#????????????????????????????????????????. My friends know this about me, and now you do, too. After all, my tagline is eat.????????????????????.bemerry.repeat. So, allow me to share one of my favorite things to do in Augusta.
MORE: The Naked Epicurean: Whiskey Alley
Every Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Cork & Flame hosts a wine tasting—an invitation to explore the world of wine, one sip at a time. For a nominal fee ($18-$25), you receive a flight of six wines organized by color and intensity to swirl, sip and savor. It’s a delicious opportunity to sample wines, learn about their terroir and educate yourself about food pairings.
Last week’s theme was wines from California. Pat poured, I tasted, and together we mused over the wines’ profiles.
????2018 Banshee Chardonnay: buttery mouthfeel; zippy minerality with hints of citrus and honeysuckle.
????2019 Banshee Rosé (48% Sangiovese): crisp; a subtle rose water nose; notes of strawberry and juicy honeydew.
Cork and Flame offers weekly wine tastings. Photo by Ann Beth Strelec 
Cork and Flame offers weekly wine tastings. Photo by Ann Beth Strelec
????2019 Banshee Pinot Noir: subtle oak; sweet cherry and juicy pomegranate.
????2020 Rickshaw Cabernet Sauvignon: currants and dark berries; cocoa nose.
????2018 Banshee Mordecai Proprietary Red (30% Cabernet, 20% Petite Sirah, 20% Zinfandel: pepper and tobacco nose; plums, black mushrooms and red berries on the tongue.
????2019 Banshee Cabernet Sauvignon: herby, peppery, jammy; velvety finish.
Whilst imbibing, you may choose to order some of Cork & Flame’s innovative tapas such as Smoked Pimento Cheese with Candied Bacon or the Chef’s Selection Cheese Plate or the Olives with Sheep’s Milk Cheese and Honey. When it’s available, I like to snack on the pâté (chicken liver truffle mousse and pheasant pâté with fig and pistachios) which seems to complement each wine in a flight.
Cork & Flame, a hub of vision and creativity, is on a mission to provide Augusta with quality seasonal dishes, imaginative cocktails and fine wines.
Show up to drink, laugh, eat and shop.
Ann Beth Strelec is known around town as the Naked Epicurean, sampling the finest cocktails known to Augustans. Find out about adult beverages at The Augusta Press on the first and third Friday or on Instagram @NakedEpicurean.
