I was pleased to be invited to Overture Restaurant last week for a special wine dinner. Winemaker Orlando Herrera was in town as part of the the big fundraising effort for the Edward J. Debartolo Scholarship fund. He stayed in town after the event to host a great night of wine and food at the downtown establishment.

One large table held all 37 guests with Herrera at the head and his wife entertaining guests on the other end. Herrera was pasionate in his descritpions of his wines and I got the sense just how much his work means to him.

Herrera spoke glowingly of "the art of farming" and his belief in "listening to the vine". His 2011 wines were quite impressive, especially considering how difficult a growing season that was.

"If you control your land and work your vines you can be patient and still achieve quality. You have to react to the gifts and challenges of mother nature"

Here's a look at the amazing wines and corresponding dinner courses:

1. 2011 Mi Sueno Chardonnay Sonoma Mountain

Fresh Walleye in an Almond Panko Crust paired with seared Salmon drizzled with Balsamic Reduction resting on a Bed of Wild Greens.

2. 2011 Mi Sueno Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

Veal Rollentine: Sauteed Veal wrapped with Kalamata Olives and Mushrooms in a Marsala Sauce.

3. 2011 Mi Sueno Syrah Napa Valley

Lamb Three Ways: Lamb Koftas, Lamb Chop and Lamb filled Grape Leaves.

4. 2011 Herrera Selecion Rolando Jr. Cabernet Sauvignon

Seared Kernels of Filet with Roasted Brussel Sprouts. Roasted Garlic Sundried Tomato Bearnaise Sauce

5. 2011 Herrera Selecion Valeria Petit Verdot

Brasied Boneless Short Ribs nestled in a Whole Wheat Bowl with Root Vegetables and Crispy Shallots

Herrera's wines are not distributed in Ohio which means you can order them directly from the winery. You can check them out at www.misuenowinery.com

Special thanks to Jeff and Nora Chryustal for inviting me to the event, allowing me to enjoy the amamzing dinner and spend a few minutes interviewing Orlando afterwards.