Take a Trip to the Desert for a New Wine Dinner Series Featuring Legacy Wineries

I think it's fair to say, we all enjoy a getaway to the desert. The sun shines, the cocktails hit, the pool is warm and soothing. Time passes without the stress of our normal hustle and bustle, and the environment leaves you parched for delicious food and drink. Enter Morgan’s in The Desert at La Quinta Resort & Club , ready to launch Morgan’s Wine Series for monthly dinner with wine pairings.

On March 6th, Morgan's in The Desert welcomes Grgich Hills Estate, famous for its Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their founder Miljenko “Mike” Grgich recently passed away at 100 years old , and this is the perfect way to honor Mike's contribution to the wine industry while dining and drinking in the calming desert style.

The Food & Wine Pairing Menu

1st COURSE
Smoked Hawaiin Tuna with Saffron Lavash, Pumpkin Aioli, Tobiko Caviar
Grgich Hills Estate Rose 2022

2nd COURSE
Seared Stone Sea Bass, Crisp Potato, Béarnaise Foam
Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2021

3rd COURSE
Snake River Short Rib, Pumpkin Risotto, Crisp Parsnip, Caramelized Balsamic Onion
Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet 2019
Grgich Hills Yountville Old Vine Cabernet 100 Birthday Commemorative Wine

4th COURSE
Brie Couronne with Prosciutto, Puff Pastry & Candied Bosc Pear
Grgich Hill Estate Late Harvest Violetta 2018

Four Course Experience | $150 Per Person*

*Prices do not include tax or gratuity

To make a reservation, please contact Morgan’s in The Desert at 760.564.7600 or via their website .

I had the chance to ask Andrew Cooper, Executive Chef at La Quinta Resort & Club, a few questions about the Grgich Hills Estate dinner

MK: Why is it important to include these dishes at the Grgich Hills Estate dinner, and how do they compliment the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon the brand is known for?

AC: The 2021 Miljenkos Selection Chardonnay is bright and brilliant with aromas of fresh lemon, lime, cucumber and honeycomb, followed by a hint of vanilla and cracked pepper. We paired this wine with our Seared Sea Bass because of the rich natural flavor of the fish, which will only be enhanced by the citrus notes of the Chardonnay.

For the third course, we decided on two Cabernet Sauvignon options, the Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet 2019 and the Grgich Hills Yountville Old Vine Cabernet 100 Birthday Commemorative Wine. The latter was made in honor of Mike Grgich’s 100th birthday celebration that I got to be a part of, so I felt it important to include this wine in the dinner. This rich yet elegantly balanced wine is a wonderful tribute to his legacy. This wine starts with complex aromas of brambly blackberry, rosehip, red current, and blood orange followed by flavors of sweet cherry, blueberry, and rosemary. This wine was grown on one of the oldest cabernet sauvignon vineyards in Napa Valley, which also makes it very special.

When thinking about all of the wonderful dinners we shared with Mike it was a challenge to decide what cuisine to pair with his incredible wine portfolio. The longer you cook a dish, the flavors become richer and develop even more personality and more maturity. As a tribute to Mike’s long, fruitful life we selected the Snake River short rib dish which is slow braised with herbs for 6 hours.

MK: Why did you feel it was important to include these dishes?

AC: When you have a connection with the person who created the wines, creating the cuisine to pair with it becomes even more transcendent. Every relationship develops with time, being able to build upon it year over year only ignites the creativity which gets expressed on our plates. We continue to develop relationships one plate at a time…

Stay tuned for upcoming Morgan's Wine Series events:

• April 10th: Rodney Strong Vineyards
• May 8th: Taste of France Dinner

Visit Morgan’s in The Desert to learn more and to make reservations to attend the wine series dinners.