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
45th Parallel
Parallel parking, parallel bars? No, 45th parallel latitude.
Turns out the 45th parallel is very important in the world of wines….it's home to some of the most renowned wine regions.
Join us on October 11th where we'll learn all about the 45th on this fun-filled 7000-mile Wine Crawl around the world on the 45th parallel. We'll start in Willamette Valley, Oregon and end on the other side of the planet in Central Otago, New Zealand. Along the way we'll make stops in the NY Finger Lakes, Bordeaux, Northern Rhone and Piedmont, Italy. Tom Owens will be our "Crawl Guide".
We'll taste 3 yummy whites and 4 magnificent reds…all perfectly paired by Chefs Patrick and Raphaella of the Cru Quarters restaurant at The Mayflower.
Plus, this is a "Friends and Family" Tasting. You can bring as many friends and family members as you like at the Alliance member discount price…a great opportunity for you to introduce your friends to the Alliance of Sommeliers.
The Wines:
Greet…WillaJORY Pinot Gris 2024
Willamette Valley is home to the best the 45th parallel has to offer in the U.S. This is a spot-on example of one of the valley's primo grapes. It is single vineyard, certified sustainable and fermented exclusively in stainless steel tanks to retain its natural characteristics. A perfect start to our crawl.
#1 Red Tail Ridge Dry Riesling 2024
We'll cheat a little here and drop down to the 43rd parallel so you can get a taste of what makes the NY Finger Lakes one of the world's finest wine regions. "Riesling is the Reason" and Red Tail Ridge's expression of it is all the proof you need. Yes, it really is dry…and exquisite.
#2 Yves Cuilleron les vignes d'à côté Marsanne 2024
Across the Atlantic we go to the 45th parallel in the northern Rhone of France. Marsanne is one of the region's premier grapes. It's usually blended with Roussanne, but this beauty by renowned wine maker Yves Cuilleron is 100% Marsanne. Get ready for a mouthful of almond and hazelnut. Quite dry but powerful fruit…a taste bud tester.
(Food Pairing: Frisée Salad with Green Apple, Goat Cheese, Lavender Vinaigrette, and Toasted Walnuts)
#3 Château Roland La Garde Blaye - Côtes de Bordeaux 2020
Bordeaux is also on the 45th. This family estate right-bank winery is near the town of Blaye across the Gironde from Médoc. It is organically/biodynamically farmed…80% Merlot/20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Expect dark fruit, leather earthiness, some acidity and tannins. It really comes to life with food…by design.
#4 Paolo Scavino Barolo 2022
We crawl to Piedmont Italy, also in the heart of the 45th parallel, to taste Barolo (the "king of Italian Wines"). Paolo Scavino is known for bridging the gap between Barolo "traditionalists" and "modernists". You'll learn about all that and taste this crowd-pleaser.
(Food Pairing: Lasagna Roulade, Smoked Heirloom Tomato Jam, Shaved Pecorino, and Basil Oil)
The Pinot Noirs:
#5 Penner-Ash Willamette Valley 2022
We'll go to the transponder room to de-energize in Italy and re-energize in Willamette Valley again for this must-taste Pinot Noir. You'll taste why Willamette Valley is one of the world's most renowned regions for Pinot Noir. This well-respected winery has created a unique example of the varietal.
#6 Two Paddocks Central Otago, New Zealand Pinot Noir 2023
We'll de-energize and re-energize again for the 7000-mile journey to the 45 parallel south. Did you know that Central Otago, New Zealand is home to some world class Pinot Noirs? It's that 45th parallel climate again. Remember actor Sam Neill (Jurassic Park) whom we lost in July? Sam was from New Zealand. This is his winery since 1993. He called it his "magnificent obsession". A fabulous Pinot Noir, quite different from the Penner-Ash.
(Food Pairing: Fresh Frozen Seared Ahi Tuna, Black Pepper Crusted, Tamari-Amaretto Cherry Glaze, Sesame Fennel Purée, and Crispy Fennel)
Cru Quarters Restaurant is a stand-alone restaurant at The Mayflower
1620 Mayflower Ct, Winter Park
October 11, 2026. Greet wine at 4pm. Sit-down Tasting 4:30-6:30.