Each Vine & Dine event begins at 7 p.m. with a wine & cocktail reception in the Everglades Bar. The group then adjourns to Everglades Restaurant for a five-course, gourmet dinner. Guests can also enter to win raffle prizes like wine, wine-related items or hotel stays.
May 18, 2012 Event:
Beginning at 7 p.m., the welcome reception will feature Justin 2010 Sauvignon Blanc. The first course includes Mixed Greens with Black Quinoa, Kamut, Barley, Butternut Squash and Citrus Vinaigrette paired with a Justin 2010 Chardonnay. Quinoa is considered a complete protein, containing all nine amino acids plus antioxidants which aid in brain and neuronal function. Kamut is also a high energy grain, while barley is known as a blood glucose stabilizer and lowers bad cholesterol levels. The second course features Tea Smoked Salmon served with a 2009 Landmark Grand Detour Pinot Noir. Salmon is known for its high levels of protein and omega-3 fatty acids and helps lower the chance of dementia and stroke.
Guests will then have the opportunity to cleanse their palates with a Herbes de Provence Sorbet before moving on to the main course, Grilled Venison with Blueberry Balsamic Sauce, Onion Marmalade, Charred Strawberries and Grilled Sweet Potatoes paired with a Justin 2008 Savant. Strawberries are proven to boost memory recall while blueberries are high in antioxidants and protect the brain from free radicals. Berries can boost short term memory and reduce the effects of Alzheimer's and dementia.
And finally, for dessert, guests may contrast one wine, the Justin 2010 Obtuse, with a Duo Dessert plate: Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Flan & Chocolate Mousse with Cointreau. Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants and can enhance focus and concentration. It is rich in flavonoids that improve blood flow to the brain and therefore cognitive ability. And, studies show that drinking wine reduces the risk of heart disease and certain cancers, and slows the progress of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The flavonoids and resveratrol act as antioxidants to reduce the effects of free radicals. Red wines contain higher concentrations of resveratrol than whites.
The top-rated wines are presented by Master Sommelier, Joseph Spellman of Justin & Landmark Vineyards in California. Spellman, one of only 118 Master Sommeliers in North America, has been in the industry for over 30 years. Spellman was elected chairman of the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2005 and is one of only two Americans to have won the prestigious title of "Best Sommelier in the World in French Wines & Spirits" in 1997.
