Taylor Swift reigns as a musical mecca, while Orin Swift stands out as a stellar star in the sophisticated world of wine. While there’s no connection between Orin Swift and music, this powerhouse wine brand hits all the right notes.
Orin Swift hosted a wine tasting at Undercote, the Subterranean cocktail bar beneath Michelin-starred COTE. Surrounded by lush, plant-filled walls, Undercote feels like a moonlit jungle nestled in the heart of the city. The oasis and culinary offerings provided the perfect backdrop for the Orin Wilson team to guide us on a tasting journey through their impressive collection of wines.
A fitting nod to the name, we kicked off the evening with You Go First (SRP $60.00). This sparkling wine is fresh and crisp, captivating the palate with notes of toasted brioche, macadamia, and peanut brittle, all elegantly enveloped in a luxurious, velvety mousse. This was paired with caviar, oysters, and a selection of seafood-forward appetizers that set the tone for an amazing meal ahead.
Orin Swift is not your traditional Napa Valley wine brand, it specializes in limited-edition products, a tight set of luxury bottlings and has built its brand around Dave’s compelling life story that includes a childhood spent frequenting the museums of Europe with this erudite parents.
You Go First Courtesy Orin Swift Cellars
Blank Stare (SRP $40.00) is a delightful Sauvignon Blanc bursting with flavors of lemon-lime sorbet, starfruit, and kiwi, complemented by bright hints of key lime pie. This was poured with the starters and was the perfect accompaniment to Dave Phinney’s story of how he founded Orin Swift. Over a “Trio of Treasures from the Sea, Uni Toast, Caviar Toast and Oyster, we learned of his rather unconventional journey into the business beginning in college
Orin Swift is not your typical Napa Valley wine brand. It focuses on limited-edition releases and a select range of luxury bottlings, all while weaving a narrative around Dave’s intriguing life story, which includes a childhood spent exploring Europe’s museums with his cultured parents. Dave is renowned not just for his distinctive grape blends, but also as the creative force behind the bold labels that define his brand. Many of these labels feature photography that reflects his captivating storytelling and personal journeys.
As we enjoyed Dave’s vivid stories about building the brand and his passion for vineyard work, we savored a dish of “Steak and Eggs,” featuring USDA Prime tenderloin, Regiis Ova Kaluga Royal Hybrid Caviar, and Milk Toast. The delicious food and engaging conversations flowed as we moved on to the reds, pouring 8 Years in the Desert (SRP $53.00), a zinfandel blend that has become a hallmark of the Orin Swift brand, beloved by both loyal fans and newcomers alike.
Finally, we enjoyed It Takes a Village, a wine served with the main course of four cuts of steak including American Waygu and USDA Prime Rib as well as Korean-style rice. This exclusive offering is reserved for members of Orin Swift Cellars’ Equinox Club—a highly sought-after wine club with a waiting list for the most devoted Orin Swift patrons and enthusiasts. Members receive a shipment twice a year containing six bottles each of the most limited-edition wines available to Equinox members.