I'll Have a Glass of Wine, Please!

Starting this Thursday, April 19, Woodfire Grill is introducing a winning wine tasting series for spring and summer months. First up are cava, Dom Pérignon and six other champagnes and sparkling wines. These wines actually complement more foods than any other wine type, according to Woodfire Grill Wine Director Nicolas Quinones and Sommelier Catherine Hatch. The two wine experts hone in on a different type of wine at monthly tastings planned for the third Thursday of each month through August. At each tasting, eight carefully selected wines will be available to dining room guests from 6 - 8 p.m., concurrent with dinner service but not served as pairings. The tastings are $15 per person and are limited to 30 guests each month. Reservations are in order to guarantee a spot; call 404-347-9055 and specifically mention the wine tasting when booking.

For Chardonnay lovers, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is offering the elusive Kistler Les Noisetiers Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2010 for a limited time. Most is sold via the winery's private mailing list, and what does make it to restaurant wine cellars is seemingly sold for a king's ransom. Maeve Pesquera, director of wine at Fleming's, has an "in" on procuring this ultra-premium Chardonnay from one of California's most-sought-after producers. Leveraging a strong relationship with Kistler, Pesquera has obtained this king of the California Chardonnays, and Fleming's is able to offer it as an "Icon Wine" to guests at an exceptional price of $60 a bottle (excluding tax and gratuity) beginning April 18 and continuing while supplies last.

Wine Down Wednesdays: a New Monthly Event at Morton's The Steakhouse in Buckhead

Last night, Meryl and I went to Morton's The Steakhouse in Buckhead for the restaurant's first Wine Down Wednesday event. The first Wednesday of each month, Morton’s in Buckhead becomes the place to mark the midweek with themed wine tastings. From 5:30 to 7 p.m., $12 (inclusive of tax and gratuity) buys guests a generous sampling of three to four wines plus complimentary appetizers. This month's tasting focused on "Pioneers of California" – Beringer Stanley Ranch Chardonnay, Robert Mondavi Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and Terra D’Oro Deaver Ranch Zinfandel. I favored the Mondavi Cabernet, while Meryl enjoyed the Beringer Chardonnay the best. Tanya Lawson, a representative from United Distributors, was on hand to educate us about the wines , and the lovely Maureen, our favorite bartender, brought around hors d'oeuvres such as steak sandwiches and scallops for guests to enjoy with their wine.

These tastings are the perfect opportunity to come get a feel for the upscale restaurant’s top-notch food, wine and exceptional service. Next month's tasting features an evening of "Pinot Envy" on July 2.

Morton’s The Steakhouse Buckhead is located in the Peachtree Lenox Building at 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535.