On Wine Wednesday, and the first full week of Fall, I attended a delicious Wine Tasting Dinner at Trattoria Mia in Fort Myers. On the eve of the one year anniversary of Hurricane Ian, we were toasting the end of summer with food and wine while sharing stories of gratitude. It was hard not to remember where we all were at this time last year. Many of those in attendance were still struggling with repairs and insurance. However, they were happy to come together and find comfort with friends, food and wine.
Trattoria Mia is an Italian restaurant on Daniels Parkway, owned and operated by two sisters who grew up in Venezuela. Claudia is front of the house and the pastry chef while Lore mans the kitchen and commands attention at these dinners. They take place monthly, during the slower summer and fall months. Each has a different theme or feature wines from a specific winery.
This one began with a rose from Chile. Rose is the quintessential summer wine and it was paired with a Peruvian seafood dish. The two reds were selected for a two-fold reason. First, their names were perfect for summer. Next, they had lots of flavors and components that Chef Lore found inspiring to pair food with. Finally, taking a chance on a white wine pairing for dessert. When we tasted this one in preparation for the dinner, it was full of peach and tropical notes. Perfect for the last course and farewell to summer. Not only did I attend this dinner, I helped to organize the wines.
If you have a chance to attend local wine dinners, before season picks up, do it. It is a great way to try new things, meet people and have fun. Here are a few photos of us toasting the end of summer with food and wine.