Manhattan Fine Wine and Dine Group

5.0•973 ratings

New York, NY, US

551 members · Public group

What we’re about

We are a Wine and Dine Group! We share some good (sometimes Great!) bottles of wine over food and conversation.

A few times per month, we have small group dinners, either 6, 8 or 10 people at each event. The group organizers will host dinners on both weeknights and weekends. The organizer will supply 4 bottles of wine for 6 person dinners, 5 bottles of wine for 8 person dinners, and 6 bottles of wine for 10 person dinners. Most of the time, the wines will come from the event organizer's personal collection.

The cost of each event will be for an individual's share of the wine and in some cases the wine corkage charge of the restaurant. Dinner is not included and must be paid for at the event.

To attend an event, the wine payment must be made in advance, and reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Once you pay, refunds or credits are only available if you cancel AND your spot gets filled by someone else. All refunds are subject to a cancellation fee from $3 to $5, depending on the cost of the event. There is no refund or credit for no-shows.

No other outside wine will be permitted, unless prior arrangements have been made with the host, but attendees may order wine or spirits from the restaurant, at their own expense. Attendees are expected to order at least an entree and one other item from the menu, either an appetizer, a side dish or a dessert.

Along with the wine charge, everyone will be expected/required to pay for their own meal, along with a 33% charge for tax and tip.

We will be dining at restaurants that we have established relationships with, where we can bring our own wine for us to enjoy. Corkage varies from restaurant to restaurant, from Zero to $25 per bottle.

PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU DON'T HAVE A PROFILE PICTURE WHERE I CAN SEE YOUR FACE, YOU WILL BE REJECTED FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THIS GROUP.

Upcoming events

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$31.00
Fri, Dec 5 · 7:00 PM EST
Up A Creek @ Altamirano's on the UES
Altamirano's Italian Ristorante, 1479 York Ave, Corner of E. 78th Street, Manhattan, NY, US
Join me for this Friday night dinner at Altamirano's Italian Ristorante on the UES. The owners are old friends who used to work at 83 1/2. I have now been there a bunch of times, and I love it.

We will have 1 white wine and 4 red wines, all with Creek in the either the name of the vineyard or the winery.

The are located on the corner of E. 78th Street and York Ave. Here is link to their menu.

Altamirano Italian Ristorante Menu

Just a reminder of our usual rules:
** The cost of this event is $31 and is for the cost of the wines, plus corkage only.

NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It is annoying and confusing, but there is nothing I can do about it. It comes to approximately $3 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your rsvp and pay for the event. Sorry! Meetup+ members are exempt from this charge.

You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). Please order at least two courses (i.e. a main dish and either appetizer or dessert) for your dinner. There are very few restaurants that allow us to bring our own wine. We must be good guests to encourage the restaurant to continue to be generous to us.

Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $5 service fee.

Please use public transportation - NO DRINKING AND DRIVING!

The Wines (notes will be distributed at the dinner):

2022 JM Cellars Viognier Stillwater Creek Vineyard ($26) -CT 91, from the winemaker, "Stillwater Creek Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA consistently produces some of the finest fruit in our state and the ’22 vintage was no exception. Our Viognier arrived in early October bursting with flavor and wonderful acidity. After fermenting exclusively in stainless steel, the Viognier was bottled in February and is now ready to delight the palate with flavors of peach and honeysuckle
accompanied by a creamy richness characteristic of this Northern Rhone varietal. This full-bodied white pairs well with fresh salmon, market salads, and aromatic rice dishes.

2021 Quilceda Creek CVR Columbia Valley ($80) - CT 92.9, Vinous 94, JD 96 points," Possibly the finest rendition of this cuvée to date, the 2021 CVR Columbia Valley Red Wine is exceptional, and while a second wine, it's up with the top-tier wines in the vintage. Ripe cassis, spicy oak, dried tobacco, and flowery incense notes all define the aromatics, and this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a plush, layered, elegant mouthfeel, and a gorgeous finish. It's one of those do-not-miss wines. Drink bottles over the coming 15 years.(Drink between 2024-2039)"

