RECENT EVENTS

Fall Tasting at Barcelona

On November 21, we sampled delicious wines you can enjoy with your Thanksgiving dinner or anytime. We gathered at Barcelona’s private party room to network, sip, and savor Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Cote du Rhone and more… delicious hors d’oeuvres too. We were also fortunate to have Amy Dixon "sommelier extraordinaire" stop by to tell us about her new wine bar coming soon to Greenwich.

Friends of Autistic People

On October 1, we helped Friends of Autistic People hold a fund raiser to support adults with autism.

Connecticut Wine Tour

On august 27, we took a bus tour to Connecticut wineries, including a splendid lunch at the historic Griswald Inn in Essex Connecticut. We tasted the offerings of Chamard Vineyards and Gouveia Vineyards.

Bastille Day

Saturday, July14th we held a tasting at the Cavalier Galleries on Greenwich Avenue as we celebrated Bastille Day with a variety of French wine. We sampled flavorful wines from the various regions of France, like the Loire Valley, Cotes du Rhone, Alsace, Burgundy and more. This stand-up reception was a fun gathering where you could make new acquaintances as well as meet old friends.

 

NORTH FORK L.I. WINE COUNTRY TOUR

On June 11, 2011 our chartered bus departed from Greenwich harbor with 25 wine enthusiasts on board for a full day of tours, tastings and fun on Long Island's picturesque North Fork. Our first stop was Lieb Cellars where we sampled their excellent sparkling wine, a scrumptious White Merlot and other divine wines. Manager Gary Madden then took us out for an insightful tour of their wine-making equipment.

At Laurel Lake Vineyards after an al fresco lunch overlooking their vineyards wine maker Juan Sepulveda took us down to his cellars for a very special barrel tasting. Then it was off to Sherwood House's new tasting room for another round of exceptional wines. Wow!...a delightful day of wine learning and wine tasting (we strive to make our events both informative as well as fun).

Wonderful Wines of Summer - June 1st, 2011

We had a record turnout at the Gingerman in Greenwich for what has become a popular annual event. During our reception we sipped some delicous sparkling Cava from Spain. Then we sat down and tried some refreshing Torrontes from Argentina, a rose from the Cotes du Rhone, a slightly sparkling Moscatel from Portugal, a delightful Vernaccia from Italy and a Beaujolias (Fleurie) from France. Yummy hors d'oeuvres too!

Prosecco! Prosecco! Prosecco! - April 7, 2011

We celebrated the Society's third anniversary with a Prosecco party at the new Jewels by Viggi on Greenwich Avenue. Attendees sampled three Prosecco's...Villa Jolanda, Lunetta by Cavit and Mionetto II Rose (accompanied by Swedish meatballs, Prosciutto with melon, mini quiches and assorted cheeses. This was a delightful evening in a stunning venue (we were surrounded by exquisite sparkling gems displayed in a gorgeous showroom).

Cotes Du Rhone -Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Over 30 wine enthusiasts met at Le Wine Shop in Greenwich to sample several wonderful wines from France’s Rhone Valley. Cotes du Rhone is an important wine region that has become more popular in recent years by offering fine wine at a good value vs. the more expensive French wines from Burgundy and Bordeaux. We were fortunate to have with us a represenatative from Maison Gabriel Meffre in Gigondas, one of the leading wineries in the region. The program began with a sparkling wine reception where we enjoyed La Chasse du Pape, a white blanc de blanc made with 100% Chardonnay. Other wines sample that evening were : La Chasse White (2008 Cotes du Rhone), La Chasse Red (2009 Cotes du Rhone), Gigondas Domaine de Longue Toque (2007), and Laurus Cote Rotie Red (2005). As a finale we sampled the extraordinary Laurus Muscat Beaune de Venise (2008). All-in-all a very enjoyable (and delicious) evening

Wine Pairing Dinner - Sunday, November 14, 2010

Sunday, November 14th - Gourmet fine dining and wine pairing dinner at the Castle on the Hudson in Tarrytown, NY co-hosted by the American Institute of Wine & Food. Starting with a reception on the Castle's patio we enjoyed our 4 course sit-down gourmet dinner in the Castle's stunning dining room

The evening began with with its scenic views of the the Hudson, featuring 2007 Lieb Cellars sparkling wine coupled with tasty hors d’oeuvres as only the chefs at Equus could prepare them. Each course was paired with an appropriate wine personally selected by Stu Baldwin (AIFW’s Connecticut Chair) and Dean Gamanos, Director of the Greenwich Wine Society. The wild salmon apple cress salad was paired with an exceptional German Riesling (Weingart 2007) and the acorn squash pansotti appetizer was served with a delightful 2005 Volnay from Burgundy. The fabulous loin of lamb entree was perfectly matched with a Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon 2007...mmmm superb! The delicious dessert, an apple spice cinnamon cheese cake, was all the much better with a Ramos Pinto 2004 LBV Port.

