France may be renowned for its elegant chardonnays and deep, fine merlots but Greece has been quietly picking up some top accolades in international wine competitions of late. Master of Wine Konstantinos Lazarakis, will walk guests through an exclusive wine-tasting weekend at Kinsterna Hotel & Spa in the southeastern Peloponnese town of Monemvasia from October 4 to 6, 2013. Kinsterna Hotel & Spa, which recently added eight brand-new gorgeous residence suites to its bevy of beautifully-appointed suites and rooms, is hosting Mr. Lazarakis for the second year running, following a hugely successful wine-tasting weekend held on the property last year.
Participants will be called upon to blind taste two wines – one Greek and one French – with each of the three dishes featured in a divine three-course menu specially designed by Kinsterna’s Chef de Cuisine Giorgos Hapsas. Santorini labels will go up against those of Chablis, premium Greek wine country Naoussa against Bordeaux and Greece’s ancient Malvasia grape variety against France’s sweet Muscat. So, it should be interesting to hear what Mr. Lazarakis has to say in the battle between heavyweight France – a benchmark nation in the winemaking world and his native Greece, whose history of viniculture dates backs thousands of years.
This unique event will take place at Kinsterna Restaurant, right beside the Byzantine cistern from which the hotel takes its name, surrounded by the mansion’s majestic courtyard with views to the endless blue of Myrtoo Sea and the imposing medieval castle-town of Monemvasia. Kinsterna guests will not only savor a private dinner in Mr. Lazarakis’ company but also be invited to participate in a Blind Tasting Session during which the Master of Wine will outline the procedure involved via a tasting of four wines, namely Greek varieties Moschofilero and Assyrtiko, and one wine each from winemaking regions Nemea and Naoussa.
Exclusive Menu
Appetizer – Poached lobster in a court bouillon of aromatic herbs with baby carrots, fennel, artichokes and eschallots slow-cooked in a clay casserole pot atop crisp lettuce hearts with lemon slices and a delicate sauce of lime and Mani fleur de sel
Main course Veal fillet tournedos with 12-month matured prosciutto served with a baby potato confit in goose fat and a mushroom ragu trilogy in beef broth
Dessert – Pineapple ravioli filled with a white Valrhona chocolate mousse, mango sorbet and a strawberry coulis
Accommodation package comprises of:
▪ Dinner for two persons (including beverages)
▪ Participation in the Blind Tasting Session, that will be conducted at Kinsterna’s estate and accompanied by local fruit and cheese
▪ A two-night stay
▪ Traditional Greek breakfast
▪ A bottle of Kinsterna boutique house wine from the mansion’s private vineyards and a bottle of extra virgin olive oil produced from the estate’s olive trees
▪ A 60-minute relaxation session in the atmospheric Kinsterna Spa (hammam, jacuzzi, razul and Water Paradise) for two persons
*Guests who book a Deluxe Suite or a Kinsterna Suite receive an additional, complimentary night
The package rate starts from 620 euros for a classic double room for two persons. The accommodation package applies to bookings of two nights or more for the weekend October 4 to 6, 2013, for a limited number of rooms and includes the abovementioned services for two persons and all taxes.
Kinsterna Hotel & Spa is tucked away in the folds of a lush hillside with privileged views of the Medieval Castle’s Rock of Monemvasia and the endless blue of the Aegean Sea. This romantic Byzantine-era rural mansion blends magically into the surrounding vineyards and timeless olive and citrus groves. The 27 spectacular rooms and suites have been masterfully restored and stylishly adorned with comfortable furniture creating a uniquely welcoming and warming atmosphere, which blends Monemvasia’s romantic and authentic character. For bookings and further information, please visit www.kinsternahotel.gr,
