Wine Tasting Dinners by Contrast Tours, Dinners Designed to Show Case French Wines with Perfect Food Pairings

CONTRAST TOURS DINNERS

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George Harvin Parizade

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Table Clubroom Flowers

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Jeu de Mains Parizade

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Table Main Room Parizade

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Here is to You

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Noailles Bdx Sept 21

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Chateau Lehoul Rose Effect

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Serpent magique

Contrast Tours organises in the U.S., Dinners inspired by what we experience during the wine tours in France. Theses Dinners have two different formats:

WINE DINNERS: These are dinners conceived in partnership with a restaurant and its chef, in which a wine selection is paired with dishes elaborated for a perfect pairing and gastronomic experience.

ELITE FRENCH WINE TASTING DINNERS: This is a format that we I created to provide an educative and enjoyable experience, akin to what we do in France during Wine Tours: dishes from the restaurant's menu, are paired with typically several wines, enabling comparison and discussions about the qualities and nature of the wines, as well as how and why they provide a better experience with a given dish and beyond.

APRIL 27, 2023, FRENCH WINE DINNER, AT THE GUINGUETTE, BLACK MOUNTAIN.

Only 24 Seats plus your thankful host.

wine dinner, wine tasting dinner, cecilia's

Previous Wine Dinner at Cecilia's in Asheville

Cecilia is throwing a wine dinner again, this time at her Black Mountain location. Don't miss it, this menu is terrific, and of course the wines will leave their mark. All at in an unpretentious, fun and festive location, lovely conviviality at a bargain price.

LA GUINGUETTE French and Latin Café, Black Mountain

Thursday April 27, 6:00

Up to 24 guests plus you know who.

$95 per person

Reservation: 888-434-7810 or INFO@CECILIASKITCHEN.COM

Wines will be available for purchase at wonder pricing.

MENU:

Mise en Bouche trout gougère, petit croque-monsieur, paté de campagne

Fontaine du Clos, Reflets de l'âme, Vacqueyras Blanc 2020
Viognier 60%, Marsanne 40%

A Vacqueyras Blanc is one of the best whites produced in the Rhône Valley. It is typically floral, and this one exhibits delicate white flower aromas, on an aerial texture punctuated by apricot notes. A delight to wet your appetite.

SALADE AU CHÉVRE

DOMAINE CATHALA, CUVÉE A BLANC 2020, SANT CHINIAN
Grenache Blanc 50%, Roussane 30%, Marsanne 20%

A dry but aromatic white from Languedoc. Dominated by the round dryness of Grenache blanc, enhanced with aromas of apricots from the two other varietals. A different and delicious white, ideal with goat cheese.

BOURRIDE

CHATEAU LÉHOUL GRAVES BLANC FÛT, 2020
65% Sémillon, 35% Sauvignon Blanc, aged in oak.

this wine is a firework of aromas, citrus, mango, lichee, passion fruit, that will hold their ground to danse a festive complicit chachacha with this very powerful dish.

LAMB CHOPS rosemary butter, gratin dauphinois

DOMAINE RICHEAUME TRADITION 2017, Biodynamic
Syrah 47%, Cabernet Sauvignon 18%, Grenache 43%, Tempranillo 13%, Merlot 12%. Gold Medal Decanter, 95 rating.

Superb Provence Red, fresh, unctuous and rich in multiple aromas, notably plum, black currant, blackberry. The wine of reference with lamb.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE MILLEFEUILLE

LA GRANDE ABBESSE, SAINT EMILION GRAND CRU, 2016:
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc

A light cherry attaque, then some unmistakable coffee and chocolate accents, all cooled by the Cabernet Franc. This wine blows the hot and the cold, and pairs delightfully with chocolate.

Cecilia always offer a fun and festive environment, here with gastronomy, a sum that makes life how we like it..

Domaine Richeaume

MARCH 16, 2023, WINE TASTING DINNER, SMOKY PARK SUPPER CLUB, ASHEVILLE.

Limited to 17 guests. SOLD OUT

Please contact me if you would like to be on the Waiting List.

