Wine Tasting Dinners by Contrast Tours, Dinners Designed to Showcase 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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Serpent Magique

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Noailles Bdx Sept 21

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Chateau Lehoul Rose Effect

Contrast Tours organises Dinners in the U.S., 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.

WINE TASTING DINNERS: This is a format that 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.

DECEMBER 21, 2025, EAST END BISTROT, RALEIGH, HOLIDAY WINE TASTING BRUNCH

7 SEATS AVAILABLE, 5 SEATS REMAINING

William's Famous Crab Omelet

I have been wanting to do a brunch at East End Bistrot in Raleigh for quite sometime, as chef William D'Auvray is absolutely exceptional. And hospitality commands that two customers from New Bern, who come to the Parizade dinner on Dec 20, would not be let get on the road before a proper brunch.

So here we have it, a superb brunch, which gives an opportunity to taste side by side, 2 exceptional bubblies: a Crémant de Bordeaux that is becoming more and more popular here in NC and one of the best Champagne you will ever have, I can guarantee it. This is a small affair, so reserve your seat right away.

EAST END BISTROT, Raleigh

Sunday December 21, 2025, 10:30

$106 per person, including tax and gratuity.

Only 7 seats available, plus this Front Line Wine Missionary.

Please make your reservation with me: email me with the "Contact Us" button at bottom of page, or text 984-312-5315, and send your payment after reading how on this page.

You will be able to purchase the wines of this dinner at the best prices in the State.

Cancelation Policy

MENU:

CRAB OMELET Spanner crab, Boursin, chive, lobster butter

DOMAINE DU CASSARD, CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX BLANC, Brut, 2021
100% Sémillon. U.S. Exclusivity

YANICK OLIVIER, GRAND CRU CHAMPAGNE, Blanc de Blanc de la Côte des Blancs
100% Chardonnay. U.S. Exclusivity

For the first time I think, you will be able to taste side by side, a topissim Champagne, and this Crémant de Bordeaux which is also a star in its category. This Crémant is a very distinctive wine, which unlike other Crémants, does not try to rival Champagne. It has its own style, and few would confuse it with Champagne. It is fuller than any Champagne I have ever tasted, certainly yeasty, for the best, with savors of toasted biscottis, and notes of pear. It goes very well with cheese and seafood.

Champagne also goes very well with seafood, in fact, it goes well with almost anything. This champagne, thanks to its pedigree, as well as the savoir faire of its creator, an oenologist from Champagne with his own family plots, combines the aerial lightness of a Blanc de Blanc, with the relative richness of a Pinot Champagne, thereby combining the best of both words. It is down right exquisite, this is in my experience, Champagne at its best.

We will have these two wines, side by side throughout the brunch.

WILLIAM"S CLAFOUTIS William's childhood favorite. Crêpe meets pancake in this French classic served with plum and cherries

I look forward to your company for this delightful way to wake up.

William's Clafoutis

DECEMBER 20, 2025, PARIZADE, DURHAM, HOLIDAY WINE TASTING DINNER

6 SEATS AT THE TABLE, SOLD OUT

LAST MINUTE: This dinner was sold, but given a last minute cancelation, I have an opening for 2 seats. Grab them and enjoy.

We are going to celebrate the holidays with two special diners at Parizade, one on December 13, et one on December 20, both dates are Saturdays. The former will be around reds and the latter around whites mostly.

This dinner on December 20 features very uncommon whites, that I am excited to taste with you as well as a beaujolais, that I seldom have in tastings, and that I am excited to be able to feature here.

There are only 6 seats available for this dinner at this point, although in a few days I will know if we can enjoy the Board Room, assuming that we have more people wanting to join this dinner. In that scenario there will be 15 seats total instead of 6. The cap at six otherwise, preserves the quality of the setting, and allows for the discussions around the table, that we all adore.

PARIZADE, Durham

Saturday December 20, 2025, 6:30

$108 per person, including tax and gratuity.

Only 6 seats available, plus this Civilization Wine Missionary.

Please make your reservation with me: email me with the "Contact Us" button at bottom of page, or text 984-312-5315, and send your payment after reading how on this page.

You will be able to purchase the wines of this dinner at the best prices in the State.

Cancelation Policy

MENU:

ITALIAN BURRATA prosciutto, preserved black truffles, toasted pine nuts, aged sherry vinegar, arugula

KARIM VIONNET, VIN DE KAV 2021, Chiroubles, Natural Wine
100% Gamay, Vin Nature, Carbonic Maceration.

DOMAINE RICHEAUME, RICHEAUME BLANC 2020, IGP Méditerranée, Biodynamic
25% Vermentino, 25% Grenache Blanc, 25% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Viognier. U.S. Exclusivity

This is the first time I have side by side a white and a red, and this seems daring, but the red being a Beaujolais, is a rather light red, with little tannins, and drinks a bit like a white, with some acidity and a flux of aromas mixing red curant, goosenberry, blueberry. The 2021 vintage is kept beautifully by its acidity which has mellowed over time, and now delivers a wine with the subtlety that evolution over such a large amount of time confers to a wine of this sort.

The Richeaume Blanc is dominated by its Grenache Blanc of superior breed, that has aged extremely gracefully. It has now that golds that is so inviting and testifies of the delights it will dispense. Notes of stone fruit pits, almond, grappa will enchant your palate.

GRILLED SNAPPER stewed peppers & Onions, lemon couscous
CHATEAU COULONGE, MARCEAU 2020, Bordeaux, Organic
100% Muscadelle, no Added Sulfites, non filtered. U.S. Exclusivity

CHATEAU CASTIGNO, TRAIT DE LUNE#1, 2022, Saint Chinian Blanc, Organic
100% Carignan Blanc. U.S. Exclusivity

Two extremely uncommon wines. The Marceau is just unique in the world, and displays the wonders that Muscadelle can provide, notably elegant white flowers savors pigmented with notes of jasmine following on a lemony structure.

The Trait de Lune is almost as unique. Except in a handful of places in Languedoc, nobody has ever heard of Carignan blanc, and most sommeliers have never tasted it. This wine also has a discrete lemony structure enhanced by notes of wild strawberry and accents of scuppernong. A really delightful and surprising white.

SEASONAL CHEESECAKE

MAS DE CYNANQUE MÉANDRES, VDF de Saint Chinian, 2017, Organic
40% Albarino, 40% Petit Menseng, 20% Grenache Gris. U.S. Exclusivity

Another very unique wine that is triumphing of the assault of time, and now displays a very integrated blend of its components, that somehow makes it very suited to accompany desserts, with its very dry character and its mild grappa flavors.

I look forward to your company for this tasty dinner all in lightness.

Muscadelle Vines at Chateau Coulonge

NOVEMBER 23, 2025, NEW BERN, CORK BORDEAUX WINES BRUNCH

8 SEATS AVAILABLE, 1 REMAINING.

Domaine Du Cassard Crémant de Bordeaux

As you may know, Cammie (owner of Savi's Wine in New Bern) and I, did the 2025 Provence Wine Tour together. It was so good, that in 2026, she will be hosting the June Bordeaux Wine Tour. It is time to book the tour now, and we are organizing a brunch Sunday November 8, mostly destined to people contemplating joining the tour. Indeed, we will enjoy two fabulous Bordeaux wines suiting our brunch menu.

I will have hosted wine tastings at Savi's wine Saturday Nov 22 afternoon.

