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.
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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.