French Social Movement

I am excited to be finally able to offer a Wine Tasting Dinner at SPSC, which has been for a while, a venue of choice for many people wither living or visiting Asheville, for it proposes a cosy and inviting venue, with excellent food at community prices.

It is worth noticing, that not by accident, SPSC's chef, Michelle Bailey is enjoying a growing well deserved notoriety.

SMOKY PARK SUPPER CLUB, Asheville

Thursday March 16, 6:30pm

Up to 17 guests plus this wine ambassador.

$100 per person, including taxes and gratuity.

Please make your reservation with me: call 919-416-1111 or text 984-312-5315, or email with button at bottom of page.

Payments and Cancelation Policy

Wines will be available for purchase at excellent pricing from Metro Wines.

MENU:

FIRE ROASTED HALLOUMI Parsnip/Cannellini Bean Hummus, Radicchio, Pickled Apricot & Olive Herb Salad, Cider Gastrique, Appalachian Fry Bread

DOMAINE RICHEAUME TRADITION WHITE 2020, Biodynamic
25% Vermentino, 25% Grenache Blanc, 25% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Viognier

CHATEAU ROCHECOLOMBE, VIOGNIER 2020, Organic
100% Viognier

Domaine Richeaume's Tradition Blanc, is phenomenal Grenache blanc type of white, with a slightly golden color connected to its rather neutral but taste ornate with a golden feel and delicious notes of mirabelle and slight white flower. The Chateau Rochecolombe Viognier is a perfect Viognier, somewhat floral with accents of apricot and pear, both powerful and yet restrained in its flamboyance.

SMOKED BRISKET Alabama White Sauce, Embered Red Onion seasonal side

DOMAINE SCAMANDRE RED, 2011, Costières de Nîmes, Organic
50% Syrah, 20% Carignan, 15% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre

DOMAINE LA ROUVIOLE, COUP DE THÉÂTRE 2017, Vin de France du Minervois, Organic
100% Syrah

VEGETARIAN OPTION: SEARED LOCAL MUSHROOMS Hand-cut GF Fettucine, Winter Squash Puree,
Charred Cauliflower, Crisp Brussels Leaves, Cranberry Vinaigrette

The Coup de Théâtre (Theatre Plot Twist), is just that, a rather surprising wine loaded with black currant aromas, licorice and a minty finish. This is a wine with a strong sense of terroir, very earthy, and made for braised or smoke meats, especially beef.

The Domaine Scamandre 2011is really an upcoming star, if there was such an appellation it would be an Extra Supérieure Costières de Nîmes, since it exceeds by several notches, what is expected from wines from that coastal part of the Rhône. So much so that it only starts to be served after 8 years of age typically, an age where many wines retire or have already retired. Yet this baby is only starting, with accents of cherry and blackberry on a cigar box and leather finish. A diamond, not totally in the raw anymore, to be discovered.

APPLE CRISP

CHATEAU VIGNOL BLANC DOUX 2019
Sémillon 60%, Sauvignon Blanc 40%

This a rather simple, inexpensive but pleasant white to finish a meal. It is rather dry, but with quite a concentration of aromas (apricot, raisins in marc and more) to agreement a dessert in a way that could easily become addictive.

I hope to have the pleasure to see you at this convivial, cozy and fun dinner.

Jean-Philipe et Nicolas, the honest faces of the Chateau Léhoul's new owners.

March 8 and 9, 2023, UNORDINARY WINE TASTING DINNER, AT KRILL, DURHAM.

Only 12 Seats plus your grateful host.

Thursday March 9: SOLD OUT.
Please contact me to be on the wait list.

Wednesday March 8: 2 Seats remaining

If you ever wanted to try Krill, if you always were curious of how pair Asian cuisine with wine, this is a unique opportunity. Krill is a very good and approachable south asian restaurant, and this dinner is meant to open new horizons, breaking ground with tip top wine pairings.

KRILL Asian Bistrot, Durham

Thursday March 9, 6:30 (and March 8 if there is enough demand for a second session)

Up to 12 guests plus this wine missionary.

$102 per person, including taxes and gratuity.

Please make your reservation with me: call 919-416-1111, text 984-312-5315, or email with button at bottom of page.

