Terralina Crafted Italian Tour of Italy Wine Dinner celebrates spirited pairings

At Terralina Crafted Italian, a popular Disney Springs restaurant, the rustic flavors in a welcoming setting bring diners back time and again. For wine lovers, the Terralina Crafted Italian Tour of Italy Wine Dinner starts a journey to discover food and flavor that leaves everyone wanting more.

From wood fire pizzas on the outdoor patio to pork gnocchi at a table for two, the vast and varied Terralina Crafted Italian menu celebrates classic Italian fare. Overseen by Chef Justin Plank, each and every dish has a nod to the old country yet celebrates Italian modernity.

Periodically, the restaurant offers specially ticketed events that bring together special menu items and wines from its expansive list. In a small group setting, the night is full of spirited conversation, flavorful food, and some valuable wine insight poured with each course.

Attending a wine dinner can be enjoyable, but, for some guests, it can be intimidating. Some people have been fortunate enough to travel through Tuscany or have a well-developed palate. Others prefer to have a firm hand guide them through the experience. In either scenario, the guest will enjoy the Terralina Crafted Italian Tour of Italy Wine Dinner.

As the first course is presented, the journey starts with an approachable introduction. Although a surf and turf course might be a bold choice as start, it allowed the Vermentino to dance on the palate. The combination of rich Kobe beef tartare and yellowtail crudo with the white wine offered a zesty contrast of flavors. It was the perfect, exciting choice to set the tone for the evening.

Building on the bold flavors, the second course of grilled octopus with a tangy lemon vinaigrette was contrasted with the slightly floral, nutty notes in the Pecorino. While this wine can be fresh and fragrant, it stands up to the octopus.

For the third course, the housemade pici pasta highlights a hearty pairing. While the Barbera benefited from its decanting, the luscious butter sauce and the lamb sausage play off the slight pepper notes with a hint of fruit. The balance for this food and wine pairing was in perfect harmony.

With the fourth course, the dual beef dish with a creamy polenta felt like the ultimate comfort food. While the Cabernet Franc is easy to drink, this pairing feels like a dinner that grandma would serve. Almost like a warm hug, it is a combination that invites everyone to sit back, relax and enjoy. There is no need to rush this course.

Lastly, the dessert pairing celebrates that a rustic pastry is the perfect end to this meal. The herbal thyme mixed in with the wild berries and apple contrasts the honey notes in the wine. Even though it is a sweet finale, it is one that lingers and delights.

Although this Terralina Crafted Italian wine dinner has past, the Disney Springs restaurant will be offering events in the future. The restaurant’s website has all the information on these special dinners, seasonal events, and other dining options.