What Makes A Great Wine Tasting Experience?
I have travelled the globe and hosted private wine dinners in Perth, Florence, Penang and The Woodlands. I have tasted incredible menus, had fine service, sampled good and bad wines. Overall, for me it is the total experience. When I look back, my favorite wines are from the places where I had a memorable tasting experience. It’s more than just the pour in your glass. I am so thrilled to introduce to you the Rosini Vineyards.
Cheers To A Rural Tasting Room
When you arrive to the 25 acre property you will see growing grapevines of Blanc du Bois. The property has three ponds, two barns, apiary and an AirBnB house with a pool. Plenty of parking spaces and even a hitching post for those who saddle up on horseback.
The custom designed Italian Villa is charming, classy and very comfortable to entertain guests or a place to have an informal meetup. The Tasting Room can accommodate 60 guests and there is an on-site commercial kitchen. Lots of open space, a wrap around bar and a private room. There are some conversation couches near the stone fire place, covered patio with a view of the fountain and covered pavilion. While I entered the large arched door ways, I could hear the melody and songs by Frank Sinatra. The Symphony Bubbly popping setting the mood for a wonderful time to celebrate with friends, neighbors and of course the founders who had a dream.
Greg Rosini opened the evening, “We started this venture with the purchase of this property in 2018. Both Carol and I came from the corporate world. Carol retired and I sold my business. With the stock market the way that it was years ago…I just did not want to put my money in the market and we talked about ideas of what we would like to do. Carol came up with the idea of a small rural tasting room. I started to make a home batch of wine and I blew it out of proportion like I do with everything else. So the results of that idea is what you are seeing tonight. I am so humble and thankful for having you here. I really look forward to meeting everybody and meeting new friends. I would like to start off with a little prayer and a toast.”
Greg introduced some special people who have been a part of the Rosini Vineyards journey and raised a glass to propose a toast,
“To my many long time friends who have supported this dream. To the many new friends we have made on this journey. And to the many friends that we have yet to meet that will make this place special. Salud!”
One Sip At A Time
A tasting menu is a great opportunity for wine pairings, but also allows a private chef or a restaurant to show off what they do best. From curating a vision and take the diner on a journey. Kinda like going to a ballet, but with food and wine. All the guests enjoyed a 4 course pairing by the talented Chef Nic who used wholesome ingredients to dazzle our pallets.
First Course
Combining Cod with a light white wine will never let you down. It paired well with the silver medal Blanc du Bois! Dry white wine like Pinot or Sauvignon Blanc pair best with fish like cod and tilapia. The earthiness of the pour enhances the flavors of these fish, and plays well on the palate. Did I mention that I love to eat seafood? The orange sauce had a cayenne spice to it which added to the delicious flavorings.
Blanc du Bois (semisweet) 2019 is a fresh, slightly sweet white wine exhibiting a floral bouquet with whispers of tropical fruit, pineapple, mango and pear. Grapes sourced from Busted Oak Cellars in Carmine, Texas.
Second Course
Pickled jalapeño garlic shrimp on a crostini paired with dry white wine called Viogner. I loved this idea to use as a summer appetizer which gave a burst of tangy flavors with each sip.
Viognier (dry white) 2019 has scents of peach and rose petals allude to tastes of peach, mango and vanilla. A touch of French oak lends to a creamy mouthfeel. Grapes sources from Gatewood Vineyards in Dublin, Texas.
Third Course
Stuffed Portobella Gorgonzola Mushroom Medallion New York Steak was OUTSTANDING and paired well with the silver medal Cabernet Sauvignon 2019. I would love to eat this as an entrée with Cabernet Sauvignon!
Silver Medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 has aromas of black cherry and allspice lead to expressions of espresso and mocha. French oak adds a tough of vanilla, softening the light trace of cigar box. Grapes sourced from Rowland Taylor Vineyards in Brownfield, Texas.
Fourth Course
The Turtle Cheesecake made with a graham cracker crust (comes with 2oz. of chocolate and 2oz. of Dulcede leche caramel sauce) paired well with the Red Blend. Cheesecake and wine are always a perfect duo and ultimately compliments it.
Red Blend 2019 is a sweet Malbec and Dolcetto blend combine to give forth notes of blueberry, blackberry and plum with a hint of dark chocolate. Various vineyards in Texas.
Wine-A-Rita
My first wine-a-rita! It’s a cool, refreshing icy slush with pomegranate flavor.
Charcuterie Board & Upcoming Menu
Rosini Vineyards Team Member Nikki McNatt prepared all of the bountiful charcuterie board spreads. It is the adult version of a lunchable, BUT HEALTHIER! There were a variety of jams and honeys that I am hoping to find out that are available to purchase.
Opening Day for the Public begins on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Operating from Thursday through Saturday Noon to 8pm and Sunday Noon to 6pm. Expect to see a new menu that will feature panini’s, salad type of entrees and charcuterie boards. Carol and her team are planning for future special events and I am looking forward to attending those too! Be sure to subscribe to their newsletter and/or Facebook.
Shop & Wine Club Membership
The Rosini’s shared that they have artwork by one of the team members and they will be adding more items to their online and physical store. The apiary has been harvested and they do sell the honey. So if you are looking for local honey it is available for purchase. Also available are exclusive incentives to join the Rosini Vineyards Wine Club Membership.
The Rosini Vineyards is located at 411 S. Hwy 205, Rockwall, Texas 75032. Visit rosinivineyards.com to book an event to reserve the Barrel Room, Tasting Room or the Outdoor Area.