Michelin star-rated Sepia restaurant, located in the booming West Loop dining district, is pleased to announce a one-night-only winemaker dinner, the first public event to be held in its just-opened private event space, Private Dining by Sepia. On September 19, 2011, Sepia will partner with Brooks Winery to present a four-course tasting menu paired with a unique line-up of wines from the Oregon vineyard. Wine Director Arthur Hon has worked closely with Brooks Managing Director Janie Brooks Heuck and Winemaker Chris Williams to carefully select current releases as well as vintages from the Brooks Riesling and Pinot Noir library collections to complement the flavors of Executive Chef Andrew Zimmerman's invective seasonal cuisine.

This unique winemaker dinner will showcase a new wine-based cocktail, artfully crafted by Sepia Head Bartender Josh Pearson. Diners will have the opportunity to sample his concoction, which highlights Brooks' distinctive late harvest Riesling, Sweet P.

The Pairings
Brooks Wines maintains a philosophy of producing wines through organic and biodynamic farming; it is a belief that marries well with Chef Zimmerman's commitment to bold, inventive dishes that take inspiration from seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers. The winemaker dinner will introduce diners to a number of wines from the two varietals Brooks is famous for - Riesling and Pinot Noir. The pairings set to be featured at the dinner include"

Columbia River Breeze
Featuring 2010 Sweet P Riesling, Ransom Old Tom Gin, ruby red grapefruit, fleur de sel

Coriander Cured Hiramasa, Peach-Miso, Cucumber, Ground Cherry, Tarragon
2009 Ara Riesling*
* The 2006 vintage of this wine was served during President Obama's state dinner at the White House honoring India

Apple Cider Braised Pork Belly, Apricot, Chanterelle, Marcona Almond
2003 Willamette Valley Riesling

Lamb: Grilled Loin, Crispy Neck, Eggplant Marmalade, Panisse, Cherry, Licorice
2002 Janus Pinot Noir & 2008 Janus Pinot Noir

Almond Blanc Neige, Apple Spice Cake, Caramelized Apples
2010 Sweet P Riesling

These pairings offer guests a rare retrospective opportunity; both the 2002 Pinot Noir and 2003 Riesling are the creations of the late Jimi Brooks, the company's original winemaker and founder who passed away in 2004. As such, the dinner will offer wine lovers an exceptional chance to appreciate Brooks' present collection, as well as highlights from years past.

The Event will begin with a reception at 6:30pm followed by dinner. The cost is $95 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 312.441.1920.