From indulgent Italian feasts to exotic Spanish tapas-style spreads and earthy Pinot Noir to dry Cabernet Sauvignon, each of these locally hosted wine-pairing dinners will educate and inspire.
The Mick Brasserie Café Allegro Rusconi’s American Kitchen Ember LDV Winery Tasting Room Marcellino Ristorante Arboleda Maple & Ash Wrigley Mansion
October 16, October 23, November 6 and November 13
Embracing the spirit of competition, The Mick Brasserie is hosting the World Cup of Wine through November. The weekly dinner will include four courses served with two glasses of wine per course from around the world. The unique, interactive experience is priced at $159 per person for the semifinal rounds and $179 per person for the finals.
9719 Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, 480-246-6197, themickaz.com
October 20
In an exclusive collaboration between California’s DAOU Vineyards and executive chef Paul Steele, Café Allegro is hosting a five-course meal on October 20 at 5 p.m. Located inside the Musical Instrument Museum, Café Allegro will offer pairings such as pan-roasted diver scallops with DAOU’s 2020 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and braised veal cheek with 2020 Soul of a Lion Cabernet Sauvignon. Live music from Spanish guitarist Miguel de Maria will provide the perfect soundtrack to this special dinner for $175 per person.
4725 E. Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, 480-478-6000, mim.org/cafe-allegro
October 21
On Saturday, October 21 at 1 p.m., chef Michael Rusconi and Certified Master Sommelier Katherine Janowiak will team up for Rusconi’s Wine Bites culinary seminar. For $55 per person, each guest will be served dishes like roasted pork with grilled peach relish paired with Niner Pinot Noir, and five-spice duck tacos with preserved fruit paired with Stag’s Leap Hands of Time Red Blend.
10637 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, 480-483-0009, rusconiskitchen.com
October 25
Established as pioneers in sustainable and innovative red winemaking, McLaren Vale embodies the rich wine and food culture of South Australia. On Wednesday, October 25, at 6:30 p.m., Ember – the fine-dining restaurant at the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort – will be featuring several of McLaren Vale’s most coveted wines. This Australia-themed dinner includes exotic dishes such as crocodile cornet, pan-seared kangaroo and Tasmanian ocean trout paired with two different labels of Shiraz.
10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, 480-789-4391, wekopacasinoresort.com/dining/ember
October 29 and October 31
If you don’t have plans for Halloween, LDV Winery Tasting Room is hosting two themed events at the end of October. On Sunday, October 29 from 10:30-11:45 a.m., you are invited to spend the morning painting pumpkins while enjoying your choice of wine. For $25, you will receive one glass of wine, a pumpkin and painting supplies. Come back on Halloween – Tuesday, October 31 – for LDV’s popular Wine + Halloween Candy Flight pairing, available all day for $15.
7134 E. Stetson Dr., B110, Scottsdale, 480-664-4822, ldvwinery.com
November 7
Join acclaimed chef Marcellino Verzino in celebrating the 20th anniversary of his restaurant and its recent Wine Spectator award on Tuesday, November 7 at 7 p.m. Serving authentic Italian cuisine for two decades, Verzino has become an expert at pairing premium Italian wines with his most popular dishes. This intimate dinner allows guests to ask him about his culinary craft while he prepares a multi-course meal over a wood-fired oven. For $250 per person, this unique dining experience will exemplify why Marcellino Ristorante has earned its acclaim and longevity.
7114 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale, 480-990-9500, marcellinoristorante.com
November 15
A passport isn’t required to enjoy quality Spanish wine. On Wednesday, November 15 at 6:30 p.m., Mario Moro of Emilio Moro Winery in Spain will be at Arboleda to educate guests on the past, present and future of Spain’s wine industry. For $150 per person, allow Moro to take you on a tour of Mediterranean flavors through a four-course meal including decadent dishes like paella with shrimp, calamari and chorizo and Argentinian ribeye with Calabrian chile butter paired with Tempranillo.
15345 N. Scottsdale Rd. Ste K1-100, Scottsdale, 480-701-1007, arboledaaz.com
November 8
Infamous for smuggling Pinot Noir clones from Burgundy into the Salinas Valley, Gary Pisoni’s legacy is well known to wine enthusiasts. His winery, Pisoni Estate, has become the premier producer of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation and is now operated by his sons, Jeff and Mark Pisoni. On November 8 at 6:30 p.m., take advantage of the chance to meet Mark Pisoni and enjoy a four-course meal at Maple & Ash. For $225, experience the legend that started with a dream of authentic Pinot Noir.
7135 E. Camelback Rd. #130, Scottsdale, 480-400-8888, mapleandash.com
November 14
Established in 2016, Caraccioli Cellars was founded in the Salinas Valley by the Caraccioli family and the late, legendary winemaker Michel Salgues. Since then, they have focused on estate-grown fruit and wine in the Santa Lucia Highlands in California. On Tuesday, November 14 at 6 p.m., Caraccioli Cellars will collaborate with Geordie’s executive chef David Brito and Phoenix-based Stem Wine Company to sample wines from Caraccioli’s Escolle Vineyard. The seasonally inspired dinner is $200 per person.
2501 E. Telawa Trail, Phoenix, 602-955-4079, wrigleymansion.com/menu
Raise a Glass to These 9 Local Wine-Pairing Dinners This Fall
Brenna GauchatOctober 13, 2023