Given the popularity of Cork 's Brunch, we can only have so much space, seating is therefore very limited ..!

CORK, New Bern

Sunday November 23, 2025, 10am

$76 per person, including tax and gratuity.

Only 8 seats available, plus this Wine Missionary on the Front Line, and Cammie Lassiter.

Please make your reservation with me: email me with the "Contact Us" button at bottom of page, or text 984-312-5315, and send your payment after reading how on this page.

Cancelation Policy

MENU:

DOMAINE DU CASSARD, CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX
100% Sémillon. U.S. Exclusivity

This Crémant de Bordeaux is one of the few, and one of the very best. In fact one of the previous mayors of Bordeaux, just a few years ago, was serving it at City Hall, and it also has been served for a while at the bar of France's national Assembly (France's House of Congress equivalent), and in spite of a challenging political situation as you may have heard, this wine may have played its role in allowing the current Prime Minister to survive, by finally enabling compromises, but no compromission! I am prepared to supply the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Senate as well, as it seems it could only help. France has for centuries, been willing to help the U.S. in any way it can! 🍾

Taste wise, this wine is rather fun in terms of structure, extremely satisfying, with thin bubbles, and savors of toasted biscuit, notes of pear. It pairs very well with cheese, seafood, white meat, and of course desserts.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SALAD Spring mix/roasted diced butternut squash, blueberries/cranberry/pecans/goat cheese, maple dijon vinaigrette

CROQUE MADAME Ham/Gruyere/dijon/sunny side up egg, mornay sauce

LAURA'S BISCOTTIS (2) DIPPED IN SAUTERNES

CHATEAU HAUT-BERGERON 2016, SAUTERNES
85% Sémillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc. U.S. Exclusivity

We will finish this brunch with Laura's Biscottis, which some of you have already enjoyed. Laura is a friend of mine, and her biscottis are the best possible ones, especially for this use. The biscottis are supposed to be dipped in a wine, as is done in Italy, notably Tuscany, where biscottis are commonly dipped in Vin Santo at the end of a meal, providing a rather lean and dry form of dessert.

Our Italian cousins will hopefully forgive me, but we will dip these biscottis in Sauternes, the king of dessert wines. I will explain during the Brunch why Sauternes is considered as the king of dessert wines, it is also a great wines with savory foods, from oysters to chicken or turkey and cheese.

At the risk of sounding a bit too much of a salesman, which I am really not, especially compared to my competition, I will claim that this is one of the very best Sauternes on the planet, Those of you touring in Bordeaux with us next June will get to experience it with many different foods, and you will judge for yourself, as have previous tour participants. But the only thing I will add for now about it, is that during a previous tour, when we were still visiting that Chateau that everybody thinks of when thinking of Sauternes, one of the most well known estates in France, belonging to that Frenchman specializing in the luxury industry and is in the top 10 fortunes in the world I believe, so during that visit, when tasting that Chateau's wine in their tasting salon, one of my travelers turns to me and says "this is a very good advertisement for Chateau Haut-Bergeron, isn't it?"

At any rate, you will enjoy this vintage 2016, which balances high level of aromas, mandarin, apricot, exotic fruits, with a fair amount of acidity. I have several vintages from this producer, and this is the one best suited for this use I think.

I have a few extra biscottis that you will be able to purchase for your enjoyment at home. They will be prioritized to this brunch's attendees.

I look forward to your company for this New Bern convivial and tasty affair.

Chateau Haut-Bergeron, one of the very best Sauternes on this planet.

NOVEMBER 18, 2025, TABLE, ASHEVILLE, WINE TASTING DINNER

THANKSGIVING INSPIRATION OUTSIDE OF THE USUAL

Table Asheville

I am excited to do another dinner at Table Asheville, one of the best restaurants in town. Table offers a true Farm to Table cuisine, and together we came up with this well out of the expected menu to give the fall an appropriate tribute and prepare you well for Thanksgiving.

This dinner will allow me to present the 2026 Wine Tours, and will feature wines from the regions that we tour (Provence, Bordeaux, Occitanie), in Brittany we drink wines from these regions, and my cider selection is not arrived yet.

These dinners I do all over the State, were born on the tail end of the pandemic, and were inspired by the meals we enjoy in the wine tours in France, as these tours are as gastronomic as they are oenological. Of course they are also, and maybe mainly, a smart way to travel in France from a native's perspective.

The wines in this dinner are from the upper part of my portfolio, although from appellations that may remain mysterious to most of you. They are all U.S. exclusivities, and at the very top of the game in their appellations / styles.

TABLE Asheville

Tuesday November 18, 2025, 6:30pm

Up to 29 guests, plus this Free Speaking, French Wine Uncensured Prime Minister.

$138 per person, including tax and gratuity.

Reservation: Please make your reservation with me: email me with the "Contact Us" button at bottom of page, or text 984-312-5315, and send your payment after reading how on this page.

Cancelation Policy

MENU:

SUNBURST TROUT RILLETTES, toast, crudités.

CHATEAU LESTOURS CLOCHER, LES PÉNITENTS 2023, Vacqueyras Blanc
60% Grenache Blanc, 20%, Roussane, 10%, Marsanne, 10% Viognier U.S. Exclusivity

CHATEAU LÉHOUL GRAVES BLANC FÛT 2020
60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Sémillon, aged in oak. U.S. Exclusivity

There is a profound duality in the pairing here between these two wines. The Pénitents Blanc, is one of the best possible expressions of a Vacqueyras Blanc. It so happens that it is made by my brother, but please trust that I don't let family bias interfere with my professional integrity. If you ever tour in Provence with me, you will meet my brother, and understand right away that he is the real wine authority in the family, one of the very best in the Southern Rhône Valley, I am not exaggerating.

A good Vacqueyras blanc is God's gift to mortals in order to make up for the aridity, poor soil and extreme heat that one has to endure all summer long in this part of Provence, hence why we go there in May or September/ October! But Vacqueyras Blancs are not all born or raised equal, and few are actually all that great.

My brother's boss is the heir of an old Vacqueyras family, the oldest wine producers in the village, and I only import wines made from their own vines (they are also a big negotiant). This wine checks all the boxes, with elegant notes of apricot and white flowers, a bit of stone fruit pits savors, and a delightful viscosity.

I don't think there is a better white in the Southern Rhöne Valley. Of course this may be a matter of taste, this is really a fantastic Rhône white.

You will be able to contrast it with one of the very best Bordeaux whites under the sun, one of the golden ones aged in oak, where it develops sublime aromas of stone and exotic fruits. Both wines should be magnificent with these trout rillettes.

CÉVENOL PORK RAGOUT, Lee's rice, winter squash, crispy mushrooms, chestnuts.

DOMAINE DE RAVANÈS, GRAVIÈRES DU TAUROU 2015, IGP Pays de l'Hérault, Organic
53% Merlot, 47% Petit Verdot. U.S. Exclusivity.

SCAMANDRE 2012, Costières de Nîmes, Organic
50% Syrah, 20% Carignan, 15% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre. U.S. Exclusivity

Marc Bénin from the Domaine de Ravanès, has beaten Chateau Pétrus in a blind tasting. This is no accident, as Marc is a walking wine encyclopedia who has two PhDs in sciences pertinent to wine making. This is how he is able to produce superb wines on a property that would normally only yields mediocre ones. But nature's adversity can force one's mind to challenge conventions and find a way. he has found it for sure with this wine, the flagship of his production and its best vintage in more or less recent memory.

