First Ever Winemaker Dinner, "An Elegant and Fresh Affair."

Wine, delicious food, and the best company. The Winemaker dinner was certainly an affair to remember.

September 17, 2023

By: Eleni Kvochak

For years, I have watched my mother plan and deliver beautiful auctions and dinner parties. Whatever the purpose of these affairs, she meticulously curated the perfect menu and table settings. Similarly, Philip wanted to create an experience that would leave a lasting impression on every single guest. And thus, the Winemaker Dinner was born. To make this event come alive, careful planning was required. Every successful event begins with a concrete list of to-dos.

To Do List:

Find a venue

Plan the menu with Catering Team

Meet with the wine carrier, Bernie Orsi ’65

Table decor

Order glasses & dishes

Linens

Florals

Entertainment, music

Registration

Promoting the event

The dinner was set to take place in the Sienna House backyard. We carefully mapped out the layout of the dining tables, bar, musical stage, and kitchen preparation. All the while, the planning committee landed on the colors of olive green and orange. We wanted it to feel elegant, light, and airy. One of my tasks was to create the paper menu and place cards. Utilizing the platform Canva I was able to achieve a pristine and pretty product for the table decor. As a higher-ticketed event, it was imperative that each detail was checked not once, but three times. For example, when it came to the dining experience, I had the privilege to be apart of the menu tasting. The Chefs at he Good Eating Company set out to produce the most exquisite dining experience. Every course was more beautiful and delicious than the next. There was no doubt that this meal wouldn't be cooked with passion and thoughtfulness.

First Photograph: Winemaker Bernie Orsi '65, Second Photograph: Close-up Table Decor, Third Photograph: Holy Family Courtyard

Just as the final touches were coming together, the initial venue had to be changed. With the dinner quickly approaching, this unforeseen circumstance became a major hiccup. Even with the perfect to-do list things can still go off course! After the initial shock Philip landed on yet another gorgeous venue, the Holy Family Courtyard. This challenge presented the lesson of being adaptable to sudden change. Plans can be easily thrown off, however when met with ease and calmness the challenge becomes nothing more than a distant memory. Perhaps, it was a hidden blessing as the Courtyard aligned with the entire vision flawlessly.

On the day of the Winemaker dinner, each guest arrived beautifully dressed ready to experience yummy food and drink. The student workers greeted the guests and led them to their table. It was rewarding to the see their reactions. They took note of the place cards, the menu, the florals, and the welcoming music.

Hospitality Hack: Attention to detail. People will notice the special touches you sprinkle in throughout your dinner party or fundraiser.

It was each and every well thought detail that made the guests feel a touch more special. The tables were set wonderfully and the food tasted better than ever before. Throughout the dinner, the Chefs and Winemaker Bernie Orsi '65 talked about their craft, teaching the guests something new. The environment allowed the guests to enjoy one another. Guests made new connections and created memories their closest family and friends. This event gifted me the ability to grow my networking skills. I made a lovely connection with an Alumna of Saint Mary's and I have now worked to get in contact with her regarding career mentoring.

The details are what make an event stand out and leave an everlasting impression. From the beginning, the goal was to design a fresh and elegant event; the night topped every expectation.