Events Calendar

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Event Lineup
Click on dates for details.

Grand Tasting Reception
Friday - January 15th

Every Tuesday through Thursday
Flight Nights

Piper Heidsieck Bubbles & Jazz Brunches
Sunday-January 17th, 24th & 31st

Dona Paula Winery with Executive Chef Mark Segal of the 100 Club
Saturday - January 16th

Spellbound Winery & Medusa Winery with Simon Lanpert of Four Restaurant
Friday - January 22nd

Kendall Jackson Winery with Master Chef Ken Arnone & Susan Rice's Truffles
Saturday - January 23rd

Renaissance of Italian Wines with Philippo DeBelardino of Banfi Vintners & Wine Tasting Seminar
Wednesday - January 27th

Louis Jadot Winery with Executive Chef Jason Johnson of Jumpin' Jay's Fish Cafe
Friday - January 29th

William Hill Winery with Executive Chef Harley Smith of 10 Center Street
Saturday - January 30th

Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards with Chef Gregg Sessler of Cava Tapas & Wine Bar
Friday - February 5th

Domaine Chandon Bubbles & Jazz Brunch
Sunday- February 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th

Cakebread Cellars with Chef Phelps Dieck of The Green Monkey/Brazo
Friday - February 12th

Veuve Cliquot & with Chef Pierre Gignac of 98 Provence
Sunday - February 14th

Casa Lapostolle with Chef Jonathan Cartwright of the White Barn Inn
Friday - February 19th

Seghesio Family Vineyards with Chef Benjamin Hasty and Breezy Hill Farm
Saturday - February 20th

Bogle Blue Jeans & Rockin' Rombauer "Not So Grand" Dinner
Friday - February 26th

2nd Annual NH State Liquor Fair
Saturday - February 27th

Calendar of Events
Download a printable version of the 2010 Event Lineup

Friday, January 15th
The Grand Tasting Reception featuring
Taste Magazine Top 20 Restaurants with
Ben Baldwin & the Big Notes - 7-9:30pm

Join us for a spectacular evening of Wine, Food and Song. Our 6^th annual Winter Wine Festival kicks off with our signature Grand Tasting Reception. This evening is a unique opportunity to sample hundreds of wines from around the world. You are sure to run into some old favorites along the way in addition to discovering new and exciting finds. As you explore the seemingly endless array of wines, you will be tempted by hors d’ oeuvres prepared by some of the talented chefs that will be featured in the weeks to come at our Grand Vintner’s dinners. Whether your knowledge of wine is extensive or your love is just beginning, there will be something for every taste. Live entertainment in both ballrooms will be highlighted by dancing to the sounds of Ben Baldwin and the Big Notes.

Participating Restaurants:
Wentworth by the Sea Dining Room- New Castle, NH
Jumpin' Jays Fish Cafe- Portsmouth, NH
Green Monkey- Portsmouth, NH
Brazo- Portmsouth, NH
Cava Tapas & Wine Bar- Portsmouth, NH
Four Restaurant- Portmsouth, NH
Epoch at Exeter Inn, Exeter, NH
White Barn Inn- Kennebunk, ME
98 Provence- Ogunquit, ME
Ristorante Massimo's- Portsmouth, NH
100 Club- Portsmouth, NH

$69.95 per person, plus tax & service charge

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Saturday, January 16th
Dona Paula Winery Grand Vintner's Dinner with Executive Chef Mark Segal of the 100 Club
Reception at 6pm with Four Course Dinner Beginning at 7pm

The conditions in Argentina’s Mendoza region contain the ideal and unique terroir which allow winemakers to fulfill their dreams of creating sophisticated and immaculately structured wines. This is the belief of the Dona Paula winery and Carlos Trad, who has been with Dona Paula since it’s opening day in 1998, helping with wine making, working the harvest and viticulture in the vineyards.

Members of the fine private One Hundred Club in Portsmouth, NH are no strangers to the exceptional cuisine of Executive Chef Mark Segal. For over four years now, Mark has been preparing diverse and detailed food for his exclusive members. Join Mark and Carlos for this grand vintner’s dinner and experience what 100 Club members are raving about.

$99.95 per person, plus tax & service charge

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Sunday January 17, 24, 31^st

Piper Heidsieck Bubbles and Jazz Brunches 10am-2pm

Even more reason to drink Champagne! Join us as we pour Piper Heidsieck Champagne at the already extravagant Bubbles and Jazz Sunday Brunch. Chef attended action stations, oysters on the half shell, sides of smoked salmon, rich carving stations, savory seafood dishes, mounds of fresh berries, tropical fruits, chilled shrimp, fresh pastas, seasonal vegetables, a pasty buffet and much more are presented against a backdrop of ice sculptures and a live jazz duo.

