Like some vintages, the Deering Estate Foundation’s ninth annual signature fundraising event Wine On Harvest Moon, presented by South BMW, gets better with age.
Each year, the theme features the “fine wine, fine food and fine art” of a different region of the world. On Saturday, Oct.23, the bountiful dishes and wines from California’s Sonoma, Napa and the Central Coastal will be showcased.
A highlight of the evening will be the Florida debut of Deering wines of Sonoma County. Owners Blair Collins Maus and her husband, Todd, are bringing their Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Zinfandels “home” to the Deering Estate at Cutler for sampling and sale. Mrs. Collins is the greatgreat granddaughter of Charles Deering.
“In 1922, after Charles Deering made the 444-acre Estate his permanent home, he built the Mediterranean style Stone House to accommodate his art collection,” said Mary Pettit, executive director of the Deering Estate Foundation. “Down in the basement, he included a large prohibition era wine cellar disguised behind a bookshelf where he hid away his vast collection of wine and spirits.
“Having Blair and Todd join us on the Estate to pour their California wines and share their story at this event, is incredibly exciting,” said Pettit. “I’m sure her great-great grandfather, an avid naturalist and wine connoisseur himself, would be very proud not only of the quality of Deering Wines, but especially by the sustainable organic farming practices they employ to produce them.”
Throughout the evening delicious food samples will be prepared by chefs from Bizaya at the Ritz-Carlton, Ana Capri, Smith & Wolensky, Sawa (at Merrick Park), Mango Café, Kaliapy’s and Delicias Del Mundo. Scrumptious desserts are being provided by Wendy’s Chocolates, Donna’s Delights and Sugar Shack, and Sara Sharpe is catering the VIP reception. Crown Wine & Spirits presents wine tasting with professor Chip Cassidy and event sommelier Veronica Litton, who share their expertise.
A new component at Wine On Harvest Moon is the celebrity cook-off. Gourmet food trucks are one of the hottest national food trends. This casual source for highend food sets up the perfect challenge for the event, the Battle of the Food Truck Chefs. Chef Jeremiah, of the GastroPod Mobile Gourmet, opposes Chef Jack Garabedian of Jefe’ Original Fish & Taco Burger. There will be no limit to the creativity of either of these remarkable chefs when it comes using products from the generous pantry stock piled by Whole Foods Market.
With superb food and wine offered, Wine On Harvest Moon is not to be missed. Event hours are 7:30-10:30 p.m. at the historic Deering Estate at Cutler, 16701 SW 72 Ave. General admission is $90 ($75 for members) and VIP tickets are $175 ($150 members).
For more information, call 305-235- 1668, ext. 263, or purchase online at <www.deeringestate.org>.
