Men in Wine Celebration Dinner

We're back and bringing our 2nd Annual Men in Wine Celebration Dinner to Seattle. Urban Connoisseurs' Founder, Marcia Jones will host her signature event connecting the wine connoisseurs to the Black winemakers. This time it's the men.

This year, proceeds will benefit the Black Winemakers Scholarship Fund. This fund is managed by UNCF. In 2019, Urban Connoisseurs created the Black Winemakers Scholarship Fund to serve as a financial support for Black students studying Viticulture, Enology, and/or like sciences. We have awarded 2 - $5000 scholarships each year, and in 2023 we will work with several HBCUs who have Agriculture programs to invite their students to meet several Black winemakers on the west coast. Our hopes are to generate interest in an industry many Black students aren't aware of the existing Black winemakers and career opportunities.

Your support of this event helps our efforts. And, we're bringing renowned Executive Chef Sabrina Tinsley, Osteria la Spiga, with us. Sabrina is our guest chef for the evening, and along with Columbia Tower Club chef Riccardo Bilotta, we promise a wine and cuisine pairing experience like no other!

VIP Experience - $255

• Meet and Greet with the winemakers
• Taste 8 wines - 2 from each winemaker (To be announced):
• Light Appetizers
• Photo Opportunity
• Glass of sparkling wine as you enter for dinner
• 4 Course Dinner paired with a wine from each winemaker

General Admission Experience - $155

• Glass of sparkling wine as you enter for dinner
• 4 Course Dinner paired with a wine from each winemaker (wines to be announced)

MEET THE WINEMAKERS

Dan Glover, winemaker and proprietor, . In a previous life Dan was immersed in the art and culture of the music industry, writing and producing in Los Angeles. Then a different muse caught his eye in the form of the seductive Pinot Noir, drawing him into the artistry of winemaking. After several years at various wineries such as Clos du Bois, Armida and Dutcher Crossing, he decided to honor his muse with a creation all his own: L’Objet Noir. Dan's philosophy on winemaking is really very simple. Pursue the finest vineyards and fruit, turning away grapes he believe would require too much manipulation, and letting the quality of the grapes, the vineyards and wine speak for themselves.

Dan Johnson, winemaker and co-owner, . As a young lawyer Dan met Dick Arrowood, then the winemaker for Chateau St. Jean, while handling a legal matter. After the trial, Dick invited Dan to visit the winery, and that fateful introduction to wine and wine country living led to a desire to - eventually - make Napa Valley his home. Dan and his wife, Kim transformed an overgrown walnut orchard into a vineyard in 2006. With the help of neighbors and new friends, they learned about technical essentials like rootstocks, clones and trellising as they went along. Each season and vintage that followed challenged them to keep learning. For people who are used to making things happen in the corporate and legal worlds, allowing nature to take control has been a profound lesson in patience and adaptability - one worthy of lengthy exploration over a glass of fine wine.

Phil Long, winemaker and owner, . Starting with the first Syrah he made with Debra in their garage in 2002, Phil’s approach to winemaking has been to continually challenge himself to make the best wines possible. He is passing that diligence on to his son, Phil Long, Jr., who now serves as Longevity’s assistant winemaker. For their wide array of Longevity Vintner Select (black label) wines, Phil and his son start with locally sourced grapes from Livermore Valley. Their production and cellaring practices are always evolving and their wines have earned many accolades. Phil partnered with Bronco Wine Company in 2019 to achieve the volume required for national distribution. He now makes his Longevity Classic (white label) wines using Franzia family fruit at Bronco’s state-of-the-art, zero-waste facility in Ceres, California. These approachable wines are available in thousands of stores across the country.

Thomas T. Thomas, winemaker and proprietor, . Thomas T Thomas Vineyard is a culmination of a dream that began in 1999, on a wine tasting trip to the Burgundy wine region of France. Surrounded by amazing vistas and vineyards as far as the eye could see, Thomas became intoxicated with the thought of recreating the atmosphere that he was experiencing. The dream was in full bloom...the dream of owning a vineyard, winery and making wine. In 2001, he was able to purchase 36 acres of land in the Anderson Valley. Thomas developed parts of the property, building a home and in 2008, planting a three acre parcel to pinot noir and also constructing his winery building. The plan was to initially sell the grapes to get a better understanding of the site and to also learn about the wine business. After selling the grapes for seven years, in 2017 he established his own brand, taking two tons from the 2017 vintage and bottled the first Thomas T Thomas Vineyards Reserve Pinot Noir. He eventually stopped selling the grapes and now produces four unique pinot noirs. The goal has been and will always be to develop the highest quality wines and to farm using sustainable practices.

MEET THE CHEF

Executive Chef, Sabrina Tinsley, co-owner of . Sabrina has taken her Verdun lineage, Louisiana heritage, and combined it with her love of Italy. She and her husband established Osteria La Spiga to bring authentic Italian cuisine to the Pacific Northwest. Her ability to taste the flavor profile in wines, and create cuisine specific dishes is what excites us about this evening event!

MEET THE HOST

Once again, Urban Connoisseurs Founder, Marcia Jones, has created the Perfect Blend! The Mission of Urban Connoisseurs is the connect the Black winemakers to the wine connoisseurs. We do this primarily by creating wine events and blending the experience with some amazing chefs!

PLEASE NOTE:

While it is not required, Urban Connoisseurs strongly advises attendees be fully vaccinated or have negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours prior to event. Thank you for your understanding.

MEET OUR SPONSORS (Coming Soon)

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Columbia Tower Club, 701 5th Avenue, Seattle, United States