These Bordeaux varietals don't taste much like Bordeaux where they grow in Western Languedoc. With the amount of sun they get, they develop more power that Marc tames into this rather smooth wine, big body with black currant and blackberry aromas with smoky notes, punctuated by a long and fresh licorice finale.

The Scamandre 2012 is less bold than the other vintages of Scamandre that you may have experienced, it is a bit more mellow, but still in the upper medium body, with dark fruits aromas, all in finesse, a good contrast with the Gravières du Taurou.

GORGONZOLA DOLCE CHEESE CAKE, Persimmon, pecan

CHATEAU HAUT-BERGERON 2016, Sauternes
85% Sémillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc. U.S. Exclusivity

Chateau Haut-Bergeron produce the best Sauternes I know, and that includes some of the biggest names at the top of the totem. Yes, that's right! This vintage is one of the best, and especially suited for pastries, as its level of acidity balances very well its sweet aspect. As you may know, Sauternes pairs magnificently with blue cheese, and this dessert is made to allow the Sauternes to express all its complexity and wealth of aromas.

I look forward to your company for this tony Asheville fall dinner.

Marc Bénin and his son

NOVEMBER 13, 2025, DURHAM, PARIZADE WINE DINNER

THE DELIGHT OF THE UNEXPECTED

Parisian Dinner

Friends, every year this dinner is one of the most sought after in the State, we are talking of sometimes close to 100 attendees, all while delivering superb quality and great service, the Parizade experience.

And we are doing it again, Chef Jason Lawless has surprised me once more, with an out of the ordinary menu, pushing culinary excellence with a Thanksgiving edgy spirit. It was designed to pair with a selection outside of the beaten path, aiming at broadening the wine choices, and subsequently the comfort zone. All the wines in this dinner are Contrast Wines U.S. exclusivity.

Parizade, Durham

Thursday November 13, 2025, 6:30pm

$95. per person, excluding tax and gratuity.

Seating is not unlimited, so make your reservation now.

You can make your reservation with me: email me with the "Contact Us" button at bottom of page with your cell phone number, or call Parizade directly: 919-286-9712

MENU:

OCTOPUS TERRINE, sundried tomato and olive tapenade, saffron potato purée, capers, dill vinaigrette

LA ROUVIOLE, LES PiÈCES BL:ANCHES 2022, Minervois Blanc, Organic
50% Vermentino, 50% Grenache Blanc. U.S. Exclusivity

A very dry white from Languedoc with a not so common blend, yielding a light citrus attack, followed by notes of stone fruit pits. Different and very pleasant, an excellent alternative to Chardonnay.

PAN SEARED FLOUNDER, scallop mouse, sweet potato and shellfish bisque

CHATEAU LESTOURS CLOCHER, LES PÉNITENTS BLANC 2023, Vacqueyras Blanc
60% Grenache Blanc, 20%, Roussane, 10%, Marsanne, 10% Viognier. U.S. Exclusivity

Full disclosure: my brother makes this wine, but of course my brother accumulates gold medals … I could go on about him, suffice to say: he is a real wine authority, if you ever tour in Provence with me, you will meet him, and understand right away that I am not exaggerating.

A good Vacqueyras blanc is God's gift to mortals in order to make up for the aridity, poor soil and extreme heat that one has to endure all summer long in this part of Provence, hence why we go there in May! But Vacqueyras Blancs are not born or raised equal, and few are actually all that great.

My brother's boss is the heir of an old Vacqueyras family, the oldest wine producers in the village, and I only import wines made from their own vines (they are also a big negotiant). This wine checks all the boxes, with elegant notes of apricot and white flowers, a bit of stone fruit pits savors, and a delightful viscosity.

I don't think there is a better white in the Southern Rhöne Valley. Of course this may be a matter of taste, although there is no family bias here, this is really a fantastic Rhône white.

SLOW ROASTED DUCK BREAST, parsnip purée, raspberries, star anise-juniper red port reduction

CHATEAU VIGNOL, BORDEAUX CLAIRET 2022
90% Merlot , 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. U.S. Exclusivity

This is a short maceration Bordeaux, extremely aromatic, lots of cherry and little tanins. A wine of pleasure that should be at your Thanksgiving gathering, whether for mingling or with poultry for instance, although it also does very well with shrimp. Here we are going to experience it in a more daring pairing, fasten your seat belt!

GRILLED LAMB CHOP, parsley couscous, pine nuts, fig and pomegranate jus

DOMAINE CATHALA, CUVÉE A 2017, Saint Chinian
Syrah 75%, Mourvèdre 15%, Grenache 10%. U.S. Exclusivity

A beautiful wine from Languedoc, expressing its terroir through a mix of violette and cherry notes on a velvety, slightly pulpous structure transpiring with garrigue and leather savors. A wine that everybody will adore with this dish.

RED WINE BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIBS, maple roasted acorn squash, rosemary, and pumpkin seeds gremolata

DOMAINE RICHEAUME, COLUMELLE 2019, IGP Méditerranée, Biodynamic Biodyvin
50 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, 20 % Merlot, 9999 Bottles. U.S. Exclusivity

If you often come to Parizade, you probably already had the Domaine Richeaume Tradition, which has been served by the glass for years and different vintages, as one of the most popular wines in the house. The Columelle is Domaine Richeaume's superior selection, and the 2015 vintage is also present on Parizade's list. Get some next time, as we are approaching the end of that vintage, and it is totally divine

In this dinner we will try for the first time, the 2019 vintage, a great year, and with a blend (Richeaume's blends change every year, reflecting the vintage) more Bordeaux like, with a higher proportion of Cabernet and Merlot than Syrah, but of course in a Richeaume façon Provençale. Very smooth and dry wine, yet rather present fruitiness in the blackberry and plum direction with a hint of cassis. Hard to resist.

I look forward to your company for this marvelous evening at Parizade.

Clairet during a Dinner in Bordeaux.

OCTOBER 18, 2025, NEW BERN, CORK ELITE WINE DINNER

9 SEATS AVAILABLE, 5 SEATS LEFT

Elite Wine Tasting Dinner

As you know, I do about 3 Wine Tastings a year at Savi's Wine, and each time I aim to have the privilege to do a small wine dinner with wine adventurers autochtones. Given the rarity of such dinners, and the limited seating each time, as it is always on a Saturday, we then put rather ambitious wines on the table, hence the "Elite," qualification. All the wines in this dinner are U.S. exclusives. Most of the producers I represent are in U.S. exclusivities, sorry, you have to endure my questionable self to get them!

Cork is a very good restaurant, and so given all this, you are quite guaranteed both a very good dining experience, as well as good company. And remember, seating is very limited ..!

CORK, New Bern

Saturday October 18, 2025, 7pm

$152 per person, including tax and gratuity.

Only 9 seats available, plus this Civilisation Special Envoy on the Front Line.

Please make your reservation with me: email me with the "Contact Us" button at bottom of page, or text 984-312-5315, and send your payment after reading how on this page.

Cancelation Policy

MENU:

6 RAW OYSTERS lemon, bread, butter, pepper (my own Timut and Madagascar pepper brought back from Paris!), and absolutely nothing else. Mignonette, ketchup, cocktail sauce and what not would destroy the beautiful pairing, one of the very best food pairing I know.

