but at the dinner, I changed my mind completely! The pairings were so excellent with the food that I personally found them delicious. It appears others agreed with me from the comment cards I received.
Our “greeting wine,” the Treveri Cellars Brut NV Blanc de Blancs, set the stage for a wonderful evening that seemed to be enjoyed by everyone. Kiona Vineyards & Winery 2013 Estate Red Mountain Reserve was a definite favorite but was closely followed by the Plumb Cellars
2011 Estate Sangiovese. Both received resounding approval. Then, too, the Gordon Estate 2013 Gewürztraminer Ice Wine served with the dessert was delightful as well.
Were there palate differences among guests? Of course! For example, when host Dolly Ammann asked guests which wine they preferred with the entrée, the 2015 Tri-Cities Wine Festival Best of Show Brian Carter Cellars 2011 Byzance or the Kiona, more guests preferred the Kiona. This was the festival runner-up to the Byzance. As Dolly pointed out, those who preferred the Kiona “disagreed” with the judges, but that’s OK!
Almost everyone wrote how much they enjoyed having place cards with their names at the tables. Having these not only allowed people to renew friendships but in some cases, new members were able to find those who made them feel very welcome in the group.
The Tri-Cities area is usually so casual in its dress code; therefore, it was fantastic to have a place where one could "dress up" somewhat. Many attendees commented that
the dinner was such a great experience that they wouldlike more events in a similar vein. However, many also expressed that once a year made it so special they felt it was sufficient.
The service during the evening was superior! The Meadow Springs Country Club staff went out of their way to accommodate everyone ... even those of us who inadvertently arrived early to ensure a parking place.
All in all, the entire evening was such a spectacular, triumphant, success that I believe those who attended are looking forward to the same exceptional and exciting occasion in 2017. Finally, many thanks and much appreciation to Dolly Ammann. She graciously and expertly engineered another delightful evening.