The below article is a combination of writings with the main parts written by Jenni and Dennis’ musing in italics. We thought it’s be fun to present this way.
Wine dinner pairings are at their core are an intrinsically social event. Perhaps a simpler way to state would be just to say they are really, really fun! Pairing wine with food brings out depths of flavor in both the wine and in the food. In such a pairing when both the dinner and the wine are of exceptional fine quality, something special, and delectable is created.
Monday night Dennis and I were privileged to get to attend Mountain Brook Vineyards’ first wine dinner with the new owners, Vickie and Jonathan Redgrave. They selected Luna del Sol in Lake Lure as the restaurant venue. This is the most quaint and fun hidden gem I believe in Lake Lure. We were supposed to start out on the beautiful patio but Mother Nature had other plans so the pre-appetizers were moved inside to their “oh so cute” bar area along with the lovely song stylings of Bren Sams. They have some of the funniest signs all over the bar area. Below is a picture of just one of my favorites.
We enjoyed a wonderful peach sangria that Vickie made and then a sampling of their Pinot Grigio with some Bruschetta. There was also a lovely salmon with capers but as I am not much of a salmon fan, we relied on the many other guest whom enjoyed the salmon and proclaimed it was very good. We guesstimated a crowd of about forty joined us in enjoying this fabulous dinner with wine pairing.
The restaurant is a true hidden gem with multiple personalities, nestled in the lower level of the Apple Valley Market. Certainly not fitting the personality of upscale, though the outside patio could certainly pass that test. The bar area is quaint and unassuming, with the most hilarious bar signs typical of a neighborhood tavern. A more formal dining room is adjoining the bar. Chef Bruce and Tina are the proprietors and they certainly understand customer service. Just browse the numerous online reviews for confirmation. 
We moved into the main dining room that is simply gorgeous. We started out with prawns over fettuccine with lemon, garlic, butter, chardonnay appetizer paired with Mountain Brook’s oaked Chardonnay. I am generally not a Chardonnay fan, but I absolutely enjoyed this combination very much.
Mountain Brook Vineyards has long been one of our favorite local wineries. The fact that new owners Vickie and Jonathan Redgrave want to take it to the next level is extremely exciting. Vickie told a story about when they were considering the purchase of Mountain Brook, they invited well respected winemaker Mark Friszolowski to evaluate the wines. Mark assured them, “these wines are good.” I imagine that is all the assurance the couple needed to convince Mountain Brook Vineyards winemaker Liz Pickett to stay on board. We certainly and wholeheartedly agree with Mark, the wines are good……really good! 
All of the wines are made and bottled at Mountain Brook Vineyards in Tryon. The very talented winemaker, Liz Pickett, does a fantastic job with all aspects of wine making and the night’s pairings were eloquently superb.
We moved onto the main course which was a perfectly cooked filet mignon with a cabernet demi glaze reduction, yukon gold potatoes , parsnip mash and haricot verts which was paired with Mountain Brook’s amazing Cabernet Sauvignon. Dessert was a yummy chocolate ganache with raspberry coulie paired with their Savor, a savory port style wine. A surprise wine, the Petit Verdot was generously shared as the nightcap. Regretfully, I was too busy eating, enjoying the wine, and socializing to take pictures of the plates. Just know that not only was it divine, it was also gorgeously presented!
Highlights: The Cab Sauv, slightly oaked, paired well with the steak and the Savor port paired with the decadent chocolate ganache was simply to die for!
Here’s to hoping for continuing dinner with wine pairings from Mountain Brook Vineyards and Luna del Sol. When visiting either, trust your GPS. A fun time was certainly enjoyed by all. Here’s to all the staff of Luna del Sol and also everyone from Mountain Brook Vineyards. Congratulations, your first wine dinner pairing was a resounding success. Cheers!
Jenni and Dennis
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