Guests can expect our wine-focused series to be a unique cross between a fun dinner party with friends and participating in one of the L’Etoile service staff’s ‘educational’ tastings. L’Etoile wine director Michael Kwas and the wine team will share their passion and insight through a series of creatively designed themes to inspire enthusiasm and to explore the beauty and mystery of great wine.

Unless noted, tastings will consist of five wines, the approximate equivalent of 2 ½ glasses of wine (12.5 oz). Each taster will also be treated to a Wisconsin Artisan cheese plate. Tastings begin at 6:30 and last approximately two hours. Wines will be made available for purchase afterward. Because space is limited, reservations require a non-refundable $25 deposit, which will be put toward the price of the tasting the day of the event.

If you miss a tasting, want to revisit a particular theme, wish to coordinate an office ice-breaker, or host a get-together with friends, we are happy to create a private tasting tailored to your group. (Minimum 8 guests, please.)

Wednesday, May 9: Celebrating the Wines of Southern California
Many of our favorite wines comes from Southern California, a Pacific cooled climate that yields vibrant, supple, and intense wines. The Chardonnays are particularly radiant with ripe tree fruit and zesty acidity. Sauvignon Blanc may be California's finest, while the Pinot Noirs from the Santa Rita Hills are a L'Etoile favorite. Syrah lovers, prepare yourself for a revelation. $65

Wednesday, June 13: Terroir Tasting
How does one taste "place" in wine? Why should we try? What is terroir and where does one find it in wine? Should I like a wine that people describe as "mineral-y?" In this fascinating tasting, Michael will discuss the concept of terroir, which for many sommeliers, is the reason we love wine so. Discover the grey slate of the Mosel, limestone beds of Chablis, the chalk of Champagne, and the Jory Soil of Dundee Hills Pinot in Oregon. $65

Wednesday, July 11: 12-course Cheese and mixed Beverage Tasting (Part I of III)
Nobody does Artisan cheeses as passionately, intelligently or deliciously as Wisconsin cheese makers. We’ll taste a dozen local beauties and see who can create the best match for each, the L’Etoile wine team or the L’Etoile beer and spirits team. $115

Wednesday, August 8: Loire Valley
In one of our most popular tastings of years past, you'll discover the beauty and mystery of perhaps France's most underrated wine regions. Taste the world's greatest Chenin Blancs, Sauvigon Blancs, Cabernet Francs, and some of the best late harvest wines. Sample these with some of Wisconsin's finest artisanal cheeses and you'll think the Driftless area was cut from the cradle of the Loire Valley. $65

Other Special Evenings . . .

From time to time, we plan special dinners at L'Etoile. Past dinners include tributes to regional cuisines from places such as Spain, Tuscany and Provence. We also do a number of wine dinners where we celebrate a grape, vintner or region. These festive communal dinners are a wonderful opportunity to learn more about specific styles of cooking and unique wines.

We'll also keep you informed as to special out-of-house dinners that Chef Tory is participating in. Several times a year, he offers his talent and time for dinners that promote causes important to him such as REAP benefit dinners, Outstanding in the Field's educational farm dinners, and Austism Speaks' Annual Celebrity Chefs Dinner.