Sip & Savor: A Boone Garden Party
Boone, North CarolinaSommelier: David Baldwin
Chef/Decor : A’na L’Antigua
Photography: Rachel L’Antigua
An Unforgettable Experience
One of the most memorable and personalized events I’ve ever had the pleasure of curating was the Garden Party in the heart of the beautiful mountains of Boone, North Carolina. The weekend brought together a group of friends, each with unique stories, memories, and personalities, united through travel, work, family, and spontaneity. Through wine, food, and storytelling, we created a magical night, truly reflective of everyone involved.
A special thanks to A’na L’Antigua, whose vision brought this event to life, and for allowing me to curate an experience that celebrated the individuality of each guest.
You can watch the video testimonial by A’na [here].
The Journey to Curating This Event
To truly understand how this event came to be, let me take you through the planning journey—from the initial concept to the unforgettable event day.
Late April - Initial Vision
It all started when A’na reached out to me with the idea to bring her friends together at a mountain house for a 5-course meal. She asked if I could pair wines that reflected the personalities and stories of each guest—most of whom I had never met.
I requested a short write-up for each person to help me curate a wine selection that would truly resonate with them. Here’s the guideline I gave A’na:
How do you know this person?
What adjectives come to mind when you think of them?
Any fun stories, trips, meals, or memories shared with them?
Any particular tastes or preferences in wine (e.g., "Hates white wine," "Loves bubbles")?
Mid-May - Menu and Budget Planning
By mid-May, we had settled on a 5-course menu (which I’ll share below), and A’na had provided a budget for the wines. We decided that each guest would have their own bottle of wine to enjoy throughout the evening rather than serving a wine for each course. This allowed guests to save their bottle or share with others. Spoiler alert: the memory of each wine paired with its corresponding story led to some very fun interactions during dinner, and I highly recommend it!
Early June - Shopping and Selection
Shopping for wines locally in North Carolina was a bit of a challenge, but I was able to find most of the wines I wanted. For two wines I couldn’t source, I revised my tasting notes and provided guests with additional information, so they could look up those wines in the future.
I was able to keep everything under budget, and even added a few fun bonus bottles as a treat for the guests.
June 15th - Event Day!
Finally, the big day arrived! A beautiful estate in Boone set the stage for this unforgettable evening. The 5-course menu was designed to cater to all dietary preferences, and we paired each course with a wine that connected to a guest’s personality or a special memory.
A look at the 5-course menu and the wines that brought it to life.
Course 1: Brut Rosé by Groot Constantia (South Africa)
The first wine was a Brut Rosé from Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest winery (dating back to 1685). This wine was chosen to reflect the long-standing sisterhood between A’na and her sister Katie L’Antigua. Their bond has endured through travel, hardship, and joy, and this wine beautifully mirrored that. The wine, a blend of Pinotage, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, was a nod to their shared history—just like the mother grape, Gouais Blanc, that unites these varietals. The crisp and refreshing lemon zest taste of this Brut Rosé also reminded A’na of her sister’s ability to adapt and connect with any adventure.
Course 2: Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand
The Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand was paired with a vibrant salad course. The wine had a nose of grapefruit, lemon, and even a touch of cat piss (a trademark of this grape variety!). A’na’s description of Ansley stood out as a perfect match for this wine—Ansley’s fierce loyalty and her ability to elevate any situation mirrored the Sauvignon Blanc's adaptability. She’s sunshine on a rooftop, and this wine, grown in the Golden Mile, perfectly captured her spirit.
Course 4: The Harvester, Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
A standout moment in the evening was pairing the Harvester, Cabernet Sauvignon with lamb meatballs. This full-bodied red wine was chosen for Max, a guest who approaches everything with integrity and intention. Interestingly, Max was also the one who sourced all the ingredients for the event from the local farmer’s market. The pairing was poetic—both the wine and Max’s approach to life as a nurturer/harvester perfectly complemented the meal.
The Beauty of Personalized Wine Pairings
Throughout the evening, the wine became more than just a drink—it was an integral part of the story we were telling. Each wine connected with a guest’s personality, a shared memory, or a special trait that made them unique. The evening was about connection, celebration, and creating lasting memories—one glass at a time.
