Doris Market’s final Wine Night offers global sips before holidays

Guests enjoy a buffet during Doris Italian Market & Bakery’s Wine Night. [Photos by Doris Italian Market & Bakery]

Finding a wine for Thanksgiving dinner or a holiday gathering can start with a sip rather than a guess. At Doris Italian Market & Bakery’s final Wine Night of the year, you can sample more than 150 wines from around the world before deciding which bottles to bring home.

The tasting takes place Saturday, Oct. 24, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the market’s North Palm Beach location, 11239 U.S. Highway 1. Along with wine sampling, the evening includes a gourmet buffet, artisan cheeses and cannoli cake.

Jacqueline Alfano, the marketing and administration director at Doris Italian Market & Bakery, says the market’s Level 2-certified wine director curates the selection. Meetings and tastings with suppliers help identify wines and regions to feature.

“We are constantly tasting new wines and new vintages in an effort to keep our selection fresh and exciting, offering customers new avenues to explore,” Alfano says. “There is something for everyone at these events, from Champagne and Burgundy to sangria and spritz, and wines from around the world like Australia, California and everything in between.”

A selection of wines is showcased during Doris Italian Market & Bakery’s Wine Night.

Alfano adds, “We’ve learned over the years of hosting these events that our customers gravitate towards the new selection, which encourages us to continue exploring.”

The exploration begins at check-in, where each attendee receives a wineglass and a list of the wines and their table numbers. More than a dozen tasting tables are usually set up throughout the store, with small pencils available for people to record their impressions and mark their favorites.

Wine company representatives staff the tables and can answer questions about what they are pouring, Alfano says, or about what might complement a planned meal.

Wine is poured for a guest during the evening tasting at Doris Italian Market & Bakery.

Alfano emphasizes that the event centers on wine sampling rather than food-and-wine pairings, so the buffet is offered away from the tasting tables.

The head chef chooses the menu. Past offerings have included pasta such as penne vodka or marinara; a meat dish such as chicken marsala, veal stew, or sausage and peppers; a seafood option; and vegetables and roasted potatoes.

For the year’s final tasting, holiday shopping is a particular focus.

“We offer the lowest pricing of the year at this event, so if you know you will need wine for Thanksgiving and December holiday parties, this is the event to attend and purchase,” Alfano says.

Tickets are $49.95 and are available only through Doris Market’s event page. Attendees must be at least 21.