CHATEAU FARLURET 2016, BARSAC (SAUTERNES)
90% Sémillon, 10% Sauvignon Blanc. U.S. Exclusivity

Raw oysters are one of my utmost specialties. People from the Bordeaux or Brittany Tours can testify about it. And the pairing with Sauternes may be surprising, but is absolutely sublime, as long as one keeps an open mind.

I also claim to have some of the very best Sauternes, some folks in the Bordeaux Tour have told me that Chateau d'Yquem, is a good advisement for Chateau Haut-Bergeron, my producer!!! So let's just say that if you are curious about Sauternes, you need to come on a Bordeaux Tour with me, and there is one next June. The word on the streets, is that Cammie of Savi's wine, may be part of it.

Of the several Sauternes that Chateau Haut-Bergeron produces and that I import, the Chateau Farluret, a Barsac, which is an appellation within Sauternes, is probably the best to pair with oysters, as it is lighter and a bit more aerial than the Chateau Haut Bergeron.

CENTER CUT PETITIE FILET

MAS DE CYNANQUE CARISSIMO 2019, Saint Chinian, Organic
100% Carignan Vieilles Vignes, 119 years old (1900). U.S. Exclusivity

CHATEAU LÉHOUL PLÉNITUDE 2019, Graves
Cabernet Sauvignon 50%, Merlot 50%. U.S. Exclusivity

Carissimo is fantastic wine, one of the best kept secrets of Languedoc, and one of the best possible pairings with beef. These neanderthal type, old vines Carignan, produce an elixir of wine, packed with savors of violette, blueberry, plum, on a healthy but not massive structure. An irresistible delight.

Chateau Léhoul's Plénitude, also known as "Grand Vin," is exactly that, the best red wine of one of the Graves appellation very best producers. This is part of the foundations of the Bordeaux wine catalog, a perfectly balanced wine, marrying Cabernet and Merlot, with delicious savors of cassis, blackberry, and a good alternative to the Carissimo when paired with Filet.

LAURA'S BISCOTTIS DIPPED IN LANGUEDOC VIN SANTO, so to speak

MAS DE CYNANQUE, HESPÉRIDES 2015, VDF de Saint Chinian, Organic
Grenache Blanc et Gris Late Harvest, U.S. Exclusivity

Cork is very much inspired by Italian cuisine, and I happen to love the Tuscan tradition of dipping biscottis in Vin Santo in lieu of dessert. That satisfies the desire for a bit of sweet at the end of a meal, while being quite lean and light. Here in lieu of Vin Santo we will have an extremely rare wine from Languedoc, a wine liqueur, which we will enjoy with my friend Laura's incomparable biscottis, which some of you know already for their absolute excellence.

I look forward to your company for this New Bern Elite affair.

Old Vines Carignan at Mas de Cynanque, Languedoc.

OCTOBER 4, PARIZADE, DURHAM, PAELLA SUPREME WINE TASTING DINNER

UP T0 10 SEATS AVAILABLE 2 SEATS LEFT.

Parizade

I should have been back from Brittany for a week on Oct 4,all refreshed, and I would not want to waste anytime to find myself in your company. It will be a Paella weekend at Parizade, and I do have the perfect wines for it, a vertical on Chateau Léhoul Graves Blanc Fût, thanks to saving a few bottles of previous vintages of this fantastic wine.

Chef Jason Lawless accepted to make a special salad for us, one with a distinctive fall taste, and that I will pair with a rather edgy wine, an Orange wine which I adore.

And for dessert we are also pushing boundaries, bringing back quince, probably the most underrated and forgotten fruit in America, one with the flavors of my childhood.

There is very limited seating for this well out of the ordinary dinner, so you know what you have to do …

People often come from out of town for my dinners at Parizade, there is a convenient hotel just across the street, the Hilton Garden Inn.

PARIZADE, Durham

Saturday October 4, 2025, 6:30pm

Only up to 10 guests, plus this French, Civilization Special Forces Envoy, Coming Back to the Frontline.

$124 per person, including tax and gratuity.

Reservation: email me with the "Contact Us" button at bottom of page, or text me at 984-312-5315, and send your payment after reading how on this page.

MENU:

MINGLE:

CORINNE DEPEYRE POP-IT 2022, Natural Sparkling Wine Organic
10% Syrah, 90% Mourvèdre, No added Sulfite, Unfiltered. U.S. Exclusivity

A delicious, refreshing and profound, naturally sparkling wine (Pet Nat), with rather strong savors of grapefruit and peach which with the little bit of age that it has, have morphed together. The peach tames the grapefruit into a richer more elegant flavor.

FALL SALAD Spring mix and arugula, diced & roasted butternut squash, cranberry, pecans, goat cheese, vinaigrette

MAS FOULAQUIER, ORANGE À LA MER 2021, VDF, Organic
70% Muscat d’Alexandrie, 15% Muscat Petit Grain, 15% Grenache Blanc, Demeter

I love this wine which should put you at ease with orange wines, as this is the secret for orange wines: one has to make them with a varietal that will enhance its natural bitterness. And I can't think of a better varietal than muscat for that. Here you have a wine with a very pleasant bitterness, through which the savors of muscat transpire. We are talking of dry muscat, and that tension between the gentle bitterness of the orange wine, and the richness of the muscat, creates a dynamic to which your palate, if it is like mine, will succumb in adoration.

The duality of savors type is made more complex here by the sensation of minimality coming from the amphora aging, and the result of the sensory equation is just marvelous as far as I am concerned.

PAELLA

CHATEAU LÉHOUL GRAVES BLANC FÛT 2018
60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Sémillon, aged in oak. U.S. Exclusivity

CHATEAU LÉHOUL GRAVES BLANC FÛT 2019
60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Sémillon, aged in oak. U.S. Exclusivity

CHATEAU LÉHOUL GRAVES BLANC FÛT 2020
60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Sémillon, aged in oak. U.S. Exclusivity

These Graves are a rather classic pairing with saffron based seafood dishes. With the age of these vintages, the well integrated oak and Sémillon, sing with the food savors, while the Sauvignon refreshes the mouth with its citrus flavors, creating a beautiful symphony in your palate.

QUINCE MILLEFEUILLE phyllo, crème patissière, quince

DIMANCHE D'OCTOBRE, LATE HARVEST VIOGNIER, 2012
100% Viognier

This is an extremely rare wine, not only because of its rather grand age, but also because of its inherent dry nature and yet obvious dessert suitability, not to mention that this wine is not produced anymore, the last vintage was 2015.

You will delight with this liquor like wine, that has retained most of its original aromas of pear, apricot, quince, as if they had been preserved in this very rich marc (grappa).

I look forward to your company for this reunion, marking my coming back to the frontline, ready to defend civilization.

The faces of Chateau Léhoul

August 22, 2025, PARIZADE, FAREWELL WINE TASTING DINNER

UP T0 9 SEATS AVAILABLE 1 SEAT LEFT.

Parizade and Igor.

The Dinner last Saturday was unanimously celebrated, and of course that is addictive. I consequently wanted to renew the experience as soon as possible. I also would like to introduce you to the two wines we have with the appetizer, and that are little known treasures, especially in summer.

Then I really wanted to try Chef's Jason Lawless current Lamb Chops dish, with its gigantic beans and sauce, which sounds luscious. As if all this is not enough, I wanted to say farewell before I leave three days later for the Brittany Tour, because you never know, I might not be back, I leave a dangerous life, here on the frontline, and there, on the overly indulgent part of the world, which also has its perils.

