This past Tuesday, fans of Burgundy and the Rhone had an exclusive opportunity to taste wines with visiting chateau owners and winemakers at two venues in SW Florida. 

Importer Jonathan Shiekman, of Margate Wines & Spirits, invited Burgundy winemaker Francois Lequin, Chateauneuf-du-Pape estate owner Patrick Vernier, and Rhone producers Cecile Varenne and Jean-Yves Perez, to join him on a four-day tour of select ABCFWS store locations throughout the state.  Margate’s French Wine Director, Jean-Claude Poisson was also on hand.

The day began in earnest with a free afternoon tasting at the ABCFWS store in Fort Myers that was well received by attending guests.  The evening culminated in an exclusive Winemakers' Dinner at IM Tapas Resto Bar in Naples. 

Restaurant patrons enjoyed a delectable five-course tasting menu prepared by chefs Isabel Pozo Polo and Mary Shipman, paired with well-chosen selections from Chateau de Maligny, Domaine Rene Lequin-Colin, Domaine de l’Obrieu, Domaine du Grand Bourjassot, and Chateau Cabrieres.

Admirably handling the logistics for both events in Fort Myers and Naples were ABCFWS wine consultants, Andrew Carmody, Craig Hartman, Jacob Lynd, Steve Christmas and Stephen Simms.

Thank you to everyone involved for making the day so special and memorable for many.

Jim Greeley, Wine Supervisor SW Florida

Follow me on Twitter @ABCWineJimG