phoenix wine tasting

Wine Dinner Series at Arizona’s Wigwam Resort

Last month I had the pleasure of sampling some of Arizona’s best cuisine, in one of Arizona’s most enchanting settings: The Wigwam Resort.wigwam resort arizona

The Wigwam first opened in 1929 as a guest ranch with enough room for 24 guests.  Today the resort features 331 rooms, and 3 championship golf courses.  Some of the rooms are “casitas”  Little stand alone houses/rooms, that have their own private entrances and patios.  They’re really great if you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway.wigwam resort arizona-2

But I digress..  The reason I headed out west was to see what the chefs could come up with to pair with the amazing, award winning wines of Grgich Hills Estate.  While I came for the food and wine, I always forget and then am pleasantly reminded that I meet some really interesting characters at these events.  People coming together to experience the craft and finer things in life come from all backgrounds.  You don’t have to be Monte Burns to enjoy wine.  I was seated at a table with a successful accountant who looked the spitting image of Dennis Hopper.  The conversation was lively among the guests, and it got livelier as the evening went on!wigwam resort arizona-4

First we were treated to a history of how Grgich Hills came to be, a fascinating story.  After that, the food and wine pairings began.  Refer to the pic below for the menu

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I found the Spanish Octopus really interesting.  wigwam resort arizona-5

Also the Yellow Fin Tuna with forbidden rice.wigwam resort arizona-6

But what really stole the show was the Berkshire pork and the Prime New York.

 

The $89 per person this 5 course meal with very generous wine pours from one of Napa Valley’s most prestigious wineries, was actually quite a deal.  Try going to Vegas and finding a deal like that!

Now the thing I highly recommend if you really want to enjoy the wines is to book a room at the Wigwam.  It’s a bit of long drive later at night, and plus its a nice place to stay.  As a wine blogger I’ve seen too many people over indulge and then nothing good comes from that, so I recommend staying the night, waking up and going home nice and safe 🙂wigwam resort arizona-3

Original Taste to benefit Arizona charities April 2nd 2011

Original taste scottsdaleThis Saturday night the Scottsdale Waterfront will play host to one of valley’s signature charity events.

“The Original Taste,” will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2011 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, and other children’s based charities supported by Executive Council Charities.

Attendees of “The Original Taste” will have the opportunity to discover flavors from around the globe that are available at some of Metropolitan Phoenix’s finest dining establishments. Over 40 of the Valley’s most recognizable restaurants will be showcasing their talents and over 70 varieties of wine and spirits from around the world will be available to sample.

Tickets are priced at $100 (General Admission) and $200 (VIP access) if purchased before March 1, or $150 (General Admission) and $250 (VIP access) between March 1 and the evening of the event.  Information regarding sponsorship opportunities is also available on “The Original Taste” website.

In addition, the after party, known as “Late Night” will be held immediately following “The Original Taste.”  Pricing for “Late Night” will be $25 (General Admission) or $100 (VIP access) and can also be purchased (independently of The Original Taste tickets) on The Original Taste website.

scottsdale wine tasting“We’re incredibly excited to hold this event on a Saturday night at the Scottsdale Waterfront as it allows us to draw from the thousands of individuals who head to Old Town Scottsdale each weekend,” said EC70’s Dane Fernandes, Chairman of The Original Taste.  “Those who would typically dine at a nearby restaurant can experience a vast array of food and beverage options.  Plus, ‘Late Night’ will present a unique, one-of-a-kind experience.  Ultimately, these events give us an opportunity to raise more money for the children of Arizona.”

For tickets and more information regarding “The Original Taste” and “Late Night,” visit the Original Taste WEBSITE

Updated LIST of participating restaurants