New Events Added to 2016 Minnesota Monthly Food and Wine Experience

There’s something magical about enjoying excellent food, beer, and wine with people who share your passion for excellent food, beer, and wine. That’s exactly the inspiration behind two newly added events for Minnesota Monthly’s Food and Wine Experience: a winemakers dinner and a beer seminar.

The multi-course Winemakers Dinner—complete with wine pairings—will be hosted on Thursday, March 3 at 6:30 p.m. inside the ultra-hip and stylish Marin Restaurant & Bar, known for their creative menu and delicious, fresh, healthy cuisine. Not only will talented Marin Executive Chef Mike Rakun be in attendance, but guests will have access to renowned winemakers from Washington state, Paula Eakin of Michelle Wine and David Merfeld of Northstar Winery, giving you the opportunity to drink and dine with some of the best and brightest in the industry.

Rakun has gone above and beyond to create a stellar tasting menu for the evening. The first course includes Michelle Brut bubbly with charred salmon on a bed of marinated cucumber and fermented black beans, followed by a second course of Michelle Brut paired with flavorful rose pork belly. The third course includes 2012 Northstar Merlot with the centuries-old outrageously delicious French dish, duck confit, and a pomegranate dessert; while the final course includes Cabernet Sauvignon paired with chocolate cake, smoked coffee ice cream, and sour cherry jam.

In an effort to keep the event small and personal, a limited number of tickets is available. Tickets are $132.24 (includes service fees and taxes). To order, click here: minnesota-monthly-winemakers-dinner.

Another first-time event added to the impressive Minnesota Monthly Food and Wine Experience line-up is the Sunday, March 6 beer seminar at 11:30 a.m. (just prior to the 1 p.m. official start of the show). The seminar, “Understanding the Berliner Weisse style” (or, in other words, understanding Berlin’s tart, strong, white beer—affectionately referred to as “Kühle Blonde” by Germans in-the-know)—will be hosted by Jace Marti, August Schell Brewing Company brewmaster and  sixth generation member of the Schell’s family. *Fun fact: Schell’s, located in New Ulm, is the second-oldest family-owned brewery in the United States. Jace studied beer styles in Berlin and is passionate about one of Schell’s newest collections, the Noble Star Series, including specialty Berliner Weisse style sour beers. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online here: minnesota-monthly-beer-seminar.

For more information about the 22nd Annual Minnesota Monthly Food and Wine Experience, visit foodwineshow.com.