Road trip!

Since very few people are lucky enough to get to travel for fun all the time, myself included, I am always thrilled when April arrives and the Sandestin Wine Festival is penciled in on my calendar.  www.sandestinwinefestival.com

This marks the 25^th year of wine novices and wine aficiondos alike attending and participating in auctions, wine tasting and private dinners.  These dinners are held at some of the Emerald Coasts most exquisite homes and establishments.  Each patron dinner features a nationally recognized chef paired with a world-class vinter.   It is with great pleasure that I am paired this year with Merry Edwards Winery & Willamette Valley Vineyards.  On Friday evening the 29^th, our gracious hosts Bert & Sue Trucksess and our wine connoisseur Ken Coopersmith will guide our intimate group in a delicious wining and dining experience.

Our evening in paradise will begin with:

Reception

2010 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley

2009 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris

Sweet Corn Mousse

Seared Sea Scallop & Parsley Oil

Roasted Pork & Sonoma Jack Grilled Cheese

Tomatillo Jam

1^st Course

2008 Willamette Valley Vineyards Estate Chardonnay

2009 Merry Edwards Chardonnay Russian River Valley

Vanilla Poached Lobster

Citrus Aioli, Candied Fennel & Lemon Foam

2^nd Course

2008 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Olivet Lane Russian River Valley

2008 Willamette Valley Vineyards Elton Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir

Wild Mushroom Risotto

Duck Confit, Sundried Cherry Mostarda

3^rd Course

2008 Willamette Valley Vineyards Tualatin Estate Pinot Noir

2008 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Coopersmith Russian River Valley

Cocoa Espresso Dusted Rack of Pork

Soft Polenta with Bacon Marmalade

Brussels Sprout “Collards”

4^th Course

2008 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Meredith Estate Russian River Valley

2008 Willamette Valley Vineyards Signature Cuvee Pinot Noir

Texas BBQ Boneless Short rib

“Baked Beans” & Sweet Corn Slaw

Dessert Course

2008 Merry Edwards Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley

Apricot Olive Oil Cakes

Late Harvest Sauvignon Zabaglione & Fresh Fig Preserves

After Friday evenings festivities, I will peruse the festival at Baytowne Wharf, walk the sandy beaches of Sandestin, and sip fabulous wines all the while savoring the sunny skies and hopefully my sunny disposition.