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.

October 12, 2023, PROVENCE WINES TASTING DINNER, AT AVENUE M, ASHEVILLE NC.

Up to 18 Seats available.

Wine Dinner Toast at Avenue M

I am thrilled to now offer a Wine Tasting Dinner in Asheville at Avenue M, in the same exact format I have done so many times in Durham.

Avenue M is one of the most true to form Farm to Table restaurants in town, of superb quality with its new chef Jennifer Cole, who really brings up the Asheville food horizon, strong of her long history in some of the best kitchens in the world, including long tenures in Madrid and Paris.

This dinner is dedicated to the beautiful and surprising wines of the Provence Wine Tour.

AVENUE M

Thursday October 12, 6:30pm

Up to 18 guests plus this French Wine Frontline Commando.

$124 per person, including gratuity and taxes.

Please make your reservation with me: email with button at bottom of page, and send your payment after reading how on the page linked below.

Payments and Cancelation Policy

Wines will be available for purchase at great pricing.

MENU:

PLEASE NOTE THAT AVENUE M'S MENU CHANGES OFTEN, AND THAT CONSEQUENTLY SOME DISHES HERE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED, INCLUDING POSSIBLY THE DAY OF THE DINNER. WINES THOUGH SHOULD REMAIN THE SAME. PLEASE LET ME KNOW OF ANY DIETARY RESTRICTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE.

BEET SALAD roasted, raw, goat cheese, spicy pecans

CHATEAU ROCHECOLOMBE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2021, Organic
60% Grenache, 40% Syrah. Paris Gold Medal.

PATRICK GALANT CAIRANNE VIEILLES VIGNES 2016
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah. 12 months in small oak casts

Chateau Rochecolombe's Côtes du Rhône is the standard against which all other Côtes du Rhône are measured, in this price category for which it delivers way more than should be anticipated. It is juicy, supple, veery aromatic with a dominance of raspberry and plum, a salivating mâche (chew), and a delightful grey licorice finish.

Patrick Galant's Cairanne Vieilles Vignes 2016 is like a slightly softer Chateauneuf du Pape. It is suave, velvety, with a soft power and very well integrated flavors of violet.

This duo offers side by side a fresh but profound wine with an aged cru, that share a common Rhône wines character.

HICKORY NUT GAP BEEF CHEEKS sweet potato puree, shallot confit, lion's mane mushrooms, chocolate & red wine sauce

CHATEAU ROCHECOLOMBE CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES 2021, Organic
50% Grenache, 50% Syrah.

DOMAINE RICHEAUME TRADITION RED 2018, Biodynamic
Syrah 47%, Grenache 43%, Cabernet Sauvignon 10%

SCAMANDRE 2011, COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES, Organic
50% Syrah, 20% Carignan, 15% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre

The Chateau Rochecolombe CDRV is a more aerial version of Côtes du Rhône than the one with the first course, very substantial nevertheless, and quite elegant as well.

Domaine Richeaume is one of the very best estate in all of Provence, its secret fame is well tambourines through the grapevine, for it delivers wines like this Tradition 2018, that carry a freshness exempt of acidity, serving flavors of blackberry, cassis and plum, that accentuate a fleshy body to meet quasi universal acclaim.

Scamandre is one of the very top, if not the very top Costières de Nîmes, the appellation from Camargue, the estuary of the Rhône river. At 12 years of age, this wine is still ultra fresh and kicking, although in a gentle fashion with a soft tamed power that evokes the strength of the native toros of that area, with dark red fruits flavors that brighten under the sun, and totally domesticated tannins.

BREAD PUDDING cranberries, sherry caramel, whipped cream

PATRICK GALANT DIMANCHE D'OCTOBRE 2012
Viognier Vendanges Tardives

A rather unique wine, because very dry, with aromas of quince and gentle alcohol. A very rare wine that will most likely enchant you at the end of this meal.

I look forward to celebrate wines from the Provence Wine Tour with you..

