Each year, in recognition of the moon’s cosmic influence on biodynamic farming, we host a dinner at Avondale. Normally held on the evening of a full moon, this annual event is called the La Luna Dinner after the image of the full moon on the label of our La Luna red blend wine.
This year we were rewarded with a Blue Moon, which appears once every 2.7 years when there is a second full moon in one calendar month. It was only natural therefore that we should celebrate with a ‘Once in a Blue Moon’ dinner. Our ever-popular event was made even more special as it was a Super Blue Moon, when the moon is closest to the Earth, appearing 14% bigger and 30% brighter than normal. It was also Johnathan’s father, John’s 73rd birthday – what a splendid way to celebrate!
As guests arrived at Avondale, a pathway lit with candles welcomed them in to the Tasting Gallery, where they enjoyed a glass of Armilla Blanc de Blanc MCC before descending to our Barrel Cellar.
A long table, bedecked with lilies and candles, stretched the length of the room and a backlit ice sculpture of our La Luna emblem held the white wines to be served. A violinist played in the background while guests took their seats.
Chef Bertus Basson from Overture Restaurant created a true feast including sautéed gnocchi and mushrooms, roast Yellowtail and grilled octopus, braised lamb shoulder, and matured sirloin and bone marrow. The dinner finished with a rose water milk jelly with rose petals, cardamom, citrus and apple.
Each course was paired with one of our extraordinary biodynamic wines, which Johnathan talked about during the dinner.
We would like to thank all our guests who made the event so special – it really is a privilege to be able to share the bounties of Avondale with you. Our only problem is how to better it next year!
