Eight Years in the Desert + Other Tales: A Dinner with Orin Swift

Join us for “Eight Years in the Desert + Other Tales,” a bold and immersive culinary experience celebrating the iconic wines of Orin Swift Cellars. This five-course dinner has been thoughtfully curated to showcase the intensity, balance, and character of Orin Swift’s most distinctive wines — from the crisp edge of Blank Stare to the decadent depth of Papillon, culminating with the legendary Eight Years in the Desert.

Crafted by our culinary team to complement the bold personality of each pour, this unforgettable evening invites you to explore how storytelling, artistry, and flavor come together in every glass. Let the night unfold with good company, expressive pairings, and the unmistakable signature of winemaker Dave Phinney’s irreverent vision.

Your evening includes:

---A five-course chef-curated tasting menu

---Wine pairings from the Orin Swift collection, including:

• Blank Stare Sauvignon Blanc
• Mannequin Chardonnay
• Advice From John Merlot
• Papillon Bordeaux Blend
• Eight Years in the Desert Zinfandel Blend

---Detailed pairing notes and the stories behind the wines

Limited seating available.

Reserve your seat now and experience the stories behind the bottle — one unforgettable course at a time.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for guests to be seated and enjoy a welcome drink before dinner begins promptly at 6:00 p.m.

WINEMAKER NOTES: Founded by visionary winemaker Dave Phinney, Orin Swift Cellars is known for crafting wines that are as bold in style as they are in storytelling. From evocative labels to complex, powerful flavor profiles, Orin Swift wines are unapologetically expressive — often pushing the boundaries of California winemaking. Each bottle reflects Phinney’s meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of varietal character, terroir, and structure.

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Amuse-Bouche

Parmesan cannoli filled with house-made ricotta and fresh farm herbs, finished with house-cured guanciale and a seasonal farm vegetable; topped with micro basil and served on a porcelain spoon

Compressed Melon Salad with Chilled Lobster

Pink peppercorn vinaigrette

Paired with Orin Swift “Blank Stare” Sauvignon Blanc, 2023

Pairing Notes: The vibrant acidity and crisp citrus notes of this Sauvignon Blanc cut through the richness of the chilled lobster, while its subtle floral undertones beautifully complement the sweet melon. The pink peppercorn vinaigrette echoes the wine's slight spice, creating a refreshing and elegant opening.

Seared Halibut with Sun-Dried Tomato OrzoLemon caper butter sauce

Paired with Orin Swift “Mannequin” Chardonnay, 2021

Pairing Notes: This rich, full-bodied Chardonnay, with its hints of stone fruit and toasted oak, provides a perfect counterpoint to the delicate, flaky halibut. The wine's creamy texture embraces the lemon caper butter sauce, while its bright acidity keeps the palate fresh and balanced against the savory sundried tomato orzo.

Seared Lamb Chops with Parsnip Purée

Caramelized pearl onion, merlot lamb jus

Paired with Orin Swift “Advice From John” Merlot

Pairing Notes: The velvety texture and dark fruit profile of this Merlot are a classic match for the savory lamb. The wine's integrated tannins and subtle notes of cocoa and herbs complement the richness of the seared chops, while the Merlot lamb jus creates a harmonious bridge between the dish and the wine.

Braised Beef Short Rib

Roasted carrots, fresh horseradish, papillon beef reduction

Paired with Orin Swift “Papillon” Bordeaux Blend, 2016

Pairing Notes: A powerful wine for a powerful dish. The Papillon, a complex Bordeaux blend, stands up to the rich, slow-braised short rib with its robust structure and notes of black cherry, cassis, and espresso. The wine's bold character is the perfect foil for the meat, while its long finish complements the earthy roasted carrots and the subtle kick of fresh horseradish.

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Zinberry glaze

Paired with Orin Swift “Eight Years in the Desert”

Pairing Notes: This bold Zinfandel blend, with its jammy dark fruit, black pepper spice, and chocolate notes, is the ultimate partner for a decadent flourless chocolate cake. The wine's powerful fruit and long, luxurious finish are a delicious end to the meal, creating a truly memorable final pairing.

Also check out other Workshops in Eldred, Food & Drink events in Eldred.