Exclusive Vin Fraîche portfolio tasting at Clayton Winehouse on December 17

The event features blockbuster wines from local vintner Michael Kennedy and food pairings from acclaimed James Beard nominated chef, Ben Welch.

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On Saturday, December 17, local wine professional Michael Kennedy will be pouring some special selections at the Vin Fraîche Portfolio Wine Tasting held at Clayton Winehouse. 

Kennedy, a Forbes “30 under 30” winner for 2017, has vast experience as a sommelier, vintner, and entrepreneur. He co-founded Vin Fraîche Wine Group, a collection of boutique wineries from estates in Napa, Sonoma, Oregon, Tuscany, and Bordeaux that include Component Wine Company, Gagnon-Kennedy Vineyards, La Caccia di San Giovanni, and SOM Wines. 

Chef Ben Welch, a 2022 James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef Midwest and chef/owner of the much-anticipated Lucy Quinn, a restaurant opening in 2023, will prepare three tastings to complement the wine flights. The beef used in the three flights will be sourced from Pierce Creek Cattle Company, a fourth-generation family ranch in Lonedell, MO, owned by Kent Evans and Rachelle L’Ecuyer. Pierce Creek raises pasture- or grain-finished, antibiotic free, dry aged, Angus and Charolais cattle. Beef bundles and packages are delivered direct within the St. Louis Region. 

The event’s wine tastings and food pairings include:

  • First Flight: 19 State of Mind Oregon, Chardonnay / 19 State of Mind Pinot Noir, Oregon / Gagnon Kennedy Zinfandel            

First Tasting Menu Item: Smash Cheesy Burger, tomato jam, fry sauce, American cheese, Hawaiian bun 

  • Second Flight (international): La Caccia, Tuscany / La Colline Bordeaux Merlot / Des Romains Bordeaux Cab Franc                      

Second Tasting Menu Item: Grilled Hanger Steak, garlic crushed zucchini, extra virgin olive oil

  • Third Flight (full-bodied wines): Component Petit Verdot / Component Cabernet Sauvignon / Gagnon Kennedy Cabernet Sauvignon                                     

Third Tasting Menu Item: Smoked Beef Rib (short rib or Dino Rib), potato pavé, Alabama White bbq sauce 

The event is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $80 each (a steal considering the quality level of what's being offered) and can be purchased on Clayton Winehouse’s website.

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