Not to mention that, you know, my inherently prone to guilt Judeo-Christian up-bringing, prompts me to question if I should get so comfy witho the exceptional privileges that this country offers, especially now under the unbelievably wise leadership of our supreme Commander. Maybe I should experience again for a while, the hardship of living in a less "chosen" continent.

But I digress, so let's just say that I would love to have dinner with you once more, hoping it is not the last time!

People often come from out of town for my dinners at Parizade, there is a convenient hotel just across the street, the Hilton Garden Inn.

PARIZADE, Durham

Friday August 22, 2025, 6:30pm

Only up to 9 guests, plus this French, Civilization Special Forces Envoy to the Frontline who needs to go back to report.

$120 per person, including tax and gratuity.

Reservation: email me with the "Contact Us" button at bottom of page, or text me at 984-312-5315, and send your payment after reading how on this page.

MENU:

PHILLO SHRIMP roasted red pepper aioli, charred lemon & parsley chimichurri

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

DOMAINE LESCURE, Á l'AVENIR 2020, Fronton red
100% Négrette. U.S. Exclusivity

We will mingle with the Clairet, a delicious light red produced with a short maceration and loaded with aromas of cherry characteristic to Merlot, and we will try the Philly Shrimp with it, as well as with the Fronton, which is a veery uncommon wine from the South West, not too far from Toulouse. It is loaded with fresh strawberry aromas and it handles very well strong savors like the one of pesto or chimichurri.

LAMB CHOPS gigantes plaki, crushed tomatoes, mizithra, mint chimichurri

DOMAINE CATHALA CUVÉE ABSOLU 2017, Saint Chinian
Syrah 70%, Mourvèdre 30%. U.S. Exclusivity

MAS DE CYNANQUE NOMINARIS 2017, Saint Chinian Organic
Syrah Vieilles Vignes, 80 years old. U.S. Exclusivity

Two exceptional wines from Languedoc that are go to wines for lamb pairing, and that I picked for their ability to handle the sides that accompany this dish. There are two Saint Chinian, but form the two extremes of the appellation. The Cuvée Absolu has an abundance of violet, cherry, cigar box, tobacco aromas, the Nominaris is very jammy with a profusion of kirshed cherries savors punctuating prune, tobacco, leather large notes. Both wines have a confounding complexity.

PEAR CHARLOTTE

MAS DE CYNANQUE MÉANDRES 2017, Saint Chinian Organic
40% Albarino, 40% Petit Menseng, 20% Grenache Gris. U.S. Exclusivity

A Charlotte is in my book the queen of desserts, and Mary Parizade's Pastry chef will make one especially for us!

This is a very rare wine, with a somewhat complex and unusual blend. The 2017 vintage has not been matched since, for its power and balance. This wine is very round by now, but still display delicious aromas, notably yellow plum, as well as a definite "petrol" effect, which has to be experienced to understand its merit. I get that "petrol" is otherwise not all that appealing, but I can certify that this is a characteristic that surprises and enchant a lot of connaisseurs.

I look forward to your company for this last supper until ..?

Chateau Vignol

August 2, 2025, PARIZADE, DURHAM, PAELLA WINE TASTING DINNER

UP T0 18 SEATS AVAILABLE 12 SEATS LEFT.

Parizade

We had so much fun last week at the Board Room Summer Dinner, it is addictive. And on the first weekend of August, Chef Jason Lawless makes a Paella. Hard to resits, so here is a dinner if you want to experience that Paella with some interesting wines, as well as appetizer and dessert that are not on the menu.

BTW, people often come from out of town for my dinners at Parizade, there is a convenient hotel just across the street, the Hilton Garden Inn.

PARIZADE, Durham

Saturday August 2, 2025, 6:30pm

Only up to 18 guests, plus this French, Civilization Special Forces Envoy to the Frontline.

$114 per person, including tax and gratuity.

Reservation: email me with the "Contact Us" button at bottom of page, or text me at 984-312-5315, and send your payment after reading how on this page.

MENU:

SALADE NIÇOISE lettuce, tomatoes, sautéed green beans, hard boiled egg, seared fresh tuna, olives

CORINNE DEPEYRE POP-IT 2022, Natural Sparkling Wine Organic
10% Syrah, 90% Mourvèdre, No added Sulfite, Unfiltered. U.S. Exclusivity

DOMAINE CATHALA A BLANC 2022, Saint Chinian
Grenache Blanc 50%, Roussane 30%, Marsanne 20%. U.S. Exclusivity

We will mingle with the Pop-It, a delicious profound sparkling with rather strong savors of grapefruit and peach, and will finish it with the salade with which we will enjoy the Cathala Blanc, a wine that petrols a little bit, with its Grenache blanc, balanced by the Marsanne and Roussane fruitiness. An addictive mix.

PAELLA

CHATEAU LÉHOUL GRAVES BLANC FÛT 2020
560% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Sémillon, aged in oak. U.S. Exclusivity

MAS FOULAQUIER, CHOUETTE BLANCHE, VDF, Organic
20% Grenache Blanc, 20% Grenache Gris, 20% Bourboulenc, 20% Rolle, 20% Clairette, Aged in Amphoras, Indi Yeast, No Added Sulfite, Demeter

These two vastly different wines are both extremely apt at standing up to the strong savors of the Paella. The Graves is a rather classic pairing letting the well integrated oak and Sémillon, sing with the food savors, while the Sauvignon refreshes the mouth with its citrus flavors.

The Chouette Blanche is an addictive alternative, in which beautiful bitter accents tame the strong savors of the Paella, promoting an elegant mariage between the wine and the dish.

EAU DE VIE MARINATED APRICOTS MILLEFEUILLE

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

A millefeuille is a classic French pastry made of layers of philo and crème anglaise, here seasonally enhanced with apricots marinated in eau de vie (marc).

This gentle dessert wine from Bordeaux with tertiary savors of raisins and prunes macerated in alcohol, will resonate with the savors of the pastry

I look forward to your company for this convivial way to mark the middle of summer.

The faces of Chateau Léhoul

July 19, 2025, PARIZADE, DURHAM, BOARDROOM WINE TASTING DINNER

UP T0 15 SEATS AVAILABLE SOLD OUT.

PLEASE CONTACT ME TO BE ON THE WAIT LIST.

Toast in Parizade's Boardroom.

Baring any last minute booking, we should be able to enjoy this premium dinner in Parizade's Board Room. This is the best spot for an intimate wine dinner, classy and cosy. I have limited the amount of seats in order to guarantee a very comfortable setting, and keep the event personal. So don't miss it, only at this time of the year can I get this room which is otherwise sought after by countless high Dollar events.

Most of my wines are in U.S. Exclusivity, the fruit of the fact that I sell enough of their wines for certain of my producers, and because I tend to pick the elite of their wines, by opposition to the cheapest ones which most other importers tend to favor. In this dinner, all the wines are in U.S. Exclusivity. 🍾

BTW, people often come from out of town for my dinners at Parizade, there is a convenient hotel just across the street, the Hilton Garden Inn.

PARIZADE, Durham

Saturday July 19, 2024, 6:30pm

Only up to 15 guests, plus this French, Civilization Special Forces Envoy to the Frontline.

$115 per person, including tax and gratuity.

Reservation: email me with the "Contact Us" button at bottom of page, or use whatsApp, or text me at 984-312-5315, and send your payment after reading how on this page.

