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Fabulous February Wining And Dining Events In SWFL

People often ask me when and where the next wine dinner or event is in the Naples and Fort Myers areas. There is a thirst and hunger for many to…

a table lined with expensive wine bottles for February wining and dining events in SWFL
Gina Birch

People often ask me when and where the next wine dinner or event is in the Naples and Fort Myers areas. There is a thirst and hunger for many to learn more about food and wine and I love. it. So I've put together a new calendar to help. Here is where you can find fabulous February wining and dining events in SWFL.

Keep in mind that this is a work in progress. Some establishments are still finalizing plans for the month. Be sure to check back periodically. I'll be updating the list as more things are added to the calendar. If you see something that sparks your interest RSVP as soon as possible. Most of these have limited seating and many sell out.

February Wining And Dining Events In SWFL And Beyond

In the meantime, if you can't make any these events but want to do try something fun at home, here are four wine and food pairings to inspire you to create your own February wining and dining events. Invite a few friends over, try some new recipes and new wines to compliment them.

To give you some ideas, here are selections that worked well for me this past month.

I first shared this rose with you a couple of years ago, Masseria Li Veli Susumaniello. I enjoyed it so much I bought more and then forgot about it. The vintage is a little older for a rose so I was wondering how it would taste. The answer: phenomenal.

Photo: Gina Birch

Susumaniello is the name of the grape often found n the Salento region of Italy. This wine had nice minerality, some spice and red fruit. My friends loved it, especially with these homemade rosemary crackers. It was also good with our fennel tart with olives and raisins. Find in the $20 range.

If you want a white wine that is good regardless of the season, try Etude Pinot Gris from the Carneros region of California.

Photo: Gina Birch

I served it with a bowl of carrot ginger soup on a cold night and it was a great pairing. The wine had enough acid to cut through the heavy cream I put in the soup. The spice on the finish was lovely with the ginger. The aromatics and tropical fruit flavors freshened everything up. It's not a wimpy pinot gris. $35

Next, for those cool evenings when you are craving some baked ziti, try Seghesio Cortina Zinfandel from Sonoma. Zinfandel sometimes gets a bad rap but it is so good with food. This one was sexy, smooth and had beautiful dark fruit like black raspberry. $50

Photo: Gina Birch

We also tried Cantine Pasqua Vernoa Cabernet Sauvignon with the ziti. The wine was completely different but the pairing worked too. It boils down to preference.

Photo: Gina Birch

This wine was a little more acidic but had lots of dark and dried fruit with hints of smoke and vanilla. I might also serve this with some grilled meats. It's a good value at $30

February Wining And Dining Events In SWFL To Put On Your Calendar

Vichino's Cafe & Wine

Vichino's is in a small strip mall along U.S.41 in Bonita Springs, Bonita Commons. The coffee bar also has a nice selection of wine and calendar full of events. Some of those events involve wine and they have garnered quite the following. At press time, the ones listed below had not sold out. More info here.

Vichino's Wine Tasting Sunset Cruise: Tour of Italy Thursday, 2/6

French Wine Tasting Wed, Feb 12 • 5:30 PM

Lazio Italy Tasting: Thu, Feb 20 • 5:30 PM

Warren

Warren in Naples is known for it's huge selection of bourbons and whiskies. The restaurant, close to downtown, also has a sizeable wine list and they like to share it.  A series of tastings is planned for February and here is what is scheduled so far.

  • 2/13Burgundian Wine Tasting
  • 2/19 Boich Family Cellars

More info here.

Naples Wine Collection

This retailer is one of the premiere spots in Naples and Southwest Florida to learn about wine. They also have a restaurant on site to make dinners easy. The calendar will likely continue to book up. As of now, here is what to RSVP for in February

  • 2/18 The Annual "Cult" Grand Tasting
  • 2/19 Italian Wine Dinner with special guest Fred Del Lago
  • 2/25 DuMol 4-Course Wine Dinner

More info here.

Old Vines Supper Club

Old Vines Supper Club is known for hosting themed wine dinners every Wednesday. The theme changes monthly. . The intimate dinners are not only delicious, but they also have an educational focus. In addition, there is a 5-course winter tasting menu with wine pairings. Old Vines is in Mercato in North Naples. Old Vines Supper Club is on Davis Blvd near downtown.  Reservations required. More info here    Interior of a restaurant with a red wall, fake greenery and wooden slates holding wine glasses and wine bottles

Dorona

This Italian restaurant in Naples hosts frequent wine dinners and special dining events. The next one is February 28th with Alessandra Gnudi Angelini,  the owner of Caparzo from Montalcino and Borgo Scopeto wineries in Tuscany.  The five course meal begins at 6:30.  More info here

Golden Rind Cheese And Wine

This small cheese shop in Fort Myers has an eclectic wine selection too. They have numerous tasting events and seminars, many of which are sit down. You can pre-order cheese trays for events. Reservations required.  More info here.

  • February 18th misc tasting  5:30 FREE
Gina Birch brings the sunshine to Sunny 106.3 every weekday morning from 6-10. She has worked in radio, television and print in Southwest Florida for nearly 30 years. During that time, she has become an advocate for numerous charities including those that support animals, children, women and wellness. In addition, she has written for numerous local, regional and national publications about food, wine and travel. Those are her longtime passions...along with shoes.