Spend Valentines Day with wine...of course!

As Valentines Day approaches you may be thinking of something special for your sweetie. I know some people think V-day is a “Hallmark” holiday and maybe a little played out but I think it’s just another reason to celebrate with… wine of course. One of my favorite things is a wine pairing dinner. We’ve talked a lot about these dinners before so you might be familiar. I think a wine pairing dinner would be a perfect setting for a V-day experience. If you haven’t experienced one, you’re in for a four or five course meal paired with a complimentary wine. The Chef or Sommelier will thoughtfully prepare the wine to each entrée that will help enhance the flavors in the dish and in the wine. It’s a wonderful way to experience several dishes to see how the wine can compliment the food and how each can bring out certain flavors, aromas and textures in the other.


If you have any sort of culinary ability, I’d say you might want to try preparing the dinner yourself. If not, try the Old Vine Café at the Camp in Costa Mesa. It’s my favorite. Not only do they have wine pairing dinners but they host a variety of types from seasonal, Italian, Savory, Comfort and even Vegetarian and Vegan. The food is amazing and the wine is paired perfectly. I highly recommend you take a peak at the menu and make your reservation today. Another restaurant that boasts these amazing experiences is Onotria in Costa Mesa. The dinners are held randomly but can easily be found on their website.

If you really want to impress, you can always hire a private Chef to have the dinner made for you and your mate. This would probably be the most expensive option but if money is not an object this would be the most romantic experience.

We’ve prepared many wine pairing dinners for friends and are happy to share one our favorite menu with you in case you dare to attempt to wine and dine your honey yourself. Hopefully these menu’s will give you some ideas of great pairings in your future.

Reception Wine

Ca’dei Mandorli 2009 Moscato D’Asti

~Veneto, Italy

1st Course

Curried Butternut Squash Soup

Hook & Ladder 2007 Gewürztraminer

~ Sonoma, California

2nd Course

Tangerine~Mango~Jicama Salad with Garlic & Cilantro

Hill Family 2007 Sauvignon Blanc

~Napa Valley, California

3rd Course

Wild Mushroom Medley Ravioli

with Butter Parmesan Sauce

Coleman 2002 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir

~Willamette Valley, Oregon

4th Course

BBQ Cabernet Sauvignon Tri~Tip

With Black Beans topped with Bacon & Cliantro

Hestan Vineyards 2006 “STEPHANIE”

~Napa Valley, California