Varanese Restaurant, located at 2106 Frankfort Avenue, will host the “Villa Maria Wine Dinner” on Tuesday, September 20, with a reception at 6:30pm and dinner at 7:00pm. The special guest for the evening will be Fabian Yukich, Executive Director of Villa Maria Estate, who will be on hand to answer questions about the wines being served and their special attributes. As an icon of the New Zealand wine industry, Villa Maria is known for bold and industry-changing moves such as moving to 100% screwcap and putting an emphasis on sustainable practices in every area of the family owned company. The cost of the six-course dinner is $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations for either night are required and can be made by calling (502) 899-9904 or emailing letsdine@varanese.com.

The menu will consist of:

First Course
Sauvignon Blanc
Crispy Fried Goat Cheese and Walnut Ravioli
Served with a Warm Apple Butter Sauce and Julienned Apples

Second Course
Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris Poached Pear Salad
With Mixed Greens, Bleu Cheese and Toasted Sunflower Seeds
Tossed in a Charred Maui Sweet Onion Vinaigrette

Third Course
Pinot Noir
Slow Braised Pork Belly
Served over a Green Pea Puree with Sautéed Mushrooms and Cherry Gastrique

Fourth Course
Private Bin – Merlot, Cabernet, Cab Franc, Malbec
Pan Seared Duck Breast and Roasted Spaghetti Squash
With a Soft Cooked Egg and Crispy Leeks
Finished with a Blackberry Demi

Fifth Course
Cellar Selection – Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Slow Roasted Leg of Lamb Wellington with a Wild Mushroom Duxelle and Crispy Puff Pastry

Sixth Course
Riesling
Toasted Meringue Pavlova
Topped with a Warm Riesling Ganache, Dried Apricots, Blueberries,
Pinenut-Honeycomb Toffee and Honey Drizzle