
MS Walker of Rhode Island launched The Spire Collection of luxury wines at venues across the state in March. A pairing dinner highlighting Ocean House’s fine-dining venue, Coast, on March 16 featured guests Master Sommelier John Blazon, who is also the line’s Vice President of Sales, and Brian Sweeney, Senior Vice President, National Sales, who were onsite to present selections. Blazon, former wine director for Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando and its sprawling wine programs, has also served on the board for the Court of Master Sommeliers and was appointed as an inaugural board member to the American Guild of Sommeliers, among career highlights. Guests enjoyed a four-course meal prepared by the Ocean House culinary team, paired with Gran Moraine Brut Rosé, Stonestreet Chardonnay, Maggy Hawk Jolie Pinot Noir, La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon and Tenuta di Arceno Valadorna Toscano. Narragansett’s Coast Guard House hosted a Spire Collection four-course dinner on March 18. Each course was paired with a different wine from the Spire Collection. Guests enjoyed Gran Moraine Chardonnay Yamhill Carlton, Capensis Chardonnay, Giant Steps Pinot Noir, Mount Brave Cabernet Sauvignon and Gran Moraine Brut Rosé. Part of the Jackson Family Wines portfolio, the Spire Collection is a high-end portfolio of artisan wines sourced from more than 20 vineyards and wineries across the world.
- All from the Coast Guard House except where indicated: Jonathan Korona, Sous Chef; Kevin O’Hagan, Sous Chef; Elisa Wybraniec, Wine Director; Jamie Chernesky, Pastry Chef; Jacob Tasich, Server; Sean Gorman, Server; and Brian Sweeney, Senior Vice President, National Sales, The Spire Collection.
- The Spire Collection’s Giant Steps Pinot Noir, Gran Moraine Chardonnay and Capensis Chardonnay, showcased for guests.
- Brian Sweeney, Senior Vice President, National Sales, The Spire Collection pours at the Ocean House event on March 16.
- Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon decanted.
- Brian Sweeney, Senior Vice President, National Sales, The Spire Collection; Jonathan Feiler, Group Director of Wine, Ocean House Management Collection; and John Blazon, Master Sommelier and Vice President of Sales, The Spire Collection, on March 18.
- La Jota Howell Mountain Estate 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Tenuta di Arceno Valadorna Toscano 2015.
- Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley.
- Maggy Hawk Jolie Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, Mendocino County.
Photos courtesy of Coast Guard House and Ocean House.