Perfect Pair: 3rd Annual Capital Wine Festival

The kick-off event for the 3rd Annual Capital Wine Festival was a huge success. The Fairfax at Embassy Row Hotel, in conjunction with its signature restaurant, 2100 Prime, hosted a lovely reception last week with delicious food and a sampling of many wineries that will be part of the 10-week dinner series. It isn't too late to sign up for one of these unique dinners to break bread with some of the most talented winemakers around the country.  You'll enjoy the perfect pairings of food and wine.

Menus will be created by the 2100 Prime chef to complement the vintner’s selection for each dinner. Dinners will take place in 2100 Prime or one of the ballrooms, depending on the size of the event. The wineries and hosts participating in this year’s Capital Wine Festival are listed below, along with the dates of their participation:

January 25, Beringer Vineyards: Beringer Vineyards is the oldest continuously run and operating winery in Napa Valley. Longtime winemaker, Laurie Hook, will host this dinner featuring many varietals including the Private Reserve chardonnay and cabernet.

February 1, Frog’s Leap Winery: Founder John Williams hosts this event as he displays the full scope of Frog’s Leap’s philosophy in sustainable farming and their organic approach.

February 8, Heitz Wine Cellars: The winery situated near the eastern hills of Napa Valley, is know for its earthy Bordeaux-style wines, especially its production of cabernet sauvignon. Jeanne Cabral returns to share wines from Heitz’ portfolio and discuss the winery’s unique single-vineyard concept.

February 15, Argyle Winery: Founder Rollins Soles will lead a discussion of Oregon’s premier winery including his single-vineyard pinots and sparkling wines.

February 22, B.R. Cohn Winery: Award-winning winery, B.R. Cohn, founded by Doobie Brothers manager, Bruce Cohn, will focus on the aroma and balanced flavors of this prestigious winery. His son, Dan Cohn, will also host the event.

February 29, Cakebread Cellars: Owner, Dennis Cakebread will host an evening featuring a variety of their sauvignon blanc, merlot and reserve wines from the Napa Valley.

March 7, Cain Vineyard and Winery: Join Chris Howell, winemaker and general manager, as he shares Cain’s blended cabernets from Napa’s glorious Spring Mountain district.

March 14, Chappellet Winery: Second generation co-owner Cyril Chappellet will host this dinner as she explains and tastes the wines with wonderful fruit extraction from a winery devoted to sustainable farming.

March 21, Martinelli Winery: Consulting with legendary winemaker Helen Turley, Martinelli Winery has positioned itself as one of the premier wineries in Sonoma. Regina Martinelli returns, by popular demand, to host this event.

March 28, Cliff Lede Vineyards: A relative newcomer in Napa Valley, Jack Bittner presents an opportunity to sample an assortment of their wines, including the meritage blend, Poetry.

Tickets for The Capital Wine Festival can be purchased on www.capitalwinefestival.com. Each dinner is priced in the $125-145/person range and includes gratuity or tax. Large group reservations can be taken over the phone by calling 202 736-1453.   

Located in The Fairfax at Embassy Row at 2100 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, two blocks from the Dupont Circle’s Red Line Metro stop, 2100 Prime is open for breakfast every day and dinner Tuesday – Saturday. To learn more about 2100 Prime, visit www.2100prime.com. Follow 2100 Prime on Facebook and Twitter.

Photos by Kristen Finn