Yes, you read that right, our next wine dinner will feature six Armenian wines! We hope you’ll join us for this special dinner on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 5:30pm prepared by Ambrosia’s culinary team headed by Chef Tyler Schmalz.
Ambrosia owner and Sommilier, Armen, son Gregor, and nephews Hagop and Raffi visited Areni-1 Cave in Armenia, the oldest known winemaking facility in the world in 2018.
Although greatly untold, the story of winemaking in Armenia reveals a country renowned for viniculture from the earliest of human history. The oldest known winemaking facility in the world, the 6100-year-old Areni-1 Cave is in Armenia and it is said one of Noah’s first tasks after landing the Ark on Mt. Ararat in Armenia was to plant wine vines. In 559 BC Cyrus the Great, who created the largest empire the world had seen till then, immortalized Armenian wine and Roman Legions are known to have fought for Armenian wine. Today wine makers are bringing the wine-making tradition back to life.
We are delighted to welcome Dana Farner from Storica Fine Wines of Armenia to present the wines. Dana holds an Advanced Level certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers and earned her Global Wine MBA from Sonoma State. Her travels through Armenia deepened her interest in and appreciation for these wines, reflecting the ancient origin of winemaking and its bright future.
Armenian Wine Five-Course Dinner
Monday, March 25, 2024
WELCOME
Keush Origins Brut, Non-Vintage
CORSO I
Apricot Canapé
Apricot, chevre, toasted almonds, lavender syrup crostini
Zulal Voskehat Classic, 2020
CORSO II
Honey Braised Rhubarb
Rhubarb, honey, blood orange juice, labneh, pistachio
Shofer Rose, 2021
CORSO III
Pomegranate Brisket Bourguignon
Pomegranate braised beef brisket, bacon, carrot, pearl onion, mushroom
Van Ardi Estate Red Blend, 2019
CORSO IV
Kebab Keraz
Lamb meatball, cherry agrodolce, wild mushroom orzo, pine nuts
Zulal Areni Reserve, 2019
Van Ardi Reserve, 2017
CORSO IV
Chocolate Raspberry Tartlet
Graham cracker crust, dark chocolate ganache, raspberry compote
Tree of Life Pomegranate Wine, Semi-Sweet
Wine Dinner Team
Culinary Team: Tyler Schmalz and Ambrosia’s team
Wine Representative: Dana Farner
Service Team: Nick Kennedy, Imelda Ramirez and Roxanne Segposyan
Owner & Sommelier: Armen Kevrekian