VIP Sicilian Wine Dinner – Tonnino Winery

VIP Sicilian Wine Dinner – Tonnino Winery

6 exceptional Sicilian wines, paired with 4 chef-crafted courses at Rafele Ristorante

Type Local Tasting
Location Rafele Ristorante
29 A 7th Ave South
New York, NY 10014
Tags Chenin Blanc / fine dining / food and wine / food pairing / Grillo / italian wine / italy / Nero d'Avola / orange wine / pinot grigio / Sicily / wine dinner / wine pairing
Schedule
  • Welcome Aperitivo 04 Dec, 6:30 - 7:00 pm
  • Wine Dinner 04 Dec, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Overview

Experience the vibrant flavors of Sicily at an exclusive dinner with Tonnino Winery, with 6 outstanding wines from a family-run estate in Alcamo, the northwestern part of Sicily. Italian wine expert and importer Pietro Romani will guide guests through a delicious 4-course journey—Antipasti, Pasta, Entrée, and Dessert— paired with Tonnino's expressive wines. The crisp Mediterraneo Chenin Blanc, the coastal Costa del Pero Grillo, the elegant Pinot Grigio Ramato (orange wine), and the fresh Costa di Mezzo Pinot Grigio. For the entrée course, indulge in bold reds: Passo di Contessa Nero d’Avola and Ceuso, a powerful red blend of Nero d’Avola, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot grapes. This evening is a curated experience of wine, food, and Sicilian terroir. Must be 21+. Limited tickets are available.
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Speaker: Pietro Romani

  • Pietro Romani runs a New York City-based wine firm specializing in the import and distribution of select fine wines.
  • Born and raised in northeastern Italy, Pietro has spent decades immersed in the wines of Italy, from north to south, including estates in Sicily. With extensive expertise in wine importing, he brings deep knowledge and passion to tasting events.
  • Pietro has developed a knack for identifying hidden gems and great values. His superpower is finding a $25 bottle that drinks like a $75 bottle.

Rafele Ristorante

In the historic West Village of New York City, Rafele delivers authentic Italian cuisine to the Big Apple. 12 years ago, Raffaele Ronca and Romeo Palmisano, a longtime friend and fellow native of Campania, began discussing the possibility of opening their own restaurant. Their idea was one that would avoid the clichés of traditional Italian cuisine and instead feature exquisite delicacies inspired by their beloved homeland.

Working together with a unified vision they planned every detail, from the eclectic menu of regional Neapolitan favorites and fresh daily made pastas, to various meat dishes, fresh delights from the sea, and an excellent wine list.

The result of their hard work was realized in the summer of 2012 with the opening of Rafele.

First Course

WINES

  • Costa Del Pero, Grillo, Sicilia DOC 2024
  • Mediterraneo, Chenin Blanc, Terre Siciliane IGP 2024

ANTIPASTI (choice of one) 

  • Arancini (veg): Lightly fried four cheese risotto balls
  • Polpetinne: Pan seared veal and beef meatballs, house tomato sauce, basil
  • Insalata del Giardino (veg vgn): Market greens, red onion, cherry tomatoes, fennel, lemon

Second Course

WINES

  • Pizzo Di Gallo, Pinot Grigio Ramato, Terre Siciliane IGP 2024
  • Costa Di Mezzo, Pinot Grigio, Terre Siciliane IGP 2024

PASTA (choice of one) 

  • Gnocchi alla Sorrentina (veg):
    House-made potato gnocchi, house tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, basil
  • Fetucinne bolognese: Slowly braised pork and beef bolognese sauce

Third Course

WINES

  • Passo Di Contessa, Nero D’Avola, Sicilia DOC 2023
  • Ceuso Red Blend (Nero d’Avola, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot) 2020

ENTREES (choice of one) 

  • Branzino alla grillia: Grilled branzino, herbed white wine sauce, lemon
  • Tagliata di Manzo: Grilled grass-fed NY Strip loin, salsa verde

Sides per la tavola:

  • Sauteed spinach
  • Roasted potatoes

Fourth Course

DESSERTS

  • Cheesecake
  • Tiramisu