EVENTS

AJ's Summer Wine Spectacular in Scottsdale, 5/30

Betty Reid
The Republic | azcentral.com

Randy Nussbaum attended the AJ's Summer Wine Spectacular three years ago and was impressed by how much thought the upscale grocery store put into the event. Instead of simply offering wines to taste, AJ's carefully paired each wine with artisan breads and cheeses, shrimp, sushi and desserts.

And the store's support of the arts — all proceeds from the event will benefit the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts — turned Nussbaum into a fan and customer.

"AJ provides wine, food and a number of gift baskets for the event," he said. "I bought wine that I had not bought before. ... We go to AJ's more often because of the wine quality."

Expect Nussbaum, an attorney and member of the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts advisory board, to be at the wine tasting this weekend. It's the 29th time the event has been held and the third year at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The event includes live music and a silent auction.

Organizers aim to offer a variety of wines so patrons can explore types they've never tried.

"Most people tend to repeatedly purchase favorite brands and varieties, so a tasting is a no-risk way to expand wine drinkers' scope by introducing them to styles they may not previously have chosen," said Alice Itsell, AJ's Fine Foods wine-cellar specialist.

This weekend's event will offer 42 red and white wines from France, Italy, Argentina, Spain, Australia, Oregon, Washington and California.

Among the whites will be a selection of Pinot Grigios and less-known varietals, such as Colombard and Picpoul de Pinet, both of which are grown in France.

"The wines are priced under $12.99, which gives people an opportunity to sample new styles and explore the world of wine," Itsell said.

There will be more than 40 tables of food and wine.

"It's highly social and fun," Itsell said. "Individuals or groups of friends can relax and enjoy a common interest: wine and food. The wine tables are hosted by knowledgeable wine representatives, while the food tables have enthusiastic culinary specialists. Each expert will be able to discuss specifics about the products and walk through the taste profile."

There will be a few special attractions, too.

AJ's Chef Verne will present a savory Parmesan pasta bowl, which he'll create by hollowing out the center of an 18- to 24-month-old wheel of Parmesan cheese.

"He uses the space to toss hot pasta with a touch of oil and freshly grated Parmesan," Itsell said.

The shrimp ice sculpture returns this year. The ice sculpture is filled with cooked jumbo shrimp accompanied by homemade cocktail sauce. There will be plenty of desserts to sample as well.

AJ's Summer Wine Spectacular

When: 2-4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 30.

Where: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St.

Admission: $35.

Details: scottsdaleperformingarts.org.