Wine + Dinner = True Love at Toulouse

I’m afraid I’m developing quite an addiction for wine dinners – what’s not to love?

Perfectly paired dishes with exquisite wines and the chance to hear the actual winemaker tell about the soil, the weather, and all of the things that intricately help make this wine what it has become? Yes, please. It’s a pleasure to hear them speak because they love what they do and what they create. It’s educational AND delicious!

Since my first ever wine dinner experience at Pacci was so wonderful, I jumped at the opportunity to attend the Dine Around Dinner at Toulouse in Buckhead last night. It was a new event as part of the High Museum Wine Auction going on this weekend, and Toulouse created a seven course dinner based on the wines of two California wineries, Niner Wine Estates and Lancaster Estate, with a part of the proceeds going towards the High Museum.

We listened closely as reps from each winery filled us in about each wine as we went thru from course to course. Both reps went the extra mile by sitting down to chat with guests at different tables and answer any questions people had – what a great way to learn. I think I see a visit to California Wine Country in my future!

Because sometimes pictures speak louder than words, I’m sharing a slideshow of my photos from the evening. Follow along with the menu online if you wish! Every dish was delightful and I can’t wait to go back and try Toulouse again soon.

Uncork a Journey This Weekend

In case you haven't already heard, this weekend marks the 18th Annual High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction, one of the city's most popular events. From March 25 - 27, the nationally ranked wine auction will include several exciting food and wine events. If that doesn't have you revved up already, there is an extra element to this year's festivities: the March opening of The Allure of the Automobile exhibition at the High Museum of Art.

The custom-built schedule of activites includes events at The Cook's Warehouse - Midtown and The St. Regis Atlanta, winemaker dinners, wine seminars, the Beep Beep, Beep Beep, Yeah!: Vintners' Cup Golf Tournament at Eastlake Golf Club and the Vintners' Reception and Wine Auction under the tents at Atlantic Station on Saturday. Pacci Ristorante, Spice Market and Toulouse are Dine Around Dinner destinations on March 25. Aqua blue, Aria, JCT. Kitchen & Bar and Woodfire Grill also are participating in the weekend events.

Click here for more details.

The High Museum Wine Auction Kick Off

Today is the day! Winemakers, wine lovers, and chefs all come together for this weekend's High Museum Wine Auction at the tents of Atlantic Station. The party starts with today's industry tasting event for winemakers and restaurateurs. Tomorrow and Saturday's Vintner's Reception and Live Auction are totally sold out this year, but, fear not; you can still dine at the same restaurants that will be participating: Aria, Canoe, La Tavola Trattoria, Ecco and Woodfire Grill.

There are also still a few tickets available for The Big Finish, the Wine Auction's grand finale wine tasting and dance with live band music. Wine tastings will be offered from 7 – 9 p.m.; music and dancing until 11 p.m. Austin Hope, a third-generation California farmer and a first-generation winemaker for Treana Winery and his own Austin Hope Winery, will serve as special guest at The Big Finish. Georgia's own Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery will be on hand to pour tastes of their locally made wines. Additionally, Marlow’s Tavern and Aqua Blue, along with other terrific Atlanta restaurants, will balance the wine with dine. Stay tuned for pictures and a recap of The Big Finish on Monday!