If you are in the mood to try some great wine the opportunities are endless the next few weeks in and around Dallas. Here are some great upcoming opportunities to taste.
Tonight Maguire’s Restaurant hosts Eric Titus, of Napa Valley’s incredible Titus Vineyards for a 5-course tasting dinner . I am a huge fan of the wine, founded by Eric’s parents in 1967 who ultimately left the winery to Eric and his brother, winemaker Phillip, who have won great acclaim for their expressive Cabernet Sauvignon, and maintained the philosophy that great wine starts in the vineyard and great working relationships require friendship, compromise, and in this case, brotherly love. Reservations required – 972-818-0068.
Also starting tonight, the 26th annual Grapefest begins their celebration in Grapevine featuring over 40 Texas wineries. From tasting events to grape stomps to cooking demos, live music, shopping and many option to enjoy food on sticks, Grapefest is a great opportunity to try many of the wines made in the state in one fun filled stop. Tickets available here.
Monday September 17 at the Sigel’s-Elite on Fitzhugh Tor Kenward, of the highly rated TOR Kenward wines in Napa Valley, will be in Dallas to share his 90+ point Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Rhone style Syrah. The tasting is free, just RSVP – 214-635-3162.
If you were inspired by my Woodinville, WA post head up to Matador Meat & Wine Co. for a tasting of wines from Washington State with Alan Lloyd at 3pm on September 20. From the hearty Cabernet and Merlot of Red Mountain, to smoky Walla Walla Syrah, there is sure to be one that will please, especially paired with Matador’s Certified Angus Beef.
September 22 the fourth annual Food For Thought benefiting Big Thought will take place at The Frontiers of Flight Museum and will feature over a dozen Dallas chefs including Janice Provost or Parigi, Tre Wilcox of Village Marquee – Texas Grill and Bar, Tiffany Derry of Private Social, Samir Dhurandhar of Nick and Sam’s, Michael Ehlert of Campo Modern Country Bistro, and Brian Luscher of The Grape, and an open bar. Big Thought is dedicated to improving public education through creative learning. Tickets – 469-916-9818.
Chef de Cuisine Garreth Dickey and Dish Restaurant host Dominique Pilou, Managing Director and Co-Owner of Pierre Amadieu Wines for a four course wine dinner on September 25, featuring the gorgeous Rhone wines of Pierre Amadieu, established in Gigondas, France in 1929. Featured wines include Gigondas “Ramone Machotte” 2009, Gigondas “Ramone Machotte” 2010 and Chateauneuf du Pape “La Paillousse” 2009. Reservations required – 214.522.3474.
September 27 The Grape will host local winery Oak Cliff Cellars and proprietor Jim Richardson for their monthly “come as you are” wine dinner. Jim does make his wine in California, from grapes grown out west, but he is as Texan as it gets and his juice is always good. Dinner starts at 5:30 with reservations lasting until 9:30, so make a date to join Chef Brian Luscher as he pairs his bistro cuisine with Oak Cliff Cellars wine. Reservations requested – 214-828-1981.
And a little ahead of time, but definitely one to make reservations for and mark the calendar – October 2 Jasper’s in Plano will host a Nickel Family wine dinner…yep, that means the gorgeous wines of Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel and EnRoute will be paired with Chef Kent Rathbun’s cuisine…only a few seats remain though so call quickly. Reservations – 972-673-0823.
