- 2.5 Hours
- Ages 21+
Learn all there is to know about wine from Laura, including what you are tasting in a wine, the different types of wine that are out there, and pairing food with wine.
$ 169
$ 149
$ 169
Our top offering for in-person experiences is our Chef and Sommelier multi-course wine dinners. For these events, Chef Scott Riesenberger and Laura team up for an elegant presentation of Finger Lakes food and wine over a globally inspired, multi-course meal of fine cuisine.
High-end food and wine, plated and served, this is an evening that mixes delicious wine with engaging presentations upon delivering each course, and lots of opportunity for lively conversation with each other in between. Each selection has a welcome amuse-bouche with sparkling or other digestif as one of the courses.
This format is for 8+ guests at your home, accommodation, or event space. Perfect when you want nothing but the best, be it a dinner party, celebration, corporate retreat, or fundraising. Regions and cities serviced include: Finger Lakes, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Buffalo Metro NYC, DC and Philadelphia. For extended travel and regions outside the Finger Lakes/Rochester area, travel fees apply.
Brown Butter Gougere, toasted sesame, broccoli pesto
Dr Konstantin Frank Wine Cellars Blanc de Blancs 2016
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Rabbit Rillettes frisee, quail egg, prosciutto
Sheldrake Point Winery Cabernet Franc 2018
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Turnip & Fluke Crudo, iced melon, seabeans, fleur de ciboulette
Domaine des Marrans Beaujolais-Villages 2018 (Burgundy,France)
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Burrata Tortellini, asparagus emulsion, green almonds, osetra caviar
Heron Hill Winery Grüner Veltiner Reserve 2017
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Beef Brisket, smoked potato, carrot, black garlic, coffee
Flatt Rock Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
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Strawberries and Cream, mascarpone, verbena, angel food
Paired with Lakewood Vignoles 2020
With over 18 years of experience in some of the world’s top kitchens, Scott Riesenberger has been able to develop his own defined style of cooking, honing his knowledge of and experience with a range of classical and modern cooking techniques. His style of cooking can be described as seasonal-contemporary American with European influences. He likes to create dishes using inspiration from the quality of local ingredients, incorporating simple cooking techniques to enhance presentation and texture.
In 1998 he started his career working in France for legendary Michelin starred chef Marc Meneau at L’Esperance in the Burgundy region. He then went on to work for some of New York City’s leading chefs including Rocco Dispirito at Union Pacific (as Chef de Partie/Garde Manger), David Bouley at Bouley (as Executive Sous Chef), Alain Ducasse at The Essex House (as Chef de Partie/Tournant), and most recently, Paul Liebrandt at Corton (as Chef de Cuisine). Scott has also worked for Michelin starred chef Marc Veyrat at L’Auberge in the French Alps (as Commis de Cuisine/Tournant), was the Executive Sous Chef for the opening of Gilt (from 2005-2006), and was also the Executive Chef for Cru Restaurant from 2007-2009. Scott has been part of opening seven restaurants in and outside of hotels, involving local Unions, staffing, training, selecting, sourcing, and costing china/ glass/ silver, food products, equipment, wine & liquor, etc.
Scott suffers from Celiac disease and was diagnosed in 2009, this has given an in-depth understanding of the different dietary and nutritional restrictions/preferences of the varied population. On Scott’s time off, he enjoys spending time with his daughters, playing tennis, expanding his wine knowledge, and fine art.
We had an amazing experience with Sommelier Laura and Chef Scott for a custom food and wine pairing dinner at our rented home in the finger lakes. They came to us creating a six course meal with six wines exquisitely prepared, served and described throughout the evening in our own kitchen and dining room. This event was the highlight of a fantastic weekend. The professionalism, care, knowledge and creativity blew us away. We highly recommend Experience! The Finger Lakes.
– MaureenWe had a terrific chef-sommelier pop-up meal at Hound & Mare in Ithaca. The food was spectacular and made even more so with the perfect wine pairings. We discovered wines that we will now seek out and Scott Riesenberger is a chef to follow.
– Stacey H.I worked with Laura to plan a private wine dinner for a client's bachelorette weekend. Laura was very communicative about the process and the booking. One of the women is a very plain eater, and Laura and Scott went above and beyond to ensure she had something to eat even if it wasn't on the evening menu. The ladies had a great time and the bride was thrilled that Laura and Scott had prepared such an amazing meal + wine pairing. From a travel advisor perspective, Laura was so easy to work with, very transparent about the evening, and my clients were so happy that I definitely have Laura on speed dial for any future Finger Lakes travelers!
– Sarah, Luxury Travel AdvisorThe entire evening was a delight. Food was incredible and wine pairing was inventive and spot on. We could not have asked for a better experience. We will do this again.
– DavieLearn all there is to know about wine from Laura, including what you are tasting in a wine, the different types of wine that are out there, and pairing food with wine.
Laura hosts a sit-down wine and food presentation featuring a flight of Finger Lakes wines paired with cheese, chocolate, charcuterie, or artisan bites.