The Aruba Trading Company invited a select group of wine aficionados to experience a unique wine dinner at the Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino, featuring the heritage of Robert Mondavi, and wine maker Gustavo Gonzales.

Gonzales, associate wine maker at Robert Mondavi Winery for the red wine program, in Napa Valley, California, came to Aruba for the occasion for just one evening.

Robert Mondavi Winery, says Jorge Curiel, Sales & Marketing Manager Wines, Aruba Trading Company, is ranked among the world’s best, and Gonzales shipped some of its greatest wines to Aruba to be paired with an award-winning menu, prepared by chef Matt Boland and the Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino culinary team.

Among the wines sipped and enjoyed Mondavi’s Napa Valley Fume Blanc, Mondavi Carneros Chardonnay, Mondavi Napa Valley Merlot and Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2003 as well as Robert Mondavi Sauvignon Blanc Bortritus, for dessert.

The Robert Mondavi Winery, says Gonzales, is recognized as a leader in the wine industry. The Winery has always been at the forefront of wine industry technology, utilizing gentle winemaking techniques to increase wine quality and natural farming and to protect people and the environment. “We make the best wine that we can make each year, and contribute to gracious lifestyles and good living, which is the Winery’s simple philosophy,” he adds.

The evening took off with special hors d’oeuvres of Plantain Tostones with Shredded Garlic Pork and Spicy Papaya-Lime Salsa; Cucumber Cups with Caribbean Red Snapper Ceviche; Toasted Maize Canapés with Smoked Chipotle Cream and Wild Mushrooms; Spicy Wahoo and Shrimp Fritters with Island Pineapple-Chile Dipping Sauce; and Sweet Plantain with Gouda, Lobster Claw and Anise-Vanilla Glaze.

As dinner was served diners enjoyed Pumpkin-Fennel Pancake with Grouper Fillet, Green Papaya Salad, Lime and Cilantro for appetizer. The main course featured a mini White Cornmeal Ayaka, Carne Mechada of Duck with Roasted Shallots, Hazelnut and Morels, Wrapped in Banana Leaf as well as Conch-Stuffed Prime Filet Mignon with Grilled Peppers and Aruban Funchi. The dessert Coconut-Crusted Chocolate Soufflé with Fresh Berries and Vanilla Ice Cream, was a crowd-pleaser.

Compliments to the Aruba Trading Company, Robert Mondavi and the Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino for the much-appreciated perfect presentation. Dinner was also attended by Sandrina Garrigue, Regional Portfolio Manager for Stansfeld Scott Inc., who manage and market the Robert Mondavi Winery in the Caribbean.

Story submitted by Rona Coster