View on Cairanne, the Dentelles de Montmirail and the Mont Ventoux from Patrick Galant's Vineyard.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023, WINE DINNER, AT BLU, FARM TO TABLE, WASHINGTON NC.

Up to 30 Seats available.

Wine Dinner at Blu, Farm to table.

Washington NC, the original Washington, is a rather small town, 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 (I don't do Florida). Think how far you go, in so little time.

Don't miss this lovely dinner on Farm to table rooftop with view on the water.

BLU Farm to Table

Friday September 29, 6:30pm

Up to 30 guests plus you know who.

$115 per person, plus gratuity and taxes.

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

Wines will be available for purchase at excellent pricing from Wine and Words, the treasure wine shop in Washington.

MENU:

GOUGÈRES

DOMAINE DU CASSARD, CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX
100% Sémillon

An uncommon sparkling wine, which one of the recent Mayors of Bordeaux served at City Hall. Crisp and rather dry, with citrus and pear aromas on a yeasty structure with fine bubbles. Very pleasant and refreshing.

CRAB AND SQY+UASH IN HOUSE MADE PASTRY PUFF

CHATEAU COULONGE MARCEAU, BORDEAUX BLANC 2019, Organic
100% Muscadelle, No Added Sulfites, non filtered

Muscadelle is a difficult grape to grow, and you will not see a lot of 100% Muscadelle wines. As a matter of fact, even this exceptional producer cannot produce it very often. So let's delight ourselves on this 2019, which by now is very rounded and maintains its lovely honey suckle aromas.

FLOUNDER

CHATEAU VIGNOL LOUISIANE, BORDEAUX BLANC 2019
Muscadelle 40%, Sauvignon 30%, Sémillon 30%

A golden Bordeaux white, with a delicate mix of stone fruit and honey suckle aromas. Another unique wine that has not been replicated since this vintage. To enjoy while it lasts.

BRAISED AND SEARED SHORT RIBS, spices, squash

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

A full body wine from Languedoc, with well rounded tannins and aromas of cherry with a strong finale on black licorice with a mint accent. A profound complexity able to tame the power of this dish.

TIRAMISU WITH PEARS SOAKED IN SMOKY BOURBON

MAS DE CYNANQUE HESPÉRIDES 2015, VDF FROM SAINT CHINIAN, organic
Grenache Blanc et Gris Surmuris (Late harvest)

A probably unique wine, rather dry, with aromas of grappa and a touch of caramel. A mild digestive to enchant the palate at the end of the meal.

I look forward to enjoy your company in this unique Washington venue.

Chateau Coulonge Muscadelle vines that produce the Chateau Coulonge Marceau, a very rare and high value wine. Muscadelle is not easy to grow.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 FRENCH WINES PAIRING WITH SOUTH ASIAN FOOD

WINE DINNER AT KRILL, DURHAM

Wine Dinner at Krill

The Wine Tasting Dinner at Krill last March was a big success, and we now present a full scale Wine Dinner, elaborated with love by Chef Karl Sosa, Mustafa and yours truly. Expect a plunge in a different universe, with flavors and pairings to challenge and mood swing.

KRILL, Dinner is at 6:30

$90 per person, plus gratuity and taxes.

Wines will be available for purchase at excellent pricing.

RESERVATIONS

MENU:

CRAB TAKOYAKI, Bonito flakes, eel sauce. Sesame seeds

DOMAINE DU CASSARD CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX
100% Sémillon, Méthode Champenoise.

A lovely bubbly from Bordeaux with substance and aromas or pear, lemon, on a yeasty background.

SEARED SCALLOP Citrus-Soy beurre blanc, pea puree

CHATEAU COULONGE MARCEAU 2019, BORDEAUX WHITE, organic
100% Muscadelle, No Added Sulfites, non filtered.

A rather aromatic and rare white wine, above all floral, with very present aromas of honey suckle and a great finesse.

RAMBUTAN AND PINEAPPLE SALAD, Jicama, red onions, scallions, coconut vinaigrette

CHATEAU ROMANIN ALPILLES ROSÉ 2020, Biodynamic
65% Grenache, 23% Mourvèdre, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon

A somewhat evolved rosé, displaying both fresh and jammed fruit aromas, notably of peach, as well as tertiary smoky savors enhancing its profoundity. A totally out of the ordinary wine able to stand its ground.

