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5/30/2017 0 Comments

Beer versus wine throw down dinner at veracious brewing company

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On May 24, 2017 Veracious Brewing Company held its first dinner. The theme- Beer vs Wine. I have always wanted to do an event like this so when Tess and Mark Szamatulski asked me to present the wine portion I was more than happy to sign on. 
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I first met Tess and Mark many years ago when I started buying wine grapes and supplies from them at their first business, Maltose Express. We started doing wine tastings together and in 2010 I worked there on Wednesdays. During that time I was offered a job as an adjunct professor at the University of New Haven teaching Wine Appreciation. Reluctantly, I had to give up the Maltose job in order to be at UNH. 
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 Chef Mike Jackson of It's A Party Catering  created  a fantastic menu with each course to be paired with a wine and a beer. Attendees would vote on which paired best for each course. 
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The watermelon salad
So who won?
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Chef Mike and his team
My job was to pick the wines and present them. I had total control over which wines I wanted to use. Mark was hoping we could use some of the wines from nearby Jones Winery in Shelton. I work with the Jones family doing their wine dinners, some shifts in the tasting room and staff training and agreed we should put some in the mix. I set up a tasting and Tess, Mark and I went through the line up.  We needed six wines for the night, we ended up picking five of the Jones wines. The wines are excellent and I was happy with the picks. If Jones Winery made a Sauvignon Blanc we probably would have used that as well. I had my mind made up to use a Sauvignon Blanc with the watermelon salad. With feta, tomato, basil, lime, cilantro and more  it seemed like a sure bet. 
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Caribbean Shrimp
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Chef Mike and Tess
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Tess and Mark
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Chef Mike Jackson with his mother, Diane Zello, who is also the pastry chef
After I agreed to do the dinner I was worried that since the venue was  a brewery I would be preaching wine to a beer crowd. I was quite wrong. The crowd was very open minded and were quite happy to share their feelings about the pairings. I knew wine had a chance but...
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Charcuterie Sushi
The middle one was a real favorite of the crowd. Crispy cured meat wrapped around fig and a whole lot more. The flavors and textures were outstanding.
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Bacon wrapped stuffed filet
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Cheese Cake Duo
So, who was the winner? The food! Chef Mike stole the show with his dishes. The wines and beers showed very well and for a time it seemed that beer edged out wine by a vote. After the announcement one more ballot was found that had not been counted. In the end, a tie. Beer and wine each won two courses and there was a tie for the remaining course. It seemed appropriate. 
Click on images below to see full size picture
It was a great night of food, wine and beer. Mark, Tess and I took some friendly jabs at the opposing beverages as we tried to convince the group that our pairings were the best. This evening will be hard to top, stay tuned, maybe a rematch is a possibility. Thanks to Chef Mike and his team and to everyone that turned out for the dinner.  And yes, we did go a few rounds with the
Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots. 
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Veracious Brewing Company Beer versus Wine Throw Down Dinner
Each of the five courses will be served with a beer and a wine that complement the dish. The chef will describe each course; Jon Haight of WineUnwrapped.com will tell you why the wine is the perfect pairing for the dish while Mark & Tess Szamatulski of Veracious Brewing Company and Maltose Express will make the case for Veracious beer! It is up to you to vote on which beverage goes best with each course. Chef Mike Jackson has created an incredible menu for our dinner.
Welcome glass of wine and beer
Jones Winery Blueberry Bliss
Veracious BLOOBS-Blueberry Wheat Ale

Watermelon Salad
Tomato, feta, basil, basil oil, apple pickled fennel, radish, cucumber-lime thyme papare, red wine balsamic reduction.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc Horse Heaven Vineyard
Veracious 29 Pews IPA
Caribbean Spiced Shrimp
Tropical Salad- Grilled pineapple, cucumber, roasted red pepper, tomato, lime, cilantro Kiwi Avocado Mousse, Apple pickled Onion, Citrus Mango "Air“, Crispy Platanos 
Jones Winery Pinot Gris
 Veracious Saison d' Tessa-Belgian style Saison

Charcuterie "Sushi"
A charcuterie platter served in a "sushi" presentation.
Jones Winery Cabernet Franc
Veracious Last Call-Belgian Strong Golden Ale
 