2019 Soos Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Ciel du Cheval Vineyard ($35)- CT 93.2, Vinous 94 points, " The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Ciel du Cheval Vineyard is coy in the glass with glimpses of black currant, stone dust and sage forming its bouquet. This comes to life on the palate, silky-smooth and giving in nature with depths of dark red and blue fruits accentuated by mocha and spice. It finishes structured and incredibly long, as residual acids keep the mouth watering despite its youthful state, as hints of sour cherry slowly taper off. This blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc will require patience to show its best but will be worth waiting for. (Drink between 2025-2035)"

2020 L'Aventure Optimus Paso Robles Willow Creek District ($53)- CT 92.2, Vinous 94, JD 92 points, "the 2020 Optimus, it's a blend of 58% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11% Petit Verdot that spent 14 months in 65% new French oak. It displays a solid deeper purple hue to go with a peppery, darker berry, graphite, and smoky earth-driven bouquet. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has a round, supple, mouth-filling texture, quality tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and outstanding length."

2021 Soos Creek Enchantments ($30)- CT 92, Owen Bargreen 93 points, "The 2021 ‘Enchantments’ Merlot comes from the Beverly, Champoux, Mattawa and Discovery Vineyards. Composed of 75% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and the remainder Syrah, this was stored for 21 months in mainly neutral oak barrels prior to bottling. Improving after an hour of air, this yields roasted dates and espresso grounds on the nose alongside violets and shades of scorched earth. The palate is silky and elegant with a smooth texture. A killer value at a mere $30 bucks retail, this is a beauty to buy by the case. Drink 2024-2034- "
8 attendees
$50.00
Mon, Dec 8 · 6:30 PM EST
Sushi, Sake & German/Alsatian Whites Dinner
Sushi Lin, 33 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY, US
Join Marly as she hosts this ALL WHITE WINE event.

For this dinner we’ll be returning to a favorite NYC sushi counter the group has visited twice, Sushi Lin: West Village, a restaurant that “utilizes specialized seafood sourced from Tsukiji Market in Tokyo & around the world to bring forth an Omakase experience that focuses on freshness, flavor & texture.” Sushi Lin does modern sushi preparations at an affordable price compared to other city sushi spots and it delivers maximum flavor. Choose either 12 courses for $85 or 19 courses for $125 plus tax & tip. Note: This restaurant does not offer a la carte sushi as a meal. If you sign up, be prepared to order an omakase. And if you don't like sushi or white wine, this is not the event for you. One additional note: Due to the delicate nature of sushi paired with white wine, please try to avoid wearing perfume or cologne to the dinner.

This 6-person dinner will include 1 Junmai sake and 3 white wines.
** The cost of this event is $50 and is for the cost of the wines and the corkage only.

NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It is annoying and confusing, but there is nothing I can do about it. It comes to approximately $4 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your rsvp and pay for the event. MEETUP+ members are exempt from this charge.

Just a reminder of our usual rules:
You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip) which will be 1 omakase meal and any extras pieces ordered.

Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $5 service fee.

The Wines (notes will be distributed at the dinner):

1) Nichi Nichi Yamadanishiki Junmai Kimoto sake $23
I bought this bottle in Kyoto last April where I kept it cool except for 2 days that it spent in a warm luggage storage room before getting it into my fridge. This brand was brought to my attention by a fellow group member and I’ve been enjoying it ever since—just not this particular bottle. For this "introductory product of the Nichi Nichi brand, it uses Yamadanishiki ('the king of sake rice') and the traditional Kimoto method to start the fermentation. That method means natural lactic bacteria is organically created in the fermenting starter culture, giving the wonderful acidity and creamy aroma to the sake. Delicate rice aroma with hints of soft sweetness and subtle fruit. It has a clean, crisp and silky finish."

2) 2023 Domaine Christophe Mittnacht Terres d'etoiles Alsace Pinot Gris, ABV 13.5% $28
The people at Flatiron Wines were very passionate about this bottle, especially for a sushi pairing. Grapes & Grains: "The 2023 vintage brings fresh energy to Mittnacht's range, where ideal growing conditions created wines of exceptional vibrancy. The wine opens with explosive aromatics: citrus and white flowers leap from the glass, showing 2023's exceptional balance. As it develops, notes of green apple, wet stone, and subtle honey emerge. On the palate, the wine delivers both concentration and energy; vibrant acidity creates a sensation of lightness, while pure fruit flavors and mineral notes provide genuine interest. The finish extends with impressive persistence."

