Local Wine Events

The legendary Fior d’Italia Restaurant in the historic North Beach district of San Francisco will be the setting for a night of incredible food, world-class wines and a little bit of speed on Thursday, March 11.

Benziger Family Winery and Infineon Raceway will collaborate to host a very special wine dinner at the Fior d’Italia (www.fior.com), which opened in 1886 and is the oldest Italian restaurant in the country.

The night, which will begin at 6:30 p.m., will feature a wonderful five-course meal prepared by Chef Gianni Audieri paired with fine wines from Benziger Winery (www.benziger.com). Kathy Benziger, winery partner, will be on-hand to talk about Benziger’s Biodynamic®, organic and sustainable farming practices and how they equate to distinctive quality in wines.

The menu for the evening will feature:

·         Appetizer: Crostinis topped with Chicken Liver Pate (Benziger, Lake Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma, 2009)

·         Second course: Carpaccio of Speck with Mushrooms, Watercress and Lemon Vinaigrette (Benziger, Pinot Noir, Sonoma, 2007)

·         Third course: Risotto with Parmigiano and Wild Mushrooms (Benziger, Chardonnay, San Giacomo Vineyard, 2007)

·         Fourth course: Cotechino with Braised Lentils (Benziger, Signaterra Three Blocks – Cabernet/Merlot, 2006

·         Dessert: Braised Pear with Parmesan and Pine Nuts (Benziger, Bartolucci Vineyard Muscat, 2008).

  The setting for the wine dinner will be the spacious Tuscany Room at the Fior d’Italia, and cost is $75. The night will also feature a video preview of Infineon Raceway’s (www.infineonraceway.com) upcoming race season, as well as a raffle with great prizes, including a Fior d’Italia Gift Certificate and a NASCAR-themed race package from Infineon Raceway.

Guests will also be able to purchase wines at the event, and receive a special discount on the featured wines through the Benziger Family Winery website.

To reserve your seat for the wine dinner or for more information, please call 415-986-1886 or email elif@fior.com.