Payments and Cancelation Policy

Wines will be available for purchase at wonder pricing.

MENU:

MISE EN BOUCHE: BLISTERED MISO SHISHITOS furikake aïoli

MAS DE CYNANQUE MÉANDRES 2017, Organic
40% Albarino, 40% Petit Menseng, 20% Grenache Gris

This is a unique and delicious wine, light crisp, and especially apt with spicy food. A wine to discover.

COCONUT RED CURRY seasonal vegetables and jasmine rice

CHATEAU LÉHOUL ROSÉ 2019, Vin de France de Brodeaux
Merlot 40%, Cabernet Sauvignon 30%, Malbec 10%, Petit Verdot 10%, Cabernet Franc 10%

DOMAINE RICHEAUME ROSÉ 2019, Biodynamic
90% Grenache, 10% Syrah

Both of these rosés are older, and augmented by time and the micro-oxydation through the cork that happened since their bottling. This tertiary evolution has created rosés that are somewhat deeper, and can subsequently handle flavorful food very graciously. These rosés will surprise you and possibly expand your expectations about rosé.

ADOBO CHICKEN tumeric rice, raisins, peanuts, adobo demi

CHATEAU COULONGE FÛTS, 2018, Bordeaux, Organic
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot, aged in oak.

CHATEAU COULONGE JULIETTE, 2016, Bordeaux Supérieur, Transitin organic
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, aged in oak.

These two wines are variations on Cabernet, with more or less Merlot, which brightens the wine. They both provide a rather crisp and pure expression of Cabernet, and shine with food, revealing then all their aromas mostly around blackberry and blueberry.

COCONUT CASSAVA condensed milk, shortbread crumble, coconut gelato and peanut brittle

CHATEAU LÉHOUL GRAVES SUPÉRIEURES (MOELLEUX) 2020:
100% Sémillon

This is a drier dessert wine with a lot of exotic fruit aromas, notably pineapple, mango.

Both Krill and I are very excited with this event, and we look forward to sharing with you this premier wine experience accompanying their dishes.

Barrels Chais at Chateau Coulonge

MARCH 3RD, 2023, FRENCH WINE DINNER, BLU, FARM TO TABLE, WASHINGTON NC.

Up to 30 Seats available.

There are a few intriguing spots in this State where I always like to go. Asheville for instance, but also, as some of you know, Washington NC. Washington although a rather small town, is a destination for folks seeking a place with style and a far away feel, even if only about 2 hours from the Triangle. As I have said before, this is Amazonia in North America for this sticker with North carolina. So think how far you go, in so little time.

I am also beyond proud, to do a Wine Dinner with Vickie Dessourdy, the owner chef of Blu, the latest restaurant which surfaced in Washington. This is a farm to table restaurant, with a specially on gluten free. Beyond that, Vickie will be part of the Provence Wine Tour this May, and I am thrilled about that, as her company is very pleasant. If you are yourself interested by the tour, this is another reason to come meet her during this dinner.

As you may be able to judge from this menu, things at Blu are done in a thoughtful, refined and elegant fashion.

BLU Farm to Table

Friday March 3rd, 6:00pm

Up to 30 guests plus you know who.

$110 per person

Please make your reservation at (252) 833-0701 or Vickie@laneblu.com

Wines will be available for purchase at excellent pricing.

MENU:

ESCARGOTS À LA BOURGUIGNONNE Delicate escargot in white wine garlic oil with crusty French bread.

CHATEAU LÉHOUL GRAVES BLANC SEC, 2020
80% Sauvignon Banc, 20% Sémillon

This wine is a superb vintage from one of the very best producers in the Graves part of Bordeaux, and this white is their most popular wine, available though in too little quantities. So enjoy this here, I have not promoted this wine in two years, but a replenishment is on the way, allowing me to be a little looser about it, so you get to find it in this dinner.

This is the quintessential Bordeaux white, the lesser known side of Bordeaux, although possibly its most valuable. The Sauvignon and the Sémillon interact in a beautiful fashion here, and you will find rich aromas of citrus, but also lychee, white peach, all on a very crisp and sharp structure. This is normally the companion of choice for grilled fish, but it also pairs magnificently with escargots.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH RISOTTO Creamy style risotto, baby caramelized squash, drizzle of sage and rosemary infused oil.