$44.95 per person, plus tax & service charge

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Friday, January 22nd
Spellbound Winery & Medusa Winery Grand Vintner's Dinner with Simon Lanpert of Four Restaurant
Reception at 6pm with Four Course Dinner Beginning at 7pm
Geoff Whitman, co-owner and assistant winemaker of Spellbound and Medusa wineries, will be teaming up with Executive Chef/co-owner of Four Restaurant, Simon Lampert. Geoff spent his early childhood and teenage years living in nearby Dover, NH before moving to Santa Barbara to pursue his passion for wine. Napa Valley based Spellbound winery specializes in creating luscious everyday drinking wine while Medusa wines are committed to crafting single-vineyard, old-vine Zinfandel from some of California’s best appellations. His very close friend Robert Mondavi Jr. is the founder and winemaker for both wineries.

Chef Simon Lampert has been on the seacoast culinary scene for almost 9 years now. He has gained experience with different kinds of cuisines, including French, Asian, Italian and contemporary American. Simon’s imagination and individuality, sure to create an inventive culinary experience.

$99.95 per person, plus tax & service charge

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Saturday, January 23rd-SOLD OUT
Grand Vintner's Dinner featuring Kendall Jackson, Certified Master Chef Ken Arnone & Susan Rice's Truffles
Reception at 6pm with Four Course Dinner Beginning at 7pm
Only 61 chefs in America have the distinction of saying that they are a Certified Master Chef. The almost 10 day long grueling exam ensures that only the best of the best can earn the distinction. As if having one prepare a four course dinner for you wasn’t remarkable in itself, Certified Master Chef Ken Arnone will be focusing the dinner around one of the worlds most highly prized delicacies. Often called the “diamond of the kitchen”, the truffle was once a product almost exclusive to France. Susan Rice, owner of Black Diamond French Truffles Inc. has set about to change that. Her lands in North Carolina are soon to become the largest truffle producing lands in North America. Join us as these two American culinary power houses pair with an American legend in the wine world.

$99.95 per person, plus tax & service charge- SOLD OUT

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Wednesday, January 27th
Renaissance of Italian Wines with Philippo DeBelardino of Banfi Vintners Wine Tasting Seminar Beginning at 6:30pm
We are firm believers that the more you learn about wine, the more you enjoy it, and there is no better way to learn about Italian wines than with Philip di Belardino, Vice President of fine wines at Banfi, one of the largest suppliers of Italian wines in the world. Often described as a stand-up comedian passing himself off as a wine connoisseur, he has dual citizenship in the United States and Italy, where he is known as Philippo. Everywhere he goes he is revered and loved for his sense of humor, his insights, and his deep passion for wine and life. Please join us as Philippo teaches us about Italy, while tasting us through six classic Italian wines.

$29.95 per person, plus tax & service charge

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Friday, January 29th
Louis Jadot Winery Grand Vintner's Dinner with Executive Chef Jason Johnson of Jumpin' Jay's Fish Cafe
Reception at 6pm with Four Course Dinner Beginning at 7pm
Louis Jadot Winery covers approximately 380 acres in Burgundy, France. Since 1859, Maison Louis Jadot has accorded equal importance to each of Burgundy’s appellations, from Grand Crus right through to regional wines. Join sommelier Philippe Marchal as we taste through one of France’s famous wine regions, rich with both a proud past and optimistic future. Pairing his savory cuisine with this legendary wine is Jason Johnson, the face behind Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café, which is now in its tenth year. Jumpin’ Jay’s has become a fixture on the restaurant scene, jam packed nightly as one of the locals’ favorite dining establishments. If you desire fresh seafood paired with some of the world’s most sought after wine, this event should be nothing short of amazing.

$99.95 per person, plus tax & service charge

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Saturday, January 30th
William Hill Winery Grand Vinter's Dinner with Executive Chef Harley Smith of 10 Center Street Restaurant
Reception at 6pm with Four Course Dinner beginning at 7pm
William Hill Estate Wines, known for their intimate, elegant style are crafted using only the finest Napa Valley fruit, specializing in Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Located in Southern Napa Valley along the Silverado Trail, their 200 acre estate is composed of thin, rocky soil resulting in smaller berries of intense flavor and concentration, creating wines that are exceptionally balanced. Coupling these exquisite wines with his innovative dishes will be Executive Chef Harley Smith of 10 Center in Newburyport, MA. Chef Harley is a native of the seacoast and has been in the culinary industry for 15 years. Harley’s unique style of blending various cuisines from France, Italy and Spain has been the responsible factor for 10 Center’s new menu focus and creativity. Harley’s unique creations coupled with William Hill Estate wines are sure to please any palate.

