Wine column: On the road to Spago, with ONX Wines
Drew Nenow.
– On February 21st, ONX Wines hosted a delicious wine-paired dinner at Wolfgang Puck’s acclaimed Spago Restaurant in Beverly Hills, and it delivered everything you would expect from a pairing of Spago and ONX wines!
Spago’s chef, collaborating with ONX, crafted an awe-inspiring meal for the 50 guests.
Representing ONX were Drew Nenow, winemaker; Jenny Freck, Hospitality Director; Kate Olson, Marketing Associate; and Dean Baxter, Vineyard Stays Manager. During the evening, they mingled with guests, spoke about the wines being served, and certainly defined the word “hospitality” by ensuring everyone was having a memorable evening.
Upon arrival, guests were greeted with a pour of 2024 “Tracing Paper,” a light Tempranillo rose, as a selection of hors d’oeuvres was passed around, including Taro Tots with Crème Fraîche & Caviar and Jidori Chicken Liver Pâté with toasted pistachios (OMG). Once guests were seated, the five-course wine-paired meal commenced in the following order:
- 2023 Kiler Canyon Vineyard Roussanne with sweetbreads, celery root, lobster, spring garlic, sorrel
- 2022 Mad Crush, with Carnaroli Risotto and shaved black truffles.
- 2021 Noble Intrigue with Maine Diver Scallops.
- 2022 Kiler Canyon Vineyard Mourvèdre with roasted Devil’s Gulch Ranch rabbit.
- 2020 Reckoning, along with braised wagyu beef cheeks.
The wines chosen highlighted both the ONX and Kiler Canyon Vineyards, as well as a Syrah sourced from Santa Barbara’s renowned Bien Nacido Vineyard.
Following the five “formal” courses, dessert was served, a sweet chef’s selection of assorted petits fours. A very sweet conclusion to a memorable evening.
The ONX and Spago staff were outstanding, with guests enjoying four hours of delightful food, drink, and conversation. Exploring new wines and meeting new people is what wine is all about, with ONX doing an excellent job of organizing this special evening by blending these key elements.
The evening demonstrated how wine, food, and people seamlessly come together to form a perfect trio. A special “thank you” to ONX Winery for coming to SoCal to showcase their highly rated wines alongside Wolfgang Puck’s flagship Spago restaurant’s cuisine.
Please check the ONX website for upcoming events: www.onxwines.com.
Don Sonderling is a freelance writer covering California’s unique culture and lifestyle of wine, food, and adventure, from Santa Barbara to Napa Valley and beyond. He may be reached at: donsonderling@gmail.com.