Wines of South Africa - Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Our host, Yvette De Vries from African Portfolio gave a brief introduction to the history of wine in South Africa, and share some of her experiences traveling in Africa.

Other white wines we tasted were Robertson’s Sauvignon Blanc and a KWV Roodeberg (Chardonnay / Viognier / Chenin Blanc). For reds we sampled Barista Pinotage, Black Pearl Oro (Shiraz/ Cab Sauvignon) and Pepper Pot (Syrah/ Mouvedre/ Tannant). Guests were able to order any wine they liked.

Long Island Wine Country Tour - Saturday, August 14, 2010

The North Fork of Long island is a beautiful area where world-class wines are now being produced. Our bus left from Greenwich at 9:15 AM stopping first at Paumanok Vineyards in Aquebogue, where the Massoud family turns out some very special wines. Kareem Massoud took us out to the vineyard and explained their viticultural techniques (see photo). After tours and tastings we were off to Pellegrini Vineyards and their gorgeous winery for another round of tastings and a casual al fresco lunch overlooking the vineyards. Our third stop was Castello di Borghese where AnnMarie and Marco Borghese produce excellent, award-winning wines. Marco spoke to our group and the wines were well-received (these are three of the North Fork’s best wineries). On the way back our bus also stopped at Briermere Farms where we picked up some fresh local produce and home made pies and then returned back to Greenwich at 6:30 PM. photos by Kathy VanDuzer

Our June 23rd "Wines of Summer" event was quite a success (you can read about it in a half page article in the July 8th issue of the Greenwich Post -pg 12A),and, a good time was had by all who attended our CT/ Hudson Valley Wine Country Bus Tour on July 10th.

On April 22 we held a Prosecco Party at the Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams furniture gallery in Greenwich to celebrate the Society's Third Anniversary. And, on June 23rd the popular third annual "Wines of Summer" tasting was held at the Gingerman -- it was a hot evening (temperatures were close to 90 ) but the light, refreshing wines sampled were the perfect antidote!

Our first event of 2010 was a Wine and Chocolate tasting. We had a delicious evening of hand-crafted chocolate treats along with delightful wines to match. Our tasting was held at the Abby M.Taylor Fine Arts Gallery (on Greenwich Avenue) surrounded by gorgeous paintings and stunning sculptures. Chocolate was provided by Martine Coscia, chocolatier extraordinaire and founder of the new The Little Chocolate Company. It was an evening to remember!

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Our Past Events

Our Club held it’s first event on April 23, 2008 at The Gingerman Restaurant in Greenwich, Connecticut -- a tasting of “old world” vs. “new world” reds featuring the four great international red grape varieties. There was good wine, good food, fellowship and it seems a good time was had by all. Certified wine educator and wine judge, Ned Towle, led our group in a sit-down tasting which was both fun and informative (and that’s pretty much going to be the modus operandi of the organization – events where you’ll definitely learn more about wine but also in a setting which allows for fun and networking).

Our second event in May 2008 featured “The Wines of Summer” and every seat in the house was filled thanks to some very favorable articles in the local press about our new Club.

In June 2008 we visited two excellent Connecticut wineries (Chamard and Gouveia Vineyards) and had a savory 3-course lunch (with excellent wine, of course) at the historic Griswold Inn in charming Essex, CT.

Two other 2008 events included "Fine Art and French Wine" at the Cavalier Galleries in September and a Food and Wine pairing dinner in November.

Our first event in 2009 was a delicious tasting of "The Wines of Alsace" paired with savory hors d'oeuvres from this unique region of France. Wines were provided by Le Wine Shop and the presentation was held next door at Le Gourmet Store where Monsieur Alex provided his insightful commentary. "Magnifique!"

On May 6th we celebrated the Wine Society's first anniversary with a Prosecco tasting at Solaia Ristorante and Wine Bar on Greenwich Avenue: "Prosecco! Prosecco! Prosecco!". It's hard to say which was preferred more...the delightful bubbly or the delicious hors d'oeuvres. The overflow crowd seemed to love both and a good time was had by all.

We held "The Wines of Summer" May 20th at Gingerman's restaurant. We introduced our guests to some delightful wines that are perfectly refreshing for summer sipping...including Albarino from Spain, Gavi from Italy, Torrontes from Argentina, Moschofilero from Greece, and more. And on July 15th we celebrated Bastille Day with wines from France's Loire Valley.

On September 23, 2009 we tasted wine from the Charles Krug Winery, which has been open since 1861.

Please check www.GreenwichWineSociety.com periodically for news about upcoming wine programs.

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