 
 
Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Filet Mignon
 Gorgonzola-lime-scallion, sweet potato, roasted grapes, asparagus, arugula, herbs, spiced almonds 28 hour rosemary demi-glace
Jones Winery Merlot
Veracious Owd Boreas-Imperial Red Ale

Gelee Cheese Cake
Pig Tail Porter gelee with Lucy's Last Call caramel-bacon
Jones Winery 7 Generations Port style wine
Veracious Pig Tail Porter-Robust Porter
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Hey Jon,

Thanks for being a part of our evening. We had a great time and definitely learned some new things!
Shelton 2/15/25



Thank you for the fun & education on Friday evening!  It really was a great event.
It's interesting, the wine from the smallest northern region in Italy seemed to carry a strong memory for many.

My wife really appreciated everything - so I would say it was quite a success.
        Fairfield 6/7/24


​
Thank you Jon, everyone enjoyed the wine tasting and we were all elated with your knowledge and insight into wine education.  Just a wonderful experience.  
3/24
Bristol



Thank you so much for a great night, we had the best time!
​Wilton 1/24
Jon,


Thank you for the fun & education on Friday evening!  It really was a great event.


It's interesting, the wine from the smallest northern region in Italy seemed to carry a strong memory for many.


My wife, Jenn, really appreciated everything - so I would say it was quite a success.



I contacted Jon to arrange a Wines 101-style tasting for myself and a group of friends in order to celebrate my girlfriend's birthday. Jon did a wonderful job of tailoring his teaching to the needs of our novice group. He chose an exciting array of wines from the New World and Old, and took us through relevant aspects of each wine's production before guiding us through the tasting. He gave us handouts and other useful materials that helped us to better describe the aromas and flavors that we were experiencing. By the end of the session, we all felt a new level of comfort with describing and appreciating drastically different types of wines.

What impressed the group most was Jon's highly contagious passion for wine making and tasting. He was friendly, personable, and told humorous anecdotes and behind the scenes facts from his years working in the business. Jon was also flexible with regards to the date of the session, and his fee was reasonable. He is clearly motivated by a desire to share his passion for wine with as many people as possible, and I couldn't have asked for more.

Thank you very much Jon - we are all incredibly excited about continuing to apply our newfound knowledge of wine tasting for years to come! 

Nik
New Haven, CT



Thank you so much Jon! Our guest enjoyed the tasting and the wines! They called to tell us today. The party went on to 2 am so needless to say, everyone had a really good time. Thanks again! 
Sara 


New Haven



Thank you so much for everything! Everyone had a great time and even learned some thing about wine in the process. You put on a very interesting talk and kept everyone's attention throughout the evening . We were really impressed with all of your knowledge. 

I hoped you enjoyed yourself as well. Needless to say...we had a lot of leftovers :)
Thank you again. It was a great time!!
Colleen & Gene





Hi Jon,

Thank you so much for all of your hard work and knowledge in helping to put the evening together.  Everyone loved having you there... and the wines were fabulous.  Mike visited the liquor store yesterday to buy Christmas gifts and came home with 4 bottles of the Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc FOR US!!   Beth 

Thank you, Jon - you did an incredible job.  I received so many compliments regarding your presentation and wine selection.  Your expertise and warmth were the perfect combination for an event like this.  You really made the shower!
Several guests requested your contact information and the list of wines we tasted.  We nearly finished the remaining wine at lunch!
I had a lovely glass of the Voignier after the guests left....I loved it and it was perfect way to end a special day.   It was my daughter's and her fiancé’s favorite wine and the cork they chose to put in their collection!

Please keep me on your event list - my husband and I would love to attend another one of your tastings.  

Thanks again,
Susan
Shelton 



Testimonials


Hey Jon!

We had so much fun, thanks! 
I’m passing your info on to a few people that asked. I’m sure we will see you again. 
         Brookfield 12/23


Thanks so much Jon! Everyone enjoyed it and appreciated your insights. It was perfect. Thank you again!
​Cheshire 1/23



We had such a blast!
Thank you for an interesting session with great wines!
We will definitely reach out again.