DOMAINE ROSE DIEU, SAINTE CÉCILE LES VIGNES, OLD VINES, 2018
50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 25% Mourvèdre

This is a very plush wine, with all the accents of a southern Rhône one (cherry, raspberry notes, slight pepper and garrigue tones), very round and juicy, with a finish with rose aromas, which make this wine both quite rare and delicious.

VEAL CHOP WITH ROSEMARY BUTTER Farm raised veal chop, pan seared with roasted root vegetables, topped with our rosemary butter.

CHATEAU LÉHOUL GRAVES ROUGE 2016
Cabernet Sauvignon 40%, Merlot 40%, Malbec 10%, Petit Verdot 6%, Cabernet Franc 4%. Gold Medal Paris 2018.

This is an already quite evolved beautiful Graves red, in which one will find a perfect balance between the sunniness brought by the Merlot, its cherry aromas, and the blackberry and black currant tendencies of the Cabernet Sauvignon, all augmented by the contribution of the other varietals. This is a very righteous Paris Gold Medal from the best Bordeaux vintage until 2022, if this one confirms the expectations it created.

GUAVA CREAM CHEESE PASTRIES Flaky pastry, sweet cream cheese and guava filling dusted with powdered sugar.

CHATEAU LÉHOUL GRAVES SUPERIEURES 2020, (Moelleux)
90% Sémillon, 10% Sauvignon

"Moelleux" means "softer," so this is a wine with a slight sweetness, especially compared to a dry wine, but otherwise it is more aromatic than it is sweet. It provides a very rich concentration of aromas, from quince to pineapple, mango, so not only is it fruity, it is also fruity with fruit aromas that are especially expressive, and rather exotic, as even if quince is not technically exotic, it is de facto, given how rare it is in America. a rather unusual and addictive wine, with a nice acidity punctuated by the muskiness of botrytis.

I hope to have the pleasure to see you at his unique French wine dinner in the middle of almost Amazonia.

Jean-Philipe et Nicolas, the honest faces of the Chateau Léhoul's new owners.

FEBRUARY 25, 2023, ELITE FRENCH WINE TASTING DINNER, PARIZADE, DURHAM.

Only 6 Seats plus your thankful host. 2 Seats remaining.

wine dinner, wine tasting dinner, parizade

Elite Wine Tasting Dinner at Parizade

As the Provence Wine Tour is being released and the Bordeaux Wine Tour will be soon (it is not ready yet, this linked page is incomplete, but you are very welcome to peak at it), this dinner will illustrate mostly the former, but with a taste of the latter, and even the fall wine tour. This is an "Elite" wine tasting dinner, as all the wines are from the rather upscale category, yet at somewhat budget prices, meaning reasonable for wines of this quality, $35-$50 retail for the reds, the rosés are cheaper.

PARIZADE

Saturday February 25, 6:30

Up to 6 guests plus you know who.

$112 per person, including tax and gratuity, paid to me (PayPal, Zelle, Cash or checks made to Contrast Tours)

$92 for Vegetarian Option ( I know, It pays to save the planet!)

Please make your reservation with me: call 919-416-1111 or text 984-312-5315, or email with button at bottom of page.

Wines will be available for purchase at wonder pricing.

MENU:

CHICK PEA AND MUSHROOM FALAFEL creamy feta dressing, pickled onion, cucumber salad.

CHATEAU LÉHOUL ROSÉ, 2020, Vin de France
Merlot 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 20%, Cabernet Franc 30%

DOMAINE RICHEAUME, ROSÉ 2019, Biodynamic
90% Grenache, 10% Syrah

Two rosés to start the evening in this time when spring is in the air, and cannot come too soon. The Chateau Léhoul rosé is a very satisfying rosé, meaning with some weight, with a beautiful light onion peel color, and light but persistent aromas of British candy with a rather controlled acidity.