$99.95 per person, plus tax & service charge

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Friday, February 5th
Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards Grand Vintner's Dinner with Chef Gregg Sessler of Cava Tapas & Wine Bar
Reception at 6pm with Four Course Dinner Beginning at 7pm
Brook Williams, CEO and winegrower for Zaca Mesa Winery, specializes in crafting Rhone varietal wines with character and integrity from grapes sustainably grown in their own Santa Barbara County vineyard. All of his wines are 100% estate grown and bottled, a quality shared by less than 1% of today’s wines. Chef Greg Sessler, co-owner/chef of CAVA Tapas and Wine Bar, has returned to the New Hampshire seacoast after spending 5 years in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern Wine Country. After a mere one-year of opening CAVA, Greg has made a name for himself as one of the most talented and creative up and coming chefs in the area. Greg’s love for Mediterranean flavors and Brooks Rhone varietal blends are sure to create one of the most enticing evenings of the festival.

$99.95 per person, plus taxt & service charge

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Sunday February 7, 14, 21, 28^th

Domaine Chandon Bubbles and Jazz Brunch 10am-2pm

Even more reason to drink Champagne! Join us as we pour Domaine Chandon Riche Sparkling Wine at the already extravagant Bubbles and Jazz Sunday Brunch. Chef attended action stations, oysters on the half shell, sides of smokes salmon, rich carving stations, savory seafood dishes, mounds of fresh berries, tropical fruits, chilled shrimp, fresh pastas, seasonal vegetables, a pasty buffet and much more are presented against a backdrop of ice sculptures and a live jazz duo.

$44.95 per person, plus tax and service charge

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Friday, February 12th- SOLD OUT
Cakebread Cellars Grand Vintner's Dinner with Chef Phelps Dieck of The Green Monkey/Brazo Restaurant
Reception at 6pm with Four Course Dinner Beginning at 7pm
Cakebread Cellars has earned a reputation for producing top-rated Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find a high-end wine list that did not feature at least one of their wines. In addition to producing phenomenal Napa Valley juice, they are one of just two vintners in their appellation to be designated a Napa Green Certified Winery, recycling 75% of their winery waste materials.

Teaming up with Cakebread Cellars for this one-of-a-kind event is Chef/owner Phelps Dieck of The Green Monkey and Brazo restaurants located in Portsmouth. A native of Colorado, Phelps turned from a career in law and attended the New England Culinary Institute, eventually landing in Portsmouth. Phelps has helped her restaurants earn numerous honors, including Taste of the Seacoast’s Best Restaurant and Best Dining Experience in 2009. Join us and discover why Chef Phelps Dieck is a staple in Portsmouth’s culinary scene, and why Cakebread is a staple for any wine list.

$119.95 per person, plus tax & service charge- SOLD OUT

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Sunday February 14th- Valentine's Day
Veuve Clicquot Champagne Grand Vintner's Dinner with Chef Pierre Gignac of 98 Provence
Reception at 6pm with Four Course Dinner Beginning at 7pm

Champagne is the instinctive choice for a romantic celebration. Join us for what is destined to be the most romantic event of the year, as Chef Pierre Gignac brings the south of France to the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel. This award winning chef and owner of 98 Provence in Ogunquit, ME will be creating a lover’s meal of a lifetime, orchestrating an intimate evening alongside Geraud Lerclercq, Brand Director of Veuve Cliquot. Making his first appearance in the Winter Wine Festival, Chef Pierre will create a romantic celebration by pairing Veuve Clicquot Champagne with a one-of-a-kind Sweetheart menu, created by blending his reverence for tradition with his special flare for creativity. Come celebrate this heart-felt affair!

