Mornings With Gina Birch

Today is the first day of fall, despite what the thermometer says in Southwest Florida. To celebrate and welcome in the season I attended a superb fall feast wine dinner. It was hosted by the amazing team at Trattoria Mia Italian restaurant in Fort Myers.

The family restaurant off of Daniels Parkway is run by Italian/Venezuelan sisters Lore and Claudia. Claudia is in the front of the house while Lore is in the kitchen. You’ll often find their kids and parents helping out too.

The restaurant is one of many in Southwest Florida that hosts monthly wine dinners, mostly in the summer and fall.

One of the things I love most about wine dinners is how creative chef’s get. They can crank out all kind of great dishes and seasonal specials every week. However, wine pairings are special. The chef first takes flavor components of the wines that are being served. Then tries to match the food so they compliment each other. When that happens, it is like dining magic.

Last night’s dinner, on Wine Wednesday by the way, was all about fall. The wines served came from France, Italy and Australia. The food was more gourmet comfort than so-called tweezer food. It was outstanding. If you have the chance to attend a wine dinner at a restaurant you like, even one you’ve never been too, do it.

September is still considered a slow month for restaurants so get out and support them this week if you can.

In the meantime, check out these fall feast wine dinner photos.

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