A good meal is more than just great food, it’s about an experience. And that’s exactly what guests of the Lone Eagle Grille's May Winemaker Dinner are in for as the irreverent winemakers of Twisted Oak Winery put on a show to remember, paired with mouthwatering dishes and delicious wines to match.

Executive Chef Alan Kubler of the Hyatt Regency, nestled on the north shore of Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, starts the process of planning his monthly winemaker series menu two months in advance.

“First, we sit down and try the wine; we have a number of people involved,” he says. “It’s a group effort. Wine is very subjective to different people, but there’s a common thread that is undeniable. It’s my job to get everybody’s input and create a dinner that accentuates the wine. It really comes down to the creative energy around the table.”

The result is a four-course ensemble of simple, yet flavorful dishes completely unique to each winemaker dinner.

This month's menu starts off with a 2006 Twisted Oak Verdelho reception wine and leads into a first course of grilled calamari stuffed sweet blue crab served with a charred pepper romesco and jicama salsa paired with the 2006 Twisted Oak Viognier.

While tantalizing the taste buds is the number one priority, creating an atmosphere to explore food, wine and all its possibilities with a group of people who love food and wine is the ultimate goal. Winemaker dinners have limited seating, hosting between 40 and 70 reservations, and patrons are seated together at large tables rather than separately in smaller groups. The entire kitchen staff is involved in the process as well and oftentimes will make an appearance in the dining room to discuss the menu.

“It’s a different kind of setting then just going out to dinner, which can be very predictable,” Kubler says. “When you go to a winemaker dinner where everyone is having a good time, it’s not predictable – it’s exciting.”

Combining two exciting factors, the “meet and greet” with the “surprise factor” of a uniquely designed dish is Kubler’s secret recipe for success. “And hopefully we’ll blow you away with the execution and the flavor,” he says with a smile.
Find out more about upcoming dinners in the Tahoe area below.