of taking home the championship. Each team blind tasted 6 white and 6 red wines from around the world gaining points by identifying its primary grape, country & region of origin, vintage, and producer. In the end two teams emerged as the victors and will be heading to France as Team USA in October.

FRESNO  - American-grown pistachio consumption numbers are up globally. According to a report released today by California State University, Fresno (CSUF) Department of Agricultural Business, Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, pistachio consumption has increased substantially in international markets between 2015 and 2017.

The trend is welcomed by nutrition experts who tout the virtues of pistachios for their health properties. According to nutrition expert Mike Roussell, Ph.D., "Pistachios are the perfect addition to any eating plan for health-minded individuals as they offer a number of health benefits which result from their strong nutritional values, key amino acids, healthy fats, minerals like magnesium, and dietary fiber."

DUBLIN, Ohio -  The Wendy's Company (NASDAQ: WEN) announced today that it has accepted an offer from Inspire Brands (Owner of Arby's^®, Buffalo Wild Wings^®, and R Taco^®) to sell its 12.3% ownership interest in the company back to Inspire Brands for $450 million. The agreement was approved by The Wendy's Company Board of Directors and represents a 38% premium on the Wendy's Company's previous valuation of the investment.

"The sale of our stake in Inspire Brands for $450 million is a great return on this investment for our shareholders," said Nelson Peltz, Chairman of the Board of Directors. "Over the past seven years, Wendy's and its shareholders have benefitted from more than $100 million in distributions and the monetization of this investment carries a 38 percent premium over its most recent valuation."

BALTIMORE -  This afternoon Guinness brewers, executives and guests from the local community gathered for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the new home of Guinness in America – the Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House in Maryland. Doors will officially open to the public tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET.

"This brewery has long been a dream for Guinness, and an incredible amount of hard work has gone into getting these doors open," said Diageo Beer Company USA Chairman and Diageo Global Chief Sales Officer Tom Day. "I can't wait to see people enjoying the fantastic beer our brewers have made in this historic and beautiful building. I'm proud that we have created something special and quintessentially Guinness here in Maryland."

SANTA ROSA  -   Finally, middle siblings are getting the recognition they deserve. August 12 is National Middle Child Day and what better wine to celebrate with than the original wine dedicated to Middle Sisters everywhere! Middle Sister wines from California are toasting to their own 10^th Anniversary all year long. Created in 2008 by wine entrepreneur and now President of Vintage Wines Estates Terry Wheatley, the wine is a homage to the Middle Sister.

"I was inspired by my closest family friends who had a middle daughter with a very original personality. She zigged when the others zagged, broke out of pre-school to order lunch at the local diner, believed you could never have too many colors in your hair, and basically dances through life as the ultimate free spirit," explained Wheatley. "She inspired me to make this wine."

GLENDALE -  All You Can Eat Riblets & Chicken Tenders are back at Applebee's^® Neighborhood Grill + Bar for only $12.99. Guests can now enjoy an unlimited abundance of saucy goodness of tender Applewood-smoked pork riblets dripping in Honey BBQ or Spicy Texas BBQ sauce, and delicious chicken tenders, juicy, breaded and piled high and dunked in Honey Dijon mustard, served with endless classic fries and a serving of coleslaw for only $12.99 starting July 9. Guests can start with tenders and refill with riblets or enjoy a tender topper after a first round of riblets with this deal that will satisfy both hunger and budgets.

"Our signature Applebee's riblets have long been a menu favorite, and we're excited to bring them back to our guests with an all you can eat offering that also includes our delicious and satisfying crispy chicken tenders and honey mustard dipping sauce," said Joel Yashinsky, chief marketing officer at Applebee's. "The best part about this deal is that seconds are guaranteed, thirds and fourths are too. Just order, eat and repeat and repeat again."