Old World vs New World, poured side by side and put to a vote.
A structured tasting dinner built on head-to-head matchups. Each course pairs an Old World wine against a New World counterpart so the table can taste the difference and argue about it.
A clear structure plus a vote gives everyone a role and a reason to have an opinion. Disagreement is the point.
Charcuterie and cheeses; roast chicken; mushroom risotto; beef tenderloin or short ribs; blue cheese and pear tart with ice wine.
Cremant d'Alsace vs Champagne-style sparkling; Sancerre vs Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc; German Riesling Spatlese; Burgundy Pinot Noir vs Oregon Pinot Noir; Barolo finale; ice wine dessert course.
Enough glasses for flights, pour cards, a scoring sheet per guest.
Best wine, best value, biggest surprise, the wine they would buy tomorrow.
Blind first pour, then reveal. Each guest defends one favorite.
Does terroir actually taste like anything, or is it a story we tell? Which bottle would you serve a skeptic?