Mountain Brook Vineyards serves up elevated Wine Dinners

Mountain Brook Vineyards’ (https://www.mountainbrookvineyards.com/) location is gorgeous in “the middle of nowhere” Tryon, NC countryside. They have views forever (almost 360°), produce excellent wine, do a good job with food they offer, as well as food trucks they bring in, and they have a robust and varied lineup of events.

We’ve been to one of their “Movie in the Vines” events and now a fantastic Wine Dinner last week that was perfectly catered by long-time local Chef Michael’s Catering.

Watching a movie in the Vines is a fun outdoor evening in nice weather. Snacking & sipping on terraced seating while watching the movie projected on their gazebo’s lowered screen.

Just before we were seated at the Wine Dinner, I was able to take a look at the catering kitchen and prep/staging area, and I have to say I’m extremely impressed at the quality of the food that was produced, and even more, that hot dishes actually arrived at the table hot. Another takeaway was the brilliant seating place card design that included a line drawing of the entreé each person had pre-chosen. That makes it so much easier for servers.

There isn’t a picture of the passed appetizers in the gallery, but they were great. Bite-sized is the way to go when appetizers are offered by servers walking through groups of mingling people. Yes, small high top tables help, but only so many people can fit around them. Anything larger than bite sized can get messy and awkward if you’re trying to hold a glass and take multiple bites of something on a napkin or small plate.

WINE DINNER MENU – March 19,2022

Passed Appetizer

Sweet Chili-Lime Glazed Shrimp with Avocado in Tortilla Flower, Micro Garnish

Paired with Mountain Brook Vineyards 2020 Sauvignon Blanc

1st Course, Salad

Spring Greens, Gorgonzola, Candied Pecans, Blackberries Ginger-Lemon Vinaigrette

Homemade Silver Dollar Rolls, Whipped Butter

Paired with Mountain Brook Vineyards 2020 Chardonnay (unreleased)
&
Gehricke, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California 2019</em?

2nd Course, Entree

Cedar-Plank Roasted Salmon Sauce Béarnaise

~ or ~

1/2 Rack of New Zealand Lamb Chops in Cherry and Mint Lamb Jus

Paired with Mountain Brook Vineyards ALL IN “Two–One”
&
Spann Vineyards, Betsy’s Backacher-Lot 15, Sierra Foothills, California 2017

3rd Course, Dessert – Selection of Miniature Sweets

• Flourless Chocolate Torte, Raspberry, Fresh Cream, Mint
• Crème Brûleé
• Cherry Strudel

Paired with Mountain Brook Vineyards Twenty-Nineteen BDX
&
Mountain Brook Vineyards Twenty-Twenty BDX

Our future Daughter-in-Law was with us and didn’t miss the wedding services offered at the vineyard. She sent plenty of pictures to her mom after Vineyard owner, Vickie Redgrave, was kind enough to show her around.

Co-owner John Redgrave spent some time with us talking about their history with the vineyard, how they’ve improved the property, and exciting future plans. I don’t know them well, but I have a good feeling about Vicky and John. They both come off as smart, accomplished, and down-to-earth approachable.

Whether it’s for an event, or just to enjoy snacks, wine, and the view, definitely go to Mountain Brook Vineyards. Oh, almost forgot to mention the massive firepit. So sipping a glass or sampling a flight at the firepit while watching an outdoor movie? Doable!