Breaking the rules is OK ... and even encouraged! Well, at least when it comes to pairing food and wine it is. No longer are we forced to pour a red with meat and a white with fish. Instead, the focus should be on balance. Food and wine are meant to be enjoyed together and, therefore, should be paired not based on color, but character. The goal is to select a wine that complements your meal in a memorable way.
Learn more about the art of pairing and other wine trends at the Ponte Vedra Chamber of Commerce’s 8th Annual Food & WineFest, November 6 to 8, at the Sawgrass Golf Resort & Spa, A Marriott Resort. The event is sure to be a wine lover’s dream, putting the fruits of wine country right in our backyard. Each of the three days offers a unique tasting opportunity, and collectively provides the chance to taste hundreds of wines from around the world and savor dishes prepared by some of the area’s finest chefs.
The weekend commences with Una Noche Especial: a four-course tasting menu created by the Marriott’s award- winning chef David Scalise paired with the wines of Bodega Navarro Correas, considered one of the leading producers of premium wines in Argentina. The vineyard is located in Mendoza, the wine capital of the country, and sources grapes from the region’s best areas — specifically, Lujan de Cuyo and Valle de Uco.
Situated in a scenic park with lush gardens, Bodega Navarro Correas features all the accommodations of a state-of-the-art winery, including special tasting rooms and underground wine cellars.
The wine maker produces three tiers of wines: Coleccion Privada, Alegoria and Ultra, each created on the belief that quality wine should be available at every price point.
Privada wines are based on the principal of selecting and blending the best wines of each vintage. They are known for their intense fruit concentration and high level of acidity.
Alegoria wines are the definition of refined elegance. Producing both a Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon at this level, each has its own singular way of expressing the terroir from which it comes.
Ultra is the vineyard’s premium wine and truly expresses the soul of Bodega Navarro Correas, embodying tradition, prestige and elegance. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes are blended together to structure a wine with great complexity and concentration. Ultra is an exclusive, limited-edition wine that is not produced unless the quality is superior.
All it will take is a tasting for you to understand why Navarro Correas is one of the current leaders in the premium wine market. However, if you are lucky — and bid well — you may walk away from Una Noche Especial with a trip to Argentina and a private tour of this breathtaking winery.
The Grand Tasting is Saturday and features over 145 international and domestic wines and champagnes, creating a wonderful opportunity to survey both classic and emerging wine regions. Enjoy wines while sampling signature dishes created by area gourmet and specialty restaurants, and listening to great live jazz. Finally, finish the weekend with a decadent champagne brunch. Domaine Chandon will represent California’s sparkling wines, and Moet & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot will represent the champagne of France. Think you can tell the difference? Well, bottles will be masked to keep things bubbly!
Whether you choose to enjoy one or all of the events, the weekend creates the perfect opportunity to enhance your appreciation for both celebrated and undiscovered wine and wine makers.
ScheduleUna Noche Especial Friday, November 6 6:30 p.m..– 10:30 p.m
The Grand Tasting Saturday, November 7 3 p.m.–6 p.m.
Champagne Brunch Sunday, November 8 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