MENU:

SALADE NIÇOISE lettuce, tomatoes, sautéed green beans, hard boiled egg, seared fresh tuna, olives

CORINNE DEPEYRE ROSÉ 2022, Organic
70 % Grenache, 30 % Mourvèdre. U.S. Exclusivity

CHATEAU ROMANIN BAUX DE PROVENCE AOP ROSÉ 2022, Biodynamic
73 % Grenache, 16% Mourvèdre, 11 % Syrah, Demeter. U.S. Exclusivity

Two excellent rosés ready to delect your palate with aging and distinguished savors.

NY STRIP beurre Maître D', asparus

SCAMANDRE RED 2011, Costtières de Nîmes, Organic
50% Syrah, 20% Carignan, 15% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre. U.S. Exclusivity

SCAMANDRE RED 2012, Costtières de Nîmes, Organic
50% Syrah, 20% Carignan, 15% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre. U.S. Exclusivity

SCAMANDRE RED 2015, Costtières de Nîmes, Organic
50% Syrah, 20% Carignan, 15% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre. U.S. Exclusivity

We can exceptionally, do a verticale with one of the best wines from the Provence Wine Tour. Scamandre is a top notch producer in the Costières de Nîmes, and always one of the favorite wines in the Provence tour. I still have a case and a half or so of the 2011, and I expect that the orders subsequent to the dinner will clear that, I have a little less than 4 cases of the 2012, and then we will be on the 2015, all superb vintages.

POACHED PEACH vanilla ice cream

MAS DE CYNANQUE MÉANDRES 2017, Organic
40% Albarino, 40% Petit Menseng, 20% Grenache Gris. U.S. Exclusivity

This is a very rare wine, with a somewhat complex and unusual blend. The 2017 vintage has not been matched since, for its power and balance. I just called the producer to urge him to renew this formidable wine in 2025, since they year seems like it could have this kind of potential, although with climate change it is way too early to predict what this year will give.

At any rate during the Languedoc tour last year we were able to taste both the 2017 and the then 2023 current vintage, and it is rather certain that everybody favored the 2017 by quite a margin. That wine is very round by now, but still display delicious aromas, notably yellow plum, as well as a definite "petrol" effect, which has to be experienced to understand its merit. I get that "petrol" is otherwise not all that appealing, but I can certify that this is a characteristic that surprises and enchant a lot of connaisseurs.

I look forward to your company for this tony summer dinner.

Parizade Borad Room, Wine Dinner Set Up

APRIL 27, 2025, NEW BERN, CHEF VINCENT FARRO CRAVEN SOCIAL RESTAURANT, WINE PAIRING BRUNCH

30 SEATS AVAILABLE, 12 SEATS LEFT

Vinnie's Crab Cake

Cammie Lassiter, owner of Savi's Wine (with who I am traveling to Provence this May, 2 spots are still available) has connected me with the famous Vinnie (Vincent Farro), an underground food legend in New Bern, and I am very thankful for that, as Vinnie seems to be the talent I was looking for in order to offer wine dinners in New Bern.

Please join us for this first of a kind, a wine pairing brunch prepared by Vinnie. It will be delicious and festive, as I leave 2 days later for the spring tours, and some of the travelers will be in attendance.

VINCENT FARRO CRAVEN SOCIAL POP UP RESTAURANT

417-b South Front St, New Bern

Sunday April 27, 2025, 11:30am

$83 per person, including tax and gratuity.

Only 30 seats total, plus Cammie and this Wine Missionary on the Frontline.

Please make your reservation with me: email me with the "Contact Us" button at bottom of page, or text 984-312-5315, and send your payment after reading how on this page.

Cancelation Policy

MENU:

PUFF PASTRY STUFFED WITH ITALIAN VEGETABLES Lemon parm cream sauce.

CORINNE DEPEYRE POP-IT, PET NAT DE PROVENCE, Organic
10% Syrah, 90% Mourvèdre, No added Sulfite, Unfiltered

This naturally sparkling wine is a pure delight, and I have no doubt that you will be drinking it all summer long. It is remarkably fresh and substantial, with a definite red ruby grapefruit savor, enhanced by notes of white peach. This is a quite dry sparkling wine with taste, completely natural, a summer delight.

CRAB CAKE corn chowder pudding, sunny side quail egg

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

Nobody typically imagines that a white wine from Bordeaux can taste like this. It is slightly woody, with the wood perfectly integrated by now with the wine, to create a delicious sensation or roundness and aromatic richness, mostly on the stone fruit side, yellow plum and peach, with a bit of citrus. A master wine to elegantly pair with seafood spicy dishes.

PISTACHIO CREAM PINWHEELS

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

A remarkable gentle dessert wine from Bordeaux with savors of raisins and plum, macerated in alcohol, to finish a meal with softness.

I can't wait to enjoy this New Bern Brunch with you and Vinnie.

Vinnie's Pistachio Cream Pinwheels

APRIL 26, 2025, NEW BERN, CORK ELITE WINE DINNER

5 SEATS AVAILABLE, 2 SEATS LEFT

Elite Wine Tasting Dinner

Back in March when we did a first dinner at Cork, I said that there would be more, so here it is, a very small and intimate dinner, to enjoy each other's company, excellent food, notably some rare oysters, and great wines.

CORK, New Bern

Saturday April 26, 2025, 7pm

$144 per person, including tax and gratuity.

Only 5 seats available, that's right, it is going to be cosy, plus this Wine Missionary.

Please make your reservation with me: email me with the "Contact Us" button at bottom of page, or text 984-312-5315, and send your payment after reading how on this page.

Cancelation Policy

MENU:

YANICK OLIVIER GRAND CRU CHAMPAGNE
Blanc de Blancs de la Côte des Blancs
100% Chardonnay

This is a rare champagne, made by an Oenologist from his own plot. This producer is from a family with a long ancestry in Champagne. He works as an oenologist with some of the biggest names in Champagne, and is able to apply to his own wine, the best and fanciest techniques learned working for the biggest names in Champagne.

This is a very round Blanc de Blanc, with an unusual weight and a touch of oxidative notes for character. You will instantly recognized this wine as a premier Champagne.

We will toast this as aperitif, and keep some to enjoy with the oysters below as well.

9 CAROLINA JADE RAW OYSTERS lemon, bread, butter, pepper, and absolutely no mignonette, ketchup, cocktail sauce and what not that would destroy the beautiful pairing.

DOMAINE DE RAVANÈS, IBIS BLANC 2023, IGP Hérault, Organic
40% Grenache Blanc, 35% Colombard 25% Petit Manseng. U.S. Exclusivity

Carolina Jade oysters are these blue green oysters (inside) that acquire this color due to a rare algae that appears at certain times in the season and colors the oysters that feed like gluttons on them. They are delicious.

The Ibis white is also a rare animal, from Languedoc and one of my most revered and special producer. It is a very unusual but ultra pertinent blend delivering freshness, a bit of citrus and a lovely bouquet served by its Grenache Blanc backbone. Be prepared for a treat!

8 OZ RIBEYE Asparus
straws garlic aioli/apple maple bacon jam.

DOMAINE CATHALA, CUVÉE ABSOLUE 2017, Saint Chinian
Syrah 70%, Mourvèdre 30%. U.S. Exclusivity

DOMAINE RICHEAUME, COLUMELLE 2015, IGP Hérault, Organic
Syrah 46%, Merlot 37%, Cabernet Sauvignon 17%. U.S. Exclusivity

These are two exceptional wines, one from Languedoc, the other from Provence. The Absolue concentrates a lot of violette savors in mid palate, with a beautiful complexity from its barrel time that pigmented it with leather, tobacco, coffee and more, competing with some garrigue aromas. A beautiful wine centered on the duality between Syrah and Mourvèdre at their best.

