Castello Barone Winery Spring Wine Dinner

Last weekend, we attended the Spring Wine Dinner at Castello Barone Winery. Wine dinners offer a fantastic opportunity to enjoy exceptional wine and food pairings. The winery and chef put in significant effort to craft these pairings, ensuring a memorable experience.   

We were welcomed by owner Scott Barone with a glass of their sparkling rosé. This was a perfect opportunity to meet new people. The tables were elegantly decorated. We found our name cards and glanced at the menu. Scott started the evening by greeting his guests and expressing gratitude. Our culinary journey was about to commence. Before each course, Executive Chef Patrick Rafferty from Culinary Concepts described the dish, and Scott would explain the wine pairing.

 The initial dish featured a cauliflower bisque accompanied by rock shrimp ceviche, compressed cantaloupe, and fennel fronds. It was served alongside their 2022 Vermentino. The compressed cantaloupe added the perfect touch of sweetness to the savory bisque.

The second dish featured yellowfin tuna tartare accompanied by romesco sauce, arugula puree, teardrop peppers, and crispy capers.  It was served with their 2021 Tannat.  I was curious about how the spicy flavors of the dish would pair with the Tannat, but the combination was incredible.  Neither element overpowered the other.   

 The main dish was beef bourguignon accompanied by baby carrots, pearl onions, forest mushrooms, and bacon lardons.  The beef was incredibly tender, easily cut with a fork. It was served with their pre-release 2021 Bacchus, an American Wine Society Silver medalist.  This wine was also incorporated into the demi-glace.  It was a blend of Tannat and Petit Verdot, with a strong focus on Tannat.   

The dessert featured a vanilla bean cheesecake tartlet topped with goat cheese mousse and lavender. It was accompanied by the 2022 Le Alba. The salty taste of the goat cheese balanced the sweet, creamy texture of the cheesecake. Together with the wine's 2% residual sugar, it provided a fantastic conclusion to the meal.

If you appreciate a culinary experience, we strongly recommend attending a wine dinner. You won't be rushed through your meal. It's a chance to explore and savor food and wine pairings. Our table enjoyed engaging discussions about our impressions of the pairings. A unique aspect of a winery-curated dinner is a visit from the winery owner and chef to your table, something you won't find at a restaurant. Additionally, you have the opportunity to purchase wines that may not yet be available to the general public.   Be sure to follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our website at WineyFriends.com.