3) 2021 Giegerich Chardonnay R Grand Cru TKN, Franken, ABV 13% $65
At my first group dinner at Sushi Lin I served a Silvaner from Germany's Franken region. That one’s not currently available so trying a Chardonnay from Franken instead. German Chardonnays have recently come to my attention and I love them; it will be interesting to taste one from this region. JS 2021 vintage: "Plenty of candied orange peel, dried pear and honeycomb character on the nose and medium-bodied palate. Excellent depth on the front palate, the integration of oak and fruit spot-on, then quite a firm finish. Fermented and matured on the lees in barrique casks. Limited production."

4) 2021 JB Becker Riesling Oberberg Auslese TKN, Rheingau, ABV 13.5%, $59
This bottle was enjoyed at my first Sushi Lin dinner and is currently available. A somm at an Austrian restaurant described it as a Riesling with that dense flavor of apricots—similar to what appeared in the botrytised dessert wine Beringer Nightingale—except the bottle we're having is surprisingly dry. JS, 2021 vintage: "Generous white peach fruit fills out the ample body, but there’s nothing lush or exotic about this very focused wine that has the power to stand in for tannic reds. You only feel the 13.5% alcohol a little bit at the imposing and structured finish. Excellent aging potential. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold."
6 attendees
$41.00
Wed, Dec 10 · 7:00 PM EST
Mostly Spanish wines at El Pote
El Pote Español, 718 2nd Avenue, New York, NY, US
Join us as we return to El Pote Espanol, for a night of Mostly Spanish GSM wines. This 8-person event will feature 1 white and 4 red wines.

El Pote Espanol is located at 718 2nd Avenue, between 38th and 39th Street.

Here is a link to their menu:

Menu for El Porte Espanol

Just a reminder of our usual rules:

** The cost of this event is $41 and is for the cost of the wines and corkage.

NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It is annoying and confusing, but there is nothing I can do about it. It comes to approximately $3 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your rsvp and pay for the event. Sorry! Meetup+ members are exempt from this charge.

You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). AND order at least two courses (i.e. a main dish and either appetizer or dessert) for your dinner. Our discounted corkage fee is based on EVERYONE ordering two courses.

Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $5 service fee.

Please use public transportation - NO DRINKING AND DRIVING!

The Wine List - Notes will be provided at dinner:
2023 Bodegas Avancia Godello Old Vines ($31) - I really love Godello wines and this one is always a hit. JD 91 points, "the 2023 Avancia Godello Old Vines is a solid step up, with ripe citrus, honeyed white flowers, and chalky mineral-like aromas and flavors. It's beautifully balanced, has integrated acidity, and a clean, crisp, absolutely delicious style that will evolve for 4-5 years, if not longer. (Drink between 2024-2029)"

2020 Raul Pérez Petit Verdot Valtuille ($45) - Raul Perez doesn't make a lot of Petit Verdot, and I wish I had bought more, this is my last bottle! No notes available, but my impression is that it is more New World than Old World. Meaning more fruit forward, which is probably why I liked it.

2016 Ferrer Bobet Priorat Selecció Especial Vinyes Velles ($80) - WA 96 points, "The expressive 2016 Selecció Especial reminds me of the 2010, with all the baby fat and all the primary notes still there. It seems to have a lot of everything in an amazing balance, so nothing feels out of place—acidity, tannins, fruit, saltiness. It's full bodied, with soft tannins and a subtle thread of acidity going through its core. It should make old bones. It's so elegant I forgot I was tasting a Cariñena... 3,679 bottles and 100 magnums. (drink 2021-2029)"

2020 La Vizcaína Bierzo Las Gundiñas ($40) - This Spanish Mencia received 95+ points from the WA, "The 2020 La Vizcaína Las Gundiñas has a new plot, a west-facing vineyard that is steeper and cooler. Pérez likes Gundiñas and Rapolao in warmer years like this. In 2020, 50% of the wine matured in 2,000-liter oak foudre and the other half in used 500-liter barrels. It was harvested much earlier, and the wine shows more freshness even if it shows more tannin today. He likes long macerations (40 to 45 days) and works toward having tannins and weight in his wines. Some 6,000 bottles were filled in August 2021."

