I actually interviewed former Metallica and current Megadeth guitarist Dave Mustaine at his Williamson Country farm a few years ago. We talked about his new beer release at the time, although it was apparent he was really more interested in his wine operation at House of Mustaine. He was quite personable to speak with, lounging around in his pajamas until it was time for photographs — then he changed into the heavy metal uniform of jeans and a black T-shirt.
Mustaine and his family have been in the wine business for more than a decade, releasing several vintages made using grapes from certified sustainable vineyards that pursue and embrace organic practices. He will be showing off his wines at an upcoming pairings dinner at The 404 Kitchen on Wednesday, Aug. 28, which will kick off at 6 p.m. with small bites followed by a four-course dinner prepared by chef Matt Bolus and his staff.
The dinner will be served on the rooftop patio at 404, and Bolus and Mustaine will be available to talk about the wine and food pairings. Here’s the delectable menu they have put together:
Hors d’Oeuvres
Scallop Toast Crostini — Avocado, Preserved Orange Zest, Crispy Banana, Microgreens
Goat Cheese Crostini — Strawberries, Green Peppercorn
Beef Tartare Crostini — Toast Points, Black Garlic Aioli, Onion, Cinnamon, Parsley
Paired with House of Mustaine Elysian Fields, Verdicchio
First Course
Summer Salad — Gulf Shrimp, Spring Mix, Kale, Citrus, Feta, Seed Brittle, Charcoal Vinaigrette
Paired with House of Mustaine She-Wolf, Tempranillo Rose
Second Course
Duck Confit — Collards, Blackberry Sauce
Paired With House of Mustaine Holy Wars, Montepulciano
Third Course
72 Hour Tri-Tip — Grilled Aleppo Summer Squash, Pecans, Dried Black Cherries, Red Wine Jus
Paired with House of Mustaine Almost Honest, Cabernet Sauvignon
Fourth Course
Berries n’ Cream — Mascarpone, Chantilly Cream, Fresh Berries, Shortbread Cookies
Advance tickets are required and can be purchased via Tock. The dinner is $135 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
Another big wine event is coming to the Musicians Hall of Fame on Saturday, Sept. 24, as the Uncorked Wine Festival makes a stop in Nashville as part of its multi-city national tour. This is the first time the fest has traveled to Music City after stops in bigger cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Phoenix.
The festival will run from 6 until 10 p.m. and feature more than 100 still and sparking wines from around the world, as well as canned cocktails, seltzers and spirits. Attendees will enjoy unlimited sampling and live music during the course of the evening, and VIP tickets include early entry to the festival, small bites and access to a special lounge.
The 21-and-up event benefits Nashville nonprofit Got Your Six, which provides services and support for kids who are or have experienced foster care. Tickets are available at the Uncorked website.
[Update: The Uncorked Festival has been rescheduled. According to the organizers: "Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are having to reschedule this event. The new date for Uncorked: Nashville is Saturday Jan. 18th. It will still be 6-10pm on that Saturday at the Musicians Hall of Fame Museum.
Obviously since we are reschedling to a date that's a few months out from the original date, we are happy to refund any tickets if this new date doesn't work for you. Simply reply to this email and let us know that you want to cancel and we will handle that immediately. The refund deadline is October 1st. After October 1st, all tickets will roll over to the new date.
If you want to keep your tickets to the new date no further action is needed. The tickets will automatically roll over to the new date, and we will look forward to raising a glass with you then! We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused."
Finally, it’s almost time for tacos: The Nashville Taco & Margarita Festival returns to First Horizon Park from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28. This festival has everything you might expect, plus some surprises. Yes, there will be tacos and margaritas from local restaurants and food trucks, as well as arts and crafts vendors, live music, a kids zone and face painting ... but wait, there’s more.
The festival will feature pro wrestling — because why not? There will also be an ax-throwing zone, so apparently that fad hasn’t completely died out yet. And what goes better with tequila than hurling sharp objects? VIP entry also includes free mini golf on the First Horizon course.
In fact, there are three different ticket levels that include so many different perks that I’m just going to point you to the event website to find out about them all and to pick up your tickets.
iBuen provecha!
