Summer Wine Dinners kick off at Fort Myers restaurants. Wine dinners are a ton of fun if you love food, wine and socializing. It’s a time when chef’s really get to shine. They showcase dishes they might otherwise not have the opportunity to create thanks to their set menus. Pairing food and wine is an art. These dinners are intended to bring out the best of both when consumed together as a course. Restaurants all over Southwest Florida host these dinners often times with appearances by winemakers and winery owners, as well as wine distributors.
Summer is a popular time to host these dinners since the tourists have thinned out. Last night I attended one at Trattoria Mia in Fort Myers. It was the first in their annual summer dining series. Trattoria’s gatherings typically kick off in June. The small Italian restaurant is owned by sisters Claudia and Lore. Find Claudia in the front of the house. She also makes desserts. Lore mans the kitchen.
About the summer wine dinner
The wines served were from Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo, a family owned winery in Marche. Marche is a small region of central Italy along the Adriatic Sea. The winery is in a restored, centuries-old rustic building that has been refurbished into a destination for wine tourists with a restaurant and accommodations. They practice organic farming and have several tiers of wines that are all unique and new to Southwest Florida.
Marche is also where the sister’s grandmother was from. She served as their inspiration in the kitchen and for the dishes served last night. Scroll down to see the photos and the descriptions. One of the things I loved about this dinner is how Chef Lore paired a white wine with a dish that had red sauce and a red wine with a dish that had white sauce. It proves that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to great food and wine.
Summer Wine Dinners kick off at Fort Myers restaurants so be sure to attend one while the crowds are down. Here are a few photos from the soiree at Trattoria Mia. Happy Wine Wednesday.