The Columelle 2015 is one of Domaine Richeaume's best wines in the past decade, suave with a strong presence of black currant, plum. An incomparable wine in its own league.

LAURA'S BISCOTTIS DIPPED IN PROVENCE VIN SANTO, so to speak

MAS DE CYNANQUE, HESPÉRIDES 2015, VDF de Saint Chinian, Organic
Grenache Blanc et Gris Late Harvest, U.S. Exclusivity

Cork is very much inspired by Italian cuisine, and I happen to love the Tuscan tradition of dipping biscottis in Vin Santo in lieu of dessert. That satisfies the desire for a bit of sweet at the end of a meal, while being quite lean and light. Here in lieu of Vin Santo we will have an extremely rare wine from Languedoc, a wine liqueur.

I look forward to your company for this New Bern tasteful affair.

Domaine Richeaume, a Wine Pearl in Provence

APRIL 23, 2025, ASHEVILLE, RENDEZ VOUS PÉTANQUE WINE TASTING DINNER

Training for the Wine Tours

24 SEATS AVAILABLE, 16 SEATS LEFT

michel baudoin, rendez vous, asheville, petanque

Michel Playing at Rendez Vous

Asheville is the North Carolina Capital of Pétanque, thanks to Michel the owner of Bouchon and Rendez vous, where he has built a wonderful facility that testifies about his passion for the game, and seems to have been crucial in promoting it with locals.

I share that passion and actually in most of my tours, we play pétanque. Some of these tours are about to happen, or will happen this year, with some of the people that will be present on the pétanque courts.

We'll start with pétanque at 5:00, casual games, although if you want to put some money interest, you are welcome to, as I do need to make up for the losses due to the new rise in inflation!!!

And then at 7:00, a simple but tasty dinner, with some prodigious pairings from 3 different regions. Contrary to what I normally do in my Wine Tasting Dinners where a dish is ofter paired with 2 wines to compare, here there is only one wine per dish. But it is each time a rather stunning wine, so let's say that this time I am focusing of the supreme.

This dinner is offered in partnership with Metro Wines who will be offering the dinner's wines for purchase at preferential pricing.

RENDEZ-VOUS, Asheville

Wednesday April 23, 2025, 5pm for pétanque, 7pm for Dinner

$135 per person, including tax and gratuity.

Only 24 seat available, plus this Pétanque playing Provençal Wine Ambassador.

Please make your reservation with me: email me with the "Contact Us" button at bottom of page, or text 984-312-5315, and send your payment after reading how on this page.

Cancelation Policy

MENU:

SALADE DE BETTERAVE AU CHÈVRE fresh greens, roasted beets, apples, goat cheese, walnuts, dijon mustard vinaigrette

PATRICK GALANT, CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE BLANC, LA NONCIATURE 2021
45% Grenache Blanc, 25% Clairette, 20% Roussanne, 10% Bourboulenc

Let's enjoy a Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc, with its garrigue savors, all in finesse, persistence and presence.

POULET RÔTI AU THYM thyme-roasted half chicken, au jus, rice, roasted rainbow carrots

CHATEAU FARLURET, SAUTERNES 2016
90% Sémillon, 10% Sauvignon Blanc. U.S. Exclusivity

Technically this wine is a Barsac, which is a part of the Sauternes appellation. This wine is aerial, and superbly aromatic, with an acidity and muskiness that will stun you paired with this chicken. It is little known how Sauternes is beyond delicious with chicken, and how it transforms a rather simple dish into a royal one.

PROFITEROLES choux pastry rolls filled with crème pâtissière, with whipped cream and chocolate ganache drizzle

MAS DE CYNANQUE NOMINARIS 2017, Saint Chinian, Organic
Syrah Vieilles Vignes, 80 years old, U.S. Exclusivity

This rather concentrated Syrah pairs beautifully with chocolate, playing along with its unctuosity, while adding complexity with a match among some of its flavors and dispensing its kirsched cherry savors that complement chocolate so well.

I look forward to your company for this evening of joy.

Patrick Galant in Chateauneuf du Pape

APRIL 17, 2025, DURHAM, PARIZADE WINE DINNER

ALL LANGUEDOC, ALL ORGANIC WINES, ALL CUTTING EDGE

The Charm of Languedoc

Friends, every year I love this spring Wine Dinner at Parizade, because it is definitely spring then, and this is always one of the very best wine dinners of the year, because it is Parizade, and at this time of the year we can do a perfect job together.

This year we were able to plan even more ahead of the curve, and I am mighty proud of the result. The theme is "All Languedoc, All Organic," and the wines reflect the resolutely daring attitude of this Deep and Wild South of France.

Chef Jason Lawless and I, have put together a dinner for the legend, with a legend in the making (Languedoc), inspiring dishes and subsequent wine pairings faithful to the cutting edge nature of the wines. This is not your grandpa Wine Dinner! Although rest assured, it is not punk either, just a stroll on a more surprising trail.

Parizade, Durham

Thursday April 17, 2025, 6:30pm

$115 per person, excluding tax and gratuity.

Seating is not unlimited, so make your reservation now.

You can make your reservation with me: email me with the "Contact Us" button at bottom of page with your cell phone number, or call Parizade directly: 919-286-9712

MENU:

JUMBO LIMP CRABE, avacado, strawberries, coconut milk, mango chutney, Thai basil

CHATEAU CASTIGNO, TRAIT DE LUNE #1, Saint Chinian Blanc Organic
100% Carignan Blanc

This all line up is made of unusual wines, but of all, this is probably the most unique. Most people, even in France, let alone here, even most sommeliers, have never tasted Carignan Blanc, let alone a 100% Carignan Blanc wine. But here it is, slightly unctuous, like the red Carignan, and with aromatics that start with light citrus, and morph soon to scuppernong with white flowers.

So a quite unique and very surprising wine, that sets the tone for the whole evening.

LOBSTER GRATIN, potatoes, Gruyère, Parmesan, sauce Americaine, chervil

DOMAINE DE RAVANÈS, RENARD BLANC 2022, IGP Hérault, Organic
85% Grenache Gris, 15% Petit Manseng

Domaine de Ravanès, is masterfully handled by Marc Bénin, a vine scientist that took over the family estate where he produces miracles rather than wine. The estate would normally probably be rather benign, as its location, soil. would not normally promisse excellence. But Marc turned reality upside down, building on the strengths that he saw, to deliver wine counter punches, his response to pre-conceived ideas or stereotypes.

I am talking of the guy who beat Chateau Petrus ($2,500 a bottle) with one of his wines ($60) in a blind tasting competition, so he may not be totally off the goal post.

The Renard Blanc enjoys a very distinctive label that reflects its uniqueness, already exemplified in its blend. Look at the varietals, you don't see such a blend everyday, nor do you taste a wine like this one. It is dry, with a sense of softness, a word I use as I don't want to write "sweetness," for it is not sweet, yet is definitely in the "soft to the palate" category, also due to an above average viscosity.

That "softness" probably induced by the Petit Manseng which let surface notes of honey, nuts, white fruit, pineapple, is balanced by an omnipresent acidity. None of this contradicts a resounding minerality, inherited from the river bed where this wine grows. This is a wine that can age tremendously, but is also delicious in its infancy.

