What we’re about
Hello fellow wine lovers!
I have been managing the group for almost four years now and what fun it has been!
We do all sorts of different events so please do read the details on each event thoroughly.
Most of our events will either require a pre-payment as I will be purchasing tickets or paying venues directly.
Our casual small dinner reservation events will also require a pre-payment to hold your spot which will be refunded to attending members. This is an attempt to eliminate no-shows and have full capacity at our events. Some higher end venues will charge $50 to hold spots so I will increase the amount in those instances.
NOTE: In order to attend events held in private homes (cheese, chef du jour and the like)members must have attended three previous public venue events.
There is an annual fee of $15 to cover the $400 annual fees I incur from Meetup. After covering the Meetup Fees I promise I will spend every dime on items to raffle at events!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Orin Swift Wine Dinner at FlemingsFleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Sarasota, FL
We invite you to our immersive wine and cocktail experiences featuring today's top wine & spirit producers who embody quality, craftsmanship & innovation.
Friday, July 18, 2025 | 7:00PM | $155 (includes tax and tip!) <-- what a deal!
We are going to do this a little differently. Please sign up here to let us know you are joining, but then call 941-358-9463 to reserve and ask to join Cindy Black's table. A $59 deposit may be required to hold your spot when you call.
A Night with Orin Swift - now for the fun part!
Amuse Bouche:
- BLANK STARE Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley Sonoma
paired with
- OYSTER CRUSTADE marinated North Atlantic oyster, asparagus vinaigrette, shallot, herbs, oyster cream
First Course:
- MACHETE Blend of Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Grenache CA
paired with
- SEARED SCALLOP, frisee, bacon, roasted tomato, lemon chilli vinaigrette
Second Course:
- PALERMO, blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec CA
paired with
- LAMB PERSILLADE, chevre grit cake, black cherry & sweet onion chutney
Third Course:
- PAPILLON, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc CA
paired with
- IRON CRUSTED BEEF TENDERLOIN, thyme-infused potato crisp, blue cheese crust, grilled zucchini
Dessert Course:
- FROZEN LEMON GINGERSNAP PIE, gingersnap crust, raspberry lemon foam, raspberry meringue, chantilly cream
served with
coffee, espresso, cappuccino or tea - Cheese of the Month & Wine Pairing: July EditionNeeds location$69.07
In Pursuit of Cheese: This is the mantra of the Cheese of the Month Club.
Join us as we explore three rare cheeses paired with three wines, some charcuterie, and light bites. Wine will not be known before the event. Cheese tasting notes will be paired with the most appropriate wine to accompany it.
I have joined the Rare Cheese of the Month Club. Additional cheese info and background will be provided the night of the event.
Featured Cheeses - July 2025
#### La Dama Sagrada
- Country:Spain
- Cheese Texture / Type:Firm
- Milk Type:Goat
- Cheese Age:6-8 months
The outside of the La Dama Sagrada wheels look very similar to Manchego wheels, prominently displaying their basket weave texture, but this cheese’s paste is more the color of ivory. When you first open the wheel you smell the aroma of sweet, cooked curds and caramel. Since this one is aged six months, the paste is drier, and you'll find it studded with flavor crystals. La Dama’s up-front sweetness is balanced nicely with a little bit of spiciness on the finish. It will pair well with sherry or dry red wines. Read More
#### Tomme Saint Georges
- Country:France
- Cheese Texture / Type:Semi-soft
- Milk Type:Sheep
- Cheese Age:3-6 months
This washed-rind cheese’s name come from the small town where it’s made, Saint Georges, tucked away in a French region largely known for its medieval castles, like the Romanesque Abbey Church of St. Foy. The town itself is named after Saint George who is mostly depicted in medieval paintings saving a princess from a ruthless dragon. Seems fitting that in the end he should at least have a cheese named after him. Tomme Saint Georges’ paste is moist and creamy. It’s flavor profile reminds us of a sauce or bisque made from sweet cream, chives, and leeks. You might pick up on some breadiness. Consider pairing it with bolder wines and beers and would also work well with prosciutto, honey or dried fruit. Read More
- Country:Switzerland
- Cheese Texture / Type:Firm
- Milk Type:Cow
- Cheese Age:12 months
This large format cheese arrives in warm burnished brown colored 12-pound wheels that when first opened, offer hints of mushrooms, mineral notes and browned butter. Think roasted hazelnuts and caramelized onions. The cheese maker describes the flavor as 'buttered baked potatoes'. This firm cheese is a bit crumbly, presents flavor crystals, and stands out for its intense savory umami flavors and creamy mouthfeel. It will pair nicely with fortified dessert wines like sherry and port, or a big malty beer like Elevation Brewing Company’s Cabernet Sauvignon barrel aged quadruple, Apes IV, featured in The Rare Beer Club. It will also pair well with bigger flavored white wines like an Alsatian Pinot Gris. The dairy suggests using it in your favorite Cordon Bleu recipe. Read More
Prepayment of $69.07 via the methods listed below, is required for this event. Your prepayment covers three cheeses, a welcome sparkling wine, three glasses of wine, and charcuterie/accompaniments. (Not sure about protein accompaniments just yet!)
Important: Please always include a note with your payment with the date and name of the event, maybe an emoji🧀, something so Dawna can easily know where to apply your payment.
No shows or cancellations that I cannot fill from the waitlist will not be refunded. Always a best practice to post a note in the comments section if you change your RSVP so we can do our best to fill your spot.
Event location will be announced to attending members the week of the event.
Payment Methods
Venmo dkbvenmoaccount (last four of cell 2192)
Zelle dawna9999@yahoo.com (Eldringhoff)
