Louisville is home to the first two Master Sommeliers from Kentucky: the Bristol Bar and Grille’s Scott Harper and Bristol supplier Vintner Select’s Brett Davis, both of whom passed the elite examination in July of this year. In celebration of this accomplishment, there will be a special wine dinner at the Jeffersonville, Ind. Bristol on Tuesday, August 25 at 7 p.m. Executive chef Richard Doering has created a special four-course menu, and Harper and Davis will be on hand to discuss wine pairings and their journey toward earning their Master Sommelier Diplomas, an honor that has been earned by less than 200 industry professionals worldwide. The evening costs $55, which includes dinner, eight wine tastings, tax and tip. Additional wine pours will be available at cost. Reservations are required and can be made at (812) 218-1995.

Scott Harper is certified by the French Wine Society to teach the curriculum of the French Wine Academy. He was also chosen by the Court of Master Sommeliers to participate in the Mariani Wine Enrichment program in Italy in 2008. In light of these accomplishments, Harper has chosen to feature one French wine and one Italian wine to complement each course.

The special wine dinner menu:

Appetizer
Chilled Seared Shrimp & Scallop on a Bed of Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho
Tavignano Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2008 Marche, Italy

Domaine Lafond Tavel Rosé 2008 Rhone Valley, France

Salad
Grilled Heart of Romaine Salad with Antipasto Vinaigrette
Colli di Lapio Fiano di Avellino 2007 Campania, Italy

Domaine de Noir “Soif Tendresse” Chinon 2008 Loire Valley, France

Entree
Seared Strip Loin Rubbed With Green Peppercorns and Rosemary,
served with bordelaise, cipollini, roasted porcini and wild mushroom blend, potatoes gratin

Cavallotto “San Giuseppe” Bricco Boschis Barolo 2001 Piedmont, Italy

Clos du Mont Olivet Chateauneuf du Pape 2006 Rhone Valley, France

Dessert
Duo of Capriole Farms Goat Cheese Tarts:
basil and goat cheese with caramelized peach
chocolate and goat cheese with pine nuts

La Spinetta Moscato di Asti 2008 Piedmont, Italy

Domaine Pouderoux Maury 2005 Roussillon, France

The Master Sommelier diploma is the highest distinction a professional can attain in fine wine and beverage service. Testing is focused on the areas needed for superior beverage department management, which include Tasting, Theory, Practical and Dining Room Application, and also encompasses spirits, beers, cigars as well as global wine knowledge. To become a Master Sommelier, a candidate must pass four levels of examinations: the Introductory Sommelier Course, the Certified Sommelier Exam, the Advanced Sommelier Course and finally, the Master Sommelier Diploma Exam.

The Bristol Bar and Grille has been Louisville’s dining tradition since 1977. All five existing locations are open for lunch and dinner daily, and the Jeffersonville location also offers breakfast. The Bristol’s Sunday award-winning Sunday brunch is a renowned local favorite. Locations and phone numbers are: Highlands (502) 456-1702; Downtown (502) 582-1995; Hurstbourne Pkwy (502) 426-0627; Prospect (502) 292-2585; Jeffersonville (812) 218-1995 and the Bristol Café at the Speed Museum (502) 634-2723. For more information, visit www.bristolbarandgrille.com.