Molon Lave Vineyards Halloween Winemaker's Dinner 2026

Molon Lave is delighted to welcome back Chef Matt Finarelli for an unforgettable evening of exceptional food and perfectly paired wines. Join us for a special Halloween Winemaker’s Dinner featuring six thoughtfully prepared courses, each paired with a Molon Lave Vineyards wine selected to complement the flavors of the dish. From duck confit and roasted salmon to delicious pasta, steak, and a decadent crème brûlée, Chef Matt Finarelli has created a menu perfect for an unforgettable fall evening at the winery. First Course Wine Pairing: Light Abounding Sparkling Wine Duck Confit Spring Rolls Homemade spring rolls filled with duck confit, roasted pork, bean thread noodles, and scallions, served with hoisin sauce and pickled ginger. Second Course Wine Pairing: Riesling 2025 Salmon Panzanella Salad Herb-roasted salmon served atop a fresh panzanella salad of green beans, tomatoes, olives, whole-wheat baguette, and fresh herbs. Third Course Wine Pairing: Viognier 2024 (Virginia Governor's Cup Gold Medal Winner) Dry-Cured Branzino with Porcini Glaze, Spinach & Fennel A quick cure brings out the delicate flavor of the branzino while creating the perfect texture. Served over a bed of spinach, fennel, and porcini mushrooms and finished with a porcini glaze. Fourth Course Wine Pairing: 480 Bordeaux-Style Red Blend Spaghetti alla Carbonara Arguably one of Rome’s greatest pasta dishes, this classic combines cheese, egg yolk, pancetta, and freshly ground black pepper for a rich and beautifully simple pasta course. Fifth Course: Wine Pairing: Petit Verdot 2023 Black Olive-Brined Steak Steak brined with black olive brine, garlic, and fresh rosemary for an incredibly savory and flavorful finish. Served with roasted potatoes, red peppers, and onions. Dessert Course: Wine Pairing: Ariadne 2016 Chocolate & Coffee Crème Brûlée The perfect ending to the evening. Rich chocolate, coffee, and caramel notes in the crème brûlée beautifully complement the same flavors found in our 10 year-old tawny port-style dessert wine, Ariadne, creating a pairing that brings out the best in both.