Lowndes Grove, Wine & Gil

What started out as a rainy, chilly morning ended as a warm and sunny Friday afternoon on the river. My go-to photographer/designer/creative thinker and I took a quick ride over to Lowndes Grove as soon as we saw the sun peek through the clouds. The breeze was cool off the river, and we felt more peaceful the second we stepped foot on-property. Workmen were buzzing around, so we walked the grounds, taking in the new brickwork and the ground readied for bluestone and oyster tabby. Inside the Main House, they're painting walls and ceiling medallions. It's hard to believe we reopen on March 15! It's going to be incredible.

And while I'm thinking of it, if you haven't made reservations for the Richter Wine Dinner on Friday, February 8, get on it. Space is extremely limited. If you need a refresher, here are the details:

Dr. Dirk Richter, AKA a wine legend, is coming to Charleston for one of only two U.S. appearances. He's the renowned winemaker of the Richter Riesling family of wines, and he's sharing wines from his private library only with us!

WHEN: Friday, February 8, 6:30 pm meet and greet, 7 pm dinner

WHAT: 4 courses inspired by Dr. Richter's 4 private wines

If you're into wine, you'll be beside yourself with a course-by-course discussion of the wines by Richter whose family has been producing award-winning wines for more than 300 years.

THE MENU:
1st Course: Richter Mulheimer Sonnenlay Zeppelin QBA 2006
Sashimi Tuna pizza, crispy bread, lime-jalapeno sirasha, pickled red onions

2nd: Richter Zeltliner Kabinett 1988 (considered one of the best of the century) Spicy Bouillabaisse with scallops, local shrimp, mussel, fingerling potatoes, bok choy, fennel, mushroom in Thai coconut broth

3rd: Richter Erdener Trepphen Spatlese 1990
Local Triggerfish with fried noodles, sea bean asparagus and snow peas in a green curry sauce

4th: Richter Veldinzer Auslese 1988
Fried banana cheesecake spring roll with chocolate plum sauce

And to wrap things up this week, a shout out to our friends at Gil Shuler Graphic Design who I met with this morning. Bon weekend!