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Del Mar’s recent partnership with Hailstone
Vineyards has created a unique opportunity for
diners to experience the pairing of Mediterranean
cuisine and wine from a boutique winery with
a Naples connection. Customers can now enjoy
their favorite dishes with a special selection from
Hailstone, enhancing the flavors and sophistication
of the meal.

Keeping

It

Local! Carl’s Wine Vault, Rachel Keller.
General Manager, Rick Giannasi
by Samantha Bloom
he combination of traditional flavors and intertwined with the products produced from
T them. Jessica is an integral part of their winery; her
tastes, along with the local flare of Hailstone,
responsibilities range from creating connections
is sure to make a memorable experience.
With this collaboration between Del Mar and with longtime clients and newcomers to bottling
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Hailstone Vineyards, 5 Avenue South is now home and shipping operations. Chris and Jessica split
to an innovative local-fresh dining experience that their time between Napa and Naples. Del Mar and
simply can’t be matched. Hailstone are the perfect combination of classical
General manager Rick Giannasi is a familiar face favorites and remarkable flavor profiles, Hailstone
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around 5 Avenue. With fifteen years of experience wine and Mediterranean cuisine have joined forces
under his belt, he leads Del Mar with skill and to offer diners an unforgettable experience. Indulge
efficiency. Whether developing successful strategies in the stunning assortment of traditional delicacies
or taking care of customers hands-on, Rick Giannasi combined with a curated collection of delicious
has carved out an important role as one of Cameron wines. Paired together, the rich flavors will heighten
Mitchell Restaurants most valued assets. Del Mar each bite, creating a truly cohesive and sophisticated
had been searching for a wine program that was dining experience. Whether you are an experienced
special; something to set it apart from other connoisseur or just looking for something new, it is
restaurants. They wanted one that not only guaranteed to leave you wanting more.
tantalized the taste buds with distinct flavor “As regulars in the Naples Scene, the Hailstone brand was the
and texture, but also captured the essence perfect fit for our wine accompaniments.” Giannasi encourages
of their Mediterranean menu. Fortunately, diners to “Come let us take you on a culinary adventure and
they found exactly what they were looking experience the exciting regional flavors of the Mediterranean.
for - right at home! Local winemakers from Our chefs have crafted artful dishes featuring your favorite local
Hailstone Vineyards have crafted a uniquely seafood, produce, and vibrant spices that transport you to the
delightful concoction for Del Mar to call different coastal regions of Greece, Southern Spain, Morocco,
its own - robust in taste, yet bursting with France, Italy and Turkey”. With shareable dips and spreads,
subtle intricacies that delight the palate. flatbreads, chilled shellfish - all served
Whether you're a connoisseur of fine wines or someone just with your favorite glass of wine, how
trying something new, there is definitely a vintage to try! can you complain? Offerings from their
Hailstone Vineyards owners Chris and Jessica Zazo were the wood-fired grill such as their Lamb
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obvious choice as local diners on the 5 Avenue scene. Chris, Tagine provide something heartier for
a native of the Midwest and owner of Hailstone Vineyards, those looking to enjoy an entrée family
has long nurtured his love for food, wine and the weather. style or have an accompanying bottle of
Growing up on a family farm that blended topsoils for various wine for a truly incomparable experience!
uses gave him a unique understanding of how nature's elements

Indulge in traditional staples with their rotating seasonal offerings – and get ready to embark on a memorable journey full of exquisite dishes and great wine!

Life in Naples | May/June/July 77