Damariscotta River Grill Wine Club To Host Australian Wine Delegation

The Damariscotta River Grill (155 Main Street, Damariscotta) will hold a special Australian wine tasting event on Thursday, May 17th at 6:00 pm. The sit-down tasting, which will showcase five wines from the acclaimed Vasse River Vineyard in Western Australia, is open to the general public as well as members of the Damariscotta River Grill Wine Club. While the wine selections to be explored will no doubt prove to be exceptional, the upcoming event is unique in that it will mark the first trip outside of Australia for Rob Credaro, Owner-Operator (along with his wife, Phyllis) of the acclaimed Vasse River Winery in Western Australia.

"We're very excited that we'll be hosting these very talented wine producers at our Australian wine tasting, and are proud that the state of Maine in springtime will be among their first impressions of the U.S.," noted Rick Hirsch, Chef/Owner of the popular coastal Maine restaurant. "We're bound to have a dining room full of very welcoming folks at this next tasting event, and look forward to welcoming the Credaro team."

The Vasse River vineyard is ideally situated in Australia's world-renowned Margaret River wine region. The Credaros will be on hand to share with guests perspective and history about their family's vineyards, and to offer their winery's Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Merlot, Shiraz and Beachhead Sunset Ros� from their Vasse River and Beachhead wine selections.

Guests at the Australian wine tasting also will be offered savory tapas dishes, designed to complement each wine selection, from Chef Hirsch's kitchen. In addition, event guests will enjoy informal "Q&A" with Gordon Hoffman, President of Margaret River Wines (and the U.S. importer of Vasse River and Beachhead wines); David Landis, U.S. Export Director for MRWLLC Imports, located in Perth, Western Australia; and, David Joseph of DaVine Wine Specialties, area distributor for Vasse and Beachhead wines.

The May 17th Australian wine tasting is part of the Damariscotta River Grill's continuing series of wine events. "Since we launched our Damariscotta River Grill Wine Club in February 2006, we've been really pleased at how much our membership has continued to grow," noted Jean Kerrigan, General Manager of the restaurant, and co-owner with Chef Hirsch. "Guests at our restaurant are so enthusiastic about learning more about the 'wine world,' and that enthusiasm is contagious. We've all thoroughly enjoyed getting to learn directly from wine producers and distributors about their innovative varietals at our events, and our upcoming Australian tasting will surely continue this great dynamic."

For further information or directions, phone 207/563-2992.
$30 per person (+ tax/gratuity). Reservations required.

About the Damariscotta River Grill:
Since its successful launch in late 2003, the Damariscotta River Grill has firmly established itself as a welcome addition to the coastal Maine dining scene. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Rick Hirsch (Executive Chef) and Jean Kerrigan (General Manager), the popular restaurant has been a favorite of locals, summer visitors and vacationing celebrities alike. Guests enjoy the restaurant's traditional Clam Chowder and its hearty Beef and White Bean Chili as much as its Maine Shrimp Bruschetta, fresh Lobster Cakes and succulent Pork Osso Buco. The restaurant is highly regarded for its impressive wine list as well, which features a variety of award-winning New and Old World varietals. For further information, or to request an interview with Chef Rick Hirsch, contact Jen Beltz at 207/899-2750, jen@frontburnerpr.com.

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