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Learning about wine doesn't necessarily mean tasting in a vacuum. Noticing how certain wines enhance or detract from a meal is another world of discovery— and it's no longer just about white-goes-with-fish, red-goes-with-beef.
Metro Detroit has a lot to offer in terms of wine-related events in October so mark the calendar. Here's a smattering of what's up next:
September 30: Okay, not actually in October, but the Rattlesnake Club's Ehlers Estate wine dinner had to be mentioned. The Napa Valley winery's national sales director will present five wines alongside a five-course dinner prepared by chef Chris Franz, including everything from slow-braised pork shoulder to vanilla-and-almond-infused duck breast.
October 2: The Grape Expectations for Kids wine tasting and dinner is a special event benefiting The Guidance Center's Kids-TALK Children's Advocacy Center. Held at the Colony Club Detroit, the evening will also feature a silent auction and live entertainment. Visit guidance-center.org/events for more information.
October 2: On Thursday, head to Sommelier Selections at Andiamo in Bloomfield Township. The event is hosted by Andiamo sommelier Lisa Ribuado, and Andiamo's chef Travis will pair savory appetizers with seven wines from around the world.
October 6: Fountain Bistro hosts a Wines of France wine tasting and dinner focused on French food and techniques. The five-course meal will feature pairings from various French wine growing regions.
October 6-10: Hour Detroit presents its fall edition of Savor Detroit, a whole week's worth of dining-wine experiences. Each night, two of Detroit's notable chefs collaborate on a four-course meal, expertly paired with matching wine flights. Chefs include Garrett Lipar of Torino, Benjamin Meyer of Iridescence, Rick Halberg of Local Kitchen and Bar, Brian Polcyn of Forest Grill, and Takashi Yagihashi of Slurping Turtle, among others. Great Lakes Culinary Center will play host, featuring an art installation by Detroit photographer Jenny Risher and a cocktail hour hosted by The Sugar House. Tickets can be purchased on a night-by-night basis at savordetroit.com
October 14: Head out to the wine bar at Plum Market's West Bloomfield location for an intimate wine tasting with California winemaker Doug Shafer. He's bringing "special treats" from his cellar at Shafer Vineyards.
Know of another good wine event? Let us know about it in the comments.
