It’s Wine Wednesday. The best way to enjoy wine is with food, and friends of course. Last night, I went to a wine dinner to benefit children in need in Southwest Florida. These dinners happen quite often in Fort Myers, Naples and Cape Coral. I share with you so next time you see one advertised, you might sign up. Especially when there is a charity arm involved.

This one is put on by Sharon Torregrossa who hosts Women’s Wine Club in Lee County. For decades, she has been bringing women, food, wine, charity and fun together. Her monthly dinners rotate between local restaurants. Chefs typically prepare a special four course meal that is paired with wines. It’s a great way to try new food and wine, and sometimes new restaurants. In addition, Sharon always ties in a charity to these dinners.

Wine dinner to benefit children

Last night, the charity was the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida. The organization provides a range of services for children in need and those going through difficult times including abuse. They help navigate the legal system and take care of the child’s needs on multiple levels.

The dinner was held at Harold’s Restaurant in Fort Myers. Chef and owner Harold Balink has been a long time partner with Sharon and her wine events. In addition, he hosts monthly wine dinners throughout the year that are outstanding. He has a great palate. Harold put together a four course meal with the perfect amount of food and great wines to match each dish. These wines are not found all over but they are in a few local restaurants. If you see them, try them. They were all good and unique in their own ways. In addition, they are all best with food.

Here are some photos from our wine dinner to benefit children in need.

• Bubbles and shoes

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  I took a chance on these big platforms. All of the ladies dress for the event. It is part of the fun. And a little sip of bubbles was perfect with the amuse bouche

• Amuse Bouche

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  The amuse-bouche served before dinner was a combination. One spoon was full of an artichoke and tomato tapenade and the other was full of Boursin cheese and crab. Together they were great.

• Menu

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  This is the full menu for Women's Wine Club dinner at Harold's in Fort Myers. The restaurant is known to host great wine dinners throughout the year.
• Wine is poured

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  The wine dinner was four courses. Each one with perfect food and wine pairings. Servers poured at the table.

• First Course

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  This shrimp sits artfully on a mound of orzo. It also has feta and basil fume. Perfect with the Frisk Prickly Riesling.

• Frisk Prickly Riesling

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  Frisk Prickly Riesling is from Australia. It was served with the first course. It was a bit sweet, with tropical fruits. It also had a bit of effervescence. Good with salty and spicy foods.
• Second course

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  This one was paired with Hungry Blond Chardonnay. It is a seared scallop sitting on top of plum almond risotto. The beurre blanc sauce was outstanding with the wine.

• Hungry Blond Chardonnay

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  This comes from Davis Estates in Napa Valley, California. The grapes were grown in the Carneros region. It has some oak but is not overdone. A more substantial chardonnay that needs food.

• Third Course

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  This course was one of the favorite of the night. A small piece of grilled filet served with a gorgonzola potato tart. The tart was delicate and rich, perfect with the mat.
• Truth, Dark and Jammy Cabernet

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  This cabernet sauvignon was served with the grilled filet for the third course. It was not as jammy as the name suggests. It had lots of dark fruit but with balanced tannins. It's a smooth, good cabernet.

• Fourth Course

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  Dessert course was melt in your mouth. Almond chocolate cake with delicious chocolate mousse. It had this lovely gorgonzola hazelnut crunch to take it over the top. It was paired with a fun syrah.

• Desserts ready

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  I love photos like this. The desserts were plated and lined up on the counter. All that was needed was a few shakes of powdered sugar and then off to the tables for the final course.
• Wine for dessert

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  Pledrasassi Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard in Santa Maria Valley was served for dessert. Red wine and chocolate is often paired together and this one also had a little gorgonzola

• Sharron Torregrossa

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  Sharron Torregrossa put on Women's Wine dinners all over Lee County. They bring together an array of women who love food, wine and friendship. The restaurants rotate monthly.

• Harold Balink

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  Harold Balink is the owner of Harold's Restaurant in Fort Myers. A beloved Southwest Florida chef, is restaurant is award winning. He supports lots of local charities and hosts numerous wine dinners like this one.
• Prizes

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  Women's Wine Club also supports local charities. At the end of the meal bags of wine, gift certificates and such are given out. Money goes to various charities

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