SINGAPOREAM STIR-FRY NOODLES, Pork and shrimp shumai, carrots, cabbage, scallions, red onions, crispy garlic oil

CHATEAU VIGNOL BORDEAUX CLAIRET 2022
90% Merlot , 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

A light red, fresh and aromatic, with notably savors of pomegranate and cherry.

GOJUCHANG GLAZED RIB, Purple cauliflower puree, smoked chili oil, crispy shallots and garlic

DOMAINE DU PARANDOU, SABLET 2019
50% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, 15% Cinsault

A more aerial cru from the Southern Rhône, with deeper fruit on a smoky body refreshed by a mint finale.

UBE HALAYA, Keso ice cream, corn flakes, raspberries

CHATEAU FARLURET, BARSAC 2016
90% Sémillon, 10% Sauvignon Blanc

A Sauternes full of vivacity, fresh and brilliantly aromatic with an exotic fruits accent.

I look forward to sharing this evening of culinary creativity with you all.

Robin Grangeon, Domaine du Parandou, Sablet

SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 FRENCH FAMILY SECRET, WINE DINNER AT PLUM, DURHAM

Only 23 Seats plus your Accomplice Host. SOLD OUT

Trenton Shank, Plum's wonder chef

I am extremely excited to finally be able to present this Dinner with Trenton Shank, Plum's young but decidedly out of the ordinary talented chef. We put together a menu which dwells on Trenton's rather rare experience in certain culinary fields put in evidence here. For the wines, we are definitely in the category that you keep for family, rare wines of high quality from under-rated appellations that one often does not want to share too broadly ...

PLUM, Dinner is at 6:00

$100 per person, plus gratuity and taxes.

Only 23 guests, plus this French Wines Front Line Worker.

Wines will be available for purchase at excellent pricing.

RESERVATIONS

MENU:

HIMACHI CRUDO, Mirin-Apple Ponzu, Endive, Filo.

DOMAINE DU CASSARD CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX
100% Sémillon, Méthode Champenoise.

A lovely bubbly from Bordeaux with substance and aromas or pear, lemon, on a yeasty background.

RADICCHI, Fresh and Preserved Figs, Bailey Hazen Blue Jasper Hills Cellars, Charred Honey Vinaigrette.

DOMAINE DE LESCURE À L'AVENIR 2020, Fronton
100% Négrette.

A rather aromatic read wine from an obscur appellation west of Toulouse. Just on the lighter side, with clear savors of strawberries and a pronounced violette accent. A wine especially suited for vegetal dishes.

CHÈVRE AND SCALLOP AGNOLOTTI, Grapefruit Beurre Blanc, Thyme

CHATEAU LA FLEUR DES PINS, 2019, Graves Blanc
80% Sémillon, 20% Sauvignon. Aged in Oak.

A delicious Bordeaux white, well rounded from a strong vintage, expressing aromas of citrus goldened with stone fruits.

SMOKER BRAISED COLLAR STEAK, Parsnip purée, Lexington Demi-Glace, Charred Sweet Peppers

PATRICK GALANT CAIRANNE VIEILLES VIGNES 2016
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah. 12 months in small oak casts

Extremely rounded tannins, first by the olde vines, then with aging, a very mellowed Rhône wine of substance, velvety and suave, with profound notes of violette and cherry. We are not far from Chateauneuf du Pape, and it shows.

POMEGRANATE MACARON, cassis, Chocolate silk, Almond.

CORINNE DEPEYRE AMITIÉS 2015, Organic
100% Grenache Rouge Late Harvest.

A very rare wine evoking a Banyuls, in a substantially drier and fresher version. A definite presence of cherry savors ideal for chocolate pairing.

This will be an intimate setting for an evening of culinary surprise for just a few.

View on Cairanne, the Dentelles de Montmirail and the Mont Ventoux from Patrick Galant's Vineyard.

