December 18, 2007

Highlands, N.C. - Can you discern Brut Zéro from Brut Natural or can you barely distinguish Burgundy from Bordeaux?  Either way, Old Edwards Inn and Spa’s series of wine dinners offer vintages, vintners and varietals that will satisfy and enlighten palates of every kind.  So don’t fly half way around the world to get a taste of the world’s finest wines, the best and the brightest are coming to the heart of the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina for this series of gourmet Southern feasts. 

At each event a distinct winery, region, or varietal will be coupled with a mouthwatering multi-course menu prepared by Executive Chef Bill Heubel of Madison’s Restaurant.  Each course of “Elevated Southern Cuisine” will be complemented by a wine, chosen to be the ideal mate for the food being served.  Dinners will be held in the rustically elegant setting of The Farm, a 33-acre special events facility.

Each dinner is $169 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. Reception begins at 6pm and guests will be seated for dinner at 6:30pm. Seating is limited, and advance reservations are required. Old Edwards Inn will offer a special room rate of $199, plus tax on the night of each Wine Dinner (based upon availability).  

The Wine Dinner schedule is as follows:

Newton Vineyards, February 15-17, 2008
February 15:  Veuve Clicquot Champagne Reception 
Veuve Clicquot has been a leader in Champagne since the region’s wines went from still to sparkling.  The famed  Madame Clicquot, la grande dame de la Champagne, invented the table de remuage, or riddling table, in 1816 to allow her champagnes to clarify and distinguished them from the cloudy varieties of the time. Her invention and Veuve Clicquot are still going strong today, and their legendary tradition will come to Old Edwards Inn to kick-off the Wine Dinner season.
February 17, Newton Vineyards: Widely acclaimed as a California wine trailblazer, Newton is located on the eastern flank of the Mayacamas range, which separates Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Newton Vineyard was established in 1977 with the mission of making wines that take advantage of the unique terroir of their mountain estate for red Bordeaux varietals, and the cool climate and marine-influenced vineyards for Chardonnay.   

Cakebread Cellars, May 22, 2008
Over 30 years ago, Jack Cakebread came to Napa Valley for a book and ended up with a vineyard.  Today Cakebread Cellars has vineyards located throughout Napa Valley and recently added a location in the Anderson Valley, bringing the total to13 sites comprising 420 acres. They produce many wines, from a crisp, full-bodied Sauvignon Blanc to a smooth, silky Syrah. 

“A Taste of Burgundy” with Frederick Wildman, June 19, 2008
Frederick Wildman, one of this country’s oldest importers of fine wines from around the world, is bringing Burgundy to North Carolina.  The wines of Burgundy, the original home of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, are considered some of the most seductive, sensual, and complex in the world, and Frederick Wildman represents the region’s finest producers, including Armand Rousseau and J. Moreau et Fils.

Caymus, July 16, 2008
The Wagners have made Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon every year since founding Caymus in 1972, and focus entirely on this variety.  The winery's 60-plus acres of estate Cabernet Sauvignon form the foundation of Caymus Cabernets, but they also farm several other vineyards in the Napa Valley, ranging in location from the valley floor to mountain slopes. 

“A Taste of Italy” with Vin Divino, August 21, 2008
Vin Divino is one of the country’s premiere importers of Italian wines such as Chianti, Barolo, Gavi, and Prosecco.  The dinner will transport you from North Carolina through Italy’s most famous regions along with the culinary creations of Chef Bill Heubel.

Miner Family Vineyards, September 18, 2008
Miner Family Vineyards is a family owned winery tucked squarely within the heart of Napa Valley. Founded in 1998, Miner crafts each wine in a style to encapsulate the distinctive elements of their respective vineyards. Miner Family Vineyards is well known for their powerhouse collection of red wines crafted to reflect the pure clarity of the varietal while capturing the essence of the vineyard. 

Martin Ray Winery by Country Vintners, October 16, 2008
Martin Ray was one of the California wine industry’s original pioneers.  He believed that California had the potential to produce world-class wines in 1943, when he established his winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California.  His dedication to his craft continues today with all of the Martin Ray wines being high quality and hand made products, and perfect for those who love big, muscular, concentrated Cabernets.