Golf Legend Greg Norman Shares His Love
For Wine with Wine Divas

WARWICK, Rhode Island – What do golf great Greg Norman and 80 local women have in common? A passion for wine. That was evident at the recent gathering of the Wine Divas at Eleven Forty Nine Restaurant.

The Wine Divas is the restaurant’s “women-only” wine club, which meets monthly to experience different vintages and varietals. When the Divas requested a tasting of wines from Greg Norman Estates, the famous golfer sent his most trusted ambassador, his daughter Morgan. With her, she brought five Greg Norman wines for the women to sample. The wines were paired well with the food of Executive Chef Jules Ramos, with rave reviews from the connoisseurs in attendance.

“It was a pleasure meeting the Wine Divas,” said Morgan, who was impressed with the large turnout and with the menu created especially for the event.

Greg Norman Estates began as a collection of wines from some of the finest growing regions in Norman’s homeland of Australia. It was the golfing legend’s goal to introduce Americans to Australia’s premier wines. His portfolio of wines was introduced in 1999, and it has gone on to win widespread critical acclaim. Norman’s newest collection features wines from California. His enthusiasm for high-quality wines is shared now by his daughter, Morgan, a key member of the vineyard’s marketing team. Her education includes training as a professional chef, and she brings those skills to the team in the areas of recipe development and food pairing.

During the opening reception, the Wine Divas began their tasting with the Eden Valley Chardonnay from South Australia, known for its punchy fruit aromas of peach and pear. According to Morgan, this wine’s palate is “mouthwatering with crisp green apple and fleshy peach being balanced by creamy vanillin oak.”

Once seated, the women were treated to creative cuisine that matched the following wines superbly.

The first course of White B ean Crostini with Parma Prosciutto, Basil, Shaved Parmesan and Extra Virgin Olive Oil was accompanied by the Santa Barbara Pinot Noir. Next came Potato Gnocchi with Sweet Sausage, Fontina, Sage and Cream, served with the Pasa Robles Petite Sirah. A Duck Breast with Green Lentil Stew complimented the Southern Australia Shiraz. The crowd was delighted with the final offering of Sparkling Pinot Noir/Chardonnay, paired with Poached Pears, Mascarpone Cream and Hazelnut Praline. All the wines were current vintages.

“Truly an extraordinary evening,” was the consensus of the Wine Divas.

An interesting side note: The Wine Divas program began quietly in the fall of 2008 with a dozen or so wine lovers attending. Despite the dismal economy, interest grew to the point where reservations are now limited to the first 80 women who sign up for the monthly program. In addition, the men who were left at home during Wine Diva events suggested that the restaurant offer a similar program for males. Thus, the Corks Society was born in recent months. While the Wine Divas gather in the Terrace Room at Eleven Forty Nine, the Corks Society meet in20a separate private dining room. The same wines and specially crafted menu are made available to both groups. The guest wine experts visit both the women and men to describe the wines being tasted on that particular night.

“The Corks evolved out of the Divas,” said member Peter Moscovita. “It’s a contagious atmosphere, and we’ve all made lots of new friends from all walks of life. It’s wonderful when you can combine food, wine and friendship.”

For more information about the Wine Divas and the Corks Society, call Amanda Marcello at 401-884-1149. Upcoming wine programs are scheduled for July 14, August 4, and September 8, starting at 7 p.m. Because of its wild popularity, reservations are required.

The Eleven Forty Nine Restaurant is located at 1149 Division Street in Warwick, Rhode Island.
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