(Chef Adrianne's Calvo & Carlos Sarmiento
Photo: Carlos' Food & Wine)
By Carlos Sarmiento
There are just some unique experiences that occur only when you have the right combination of food, wine and good company.
In true fashion to the thanksgiving spirit of the month of November, I am grateful to such opportunities that brings together several of my passions into memorable moments.
I was recently invited to an intimate wine pairing dinner event at Chef Adrianne's Vineyard Restaurant & Bar, the flagship establishment by renowned (and Miami's own) Chef, Adrianne Calvo and Trivento Wines.
This event truly was a match made in Miami.
Chef Adrianne's Vineyard Restaurant & Bar
At age 20, Adrianne Calvo took a trip to Napa Valley that ended up changing the course of her life for the better. She instantly fell in love with the food, the wine, the atmosphere and everything in between. After a few fortuitous experiences and a bit of elbow grease along the way, in 2007 Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant moved from a dream to a reality.
Now, several years later, she is reminded on a nightly basis how deeply food can inspire.
At Chef Adrianne’s, the menu is curated with Maximum Flavor in mind as she sets out on a daily basis to make sure that each bite, each sip and each experience is as memorable as the last.
About Chef Adrianne...
(Photo courtesy of Chef Adrianne Calvo)
With two distinguished and popular restaurants, six published cookbooks, an Emmy-nominated Youtube series, a newly launched Cabernet Sauvignon, Chef Adrianne Calvo is a nationally acclaimed chef, author, and mega restaurateur with an accrued Instagram following of over one million.
Chef Adrianne Calvo opened her namesake restaurant, Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Bar at the age of 22. Now open over 15 years, and collecting accolade over accolade as it carved out its position on the culinary stage, such as 8 Most Innovative Restaurants in Miami, Best Chef Miami, Best Chef Florida, New Times Miami Best Restaurant, Thrillist’s 50 Things to Eat Before You Die, Thrillist’s 17 Most Important Restaurants in Miami, Thrillist’s Most Influential Restaurants, Zagat’s 10 Totally Unique Restaurants in America, Zagat’s Top 6 Restaurants Worth a Drive, and Zagat’s 9 Most Romantic Restaurants.
In 2019, Chef Adrianne launched her fine-casual eatery, Cracked by Chef Adrianne. Equal parts fun as it is serious about food, Cracked by Chef Adrianne has been featured on Food Network, CNN, and Delish boasting about its “drool-worthy” cuisine. In a true testament to her passion and drive, her culinary empire has now expanded to Baked by Chef Adrianne.
(Photo courtesy of Chef Adrianne Calvo)
Among Chef Adrianne Calvo’s hard earned achievements, beyond her staple Miami Restaurants – are six cookbooks, Maximum Flavor (2005); Driven by Flavor, Fueled by Fire (2008); #MaximumFlavorSocial (2014); Play with Fire (2015); and The A List, a two volume work released in 2018. She has appeared on the Today Show, Good Morning America, Fox and Friends, Fox News, Food Network’s Chopped, Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay, The Talk, Pickler and Ben, Morning’s with Maria, CNN, Hallmark Channel, and has a weekly cooking segment on NBC 6 in the Mix for over 14 years.
Chef Adrianne has earned corporate sponsorships and endorsements from brands such as Reebok, AirBnB, Jaguar, Samuel Adams, The British Virgin Islands, Diamond Resorts International, Baptist Health, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Anguilla Culinary Experience, AYS Sports, Casillero del Diablo, Royal Caribbean International, F1, Señorio Mezcal, Scrub Island, Jack Daniels, Got Milk?, Hormel, Amerant Bank, Super Bowl LIV, ChefWorks, Sprint, Crocs, Nissan, and Sprint.
Also known for her philanthropic work, Chef Adrianne Calvo launched The Make It Count Foundation in 2007 inspired by her younger sister, Jennifer who passed away from a rare cancer. Jennifer’s motto was “Make It Count” and now that has become the inspiration and driving force behind her non-profit organization whose goal is to make a difference and positively impact the lives of children and teens nationwide. The foundation has aligned with several organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (Chef Adrianne is the Culinary Ambassador), Susan G. Komen, Flippany, Cooking Matters, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Easter Seals, and many more.
For more information about Chef Calvo visit adriannecalvo.com and follow her on Instagram @ChefAdrianne.
Bodega Trivento Argentina
In terroirs at the foot of the Andes mountains, varieties from the old world encountered generous sun and hardworking hands...this is the heart of Trivento wines.
Founded in 1996, Trivento wines, the Argentine subsidiary of Viña Concha y Toro, has 1,244 hectares planted in the best winegrowing areas of Mendoza. Through its vineyards, it offers consumers a wide portfolio of distinctive wines, standing out with its flagship Malbec.
