Oakland's Hopscotch Restaurant Announces Wine Dinner With Domaine Saint Préfert

Located in the historic theater district of lively Uptown Oakland, Hopscotch is your one-stop destination for a variety of flavors — the upscale menu intertwines American classics with eclectic Japanese techniques. Executive chef Kyle Itani and GM/bar manager Jenny Schwarz, both co-owners of Hopscotch, create extraordinary food in a casual, friendly setting that offers the best of both worlds.

On Wednesday, April 12th, Hopscotch will focus on another of their favorite flavors — the wines of Domaine Saint Préfert. During this one-night-only event, guests will enjoy a five-course dinner served alongside expertly selected Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines currently available from the winemaker. The guru herself, Isabel Ferrando, will talk about the wines and each pairing, as well as share engaging, insider stories about the art of making wine. The event is an opportunity for wine enthusiasts and foodies to comingle. A few of the wines will also be available for purchase.

Ferrando developed her palate and interest in wine as a child, surprisingly enough, but didn't end up where she is today in the traditional way. (Who wants to go the traditional route these days anyway?) At the start of her career, she worked in communications for a government official and later for a large French bank but knew that this truly wasn't what she was destined to do.

About 15 years ago, she decided to move her family to the Rhône region and purchased the vineyard and winery. Through her hard work and dedication, she has cultivated immense respect in the wine industry. Her wines, mostly grenache-focused reds, have won a multitude of high scores and yielded high praise for their finesse. In 2013, Domaine Saint Préfert earned its certification for using 100 percent biodynamic farming techniques.

Schwarz discovered the wine while traveling through France and opened a magnum of Saint Prefert Old Vine Pink Clairette 2011 during a Dungeness crab feast she hosted earlier this year. She immediately knew the wine was unlike any other. The grapes are highly rare, which is why Ferrando makes only small batches and only bottles the wine in magnums. Hopscotch is excited to host a very special evening on Wednesday, April 12, to open one of these rare bottles alongside the mastermind behind the magic.

To reserve one of the limited seats, please call Hopscotch at 510-788-6217.

Domaine Saint Préfert Wine Dinner Menu

Amuse

Yonsei Oyster

Wine pairing: Châteauneuf Blanc 2014

First Course

Dungeness Crab Caesar Salad

Wine pairing: Old Vine Pink Clairette (Magnum only) 2014

Second Course

Lamb Sugo, Fresh Garbanzo beans, Carrot Top Gremolata

Wine pairing: Classic Cuvée 2013 (80% Grenache, 10% Cinsault, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre)

Third Course

Cheese, hot pop-over

Wine pairing: August Favier 2012 (82% Grenache, 10% Old Vine Cinsault, 10% Syrah)

Dessert

Chocolate Espresso Cake

Wine pairing: Charles Giraud 2013 (60% Grenache, 35% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah)

When: Wednesday, April 12th, at 7 p.m.

Cost: $95 per person (excluding tax & gratuity)