Throughout the month of September 2011, Napa Valley Grille-Westwood Village’s beloved wine country-driven dining destination-celebrates California Wine Month in official partnership with the Wine Institute. To introduce wine aficionados and newcomers alike to the Golden State’s acclaimed vines, the restaurant will offer: Free wine tastings, A NEW Chef’s Table Dinner series, A winemaker seminar and small plates menu with Napa Valley’s Clos du Val Winery, A wine “tag” sale, and A seasonal apple jack-inspired sangria.
Thursday, September 15: Free Wine Tastings for Westwood LIVE
From 5:30 – 7 p.m., wine enthusiasts can enjoy complimentary pours from Clos du Val Winery at Napa Valley Grille’s central tasting barrel, alongside a $5 Victoria Beer and Fish & Chips special, $4 glasses of Crabapple Jack Sangria, happy hour deals, Facebook photo contest, and live music on the outdoor patio to celebrate Westwood Village’s vibrant dining, entertainment, and arts community. A long-time advocate and supporter of California wines, the restaurant frequently invites family-run and environmentally-minded local vintners to be involved in the monthly non-profit Westwood LIVE dining series. Recent winery partners include Frank Family Vineyards, Chalone Vineyards, Beaulieu Vineyards, and Prime Cellars.
Friday, September 23: NEW Chef’s Table Dinner
Kicking off on 6:30 p.m., Executive Chef Joseph Gillard kicks off a new monthly Chef’s Fall Culinary Collection dinner series, honoring seasonal ingredients with a market-driven, five-course prix-fixe menu ($48++ per person) that highlights curated wine pairings from Napa Valley vintners (additional $22). Taking place on the last Friday of each month, Gillard’s California Wine Month-inspired menu will feature Roasted Wild Porcini Mushrooms with Goat Cheese Grits and Sweet Corn Sabayon; Whole Roasted Suckling Pig with Estate Ratatouille and Chicharonnes; and a Dark Chocolate Tart with Bitter Orange Marmalade-paired with pours including Domaine Chandon Rosé, Trefethen Family Vineyards Dry Riesling, and Belle Glos “Meiomi” Pinot Noir. Each dinner will seat up to 20 guests, with whom Gillard will interact and introduce each dish at the restaurant’s rustic harvest table (Upcoming dates: October 28, November 18, and December 16, 2011). Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 310.824.3322.
Tuesday, September 27: Crush & Harvest Tasting Supper with Clos du Val Winery
Starting at 6:30 p.m., oenophiles can enjoy a $55++ per person four-course tasting menu with wine pairings from Stag’s Leap District winery, Clos du Val. Kicking off with a champagne reception, diners can savor Chef Gillard’s seasonal fare alongside wine selections that will include a 2008 Carneros Chardonnay, 2007 Carneros Pinot Noir, and a 2005 District Cabernet Sauvignon. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 310.824.3322.
All-Month-Long: Wine “Tag” Sale
In another festive nod to California Wine Month, Napa Valley Grille will offer select bottles of signature Golden State wines at a special value for guests dining at the restaurant throughout the month of September. Featured selections will include Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc for $30 (regularly $46) and Paraduxx Red Blend for $86 (regularly $115).
All-Month-Long: California-Inspired Sangria
Combining California’s crisp seasonal fruits with its trademark wines, Napa Valley Grille will offer imbibers a special fall Crabapple Jack Sangria with Napa Valley White Wine, housemade Crabapple Brandy, and fresh, local Gala Apples and Bartlett Pears ($5 during happy hour; $8 regular menu).
