Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

Directly from the Gruman and Nicholl Press Release:

Spinasse to host noted Italian winemakers for five-course dinner on Wednesday, May 9th, 2012. Wine Aficionados will revel in opportunity to meet leaders in Italian Vinology.

What: A five-course dinner featuring renowned Italian winemakers. This fete will include a menu of classic Northern Italian fare along the lines of Carne Cruda, Tajarin and a Savory Flan, which pair perfectly with the varietals of the region including Gavi, Dolcetto and Barolo.

When:   May 9, 2012, 6:30 p.m. $125 plus tax and gratuity. Call for reservations.

Where: Spinasse: 1531 14th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122, 206-251-7673, www.spinasse.com.

Who: Gian Piero Broglia, owner of the oldest property in the entire Gavi region and arguably the most prestigious appellation in all of Italy for its dry white wine:Villa Broglia.

Orlando Pecchenino, who along with his brother, Attilio, tend vines in the Piedmont region of Italy. Attilio and Orlando Pecchenino are the heirs of a farm with a long history, starting in the eighteenth century. Their coveted wines are made from nebbiolo, dolcetto and barbera.

Paolo Damilano with winemaker Beppe Caviola. Damilano is one of the best “new-generation” wine makers in Piedmont, where Barbera is made. Being in Piemonte, their focus is on Barolo, but they also produce a couple thousand cases of excellent Barbera.

Beppe Caviola, AKA “The Dolcetto King,” is best known as a consultant to some of the most legendary estates across Italy and at his own winery, Ca’Viola. Beppe produces Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo-based wines that beautifully showcase the terroir and fruit expression of the Langhe.

Gian Costa-Marenco makes sparkling Moscato and Brachetto D’Acqui, made primarily in the Asti, Roero and especially Alessandria areas in the Piemonte region. A sweet, aromatic red, Brachetto is a light colored wine with distinctive aromas of rose and strawberry, moderate alcohol and a refreshing sparkle.