The Barn at The Wilton Historical Society was the setting for Thursday evening's "Red, White and Bleu: Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Tasting" led by WSET Certified Wine Specialist and Educator JoAnn LoGiurato.  LoGiurato's business, Dancing on Grapes, specializes in private wine tastings, presentations and events for women.

"My whole focus has always been to teach women about wine," said LoGiurato, who runs the Wilton Women's Wine Club.  

This event was not just for the ladies, though. Friends, supporters and volunteers of the Wilton Historical Society, and their husbands and wives, gathered for the lively event that lasted over 2 hours and served salad, bread, a variety of cheeses from Darien Cheese & Fine Foods, chocolates from Sweet Pierre's of Ridgefield, and a special red velvet cake made by Wilton resident Daisy Smith. 

This is the second tasting event that LoGiurato has done at the Historical Society. 

"Last year I worked with the historical society on a tasting on the wines of Thomas Jefferson," said the wine educator.  Surprisingly, the former president was America's first 'wine geek'. 

The focus of this most recent event was to teach participants about wine and food pairings and to quell intimidation when ordering wine in a restaurant or purchasing a bottle in a shop. Being that it was held at the Historical Society, there was also a bit of history mixed in.

"Tonight," announced LoGiurato, "you have my 5 picks for Valentine's Day".  Folders handed out to participants also included a History of Valentine's Day handout. 

"We're into learning at the Historical Society," said Head of Programs and Education Kate Gluckin.  

The folders also included a Wine Geek Quiz, a Wine Tasting 101 handout, as well as a list of the wines and cheeses served. 

"Although there are recommendations of cheese and wine pairings," said LoGiurato, "only your palate knows what it likes." 

All of the wines featured were $20 or under.  "I enjoy finding wines that are inexpensive and great," she said. 

LoGiurato also enjoys introducing participants to wines they may not be apt to pick up and purchase.  The first wine offered was a sparking rose from New Mexico. 

"Grapes love hot days and cool nights which makes for a longer hang time and then makes the wine more delicious," she explained.  "It's a great little party wine; it's festive, and also good for Valentine's Day." 

A clear favorite of the evening, judging by the emphatic requests for a second taste, was a 2007 Viticcio Toscano Bere Rosso, from Greve, Tuscany, Italy. 

"This is a perfect Wednesday night spaghetti and meatballs kind of wine, and goes especially well with pizza." 

Another favorite was a 2007 Petite Petit from Lodi, California bottled by Michael and David Phillips.  This wine is a blend of 85% Petite Sirah and 15% Petit Verdot. 

"It spends fourteen months in oak so it has an oaky, woody taste, which makes it a perfect wine for sitting by the fire or pairing with a steak," said LoGiurato.

LoGiurato also gave instruction on how to properly taste wine and tips on serving temperatures.

At the end of the evening, participants left with smiling faces and cheerful voices.  "It was lovely!" said guest Lena Stark, a friend of LoGiurato.  "The first cheese was the best." 

Guest Bonnie Sheehan had many favorites.

"The Petite Petit, the Moscato, all of the cheeses, the red velvet cake and the lemon cheesecake were outstanding!"

LoGiurato will be hosting another tasting evening on March 13 titled "Do More Expensive Wines Taste Better?"  Visit the calendar at www.wiltonhistorical.org for more information.