The eight-week wine dinner series concludes Friday evening (Dec. 20) and features the favorite dishes and wines from the past events presented as a five course meal. Chef Karen Mann, is planning canederli in brodo, a bread and ham dumpling soup from Friuli, Italy.

“We are seeking authenticity,” Mann said. “This dish was made from scratch, just as it would be in Friuli.” She has been happy and surprised with the turnout for these dinners.

No good international vintners’ dinner is complete without the wine.

English Garden paired a classical Northern Italian white from Friuli as a complement to the dish. The Ca’ Ronesca Sauvignon from Friuli is light with crisp acidity and no oak flavor. It is the perfect foil to those ham and dumpling flavors.

The vintners’ dinner strives to pair foods with the ideal wine and well-informed talk. Restaurant owner Charles Reed said this spring they will be taking the wine dinner outside.

— Layne Witherell

English Garden, 12506 River Road, will host its next wine dinner Dec. 20. The cost is $35 per person. Call 784-2011 for reservations. The next series will begin in February.