Review of Wine Dinner with Evan Goldstein, Master Sommelier & Author of Wines of South America at City Winery New York

Evan Goldstein, Master Sommelier and Author of Wines of South America hosted a wine dinner in New York’s City Winery focusing specifically on wines from Argentina, Brazil and Chile.

ABCs of Wine Dinner with Evan Goldstein Dinner at City Winery

ABC Wine Dinner with Evan Goldstein Dinner at City Winery

A line of attendees that was gathered on the sidewalk of City Winery were promptly let in at 6:00 p.m. and welcomed with a glass of Salton Intenso Sparkling Brut at the door along with a personal welcome by a friendly and charming Evan Goldstein.

I used the occasion to solicit advice from Goldstein regarding an upcoming trip to Argentina.

As a side trip from Mendoza, I wanted to know from a travel-logistics standpoint which would be a better trip if I were going to be traveling with parents in tow – a visit to Neuquen and the Rio Negro Patagonia region to the south or a visit to Salta and the Cafayate region to the north. Goldstein advised Patagonia over Salta and Cafayate.

Review of Wine Dinner with Evan Goldstein, Master Sommelier and Author of Wines of South America at City Winery New York

Photo Credit: Wine Casual, Table set up for South American wine dinner

Having recently researched wines produced in Patagonia I was especially interested in Goldstein’s thoughts on Patagonian cabernet franc which has been written about as producing a notable terroir-specific varietal expression.

Goldstein advised that if cabernet franc was my interest, I could see that interest better explored in Mendoza than in Patagonia currently.

Again, another helpful insight worthy of the cost of the wine dinner alone.

After all guests were seated Goldstein led the group through each wine course pairing and provided an overview of South American Wines largely drawing from his book.

A few interesting tidbits and factoids from Goldstein include:

60% of grapes in Brazil and Uruguay are native American grapes (e.g., the concord kind)
Goldstein Prediction: Brazilian sparklers will make a bigger play in the US in the next 24 months. “You heard it here first.”
Jancis Robinson and Goldstein are friends. She has come around to his perspective that Torrontés is one grape and not three as she had previously maintained.

ABC Wine Dinner with Evan Goldstein Dinner at City Winery New York

Photo Credit: Wine Casual, South American wines tasted

City Winery does a terrific job hosting wine events.

This is the third wine event I’ve attended in the past two months and they always host with diligence and care that shows how much they value their guests’ wine experience.

I especially appreciate their use of crystal glassware – always a mark of a good host.

My lone concern is that the subway located nearby shakes the building which can’t be good for wine fermentation, aging or storage, but alas this is not something within their control at their current location.

Photo Credit: Place setting with crystal galore

I would attend another Goldstein Wine Dinner at City Winery and would love it if he offered an even more focused wine dinner paired with higher end wines such as an Argentinean cabernet franc themed dinner, or a dinner focused on Chilean Carmenere wine and food pairings.

Goldstein has more to educate us on beyond his book which he graciously autographed for me.

I recommend the Goldstein Wine Dinner experience at City Winery and would give the event an “A” on service/food/experience and a B+ on the wines themselves.

Below is the menu that was served as well as links to full reviews of each wine that was poured:

Reception