CHICKEN KHOA SOI, yellow curry, crispy noodles, pickled cabbage

MAS FOULAQUIER, ORANGE À L'AMER 2021, Vin de France, Orgaqnic

70% Muscat d’Alexandrie, 15% Muscat Petit Grain, 15% Grenache Blanc

I am in adoration with this wine, and cannot imagine a better Orange Wine. You probably think right now that I may have a salesman or importer bias, and that could be true, fair, but the problem with that theory, is that I heard on the French Public Radio, one of their top wine fellow say that he thinks that this may very well be the best Orange Wine in France. Woah, really? Yes.

Of course this, as inflated as it may seem, actually make sense. This is an orange wine made with mostly muscat grapes, and although this wine is totally dry, they bring a subliminal sense of sweetness on top of a rich aromatic, that balances the light but decisive bitterness that is inherent to orange wines it seems, and is here part of the interest of this wine.

This wine can really be paired with almost anything, but here we went for the obvious and best reward: Thai.

MORROCCAN BRAISED LAMB, pomegranate, dates, apricots, saffron couscous

COURS SAINT VINCENT, Clos du Prieur 2020, Grès de Montpellier, Organic
90% Syrah, 10% Grenache, Old Vines

This is a quintessential red from Languedoc, big and rather jammy, with a profound range of savors, notably black currant, with a definite black licorice minty finish, as is often the case with Northern Languedoc wines. This is a wine to enjoy with beef or lamb ideally, and Jason has designed a master dish for it.

DUCK CASSOULET, bacon, sausage, cannellini beans, red wine reduction

MAS DE CYNANQUE, NOMINARIS 2017, Saint Chinian, Organic
Syrah Vieilles Vignes, 80 years old

This is a Syrah like you will not drink many. A nectar, quite concentrated although tempered with already 7 years of age. Quite jammy as well, with a very complex and deep range of savors, including tobacco, amber wood and many more, finishing on an kirshed cherries. A reference wine.

I look forward to your company for this marvelous evening at Parizade.

A Beautiful Vision of Traveling in Languedoc

MARCH 15, 2025, DURHAM, PARIZADE WINE TASTING DINNER

ON OUR WAY TO BORDEAUX

ONLY 14 SEATS AVAILABLE, 3 SEATS LEFT

Entering Bordeaux

I am excited to be able to resume my Saturday nights dinner at Parizade.

This dinner is celebrating the upcoming wine tour to Bordeaux with Zhait, the Sommelier and Wine Director at Parizade, with mostly Bordeaux wines. If you are considering this tour do not hesitate, join this dinner, and otherwise, do not hesitate either, as maybe it will inspire you. In any case we shall have a good time.

Parizade, Durham

Saturday March 15, 2025, 6:30pm

$108 per person, including tax and gratuity.

Only 13 seat available

Please make your reservation with me: email me with the "Contact Us" button at bottom of page, or text 984-312-5315, and send your payment after reading how on this page.

Cancelation Policy

MENU:

ITALIAN BURRATA prosciutto, cantaloupe, baby arugula, aged balsamic

CORINNE DEPEYRE POP-IT 2022, Pink Pet Nat, Organic
10% Syrah, 90% Mourvèdre, No added Sulfite, Unfiltered

We are coming from Italy with our Burrata, and are on our way to Bordeaux, we find in Provence this remarkable naturally sparkling wine, with thin bubbles and very asserted savors, a gentle grapefuity bitterness, a delicious "mise en bouche."

NY STRIP BORDELAISE SAUCE

CHATEAU TOUR DE CALENS, GRAVES ROUGE 2019
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon

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

CHATEAU CLOS DES ABBESSES, SAINT EMILION GRAND CRU 2016
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc

we are studying here variations on bordeaux blends with a dominance of Merlot. That is the typical blend in Saint Emilion, 80% Merlot/20% Cab Franc, and we have two grades of that here, same producer with different levels of concentration.

And then there is a Graves, an appellation normally dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, but here with also 80% Merlot/20% Cab Sauv. It should be interesting to compare all three wines, which have so much in common, and yet produce somewhat different outcomes.

CHOCOLATE CRÈME BRULÉE

THE WINES ABOVE

The two Saint Emilion above, will be poured in larger quantity so that you may save some for dessert as you will enjoy them with that as well, due to the unique character of Saint Emilion wines.

I look forward to your company for this lovely evening at Parizade.

bordeaux, saint emilion, clos des abbesses

The View from Domaine Scamandre's Chai

MARCH 6, 2025, NEW BERN, CORK WINE TASTING DINNER

PROVENCE WINE TOUR DINNER

ONLY 15 SEATS AVAILABLE, BEYOND SOLD OUT

A Very Provençale Road

Dear New Bern Friends and beyond, I am thrilled to start this year's dinners with one in New Bern, we should have more from now on in this lovely town.

This dinner was inspired by the Provence Wine Tour this year, sold out in an unprecedented way to mostly Savi's Wine customers. In essence this is a pre-tour reunion, so that everybody may mingle, but others are welcome too, and may be inspired to join another tour this year or in the future.

CORK, New Bern

Thursday March 6, 2025, 6:30pm

$114 per person, including tax and gratuity.

Only 15 seat available

Please make your reservation with me: email me with the "Contact Us" button at bottom of page, or text 984-312-5315, and send your payment after reading how on this page.

Cancelation Policy

MENU:

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SALAD Spring mix/diced & roasted butternut squash
blueberries/cranberry/pecans/goat cheese
Maple dijon vinaigrette

CH. LESTOURS CLOCHER, LES PÉNITENTS BLANC 2023, Vacqueyras Blanc
60% Grenache Blanc, 20%, Roussane, 10%, Marsanne, 10% Viognier

This amazing southern Rhône white is a pure delight, perfectly balanced and deliciously aromatic, with savors of pear, apricot, white flowers.

CORK BURGER & TRUFFLE FRIES Cheddar/gruyere/onion & jalapeno
straws garlic aioli/apple maple bacon jam.

CORINNE DEPYERE, PHACÉLIES 2018, Côtes du Rhône, Organic
60% Grenache, 40% Carignan Old Vines

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

SCAMANDRE 2011, Costières de Nîmes, Organic
50% Syrah, 20% Carignan, 15% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdr

I have picked 3 wines that are out of stock in my French cellar that we will drink from during the tour, but that are still available here. All of these 3 wines are amazing, exhibiting various characteristics, the Scamandre 2011 is exceptional, and its stock here is quickly evaporating.

LAURA'S BISCOTTIS DIPPED IN PROVENCE VIN SANTO, so to speak

PATRICK GALANT, DIMANCHE D'OCTOBRE 2012
100% Viognier, Late Harvest

Cork is very much inspired by Italian cuisine, and I happen to love the Tuscan tradition of dipping biscottis in Vin Santo in lieu of dessert. That satisfies the desire for a bit of sweet at the end of a meal, while being quite lean and light. Here in Lieu of Vin Santo we will have an extremely rare wine from Provence, which is not produced any longer, and while it is not Vin Santo it is nevertheless divine.

I look forward to your company for this New Bern tasteful affair.

The View from Domaine Scamandre's Chai

rendez Vous, asheville, petanque, michel baudoin

giorgios bakatsias, east end bistrot, raleigh

restaurant, occitanie, village, languedoc