Checkers Downtown Continues Eclectic Wine Dinner Series

Merryvale Vineyards Assistant Winemaker to Walk Guests Through Interactive, Intricate Blending and Winemaking Process Accompanied by Food and Wine Pairing July 31

Checkers Downtown, in the historic Hilton Checkers Hotel located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, is pleased to announce another installment in its series of eclectic wine dinners. On July 31, Merryvale Vineyards' assistant winemaker, Michael Cruse, will lead a presentation that guides guests through the blending and winemaking process while enjoying a five-course meal with wine pairings. Guests will not only experience an informative lesson by Mr. Cruse, they will get to participate in the fine art by blending their own, personal wine.
The custom menu is priced at $95 per person (not including tax and gratuity). The dinner and wine presentation begins at 6:30pm. Reservations can be made by emailing Tyler Dow at tylerd@hiltoncheckers.com or by calling 213-891-0526.

A Toast to The Chef

While minds are being stimulated by the verbal and visual voyage, appetites will be satisfied along with elegant and eclectic pairings. To showcase Merryvale Vineyards' diverse selections, versatility and the richness of the Merryvale Vineyards tradition, the July 31 menu will feature:

Heirloom tomato and watermelon salad with Watercress and topped with crumbled feta cheese

Merryvale Vineyard's Chardonnay, 2007

Seared blue fin tuna with Oro Blanco grapefruit, Lola Rosa leaves and avocado puree

Merryvale Vineyard's 'Silhouette' Chardonnay. 2005

Confit Jidori chicken ravioli with roasted baby cabbage and Jerez sherry jus

Merryvale Vineyard's Pinot Noir, 2008

Braised natural beef short ribs with white truffle infused risotto

Merryvale Vineyard's 'Profile', 2006



Spanish Flan

Merryvale Vineyard's 'Antigua'



About Checkers Downtown:

Within easy walking distance of Los Angeles' theatre district, shops and nightlife, Checkers Downtown can be found in the historic Hilton Checkers hotel. Dating back to the 1920s, the building has been fully restored to its original splendor and offers one of the area's best examples of period architecture. Checkers Downtown restaurant and lobby lounge are open daily. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and the lobby lounge serves small bites and cocktails nightly. Reservations can be made by calling 213-624-0000 or online at www.checkersdowntown.com. Checkers Downtown is located at 535 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, Calif. 90071. Valet parking is available. Follow the restaurant on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CheckersDowntown or Twitter: @checkersdt.



About Merryvale Vineyards:

Since 1983, Merryvale has been turning exceptional Napa Valley grapes into world class wine. Family-owned, they are committed to protecting and preserving the environment through conservation, renewable energy and sustainable farming practices at their three Estate vineyards. They have received Napa Green Vineyard, Napa Green Winery, Fish Friendly Farming and Bay Area Green Business certifications.