Alliance of Sommeliers
The Alliance of Sommeliers is a wine tasting that meets once a month at different restaurants in the Orlando area to discuss food and wine. You don't need to be a wine sommelier or any kind of expert to join. All you need is a desire to explore the world of wine and food.
Originally founded in 1972 as a chapter of the Sommelier Guild of Florida the group became the Alliance of Sommeliers. Originally, the group had 3 sommeliers on the board Reid Rapport, Dennis Kirkwood and Ed Cazel.
This group is one of the oldest wine tasting groups in the country. Some of the members are third generation in their families to continue the wine learning experience.
Wine and food pairnings have evolved over the half century of this wine groups existence. We strive to keep our tastings current and informative without becoming overbearing. New members continually rejuvinate the group as we find new areas of wine exploration.
If you'd like to be placed on our email list to receive future wine tasting notices. The next wine tasting event notice is included below.
Cheers
Are We Still Sideways?
November 8, 2026 | 3 pm
Aurora Restaurant at Celeste Hotel
The theme of the movie ‘Sideways’ was an impassioned search for a perfect Pinot Noir.
During the course of the search, the main character made repeated disparaging
remarks about Merlot wine. It has been alleged that because of the popularity of the
movie and the protagonist’s intense disdain for Merlot there was a major financial cost
for Merlot producers. This tasting will feature three comparisons of Pinot Noir versus
Merlot. The menu is designed to be tasty but not play to the strengths of either varietal.
These are all 90+ rated wines with very similar price points for each pairing.
Soooo – are we still Sideways?
Flight One:
Domaine Roy et Fils Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2023
L'Ecole 41 Columbia Valley Merlot 2022
Pairing:
Chicken Roulade | Goat Cheese | Artichoke | Spinach Mushroom Risotto|
Sauce Champignon
Flight Two:
Bernadus Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2023
Goldschmidt Vineyard Chelsea Alexander Valley Merlot 2023
Pairing:
Elk Bolognaise | Ground elk | San Marzano tomatoes | Carrot | Parmesan | Rigatoni |
Micro Basil
Flight Three:
Grand Napa Vineyards Los Carneros Pinot Noir 2023
Stags' Leap 2023 Merlot
Pairing:
Seared Beef Filet Medallion | Boursin Cheese Potato Croquette | Carrot Puree | Jumbo
Asparagus | Demi-Glace
Tastings at the Aurora always sell out, please RSVP via email AND send your payment to guarantee your seat.
Payment:
Members: $85, Non-members: $95
Food-Only: $45 or Wine-Only: $55