When was the last time you sipped wine in France, Italy, Spain, or Argentina… without packing a bag or standing in a security line?

 

That’s exactly what’s happening at The Phoenix at Sundale Country Club with their new Passport Series that takes the trip out of the sip.  And trust me, this is not one of those stuffy, swirl-and-sniff evenings where you feel like you need a dictionary to order a glass of wine.

 

This idea is the brainchild of Corrine Coats – a local high school teacher turned sommelier (how great is that?) – who teamed up with the ultra-talented culinary team at The Phoenix at Sundale to create relaxed, delicious, globally inspired wine dinners that are actually fun.

 

You check in and receive your very own “passport.” Yes, a real one. It gets stamped for the country you’re visiting that night. It’s clever, it’s interactive, and suddenly you want to collect them all.

 

The evening kicked off with a bright Aperol Spritz while we mingled –and here’s what I love about events like this: put a glass in people’s hands and they instantly start talking. “What do you think of this one?” “Have you tried this before?” It turns strangers into tablemates pretty quickly.

 

Then the food started rolling.

 

Grilled eggplant, zucchini, and red peppers with goat cheese and basil, paired with a crisp Pinot Grigio. Ravioli al formaggio with Barbera. Braised beef so tender it practically sighed when you touched it, served over creamy polenta with Barbaresco. And we wrapped it up with lemon polenta cake, mascarpone, toasted almonds, and a Moscato that made everyone linger just a little longer.

 

The best part? Fifty dollars per person, plus gratuity (prices may vary depending on the wines). For that lineup. Good luck finding that kind of experience anywhere else in town.

 

And if you discover a new favorite bottle, you can purchase it and keep the “trip” going at home.

 

Tapas and Spanish wines on Saturday, May 2nd. No luggage. No jet lag. Just good food, good wine, and good company.

 

If this sounds like your kind of evening, email Kristen Chatham at kristen@sundalecc.net to reserve your spot. And ask to get on the list – because once word gets out, these passports are going to fill up fast.

 

Buona vita! (To the good life!)