Local Winemakers Dinners A Boost For Non-Profits

Expanding their marvelous schedule of winemaker events, the Classic Wines Auction organization added new fall Winemakers Dinners to their calendar this year, hosting dinners last week at a variety of fantastic Portland area restaurants, including Carlyle, clarklewis, Andina, and Ten 01. Supporting local non-profit organizations focused on families, children, and the homeless community, Classic Wine Auction events have raised $21 million over the last 25 years, helping many of these programs expand their services to those in need.

I had the great opportunity to attend Wednesday’s Winemakers dinner held at El Gaucho, sponsored by the wonderful Sokol Blosser Winery. Host Alex Sokol Blosser joined event guests to indulge in the divine eats as well as to discuss the history of the Sokol Blosser vineyard. Dinner dishes included Seared Diver Scallops and Butter Poached Maine Lobster, paired with Sokol Blosser’s 2008 Dundee Hills Pinot Gris, Seared Rack of Lamb in a Black Cherry Reduction, paired with Sokol Blosser’s Meditrina, and a Pan Seared Halibut, served with a Sokol Blosser 2007 Estate Cuvee Pinot Noir.

In support of wonderful local organizations, including Metropolitan Family Service, New Avenues for Youth, and Trillium Family Services, spring Winemakers dinners will be held March 2-4, 2010, with the annual Classic Wines Auction dinner held Saturday, March 6, 2010 at the Oregon Convention Center, featuring a wine tasting, a five-course dinner, and auctions. For more information on the Classic Wine Auction events, visit their website here.

~Jennifer Heigl