Three Fabulous Vineyards

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: September 2024 | Photograph By: Susan Renfro

Chef / Owner Andrew Figel and Wine Director Janelle Watson

Highlands restaurant On the Verandah is on a mission to enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of wine.

This fall, wine enthusiasts and friends of the restaurant will have a chance to engage with educators and hosts from three of the world’s top wineries. At events in October and November, the wine will flow as guests are treated to multi-course menu pairings certain to fulfill every gourmet’s dreams.

Friday, October 25, 6:00 P.M.: Elk Cove Vineyards: Todd Stewart, Elk Cove’s National Sales Manager, and NC native will be on hand to lead attendees through a tasting of the Elk Cove’s hand-crafted, Estate-grown cool climate wines that rival the best in the world. Founded in 1974 by Pat and Joe Campbell, Winemaker Adam Campbell joined forces with his parents in 1995 and Elk Cove remains proudly family owned. Though they didn’t know it at the time, but they were pioneers of what would become a new industry in Oregon.  Drinkers of Willamette wines will love the delicate expression of these wines. $195 plus tax and tip.

Friday, November 8, 6:00 P.M.: Domaine Drouhin: Drouhin ambassador, Laurent Drouhin will illuminate and educate attendees on the nuances of his famous family wines. Born in 1966 in Beaune, the center of France’s Burgundy region, Laurent was the second son and third child of Françoise and Robert Drouhin, a man known around the world for his passionate devotion to the fine Burgundy wines produced by Maison Joseph Drouhin, the firm started by his grandfather in 1880. To many people the wines of Burgundy are dauntingly complicated and complex, but to Laurent it is far simpler: “The more you know about wine, the closer you get to Burgundy, and the more you know about Burgundy, the closer you get to Maison Joseph Drouhin.” What is certain to be revealed to guests is that within a short space of time, Laurent can convince the most nervous of neophytes that they “get” Burgundy. $225 plus tax and tip.

Saturday, November 9, 6:00 P.M.: Justin Vineyards: Certified Sommelier, and senior on-premise sales manager, Erin Raspotnink will educate guests on Justin’s history and winemaking practices through the winery’s award winning wines. Justin’s vineyards were first planted in 1981 with a mission to make world-class Bordeaux-style blends. Since then, they’ve expanded both their knowledge and viticulture in the unique region of Paso Robles. Founder Justin Baldwin believes that “wine should be exceptional from every angle,” and urges guests to discover the award-winning tradition that begins with the limestone rich soil of Paso Robles and ends when the last glass is poured. $195 plus tax and tip.

Vist ontheverandah.com or call (828) 526-2338 for more info.