It is a wonderful thing to be a wine lover in Dallas because we never lack for outstanding opportunities to taste something great on any given day, often paired with delicious bites prepared by some of the best chefs around town. Here are a few opportunities that should not be missed.
Tonight and tomorrow night at Jimmy’s Food Store they welcome two great wine producers from the Campania region of Italy for special tastings of their lush Italian wines. Tonight Maurizo deRosa, Export Manager, of Feudi di San Gregorio will pour selections from their portfolio including their Lacyma Christi, Falanghina, Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo, called the most noble southern white varietal in Italy. Tomorrow, Jimmy’s will host Owner and Winemaker of Terradora di Paolo, Lucio Mastroberardino whose family has been making wine for over 130 years! Lucio is known for combining the traditional with modern advances in his winemaking at his expansive winery in Southern Italy. Wines to be tasted include Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, Falanghina, Aglianico, Taurasi and more. Each tasting will start at 6:30 and each will have a selection of appetizers served as well. Reservations required – email [email protected].
Friday night, the 22nd, The Gaylord Texan will utilize their whole venue for a progressive dinner around their property with Merryvale Vineyards President, Rene Schlatter, and Sean Foster, VP of Wine Production and Head Winemaker. The dinner will begin with classic Merryvale Sauvignon Blanc and their classic Chardonnay served with Duck Confit Quiche followed by Linguini with lobster and crab at Zeppole Coastal Italian Restaurant, then venture to Old Hickory Steakhouse where Chef Joanne Bondy will pair her delicious Cabernet braised Wagyu Short Ribs with Merryvale Profile and Cabernet Sauvignon. The evening finishes with fireworks at Glass Cactus overlooking Lake Grapevine and Merryvale Antigua, their dessert wine.
Reservations available here.
One of the most talented chefs in the city, also happens to be one of the nicest and, lucky for us, is also a patient and detailed instructor. Saturday, June 23, at 10:30 am Chef Stefano Secchi will host an Italian inspired cooking class creating summer dishes like Grilled Fresh Lobster with Pickled Shallots, Grilled Corn Risotto and Crab Pansotti Pasta at Ferrari’s Italian Villa in Addison. Wine pairings included. Or, join Stefano and his charming father, Francesco, as they team to prepare a lavish night in Sardinia dinner on June 26 at the Ferrari’s in Grapevine, creating family favorites and paired with wines from the region. Dishes include Fava Beans, Artichoke, Mint & Pecorino Sardo salad with Costamolino Bianco Vermentino; House-Made Saffron Malloredus with Lamb and Black Olive Ragu with Perdera Rosso; Francesco’s Grilled Quail, Oven Roasted Tomato & Polenta with Costera Rosso Cannonau 2009, and more. Reservations for both available here.
Our friends Adam and Dianna Lee, owners and winemakers for the fantastic Siduri and Novy Family wineries will be in town on the 26th also for a wine dinner at Jasper’s in Plano, and this menu promises to live up to their incredible wine. Grilled Prosciutto Wrapped Nectarines Organic Greens, Honeysuckle Vinaigrette with Novy Family, Four Mile Creek White Wine; Copper River Salmon, Black Peppercorn Wild Mushroom Ragu, Pinot Butter with Siduri, Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir; and Vanilla-Cherry Braised Duck Leg Root Puree, Sauce Natural with Siduri, Rosella’s Vineyard Pinot Noir are just a few of the courses. Reservations required – 972-673-0823.
June 27 The Grape partners with Domaine Riefle winery in Alsace for their monthly “come as you are” wine dinner. Three courses, paired with selections from the Domaine whose terroir driven wines mix well into their philosophy of enjoying “convivial pleasure,” or enjoying a sip of wine over great conversation with delicious food, everyday. As always, reservations start at 5:30 – 9pm, 214-828-1981.
