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
A to Z in Lodi
There are some fabulous wines coming out of Lodi, not just Zinfandel. In fact, 135 different grape varietals producing some killer wines; from “A” (Albariño) to “Z” (Zinfandel).
You’ll taste some of the best on Sunday April 12 at The Mayflower Cru Quarters. Back by popular demand is guest presenter, Jim Boswell.
As usual, Cru Quarters Chef Patrick and Sous Chef Raphaella will pair the wines with exquisite spot-on food selections.
Greet Wine:
A yummy Rosé blend of 8 different varietals. It won Double Gold in two separate wine competitions.
First Pairing:
Oak Farm Vineyards Albariño: A little different from its Spanish cousin; it smells and tastes of apples and tropical fruits and has never touched oak. A 2025 Double Gold winner in New York State Wine Competition.
Oak Farm Vineyards Fiano: This Italian white grape could easily be called the star of the vintage for Oak Farm. In 2025 it won “Best of California” (100 points). Wow!
(Paired with green bell pepper and apple poached black cod. Green apple napa cabbage & shishito pepper slaw with sesame miso vinaigrette)
Second Pairing:
Oak Farm Grenache Noir: Another Gold medal winner. This is clearly a new world Grenache but still true to its pedigree. A real gem.
Turley Bechtoldt Vineyard Cinsault: Yes, Turley and yes, Cinsault from vines planted in 1885 that make this the oldest Cinsault vineyard in the U.S. and possibly the world.
(Paired with braised pork & blueberry ragù over saffron risotto & crumbled feta)
Third Pairing:
Monte Rio Rivers Edge Vineyard Sangiovese: Made with carbonic maceration (you’ll learn what that is). Not your Uncle Vito’s Chianti.
Michael David “Lust” Zinfandel: Well, you can’t have a Lodi tasting without the crème de la crème of Lodi. Decadent and seductive, you can’t resist. A true masterpiece illustration of what makes Lodi Zins so famous.
(Paired with smoked duck breast with Amarena cherries in a “lust/sangiovese” jus. Sauteed water crest & cauliflower puree)
Cru Quarters Restaurant is a stand-alone restaurant at The Mayflower
1620 Mayflower Ct, Winter Park
Greet wine at 4pm. Sit-down Tasting 4:30-6:30.