A Zesty tasting at Zesty

In his review this week, Charles calls Zest “a very dressed-up diner.” Well, you don’t have to dress up for the Leawood restaurant’s wine tasting tonight, but it wouldn’t hurt.

As I mentioned in our weekly dining newsletter/all-knowing guide Pitch Forks, Zest is hosting its first wine event today. Tonight’s guest is Matt Duggan from Palmina winery, who will guide tasters through four wines from the California-based house.

Palmina maybe grown in Santa Barbara County, but the varietals and blends are based on the Italian way of doing things. Palmina grows grapes such as barbera, which has been grown in Italy for more than 500 years, and of course, sangiovese.

Palmina hasn’t been available in the Kansas City area, but this Zest happy hour also acts as a celebration of the fact that it’s making its way into area stores.

Tonight, Duggan presents several wines but highlights two in particular: the northern-Italian red grape dolcetto, which is known for its smooth palate and the way it compliments pizza; and a white made from the southern-Italian arneis varietal, which holds up to even the heartiest seafood.

Chef Eric Eckard will whip up an entire menu of specially picked hors d’oeuvres to match the wine. The event lasts from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and costs $35 per person. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended. Zest’s phone number is 913-381-5678. It’s located in Mission Farms.