Okay, okay. Old joke, I know, but literal wine and cheese go together like… well, wine and cheese. There are many connotations that come with the pair, but young and old alike can understand and appreciate their combined power. There comes a day when your taste buds move from Carlos Rossi and Velveeta and turn to a glass of Sauternes and a plate piled with Monte Enebro, English Shropshire and Valdeon Cabrales. Thankfully, Chester County can educate your taste buds and point you in the right direction. Check out the listings below for local wine and cheese events, ranging from low budget ($25) to high budget ($450).
At the Dilworthtown Inn…
1390 Old Wilmington Pike
West Chester, PA 19382
610.399.1390
www.dilworthtowninn.com
Spanish Wines
Date: August 16, 7pm – 9pm
Cost: $75
Enjoy Dilworthtown Inn Chef Aaron Wilson, and nationally ranked sommelier Melissa Monosoff, as they come together to prepare tasty dishes paired with the best-fitting Spanish wines.
The Many Faces of Chianti
Date: August 27, 7pm – 9pm
Cost: $80
The Director of The Restaurant School of Philadelphia explains the differences (in taste and in price!) of “The Many Faces of Chianti.” Chef Aaron Wilson supplements this tasting with a fabulous dish.
At the Chaddsford Winery…
632 Baltimore Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
610.388.6221
www.chaddsford.com
Be a Winemaker for a Day
What could make a day full of field trips, mid-day picnics, cellar explorations and a fancy dinner even better? Just add wine! Chaddsford Winery (and proprietors Lee & Eric Miller) invites all patrons far and wide to experience a day in the life of a winemaker. If you’re venturing from a distance, they can even hook you up with a special stay at the Brandywine River Hotel, and will throw in guest passes for nearby Longwood Gardens, the Wyeth family museum and other local places of interest.
Date: October 6, all day/evening/weekend depending on your reservation choice
Cost: Day trip, $50/person; Evening reception and dinner, $75/person; Weekend package, $450/couple
At Talula’s Table…
102 W. State St.
Kennett Square, PA 19348
610.444.8255
www.talulastable.com
Wine & Cheese Happy Hour
Date: Monday nights, monthly (changes frequently, call for specifics), 6:30pm – 8pm
Cost: $25
Aimee Olexy, half of the driving force behind Talula’s Table, pairs with David McDuff (mcduffwine.blogspot.com) to bring lessons on artisanal cheeses and appropriately paired wines to interested “students.” Understanding the how-to’s of cheesemaking and matching a cheese to a flavorful wine is exciting and satisfying. Past classes have discussed French and Spanish couplings, along with a women-centric theme. This month’s theme is “The Big Boys” of Italy — but it’s already booked! Call now to sign up for next month, and don’t miss a chance to sample one of the most extensive artisanal cheese collections in the region.
At Highland Farm…
151 Doe Run Road
Coatesville, Pa 19320
610.384.7118
Year-Round Cheesy Goodness
Date: The good thing about farms is that they’re always there!
Cost: Depends – how much do you like cheese?
Sometimes, you have to go right to the source. Many people frequent local wineries, but have you ever thought to check out a nearby creamery? Highland Farm puts out some of the best local cheeses, including a soft, delicious sheep cheese similar to Chevre, and Camembert, Feta and Gouda. They do on-site farm sales, but you can also check them out at the Kennett Square Farmers Market on Fridays from 2pm – 6pm.
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