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.
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.
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
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.
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
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. Reservations required. More info here
