While attending an impeccably presented wine dinner in Chicago it was soon apparent that the delicious wines from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars paired with the creative and unique plates at Sunda New Asian had more in common than the usual taste, texture, and ultimate satisfaction. Both Stag’s Leap and Sunda are similar: their founders took a leap of faith to follow their passion and embrace extraordinary careers.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars was founded in 1970 when Chicago native Warren Winiarski purchased an almost 50 acre block of land adjacent to the vineyard owned by Nathan Fay, a Napa Valley pioneer in the wine industry. With education from the University of Chicago and St. John’s University, a year studying wine making in Italy, undergoing graduate work in political theory, and teaching at the University level in Chicago, Winiarski decided to follow his dream and began planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petite Sirah in the vineyards. Some of you may remember the legendary 1976 Paris Tasting, now named the Judgment of Paris, at which Winiarski’s first vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon won first place among ten French and American wines. The wine world was shocked and the global perception of California wines quickly changed. Currently, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars continues to produce wines which are appreciated by wine collectors, aficionados, and anyone who has the chance to have a glass (or two)!
Those of you unfamiliar with the Chicago restaurant and bar scene need to know this name: Billy Dec. As an alum of the University of Illinois, Chicago-Kent Law School and Harvard Business School, this handsome, gregarious man was born and raised in Chicago. He has the world at his fingertips, but not from the corner office at a prominent law firm. Having had restaurant and promotion experience Billy Dec and a business partner formed Rockit Ranch Productions in 2002, a development and management company which specializes in promotions, branding, public relations, and entertainment marketing. Dec is an Emmy Award winner and viewers can find him many mornings on ABC-TV’s Windy City Live! One of the several restaurants in his venture includes the casually elegant Sunda New Asian.
Did Warren Winiarski and Billy Dec, both well educated with many career options, follow their passion to become successful in their chosen industry? Absolutely! But perhaps that is because the two entrepreneurs are related…Warren Winiarski is the first cousin of Billy Dec’s grandfather. This event was Dec’s first foray into the wine dinner scene at Sunda and featured were the cuisine of Executive Chef Jess Deguzman and the wines of Stag’s Leap’s talented winemaker, Steve Spadarotto.
Sunda New Asian and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Dinner
Welcome
Domaine Ste. Michelle NV Brut
~Bubbles with a touch of citrus were a perfect way to begin the evening~
First Course
Hokkaido Scallop Sashimi, Yuzu Ponzu, Roe, Shiso, Cucumber was paired with…
2009 Stag’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc
~This delicious dry Sauvignon Blanc had just enough fruit to pair with the first course~
Second Course
~Scallion Ginger Sea Bass, Chinese Broccoli, Honey Shaoxing Sauce paired with…
2010 Hands of Time Chardonnay
~Lightly oaked with a touch of honey, this wine was meant to be an “homage to the winemakers”~
Third Course
Grilled Yellow Fin Tuna, Braised Pork Belly, Mango, Chillies, Citrus Soy Vinaigrette paired with…
2010 Hands of Time Red Blend
~Gentle aromas, tastes of sweet spice with blueberries and soft fruits were wonderful in this smooth, silky wine~
Fourth Course
Truffle Wagyu, Shitake Mushrooms, Potato Korokke paired with…
2010 Stag’s Leap “Artemis” Cabernet Sauvignon
~This more serious, structured, and complex wine stood tall paired with the fourth course~
Dessert
Chocolate Truffles, Petit Fours
As Dec shared much of the history of his family’s connection to Stag’s Leap, everyone in the room realized that he spoke from the heart. This dinner was a true celebration of heritage. From the delicious wines of Stag’s Leap to the culinary creations at Sunda New Asian, both Warren Winiarski and Billy Dec took a leap of faith towards their passion…and succeeded.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
*Billy Dec can be followed on Facebook or Twitter! Consider doing so and discover how he’s putting his passion to work!*
Jessica Leigh