West Hartford 11/22

Hello Jon, we were thrilled with your tasting & appreciated the unique, fun experience that it added to our party! So many of the guests commented on how much they enjoyed your presentation and all were very impressed with your knowledge. We would absolutely recommend you as a fantastic addition to any party or gathering! Thanks for sharing your pictures. I’ve attached a couple that we took and grant permission to use any or all in your website. 
Best wishes,
Darcy & Tim May29, 2021


We found Jon through an internet search when looking for a fun birthday celebration. Jon was fantastic throughout the planning process and went above and beyond in making the evening memorable for our entire family. The wines were great and all paired very well with our menu. We also really enjoyed hearing the history of all the wines. Thank you, Jon!
LW Westport 12/19

​
Jon,
I can’t thank you enough!  Great feedback from our guests, all enjoyed!  Very informative, all your wishes were fulfilled and Lynn had a very wonderful party, we all pulled it off!  Wines selected were terrific!  You opened us up to a new window.  Let’s keep in touch and I will certainly recommend you to others.
Cheers!  I am having a little Tua Rita right now!   PV Cromwell


Hi Jon 
Thank you so much for coming. You did a great job and my dad really enjoyed it.
I'm so glad I came across your name- you were a pleasure!   
You picked some great wines.  My brother is already talking about
having you come again. Everyone really enjoyed it.
  Thanks again! M.M . Stamford





Thank you Jon! You did a fantastic job. We will definitely spread the word to our friends about Wine Unwrapped. T.P. Orange


Jon- everyone had a great time- your pitch and delivery were absolutely perfect! Thanks again and we'll be recommending you to everyone... Cheers Dave and Eileen  Easton



Hi Jon,
 We all had such a wonderful time and learned a lot!! The group
 really enjoyed all the wines.  Thank you so much for making the night so
 wonderful.  We are already talking about a Spanish wine tasting in the
future...when I'm able to drink again of course :) G.S. 
 Ridgefield

    

Thanks Jon,
We all had a wonderful time!  
Everyone really enjoyed themselves & thought you did such a nice relaxed & casual
presentation...just the right amount of information with very nice wine choices.

Don't be surprised if you get some calls from people to whom I'd referred you.

Thanks again!
Faith K. 
Stamford CT




Hi Jon, know that all of us greatly appreciated the experience you created last weekend. I have also shared your Sauv Blanc recommendations with Meredith and the rest of the group, for which they were thankful. Thank you again and don’t be a stranger.
​Manchester 5/23

​

Just wanted to say thank you. Everyone enjoyed your presentations and the wines. There is only 1 unopened bottle!
Greenwich 12/22

Jon, thank you so much for an informative and fun presentation!  We all loved ALL of the wines!
Thanks a million for being part of a wonderful night!

7/24/21  J.W.
​Trumbull
Jon,
Thank you again for everything you did for making my husband's party a wonderful experience.   I am especially thankful for the manner in which you handled the size and complexity of the party.  The feedback I got was positive and everyone enjoyed the wines.  They definitely will be looking out for some of the new favorites..   JV Oxford



For several years the community at Waterview Landing in Shelton has sponsored an annual wine tasting afternoon held at our gazebo.  It’s an informal event; everyone brings one or two bottles of their favorite wines and some munchies.  Our resident wine expert, Jon Haight, moderates the event, and always makes the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Jon is extremely knowledgeable about wines, both domestic and foreign.  Typically Jon will rank the wines by white and red, and by maturity.  Since he does not know beforehand what wines will be available it is impressive to watch his skill in sorting the wines.

As the tasting progresses Jon describes the nuances of each wine and does so in terms that are easily understood.   We learn, we enjoy, and a good time is had by all. 

Speaking for the folks at Waterview Landing, we are thankful that Jon is resident, and would hope that others can benefit from Jon’s knowledge and skills.  He is excellent at what he does and has a great sense of humor to boot.
Alan W. Morton
President, Waterview Landing Homeowners Association 



Dear Jon,

I wanted to drop you a note to say thank you for providing our Lions Club with a very educational and entertaining evening on October 27, 2010.  The presentation you did on the basics of wine tasting combined with that of a general knowledge of Chilean Wines and Ports provided us with a very informative program that our membership enjoyed.  Maybe we could consider doing this on an annual event.  Thanks again.
           Joe Charbonneau

            President, Manchester
Lions Club


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