2021 Ridge Mancini Ranch ($40) - I just had to throw in a California wine! Vinous 95, JD 95 points, "Based on 73% Carignan and 27% Zinfandel, the 2021 Manchini Ranch reveals a ruby/plum hue as well as a gorgeous nose of red and black plums, cigar wrapper, cedarwood, and candied strawberries. It's incredibly complex, medium to full-bodied, has a supple, elegant mouthfeel, and fine tannins. This is a brilliant example of Carignan, and I'd put it up with the finest expressions of the variety I've tasted. I generally don't like how Carignan ages (it tends to turn more rustic), but the level of purity and balance in this beauty makes me think it will easily evolve for 10-12 years, if not longer. (Drink between 2023-2035)"
8 attendees
$24.00
Fri, Dec 12 · 7:00 PM EST
More Italian Wines @ Altamirano's on the UES
Altamirano's Italian Ristorante, 1479 York Ave, Corner of E. 78th Street, Manhattan, NY, US
Join Caitlin and myself for this Friday night dinner at Altamirano's Italian Ristorante on the UES. The owners are old friends who used to work at 83 1/2. I have now been there a bunch of times, and I love it.

We will have 1 white wine and 4 red wines, all from Italy.

The are located on the corner of E. 78th Street and York Ave. Here is link to their menu.

Altamirano Italian Ristorante Menu

Just a reminder of our usual rules:
** The cost of this event is $24 and is for the cost of the wines, plus corkage only.

NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It is annoying and confusing, but there is nothing I can do about it. It comes to approximately $3 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your rsvp and pay for the event. Sorry! Meetup+ members are exempt from this charge.

You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). Please order at least two courses (i.e. a main dish and either appetizer or dessert) for your dinner. There are very few restaurants that allow us to bring our own wine. We must be good guests to encourage the restaurant to continue to be generous to us.

Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $5 service fee.

Please use public transportation - NO DRINKING AND DRIVING!

The Wines (notes will be distributed at the dinner):
2024 Poggio Le Volpi Frascati Superiore - ($18) - a light-bodied, tangy blend of Malvasia and Trebbiano from the Lazio region (near Rome). Notes of pear, green apple, elderflower with a hint of almond. Fantastic with seafood, especially white fish, risotto, and fresh spreadable cheeses.

2024 Librandi Segno Librandi Ciro Rosato - ($28) - a well-balanced rose from Calabria, made from single-source Gaglioppo varietal. Red berry, floral and spicy notes; pairs well with cured meats, richer seafoods, mildly spicy foods, and eggplant parm.

2021 Casa E. di Mirafiore Langhe Nebbiolo ($25) - a medium-bodied red grown in the Piedmont region since 1858, form a vineyard founded by the son of Italy's king Vittorio Emanuele II. Boasts aromas of nutmeg, tobacco, and dried leaves alongside withered violet. On the palate, soft yet balanced tannins, with notes of dark cherry, rosemary, licorice, and balsamic with a cleansing acidity.

2017 Grasso Fratelli Barbaresco Giacosa Spessa Riserva - ($50) - a complex Barbaresco Riserva, made by a third-generation small-production winemaking family in the Piedmont region from 100% Nebbiolo grapes. Barbaresco is sometimes called the "Queen of Nebbiolo" for its elegant, lighter profile compared to the more robust Barolo. Notes include layers of dark fruits (cherry, blackberry), cassis, violet, rose with hints of tobacco and an exceptionally long finish. A real treat and not easy to find in the US!

2020 Schiavenza Barolo Cerretta ($40) - A "Mystery" wine purchase from Garagiste. All I was told was that it was a Barolo from 2020, and then was told a few producers that IT WAS NOT. Let's try it! WA 93 points, "The 2020 Barolo Cerretta (with a 15% alcohol content) has dried fruit and baked plum that gives the wine an aged profile. These results are firm and muscular with a powerful approach to the mouthfeel. This wine has some of the metallic or ferrous qualities that I often associate with Serralunga d'Alba. It finishes with a salty, mineral close. 3,500 bottles were made."
8 attendees