DALLAS -- Omni Hotels & Resorts and Rioja USA are excited to announce an exclusive partnership for the luxury hotel brand's 2017 "Flavors of the World" series. Returning Oct. 1 2017, and available through Dec. 31, 2017, the annual culinary program will be known as "Discover Rioja" and will spotlight this north-central region of Spain and its undiscovered culture, wine and cuisine through signature Omni programming nationwide.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Wines from Rioja for our 2017 'Flavors of the World' campaign," said David Morgan, vice president of food & beverage for Omni Hotels & Resorts. "As always, this series gives our guests insight into new epicurean discoveries and experiences, while also educating them about the food and wine within a specific region. Each year, we aim to bring something different and dynamic to the table. Not only does Rioja have incredible wines, but it's also packed with an abundance of culture, history and energy that we are excited to share with our guests."

Inherent to each "Flavors of the World" campaign is extensive chef-training at The Culinary Institute of America and a much-coveted immersion trip where Omni's culinary team will explore every corner of Rioja – gaining first-hand experience of the region's wine, cuisine and culture so they may bring back authentic and delicious experiences to their hotels and restaurants.

Internationally, this is the largest group of culinary professionals Rioja has ever hosted and will help organically expand Rioja's messaging in a truly authentic way for the brand.

"Sharing knowledge is paramount to us," said Ana Fabiano, brand ambassador for Rioja USA. "For this experience, the Rioja Regulatory Control Board has developed an immersive, dynamic program that is designed to train food and wine industry professionals and empower them with a deep understanding of the region and its wines. The Omni culinary team will feel that immersion the moment they step on to Rioja soil."

The Wines from Rioja educational program is an intrinsic component to promoting Rioja's values. The overarching goal of this program is to identify and train Omni's wine educators, enabling them to impart information about Rioja's wines to professionals and consumers alike.

"Partnering with an influential brand like Omni Hotels & Resorts represents the next phase for Rioja as we continue to expand our reach to new consumers in meaningful ways," continued Fabiano. "This collaboration is diverse and exciting, and will allow Omni guests to experience a taste of true Rioja."

"Discover Rioja" marks the tenth installment of Omni's "Flavors of the World" program, expanding the rich roster of past partnerships such as 2015's "¡Destinación Chile!," 2014's "Taste Washington," and 2013's "Simply Street Food." Omni's "Flavors of the World" programs have also featured the wines and foods of Italy, Argentina, Spain and France.

Specific guest dining experiences, hotel programming and additional elements of "Discover Rioja" will be announced in the coming months.

About the Rioja Consejo Regulador The Rioja "Control Board" is an institution founded in 1926 with a primary purpose to supervise quality control from vineyard through bottling to promoting the region and defending the interests of the region's wine sector. The quality controls systems in Rioja are one of the most stringent in the world of wine. Rioja is one of the few that requires that all of its production be bottled at source, which has created the sense of safety and trust among consumers and has allowed Rioja to attain its current leading position on the market. Located in north central Spain, Rioja is considered one of the greatest red wine regions in the world. Rioja wines are protected by the oldest Designation of Origin in Spain, officially recognized by decree in 1925. Since 1991, it is the first and one of only two regions in Spain to be awarded the highest category – Calificada. The institution administers highly sophisticated and stringent quality control in the winemaking process, from viniculture to bottling. For more information, please visit www.riojawine.com.

About Omni Hotels & Resorts

Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences at over 50 distinct hotels and resorts in the most popular leisure and business destinations across the United States, as well as in Canada. With 28 iconic golf courses, including multiple short courses, 25 award-winning spas featured in dynamic locales nationwide, every Omni proudly opens its doors to share the true spirit of its destination. Reflected through local color, personalized service, unique wellness options, signature restaurants and creative culinary offerings, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every guest and a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest® loyalty program. Omni is committed to reducing hunger and is on a mission through its Say Goodnight to Hunger initiative, to provide millions of meals each year for food banks to feed children, families, and seniors in communities in which it operates. Through its partnership with Shared Hope International, Omni is dedicated to the education and training of its associates to help combat human trafficking. Omni Hotels & Resorts is the official hotel of the PGA TOUR® and PGA of America. For information or to book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni

Kristen Cadenhead
Omni Hotels & Resorts
Omni