The Domaine Richeaume rosé 2019 is the favorite rosé of a number of my customers, as are their reds and white. It has created a standard, for it is rare to find a rosé with 4 years of age that keeps evolving favorably. I still have a few cases left, although not a whole lot, before the 2022 arrives later this year. This is a rosé with still some fresh aromas o raspberry and grapefruit, but also a cooked fruits dimension and bit of smokiness resulting from evolution. You really should taste this, especially if you have not been able to escape the persistant, yet erroneous rumors, that rosés have to be drunk in the year. Good rosés are better, at least for many wine lovers, with a bit of age, they then gain in roundness and depth.

Oh, and although this is not a rosé drunk by Brad Pitt, it dances and makes pirouettes around that one, as well as a few others heavily marketed, but which are all wines of négoce, by opposition to this vintner producer rosé.

AUSTRALIAN LAMB CHOP, saffron couscous, braised chickpeas, dried apricots & plums.

DOMAINE RICHEAUME, COLUMELLE 2015, Biodynamic
Syrah 46%, Merlot 37%, Cabernet Sauvignon 17%

MAS DE CYNANQUE CARISSIMO 2019, Oganic
Carignan Vieilles Vignes, 117 years old (1900)

VEGETARIAN SUBSTITUTION: MARINARA, spaghetti, heirloom cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, basil

Two absolutely exceptional wines, each being a perfect pairing with this dish. Some of you may be familiar with the Domaine Richeaume's Tradition red, which has become a wine of reference at Parizade and other restaurants in the State. The Columelle which is the result of a tighter selection and different vinification, manages to create an evident step up, delivering an absolutely enchanting wine, with supremely rounded tannins, higher concentration, and a superb bouquet centered around black currant, plum.

The Carissimo, is a unique wine, given the very rare 117 years old vines it is produced from, by one of my very top producers in Saint Chinian, Languedoc, the type of producer, like Domaine Richeaume, which does not produce a single bad wine. Very rounded tannins as well, and aromas of blue fruits with a bit of violette. It could be that you have never tasted a Carignan, and it is rarely as good as this one, 117 old vines and tip top winemaking skills make a difference.

FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE TORTE crème anglaise and amaretto cherries

LA GRANDE ABBESSE, SAINT EMILION GRAND CRU 2016:
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc

This wine would be good with a number of savory dishes, notably turkey, duck, etc, but it also is fantastic with chocolate desserts. This is because of its pronounced aromas of coffee and cacao, assorted with a certain "coolness" in taste, that contrasts and complements well the warmth feeling of chocolate. If you have never tried this, you probably will be surprised.

I look forward to share these beautiful wines and food with you.

The 117 old vines vines producing the Carissimo

JANUARY 28, 2023, FRENCH WINE TASTING DINNER, PARIZADE, DURHAM.

Only 13 Seats plus your thankful host. 2 Seats remaining

Wine Tasting Dinner at Parizade

In this heart of winter, we do a Winter Wine Tasting Dinner.

PARIZADE

Saturday January 28, 6:30

Up to 14 guests plus you know who.

$94 per person, including tax and gratuity, paid to me (PayPal, Zelle, Cash or checks made to Contrast Tours)

Please make your reservation with me: call 919-416-1111 or text 984-312-5315, or email with button at bottom of page.

Wines will be available for purchase at wonder pricing.

MENU:

CAESAR SALAD white anchovy, reggiano part, sourdough toast.

DOMAINE CATHALA BLANC, SAINT CHINIAN 2020
Grenache Blanc 50%, Roussane 30%, Marsanne 20%

CHATEAU ROCHECOLOMBE VIOGNIER, 2020, Organic
Viognierc 100%

The Saint Chinian is like a more aerial Rhône white wine, and the Viognier is a pure Rhône white. Although the viognier has more, both provide a bit of "fat" to be more satisfying in the cold months. Aromas of apricot in both with a more evident floral dimension on the viognier.

SHORT RIB BOURGUIGNON LINGUINI, bacon, mushrooms, carrots.

DOMAINE LA ROUVIOLE, COUP DE THÊATRE, 2017, Vin de France from the Minervois, Organic
100% Syrah.

