Sunset Sensations @ Locust Grove

Thursday evening June 12 the setting was Locust Grove – Samuel Morse Historic Site. It was a beautiful June evening and about 150 people gathered for the first of six "Sunset Sensations." Sunset Sensations is a wine pairing presented by Bob Brink of Arlington Wine & Liquors and a cooking demonstration by a featured local chef as they pair hors d'oeuvres from the seasonal vegetables grown in the heritage gardens at Local Grove. This pairing featured Chef Josh Kroner from Terrapin Restaurant in Rhinebeck.

When we arrived we were grated with a glass of 2007 Esperance Soleil Colombard and were treated to a Mediterranean Platter on the garden just behind the visitor center. The Mediterranean Platter featured Pita Chips, Hummus, Olives, Feta Cheese, Sliced Roasted Red and Yellow Bell Peppers Baba Ghanoush and Harissa. They had run out of plates, so putting this on a napkin was a bit difficult, but we managed. The wine selection was okay.

After this, we received a tour of the Heritage Vegetable Garden. It was quite interesting as they try to represent the eras of the Estate and what and how the vegetables were grown at that time. It was quite interesting.

Next we found ourselves on the lawn behind the Mansion for the next pairing of Asparagus, Prosciutto & Garlic Scape Borsin on Ciabatta paired with 2006 La Slina Dolcetto Di Ovada "Rocco Rosso". The view from this point of the Hudson River is beautiful. I could just sit here the rest of the evening and watch the sunset. It's magnificent! I enjoyed this pairing. They were very generous with the food and wine. The Dolcetto was stainless steel fermented so it was very light. Made for a nice summer red. We were the last to leave this spot as it was such a beautiful evening, but we had to head back to the visitors center for the last pairing of the evening.

At the visitors center we had dessert…Strawberry-Rhubarb Tart paired with 2007 Neirano Moscato d'Asti. I am not a big Champagne or Sparkling Wine person, but I did taste this and thought it was too sweet for my palate. But with that being said, it was paired with dessert and it paired very well. You don't want a dry champagne or wine with dessert, it's best paired with a selection that is a bit on the sweet side. The Strawberry-Rhubarb tart was very good. In fact I had two.

The evening was very enjoyable! Bob pairs the food with wines under $15. The selections for this evening were very nice. See, you don't need to spend a lot of money to get a nice bottle of wine.

If you have no plans on the second Thursday of the month, head to Locust Grove. You can find the information on the Sunset Sensations by clicking here.