2009 Great Taste Challenge Finalists - Santa Margherita Wines

2009 Contest Finalists

Meet the Santa Margherita Great Taste Challenge Finalists from 2009! Through the Chicago Challenge and the online competition, we found some of the best amateur chefs from across the country. Thanks to your votes and the judges’ selections, the field was narrowed down to three fantastic contestants who competed at the Great Taste Challenge Finale in New York City. Learn about the winner, Andreann Geise, and the other finalists below — and don’t forget to try out their delicious recipes and wine pairings!

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Andreann Geise

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Name:: Andreann Geise
Location:: Myrtle Beach, SC
Recipe Title:: Mint, Fig and Chianti Glazed Lamb with Spaghetti in a Lemon Chianti Cream Sauce
Paired Wine:: Chianti Classico
Occupation:: Personal Trainer, Adjunct Professor (Science classes)
How I Got Into Cooking:: I was inspired by my parents and it has always been a passion of mine.
When I First Tried Santa Margherita:: Dinner at one of my best friends house earlier this year.
Food & Wine Pairing Philosophy:: I like using wines to highlight flavors in dishes, I enjoy pairing full bodied reds with spicy & rich foods while using whites to enhance the milder flavored foods.
Fun Fact:: Even though I sometimes get seasick, I love to go fishing and have my captains license.

Colleen McConnell

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Name:: Colleen McConnell
Location:: Chicago, IL
Recipe Title:: Seared Scallops with Pappardelle and Saffron Sauce
Paired Wine:: Santa Margherita Prosecco
Occupation:: Technology Consultant
How I Got Into Cooking:: My parents are incredible cooks, so I grew up in the kitchen cooking with them.
When I First Tried Santa Margherita:: My friend recommended it to me a couple of years ago, and it’s now a favorite!
Food & Wine Pairing Philosophy:: I try to balance the flavors of food with the wine, and vice versa.
Fun Fact:: I was on my high school’s robotics team!

Deb Kurtzke

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Name:: Deb Kurtzke
Location:: Schaumburg, IL
Recipe Title:: Glazed Pork over Mango Couscous
Paired Wine:: Pinot Grigio
Occupation:: CPA — Certified Public Accountant
How I Got Into Cooking:: I’m Italian — need I say more!
When I First Tried Santa Margherita:: At age 21, at our family gatherings. Sundays at 1:30pm!
Food & Wine Pairing Philosophy:: Drink, Eat and Drink some more, Mangia E Statti Zitto! If the wine is good, the food is good, the friends are good… then you have a good life!
Fun Fact:: I have been running and raising funds for St. Jude Childrens Hospital for the past three years. This year I run on November 1st, and I hope to beat last years’ $11,500. Life is short, enjoy the gift. That’s my philosphy of life.