About Germán Di Cesare...
(Carlos Sarmiento and winemaker Germán Di Cesare. Photo: Carlos' Food & Wine)
I had the great fortune of having met one of Trivento's star winemaker, Germán Di Cesare, a Mendoza native that brings over 20 years experience of winemaking, specializing in mid and high altitude wines.
Down to earth, passionate and eager to share with all about his wines and the land they come from, Germán is a true homegrown bon vivant.
(Photo courtesy of Curich Weiss)
Though his passions extend well beyond the mountain and vineyard. "In wine we encounter the unmistakable confluence of the Andes, tradition and the sunshine of Mendoza."
He is a lover of Argentine folklore music, the guitar, horses and good friendship.
He strikes a noteworthy balance between precision and creativity. Seeking out quality and drawing on music and the seasons in the vineyard for inspiration, a profile emerges portraying the kind of winemaker Germán really is an authentic creator of new sensations.
(Photo courtesy of Curich Weiss)
German presented this evening these three remarkable wines:
2020 Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec
2015 Trivento Eolo Malbec
2021 Trivento Chardonnay
(Photo courtesy of Curich Weiss)
About the wines...
2021 Trivento Golden Reserve Chardonnay
(Photo: Carlos Food & Wine)
VARIETY
100% Chardonnay
DESCRIPTION
Colour: golden yellow with greenish reflections.
Aromas: fresh and honest fruit expresses typical notes from the varietal. Well balanced with the oak.
Palate: dense and fresh structure. Perfect balance with oak.
2020 Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec
(Photo: Carlos Food & Wine)
VARIETY
100% Malbec
DESCRIPTION
Aroma: Fresh and fragrant nose of lavender, balsamic, plums, thyme, black pepper, and sweet black cherries.
Palate: Nice crunchy graphite texture, with a lovely core of fruit concentration supported by lively acidity.
Smart and delicious.
2015 Trivento Eolo Malbec
(Photo courtesy of Curich Weiss)
VARIETY
100% Malbec
DESCRIPTION
Colour: Deep red, with violet tones and black tints.
Aroma: Black fruit aromas, blackberries, cherries and figs. Notes of dark chocolate, tobacco and figs syrup arise from the time spent in French oak barrels.
Palate: Sweet entrance, complex and balanced tannins with a silky finish. Wine of great body with persistent finish.
*This sensational wine is from sourced from a single vineyard.
About the food...
Chef Adrianne and winemaker Germán Di Cesare introduced the evening's menu and discussed how Malbec was introduced to the Chef and how she had challenged herself to bring own her Maxixum Flavor approach to her food pairing.
(Chef Adrianne Calvo & winemaker Germán Di Cesare. Photo courtesy of Curich Weiss)
The menu was especially created for this evening featuring delectable small dishes that paired beautifully with the Malbecs...even the dessert!
(Photo: Carlos Food & Wine)
(Chef Adrianne Calvo. Photo courtesy of Curich Weiss)
First Course
Pan seared lamb chops with pomegranate mint relish paired with 2020 Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec.
(Photo courtesy of Curich Weiss)
Second Course
Iron skillet duck breast with plum relish, Malbec reduction paired with 2015 Trivento Eolo Malbec.
(Photo courtesy of Curich Weiss)
Third Course
Goat cheese cheesecake, macerated raspberries and blackberries paired with 2015 Trivento Eolo Malbec.
(Photo courtesy of Curich Weiss)
Sublime presentation and the perfect pairings!
Special Thanks...
This event and evening could not have been made possible without the exceptional orchestration of Jarvis Communications and Curich Weiss.
(Photo courtesy of Curich Weiss)
A huge thank you to Anika Crone from Jarvis Communications and to Caroline Ricca from Curich Weiss for including Carlos' Food & Wine.
About Carlos Sarmiento
& Carlos' Food & Wine...
(Photo: Carlos Food & Wine)
Carlos Sarmiento is an award-winning filmmaker & public relations professional as well as a food & wine aficionado.
He first discovered his passion for cooking when he was in his early teens, to the point where he was aspiring to go to culinary arts school and become a chef. Life, however had other plans for him.
Carlos ended up studying film-making and pursuing a career in film/TV. After a few years, he made a career change and has since established himself as a seasoned public relations & communications professional.
The one constant factor throughout his life’s travels and professional experiences has always been and continues to be his love and appreciation for cultures, cooking, and wine.
In 2020, Carlos’ Food & Wine (website) was launched. This is your one stop place for gourmet but simple to make recipes as well as fine wine pairings.
Visit and subscribe today at:
Instagram: Carloslsarmiento
For event coverage/planning, collaborations and partnerships email Carlos at: