News Summary
Cucina Enoteca in Irvine, CA, is celebrating California Wine Month throughout September with specially priced wines and curated food pairings. Under the guidance of Tracy Borkum and executive chef Cesar Sarmiento, the restaurant highlights wines from Napa Valley, Sonoma, and Anderson Valley, providing unique tasting experiences. Guests can enjoy a diverse selection of wines with flexible pour options and a children’s menu featuring interactive dining. The celebration reflects California’s rich viticultural heritage and aims to educate patrons on the local winemaking history.
Irvine, CA – Cucina Enoteca is celebrating California Wine Month throughout September by offering an array of specially priced wines and food pairings that highlight the state’s rich viticultural heritage. The restaurant, located at the Irvine Spectrum Center, features a diverse selection of wines from notable California vineyards, available in various serving options including by the glass, half glass, or bottle. Furthermore, there are no corkage fees for customers who wish to purchase from the bottle-shop selections.
Leading the initiative is restaurateur Tracy Borkum and executive chef Cesar Sarmiento, alongside beverage director Micah Tarr, who provide curated pairing suggestions aimed at enhancing the overall tasting experience. This month-long event not only showcases celebrated wines but also emphasizes educational elements that connect patrons with California’s winemaking history, from the inception of the wine industry in the early 1800s to modern sustainable practices.
Throughout September, Cucina Enoteca is highlighting wines from various renowned regions including Napa Valley, Sonoma, and Anderson Valley. For instance, guests can enjoy the 2020 Roederer Estate Apple Alley Vineyard Chardonnay priced at $16, which is lauded as a rare, single-vineyard sparkling wine. It pairs well with tempura-fried squash blossoms. Another notable offering is the 2024 Spottswoode Napa/Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc, available for $62. This wine features notes of white flowers and ripe peach, providing an ideal complement to Weiser Farms melon salad.
For those seeking bold flavors, the restaurant offers a 3-ounce pour of the 2022 Cairjn Blend No. 3 Cabernet/Syrah from Paso Robles for $18. This wine is characterized as bold, juicy, structured, and deeply expressive, making it a perfect pairing with short rib Mafaldine. Limited to only 115 cases, this selection enhances the exclusive experience at Cucina Enoteca.
To encourage exploration, Cucina Enoteca offers flexible pricing structures with options for 3, 6, and 9-ounce pours, allowing guests to savor multiple wines during their visit. Wines featured this month include Sandhi Blanc de Noir, Orixte Sotelo Albariño, and Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, catering to an array of palates.
Additionally, on September 18, Cucina Enoteca will observe National Cheeseburger Day with a specially featured burger. This culinary creation includes a Brandt beef patty, provolone cheese, balsamic onions, arugula, and pickle aioli, providing a unique twist on a classic dish.
For families dining at the restaurant, a children’s menu includes the “Modo Mio Pizza” option, where kids have the opportunity to create their personalized pizzas right at their table. This interactive dining experience adds an element of fun for younger guests, making it an engaging outing for families.
As Cucina Enoteca dives into California Wine Month, it has aptly created an environment that acknowledges California’s historical significance in wine production while promoting a deeper understanding of wine and food pairings. The restaurant’s effort to celebrate the diversity and quality of California wines reflects its commitment to providing an enriching dining experience.
Cucina Enoteca is located at 951 Newport Center Dr. and welcomes guests to partake in this unique journey of taste throughout the month of September.
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Additional Resources
- Irvine Standard: September, A Month to Sip and Savor
- Wikipedia: Wine
- There San Diego: Michelin Bib Gourmand Cucina California Wine Month Celebration
- Google Search: California Wine Month
- Newport Beach Indy: Cucina Enoteca Celebrates California Wine Month
- Google Scholar: California Wine
- There San Diego: Third Avenue Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cheeseburger
- Irvine Standard: Bag of Cakes Coming to Cypress Village
- Google News: Cucina Enoteca

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