Alliance of Sommeliers
The Alliance of Sommeliers is a wine tasting that meets once a month at different restaurants in the Orlando area to discuss food and wine. You don't need to be a wine sommelier or any kind of expert to join. All you need is a desire to explore the world of wine and food.
Originally founded in 1972 as a chapter of the Sommelier Guild of Florida the group became the Alliance of Sommeliers. Originally, the group had 3 sommeliers on the board Reid Rapport, Dennis Kirkwood and Ed Cazel.
This group is one of the oldest wine tasting groups in the country. Some of the members are third generation in their families to continue the wine learning experience.
Wine and food pairnings have evolved over the half century of this wine groups existence. We strive to keep our tastings current and informative without becoming overbearing. New members continually rejuvinate the group as we find new areas of wine exploration.
If you'd like to be placed on our email list to receive future wine tasting notices. The next wine tasting event notice is included below.
Cheers
Alternatives to Favorites: Exploring Outside our Comfort Zones
Join us on Sunday October 12th for a special evening exploring how lesser-known regions and grapes can rival the classics you already love. Lauren Oliva, WSET 3 (Double Distinction), will share seven out-of-the-box ideas for you to try out the next time the restaurant’s wine list has some unfamiliar options or you or a loved one is ready to break out of the same-old same-old. These fresh perspectives on our favorites will be served alongside Chef Mike’s beautifully paired three-course meal at the Aurora Restaurant in the Celeste Hotel at UCF.
Please note that due to the restaurant’s constraints, this tasting event will begin at 3 PM instead of 4 PM.
The Wines:
Greet Wine
Szigeti Brut Grüner Veltliner (Austria)
We’ll begin the evening with a lively sparkling wine from Austria. This crisp and refreshing Grüner Veltliner has bright green apple and citrus notes — a festive alternative to Champagne that sets the tone for discovery.
First Pairing: Alternatives to Chardonnay
Savvoglou-Tsivolas Assyrtiko 2024 (Greece)
Bright, lemony, and kissed with sea-spray salinity, this Greek white is perfect with seafood and citrus.
Monte Tondo Soave Classico 2022 (Italy)
Elegant and smooth, this northern Italian classic balances almond and stone fruit flavors that echo the sweetness of the corn and stone fruit salsa.
Together, these wines show two sides of crisp Mediterranean whites — zesty and mineral versus soft and round.
Food pairing: Seafood Cake with Pickled Fennel, Citrus Salad, Stone Fruit & Corn Salsa
Second Pairing: Alternatives to Pinot Noir
Matilda Nieves Ribeira Sacra Mencía (Spain)
Delicate, floral, and red-fruited, this high-altitude Spanish red offers the elegance of Pinot Noir with a touch of earthiness.
Barone Madaudo Cerasuolo di Vittoria 2022 (Sicily, Italy)
A blend of Nero d’Avola and Frappato, this Sicilian gem brings cherry fruit and savory spice — a vibrant companion to salmon and mushrooms.
These are Pinot Noir alternatives with Mediterranean flair, showing how lighter reds can shine with fish and vegetables.
Food pairing: Faroe Island Salmon with Wild Mushroom Risotto, Lemon Cream & Heirloom Carrots
Third Pairing: Alternatives to Cabernet Sauvignon
Quinta do Crasto Douro Superior Tinto (Portugal)
A bold Portuguese red, full of dark fruit and spice, that’s built to complement hearty dishes.
Tenuta Ponte Taurasini Aglianico 2018 (Campania, Italy)
Known as the “Barolo of the South,” Aglianico brings structure and depth, standing shoulder to shoulder with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Both reds are powerful alternatives to Cab — perfect partners for braised beef and rich demi-glace.
Food Pairing: Braised Beef Short Rib with Celery Root Purée, Haricots Verts & Demi-Glace
October 12, 2025
Greet wine at 3PM. Sit-down tasting 3:30-5:30PM
Aurora at the Celeste
4105 N Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32826