If I see one more white wine list comprised of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, and inexplicably void of a Riesling, I’m permanently forgoing my occasional effort at classy-ness and drinking Coors Banquet beers until I die. The ongoing back-shelf location of this highly underrated wine is an absolute mind-twister, but it is with hope that as the upcoming Summer of Riesling begins, generic blush wine drinkers will be converted once more.
Originally commenced 6 years ago at Terroir in the East Village, Summer of Riesling has since grown to include 28 states and four countries, all eagerly honoring this intoxicatingly versatile grape. With varieties of dry, semi-dry, sweet and sparkling, it should be of little surprise that an entire season dedicated to its consumption is growing both in popularity and in location. So grab a glass and get on board by attending one of the many participating venues in Manhattan this summer.
Not sure where to start? Well as the homage to Riesling enters its sixth annual celebration, New York City restaurants and wine bars are preparing their schedules and sharpening their corkscrews for extravagant multi-course dinners to honor the opening day of the sweetest of summer holidays.
Starting the party where it all began during those 94 days in 2008, Terroir is once again kicking off the Summer of Riesling. On Tuesday, June 18th, the Murray Hill, Park Slope, and Tribeca locations of Terroir, along with Chef Tom Colicchio’s Craftbar, will host four-course dinners with highlighted pairings of the revered vino. Hearth will host a five-course feast on June 21st and Corkbuzz Wine Studio has prepared its own exciting menu for a June 26th Summer of Riesling event.
With all of these mouth-watering restaurants getting excited for the Summer of Riesling commencement, the only question remaining is why you haven’t booked your ticket yet. And saying you don’t like Riesling is not an accepted answer; there are so many endless varieties and styles of the grape that to not enjoy it simply means you have not tasted the right one.
Read full details of the Summer of Riesling dinners below or visit http://summerofriesling.com/participants/ to view a full list of venues participating in the celebration until it ends on September 21st.
Craftbar Summer of Riesling Dinner
Tues/June 18
6:30pm / $125 per person
with Cornelius Dönnhoff of the Nahe and Georg Prieluer, along with Craftbar wine director, John B. Paterson.
To reserve, email mpoore@craftrestaurant.com
900 Broadway (19th-20th), 212.461.4300, www.craftrestaurant.com
Terroir {Murray Hill} Summer of Riesling Dinner
Tues/June 18
7:00pm / $80.00 (all-inclusive) / 50 seats
with Johannes Leitz from the Rheingau region of Germany.
From a classic region comes the classically styled wines from a modern producer.
Reserve at: http://terroirmurrayhillsummerofriesling.eventbrite.com/
439 Third Avenue (30-31 Streets), www.wineisterroir.com.
Terroir {TriBeCa} Summer of Riesling Dinner
Tues/June 18
7:00pm / $65.00 (all-inclusive) / 14 seats
with Vincent Brundlmayer from the Kamptal region of Austria.
History, history, history combined with impeccable vineyards and uber amounts of know-how.
Reserve at: http://terroirtribecasummerofriesling.eventbrite.com/
24 Harrison Street
Terroir {Park Slope} Summer of Riesling Dinner
Tues/June 18
7:00pm / $82.00 (all-inclusive) / 50 seats
with the Terroir wine crew overseeing the proceedings.
A Riesling 101 symposium exploring the entirety of the world of Riesling…think Psych 101, but for wine.
Reserve at: http://terroirparkslopesummerofriesling.eventbrite.com/
284 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn
Hearth Summer of Riesling Dinner
Fri/June 21
8:00pm / $125 all inclusive
To book a seat, go to hearthsordinner.eventbrite.com/.
403 East 12th Street (First Avenue), 646.603.1200, www.restauranthearth.com
Corkbuzz Summer of Riesling Dinner
Wed/June 26
7:00pm / $100 per person
with Chef Hayan Yi and Riesling pairings by sommelier, Laura Maniec.
To book a reservation, call 646.873.6071
13 East 13th Street (5th-University), www.corkbuzz.com
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