I do love an event that starts with champagne…and continues with more fantastic wines, a four-course meal and interesting conversation. And that’s exactly what I was treated to on January 29th at the Capital Wine Festival’s event showcasing the Darioush Winery, held at The Fairfax at Embassy Row’s @2100Prime restaurant.
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| Like I said, they had me at champagne, but the Darioush Winery is most noted for its Bordeaux-style estate wines from its vineyards located in the appellations of Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder and Oak Knoll in Northern California. I could tell we were in for a real treat. | |
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| I would like to thank Denise Benoit for inviting me to this wonderful dinner, and Allen Papp, Director of Sales for Darioush Winery for leading me through the wine pairings–a fantastic experience. | |
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| The first course, a pistachio-crusted sea scallop resting on a bed of butternut and local apple purée, featured a deliciously buttery Chardonnay to get us started on a light note before we moved to the vineyard’s red wine selections. | |
| Darioush Winery paired two signature wines with the second course of cocoa-spiced duck breast, a Cabernet Franc and a Shiraz, both of which delighted the palate. | |
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| Moving on to bolder flavors, we were treated to a 2009 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon to enjoy with our braised short ribs served with polenta, haricots verts and cippolini onions. | |
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| It was hard to save room for dessert, but I was determined to do so when I saw the orange and blueberry crème brulée, paired with a 2007 Shahpar dessert wine, which was a first for me. | |
| Over dinner and dessert, I was truly entertained and enlightened by the other guests, amazing people who taught me about wine and shared some real informative gems that I can explore further during my travels, including the upcoming #SXSW event in Austin, Texas. | |
| Thank you for a memorable evening! | |
| Photography by Ann Tran |
we had such a lovely time last week. Thanks so much for all you’ve done with just a few tweets. The Capital Wine Festival continues every Tuesday night and it’s growing quickly. hope to catch up soon.
p.s. so glad you found your keys. 🙂
Hello Denise,
I had a fabulous time! Looking forward to next wine venture with YOU!
Thank you,
Ann
To Begin with champagne and finish with Creme Brulee.. I like that! 🙂
So glad you enjoyed the event.. wish I was there!
Hola Claudia,
Thank YOU so much for the intro to Denise Benoit! I love the dessert wine from Darioush. You are absolutely right, the food is amazing @2100Prime! Hope we get to go together soon!
Gracias
❤Ann
Looks like a fun event Ann. Wine pairing has always intrigued me and to be quite honest intimidated, thank you for sharing this post, makes me want to try it some time. Love the photos too.
Hello Misty,
I asked a lot of questions and Allen Papp and the other guests were really friendly and informative. Check out their schedule http://www.capitalwinefestival.com/, I am still going to work on the DC trip. So much travel this year already…
Ann