$129.95 per person, plus tax & service charge

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Friday, February 19th- SOLD OUT
Casa Lapostolle Grand Vintner's Dinner with Chef Jonathan Cartwright of The White Barn Inn
Reception at 6pm with Four Course Dinner Beginning at 7pm

Guest Chef Jonathon Cartwright of the White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine returns to the Winter Wine Festival as he joins education ambassador of Casa Lapostolle, Ginevra Altomara. Chef Cartwright has earned the White Barn Inn its share of honors, including hospitality’s highest honor, a 5-Star rating from Mobil Travel Guide, as well as the AAA 5 Diamond Award, making the White Barn Inn only one of twelve restaurants/inns in the US to share both of these honors at once. Casa Lapostolle Winery of Chile is no slacker either, receiving Wine Spectators number one wine of 2008 for their flagship wine, ‘Clos Apalta’. Casa Lapostolle has earned recognition for their expertise in French style of wine making, as well as their organic horticultural practices. This amazing all-star dinner will focus on Chef Cartwrights European-style of cooking paired with Casa Lapostolle’s European-style of wine.

$99.95 per person, plus tax & service charge

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Saturday, February 20th Seghesio Family Vineyards Grand Vintner's Dinner with Chef Benjamin Hasty of Epoch Restaurant at the Exeter Inn and Breezy Hill Farm
Reception at 6pm with Four Course Dinner Beginning at 7pm

Edoardo Seghesio planted his first zinfandel vineyard in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley in 1895. Since then, four generations of the Seghesio family have continued to produce award-winning Zinfandel and Italian varietals at the hands of winemaker, Ted Seghesio. Last year, their Sonoma Zinfandel placed number ten on Wine Spectators list of top one hundred wines. Guest chef Benjamin Hasty, Executive Chef at Epoch Restaurant at The Exeter Inn, will show us why the Seacoast is lucky to have one of it's up and coming culinary stars back home.

With an emphasis on sophisticated preparation of sustainable and local products, Chef Hasty plans on showcasing his family’s farm, Breezy Hill Farm, in South Berwick, Maine, the place where his culinary journey began. Join both Ted and Ben in what is sure to be an unforgettable culinary event.

$99.95 per person, plus tax & service charge

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Friday, February 26th
Bogle in Blue Jeans & Rockin' Rombauer "Not So Grand" Grand Vintner's Dinner

Leave your suit & tie in the closet and join us for this fun evening of great wine, food and music. Robbie LaBlanc of Bogle Vineyards, Clarksville California, Jim Teegan of Rombauer Vineyards, Napa Valley, and our own Wentworth By The Sea Executive Sous Chef Matthew Louis are teaming up to rock the NH Sea-Coast at our final dinner of the Winter Wine Festival. Bogle and Rombauer Vineyards are unique in the fact they are still family owned and operated wineries, producing very high quality, great value California varietals. Chef Matthew Louis brings his uniqueness through his inventive culinary talent and cutting edge presentations that have helped make The Wentworth and The Winter Wine Festival synonymous with world-class cuisine. Recording artist Robbie LaBlanc has sung and performed with many Rock & Roll legends such as Toto, The Rascals and Paul Shafer to name a few. This evening Robbie will be accompanied by Jim’s brother Tom Teegan on Bass, who currently plays the Portland night club scene, as we wine, dine and dance through the evening. Who said Wine Dinners need to be formal and stuffy…..this will prove to be like none other in the history of the festival. Put on your best denim, throw caution to the wind, and prepare yourself to be entertained by two of the most fun wine guys in the business!

$89.95 per person, plus tax & service charge

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Saturday, February 27th
2nd Annual Winter Wine Fair and Sale with The New Hampshire Liquor and Wine Outlets
1pm-4pm
Join us for an event that was so successful the first time that it has become an annual festival tradition. The Winter Wine Festival has paired with the New Hampshire Liquor and Wine Outlets for an afternoon so unique that if you miss it you’ll have to wait a whole year to experience anything like it again. Our largest ballroom will be transformed into a marvelous adventure of wine exploration with wine brokers pouring roughly 150 premium wines. In the inevitable event that you find a wine that you can’t live without, you can walk right outside the tasting room to the onsite New Hampshire Liquor and Wine Outlet. Wines featured at the event will be on sale, at exceptional Wine Fair Only pricing. This is an event not to be missed!

NH State Wine Outlet's Incredible One Day Sale! Exclusively at the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel.
10% Off the Lowest Price or 20% Off When you Purchase 6 or more bottles
$39.95 per person, plus tax & service charge

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Flight Nights
Every Tuesday-Thursday 5-7 pm
Join us in our cozy Roosevelt’s Lounge, Tuesday through Thursday, for live entertainment, featured flights of wine paired with complimentary hors d’ouevres and guest wine professionals throughout the entire event. Prices will range from $10-$18 depending on the wines selected for that evening’s flight. No Reservations Required.