AUGUST 30, 2023, WINE DINNER, CYPRESS HALL, NEW BERN.

Only 24 Seats plus your thankful host.

Cypress Hall, New Bern

Cypress Hall

WednesdayAugust 30, 6:30

$95 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Wines will be available for purchase.

MENU:

BOUILLABAISSE, octopus, potato, fennel, tomato, saffron

CHATEAU LÉHOUL GRAVES BLANC FÛTS 2020
60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Sémillon, aged in oak.

STUFFED QUAIL bacon, pine nut, raisin, calvados

KARIM VIONNET CHIROUBLES 2021
00% Gamay Vin Nature, Carbonic Maceration.

PLUM TART WITH CHÈVRE CRÊME PATISSIÈRE

DOMAINE DU CASSARD CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX
100% Sémillon

A light, dry and refreshing bubbly with a lemony and slightly yeasty accent

I look forward to this evening of joy in my favorite New bern restaurant.

Jean-Philipe et Nicolas, the honest faces of Chateau Léhoul.

JULY 22, 2023, VARIATIONS ON WHITES AND ROSÉS, PARIZADE, DURHAM.

Only 14 Seats plus your thankful host.

Parizade

Refreshing and out of the ordinary wines for summer.

Parizade

Saturday July 22, 6:30

$105 per person, including tax and gratuity. ($90 for Vegetarian option)

14 seats max.

Please make your reservation with me: email with button at bottom of page.

Payments and Cancelation Policy

Wines will be available for purchase at great pricing.

MENU:

WATERMELON AND BARREL AGED FETA

CHATEAU ROMANIN ALPILLES ROSÉ 2021, Biodynamci Demeter
65% Grenache, 23% Mourvèdre, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon

CHATEAU VIGNOL, CLARET 2022
90% Merlot , 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Stunning minerality and lovely aromas in the Provence rosé, a watermelon like concentration and pomegranate aromas in the Claret, the original Bordeaux wine. This is a true variation on the lighter shades of red.

SEARED BRANZINO broccolini, mixed olives, smoked tomato salsa

CHATEAU GRAVES BLANC SEC 2022
80% Sauvignon Banc, 20% Sémillon

CHATEAU GRAVES BLANC SEC 2019
80% Sauvignon Banc, 20% Sémillon

I have kept a handful of bottles of the 2019 in order to share this rare opportunity to taste side by side, two different vintages of this wine that year in and year out, enchants white wine drinkers with its stunning crispness and aromatic complexity. It is likely that the 2019 will have developed tertiary aromas of delighting interest.

VEGETARIAN SUBSTITUTION: Marinara Spaghetti

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE

DOMAINE DU CASSARD CRÉMANT DE EBORDEAUX
100% Sémillon

A light, dry and refreshing bubbly with a lemony and slightlyyeasty accent

I look forward to sharing this pink and white dinner with you.

Jean-Philipe et Nicolas, the honest faces of Chateau Léhoul.

JULY 20, 2023, AROUND CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE WINE DINNER, AT AVENUE M, ASHEVILLE.

Avenue M

Avenue M has a new chef, one that friends of mine have highly recommended, yes the world is small. Jennifer has worked in top restaurants in Paris and Spain, so I am quite confident that this will be a great wine Dinner, just upon my return in the country.

Avenue M

Thursday July 20, 6:30

$120 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

65 seats max.

Reservation: (828) 350-8181

Wines will be available for purchase at great pricing.

MENU:

Avenue M is a Farm to table restaurant, and it is not possible at this time to know what the dishes will be, but if you have any dietary restrictions, please let it be known at reservation, and the kitchen will accommodate you.

So just expect great dishes to pair with these wonder wines around :

1

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

This is phenomenal Grenache blanc type of white, with a slightly golden color connected to its delicious notes of mirabelle and slight white flowers. Very round and persistent.

2

CHATEAU ROMANIN ALPILLES ROSÉ 2020, Biodynamci Demeter
70% Grenache, 30% Counoise

Stunning mineralogy in this beautiful rosé, rounded by a couple of years in bottle, delivering persistent subtle aromas of ripe white peach, raspberry.

