Celebrating Women in Wine at Fioretta’s Penthouse

Recently, ShallWeWine, had the pleasure of attending the Women in Wine tasting event located in The Penthouse of Fioretta, organized by the DineAmic Hospitality team. This exclusive gathering brought together ten renowned women-focused wineries from esteemed vineyards in California to Italy to Greece, all showcasing their exceptional wines to media and trade professionals, as well as women in wine enthusiasts.

A Rooftop Wine Tasting Experience Like No Other

Upon arrival, I was greeted by three kind hosts who led me down a lush, floral-lined-wall hallway to a private elevator. The elevator took me upstairs to a secret oasis on the 13th floor, The Penthouse, located above the bustling Fioretta steakhouse restaurant. Not to be confused with any other rooftop in the West Loop, The Penthouse was an experience – nestled right in the heart of Fulton Market. This sophisticated oasis offered stunning east and west-facing skyline views of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, providing the perfect backdrop for an evening of sipping fine wines, savoring delicious bites, and entertaining energetic conversations.

The atmosphere was lively, with a female-led DJ spinning tunes that kept the guests grooving, including hits from Spice Girls, Chappell Roan, Miley Cyrus, and Madonna. As guests mingled with other fellow wine enthusiasts, I was impressed by the atmosphere – suave marble bar, stylish and comfortable modern furnishings, expansive indoor/outdoor seating, and attentive team members. The Penthouse is the place to be seen and ideal for private and corporate events, offering stunning city views.

Top Women-Driven Wineries Featured at the Event

Throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to taste an impressive portfolio of wines from participating wineries, each paired with expertly crafted bites from multiple DineAmic Hospitality restaurants. Some featured wine from the evening included:

  • Elena Walch: A leading wine estate in Italy’s Alto Adige region, Elena Walch is known for its innovative approach to winemaking. I was particularly impressed by their 2023 Gerwurtztraminer, which showcased the estate’s commitment to quality and sustainability.
  • Sottimano: This Italian winery has been family-owned and operated since the 1960s. Their Nebbiolo wine had balanced flavors of cherry, pomegranate, and a hint of spice.
  • Kathryn Hall: As one of Napa Valley’s premier wineries, Kathryn Hall is renowned for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Their wine did not disappoint, with bold flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and subtle hints of oak.
  • Chimney Rock: This Stags Leap District winery is known for its single-vineyard tastings. An interesting wine to note is their Elevage Blanc, a unique blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris that showcased the winery’s commitment to innovation.
  • Pazo Barrantes: Located in Spain’s Rias Baixas region, Pazo Barrantes is a family-owned winery dedicated to producing exceptional Albariño wines. Their Gran Vino Albariño was a highlight, with mineral notes and a crisp, refreshing finish.
  • Marques de Murrietta: This Rioja winery has been family-owned and operated since 1852. Their Rioja Reserve carried lots of body, with flavors of leather, cherry, and subtle hints of oak.
  • Cambria Estate Vineyards: Located in Santa Barbara County, Cambria Estate Vineyards is known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir showcased the winery’s commitment to quality and terroir-driven winemaking
  • Tenuta Capezzana: This Italian winery has been family-owned and operated for over 100 years. Their Trebbiano Bianco was impressive, with no oak aging and a crisp, refreshing finish.
  • Tenuta Scersce: Located in Italy’s Valtellina region, Tenuta Scersce is a family-owned winery dedicated to producing exceptional Nebbiolo wines. Their “Nettare” Rosso di Valtellina was a standout, with fruity flavors of ripe red fruit and subtle hints of spice a lasting finish. This wine was silky, smooth, and just the red wine that you would want to drink on a rooftop.
  • Domaine Skouras: This Greek winery is known for its Moschofilero wines, which are grown at high elevations in the Peloponnese region. Their Moschofilero was memorable, with aromatic, floral notes and a crisp, refreshing finish.

Decadent Food Pairings Elevate the Experience

The evening’s culinary offerings were just as impressive as the wines, with a selection of expertly crafted bites that included baked potatoes topped with caviar and cannoli’s, Ahi tuna guacamole tacos and beef sliders, Wagyu beef meatballs with ricotta cheese and Arancini from Bar Sienna and Siena Tavern, bougie chicken nuggets topped with caviar and crab croquette bites from Bar La Rue and La Serre, and traditional Greek spanakopitakia and grilled lamb souvlah from Lyra and Violi.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility in the Wine Industry

In addition to tasting these exceptional wines, ShallWeWine was also impressed to learn about the commitment to sustainability and social responsibility demonstrated by many of the participating wineries. From organic farming practices to charitable initiatives, it was clear that these women-focused wineries are dedicated to making a positive impact on their communities and the environment.

The Verdict: A Must-Attend Wine Event in Chicago

Overall, the Women in Wine tasting event was a resounding success, showcasing the exceptional wines and dedication to quality and sustainability from these esteemed wineries from around the globe. We look forward to future events and the opportunity to continue exploring the world of women in wine.

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