WINEormous good times in vinesThis past Saturday evening we certainly had Good Times In The Vines. More accurately, we had great times in the vines. Temecula Night Out‘s Ken Barnes and Chef extraordinaire Marty Corso teamed up for a phenomenal evening of food, wine and music at a spectacular wine country estate. Gray skies and a slight chill in the air couldn’t begin to dampen the spirits of those in attendance.

WINEormous good times in vinesEuropa Village provided the wine for this event, starting with a sparkling welcome of 2012 Anabel Brut Methode Champenoise. While the Mickey Arnett Duo provided the musical backdrop, Chef Marty and his able team began wowing the guests with his garlic pineapple ginger glazed tropical shrimp skewers paired with the 2012 Vienza Pinot Grigio from Europa Village. Old friends visited and shared bottles they had brought with them. Our hosts lit a fire, most welcome on this unusually brisk May evening.

Next was a Marsala mushroom soup shooter topped with sautéed wild mushrooms, creme fruit and spiced avocado paired with 2012 C’est La Vie Pinot Noir from Europa Village. The soup was savory and a nice hint of pepper and paired perfectly with the Pinot.

WINEormous good times in vines

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Guests soaked in the stunning panoramic views while enjoying chef’s next offering, grilled pork tenderloin in a roasted sweet tomato almond chutney. Europa Village General Manager John Goldsmith, attending with his lovely wife, selected the 2012 Bolero Cellars Poco Roco to go with the pork and again the match was spot on.

The final entrée before dessert was a low and slow genuine Tennessee barbacoa brisket with Marty’s secret Chipotle bbq sauce garnished with crumbled Cotija cheese. John brought out the 2010 C’est La Vie Grand Melange, a stunning Bordeaux blend. The hits just kept on coming!

As cigar smoke began to waft in the evening air, Marty’s incredible crew brought us a bourbon-soaked raisin bread pudding with a spiced maple glaze. It was the perfect finish to an incredible evening, enhanced by the 2013 Bolero Cellars Muscat Canelli.

WINEormous with Ken Barnes and Marty Corso

Ken Barnes and Marty Corso

Good Times In The Vines is on ongoing event with the next one tentatively scheduled for July 25. At $50 a head, to call it a bargain is a huge understatement. I hope to see you at the next one.

WINEormous with Europa VillageWINEormous with Europa Village