3

CORINNE DEPEYRE, PHACÉLIES 2018, CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2018, Organic
60% Grenache, 40% Carignan Old Vines

A fair amount of concentration in this rather pulpous and ample wine with aromas of cherry, blackberry, black currant, with a licorice slightly spicy finale.

4

PATRICK GALANT, CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE LA NONCIATURE ROUGE, 2017
60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre. Parker 91-94

A wine delivering what should be expected from this appellation: concentration, smoothness, ampleness. Here augmented with aromas of violette, cherry, lavender, garrigue, cigar box, gentle licorice. A very complex and enchanting wine,

5

MAS DE CYNANQUE, HESPÉRIDES 2015, Organic:
Grenache Blanc et Gris Surmuris (late harvest)

This is a rather rare and dry liquor like wine, with aromas of grappa, notes of caramel, intensely satisfying.

I look forward to experiencing this exceptional wine dinner with you between two Provence Wine Tours.

Corinne Depeyre, Vignes Rhône

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

Only 24 Seats plus your thankful host. SOLD OUT

Please contact me to see if we can squeeze you in.

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, Côtes du Rhône 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

APRIL 20, 2023, WINE DINNER, PARIZADE, DURHAM.

Parizade in the Spring

Dinner is at 6:30 at Parizade.

I am just back from a scouting trip to France, preparing for the spring and fall wine tours there, and I am excited to resume my dinners series with the star of the whole show: a Parizade Wine Dinner. If you have not made your reservation yet, don't delay, there is not always room for everyone at these Parizade dinners, among the very best in the whole State and beyond.

6 special courses from Chef Jason Lawless to ideally pair with with 6 wines selected by yours truly.

$115 plus gratuity and taxes.

RESERVATIONS or (919) 286-9712

MENU:

GOAT CHEESE CROQUETTES saffron Aïoli

DOMAINE CATHALA, SAINT CHINIAN CUVÉE A BLANCm 2020
Grenache Blanc 50%, Roussane 30%, Marsanne 20%

Delicate yet assertive south western white. Perfect balance with aromas of fresh apricot.

LIGHTLY GRILLED KING MACKEREL TARTINE lemon creme fraiche, pistachio, tarragon

CHATEAU SAINT MAUR, EXCELLENCE BLANC 2020, CÔTES DE PROVENCE CRU CLASSÉ
100% Vermentino

A delicious fermenting from the French Riviera, delivering a very pleasant viscosity white flower notes and aromas of Apricot in the finale.

LOBSTER RISOTO pea greens, pecorino romano

CHATEAU LÉHOUL, ROSÉ 2020, BORDEAUX VDF
Merlot 40%, Cabernet Sauvignon 30%, Malbec 10%, Petit Verdot 10%, Cabernet Franc 10%

A fresh Bordeaux Rosé, that tastes like a Provence one, with a tad more persistence and body in mouth.

SEARED DUCK BREAST local strawberries, braised endive

CHATEAU COULONGE, BORDEAUX SUPERIEUR MALBEC 2016, TRANSITION ORGANIC
100% Malbec

Malbec from its origins. Blond tobacco in mid palate gives this with wine a special character and distinctiveness, especially when assorted like here, of the blueberry, plum and violette aromas that otherwise characterize Malbec.

CRISPY PORK CREPINETTE wild mushroom polenta, caper chimichurri

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

Perfect balance between Merlot and Cabernet in this complex wine, with notes of tobacco, chocolate, coffee as well as black currant and other blue fruits.

GRILLED LAMB CHOPS couscous tabbouleh, tzatziki

SYLVAIN GAUTHIER, SAINT JOSEPH 2019
100% Syrah

Beautifully silky tannins, aromas of plum, prune, cherry. Lots of depth and complexity. The quintessential mysterious wine, to discover here with a perfect food pairing.

I look forward to share with you this journey along the route of lesser known French wines.

The majestueuse Rhône River in its northern version, near Sylvain Gauthier's chai.

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.