Our Next Tasting
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Optima Winery
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Doors open at 6:30 PM for registration & hors d'oeuvres. Dinner begins at 7:00 PM sharp.
Reservations
Menu & Wine Pairings
Hors D’oeuvres
Optima Gewürztraminer 2023
Croque Monsieur Slider with Parisian Ham, Cheese Pate, Baby Kale, and Bechamel on Brioche
Varietal composition: 100% Gewürztraminer
Experience a sensory delight with this dry, Alsatian-style Gewürztraminer. The 2023 vintage enchants from the first glance with its light straw color and delicate floral aromas of rose petal and tropical fruit. Each sip reveals a luxurious, mouth-filling texture, perfectly balanced by notes of creamy peach, lychee, and honeydew melon. As you savor the wine, hints of honey and ginger add a spicy complexity, while subtle notes of nutmeg and clove provide warmth and depth. The wine finishes dry with crisp acidity, leaving a memorable and refreshing aftertaste.
Seafood Course
Optima Zinfandel 2021
Seafood Lasagna with Maine Lobster, Florida Rock Shrimp, House Rolled Pasta, Gruyere Mornay and Seafood Velouté
Varietal composition: 98% Zinfandel, 2% Petite Sirah
A Delectable Delight to Savor. Indulge in a luxurious drinking experience with this wine. Its incredible aromatic bouquet exudes an exuberant fruitiness that explodes with wild berry, blackberry, cocoa, and spiced coffee flavors that settle deeply into your palate. The wine boasts a bright and briary taste with lively acidity, creating a solid structure that complements the intense, decadent flavors of chocolate, white pepper, mocha, and plum. The sweet, creamy oak adds a polished finish to the rich, velvety tannins and spicy, powerful finish. The balance of this quintessential Zinfandel wine offers great versatility when paired with different foods.
Beef Course
Fitch Mountain Dry Creek Valley Merlot 2022
Meatballs Al Forno with Oven Baked Meatballs, Pomodoro Sauce, Parmesan, Oregano Oil, and Garlic Bread
Varietal composition: 100% Merlot
Unraveling the Layers of a Velvety Wine. Indulge in the complexity of aromas in this luxurious wine. From chocolate spice to dark berries, coffee, caramel, and cedar, it offers a diverse palate. A fleshy mouthfeel precedes bright, upfront, red fruit flavors, a structured mid-palate, and a firm backbone of ripe tannins. Its impressive length and elegant finish are remarkable. The Merlot is capable of aging beautifully and can be savored for years to come.
Poultry Course
Optima PMZ Blend 2021
Long Island Duck Breast with Moroccan Spiced Cous Cous Salad, Beurre Rouge, and Tart Cherry Gast Rique
Varietal composition: 40% Zinfandel, 40% Merlot, 20% Petite Sirah
Deep ruby red with purple hues. The nose is rich with a fusion of bold blackberries, cherries, a notes of vanilla and spice add complexity. A harmonious blend that presents a well-balanced palate flavors mingle with hints of chocolate, black pepper, and a touch of oak. Medium to full-bodied with and a lingering finish. This versatile blend complements a range of dishes, including grilled meats, hearty pasta dishes, and aged cheeses. Its robust yet approachable nature makes it suitable for both casual and more formal occasions.
Chip Wine
Optima Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Powerful yet elegant expression of the region. It pours a deep, inky ruby-red, revealing enticing aromas of rose petal, cocoa, dark cherry, and mocha. On the palate, the wine is richly textured with firm, enveloping tannins and balanced by medium acidity, showcasing finesse and structure. Layers of black cherry, ripe raspberry, and dark plum unfold, accented by notes of leather, tobacco leaf, vanilla, and a touch of anise. As the wine lingers, subtle hints of dark chocolate and caramel emerge on a long, polished finish.