SYLVAIN GAUTHIER, SYRAH 2019
100% Syrah.

DOMAINE ROSE DIEU, SAINTE CÉCILE LES VIGNES OLD VINES 2018
50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 25% Mourvèdre

A pair of Syrahs, very different one from another and a classic but juicy southern Rhône wine, to pair with this rather wintry take on a bolognese. The Coup de Théâtre is earthy, aromatically intense, and screams for braised beef. The Northern Rhone Syrah is somewhat lighter, much less tannic, but provides a lot of fresh pepper and can stand up to this kind of preparation. The Sainte Cécile provides a feeling of sunshine in the form of cherries and lushness, another way to approach this recipe. Altogether a rather wide panorama of what to pair with such a dish.

CHEESECAKE WITH WINTER FRUIT COULIS

CHATEAU LÉHOUL GRAVES SUPÉRIEURES (MOELLEUX) 2020:
100% Sémillon

This is a "semi-Sauternes," somewhat drier than a Sauternes, yet providing a high concentration of fruit, notably pineapple, mango, and other exotic fruits. A drier dessert wine to complement this cheese cake.

I look forward to this winter dinner with you.

Sylvain Gauthier

JANUARY 18, 2023, WINE DINNER AT THE BANK, WASHINGTON, NC

The Bank, the"Reserve" restaurant in Washington NC

As you might know, Washington is important to me. Given my political history, notably as a photographer, I have been there countless times. It is therefore amusing, sort of suiting, that Washington, NC, have become a power center for my current activities in Eastern Carolina.

Washington exudes the spirit of Eastern North Carolina, a small and charming colonial town surrounded by swamps, with the Aligator River in the vicinity, it is Amazonia in north America. I like to think of Washington NC, as a northern Manaus, maybe a git gentrified compared to the original.

For this first wine dinner of the year, I am taking you to The Bank, figuratively of course (!), Washington's most popular restaurant, with a menu made for winter:

Gathering starts at 5:30, Dinner is at 6:00.

Only about 40 seats, reserve now.

Tickets: $125

Wines will be available for purchase at competitive pricing.

Reservations: 252-948-9000 0r 252-495-2776

See Bank's Announcement.

MENU:

OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER

CHATEAU LÉHOUL GRAVES SUPÉRIEURES (MOELLEUX) 2020:
100% Sémillon

This is a "semi-Sauternes," somewhat drier than a Sauternes, yet providing a high concentration of fruit, notably pineapple, mango, and other exotic fruits. Combined with the salinity of oysters, this wine provides a magnificent pairing, it also is excellent with cheese.

SUBSTITUTION: Mixed Greens Salad with Mandarin Oranges, Fried Goat Cheese

NC SPECKLED TROUT MEUNIÈRE

DOMAINE ROMANIN, POUILLY FUISSÉ CLIMATE LAMURE OLD VINES, 2019:
100% Chardonnay, Burgundy

Delicate and unctuous expression of chardonnay in its most elegant form. A bit of citrus and lingering notes of apricot with that distinct Burgundy minerality.

RABBIT PATÉ PUFF PASTRY

MAS PEYROLLE, ESPRIT 2017, PIC SAINT LOUP, Organic
Syrah 50%, Mourvèdre 30%, Grenache 10%, Cinsault 10%

Aromas of cherry, garrigue, pepper and spice with enough power to complement harmoniously a lovely paté.

VENISON TENDERLOIN IN RED WINE MUSHROOM SAUCE

DOMAINE CATHALA CUVÉE ABSOLUE, SAINT CHINIAN, 2017
Syrah 70%, Mourvèdre 30%

A very complex and profound wine with very polished tannins, which I often compare to a Chateauneuf du Pape from Occitania. Aromas of violette, cherry, light spices to balance the power of the venison.

BLUE CHEESE CHEESE CAKE WITH MANGO CONFIT

CHATEAU HAUT BERGERON, SAUTERNES 2013

85% Sémillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc

One of the very best Sauternes, with enough acidity and lovely fruit, a superb pairing with blue cheese.

The Pamlico River in Washington NC

parizade, wine tasting dinner, wine dinner