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Just under a year ago, Calistoga won the Best Speciality category at the Scottish Restaurant Awards. Word has it that they got the gong mainly because of the interesting methods they use to sell wine. As well as being a restaurant, Calistoga operates as a wine merchants specialising in Californian wine.

They host wine tastings and wine dinners and, this is a doozie, in the restaurant they sell all their wine at retail price plus £5: great news if you want to drink something special without shelling out for a big mark-up.

On Monday 24 January, Elise Faur from Morgan Winery is coming over from California to host a wine dinner at Calistoga.

The price for dinner, including a three course meal, coffee, tastings between each course and a glass of wine with each course, will be £40.

If you’re interested, here is the menu:

Arrival Selection of canapes w/ glass Morgan Sauvignon Blanc

Tasting of Metallico Chardonnay – one 2005 and one 2009

Choice of

Cured Cod, Coriander and Chilli Frittata w/ saffron aioli with a 175ml glass of 2009 Chardonnay

Fragrant Vegetable Chowder w/ wasabi sticks with a 175ml glass of 2005 Chardonnay

Tasting of Morgan Twelve Clones Pinot Noir, Double L Pinot Noir and Cotes du Crow’s Reds

Choice of

Zinfandel braised Lamb Shank w/ sweet potato mash and root vegetables with a 175ml ml glass Cotes du Crow’s

Roast Root Vegetable and Woodland Mushroom Tart w/ roast vine tomatoes and a Parmesan glaze with a 175ml glass of Twelve Clones Pinot Noir

Duo of Artisan Cheeses with a 75ml glass of Double L Pinot Noir

Coffee