By Ana Maria Gill and Valerie Milano
Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/9/25 – The 3rd Annual Palm Springs Equality Wine Fest kicked off in fine fashion, on Thursday June 5th, with a wine pairing dinner hosted by MacRostie Winery and Vineyards. The multi-course wine pairing dinner took place at TRIO Restaurant, located in the Uptown Design District of Palm Springs, which is known for its chef-driven California cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant has developed a reputation over the years for prioritizing guest satisfaction and offering tasty comfort food with a modern twist.
We were greeted with bubbly and began our evening with an Amuse Bouche featuring a nice combination of salmon, cream cheese and capers on a crispy ciabatta toast. Four more courses followed and throughout the evening, the MacRostie Winery team and TRIO Executive Chef Gladis Lizarraga guided us through each course, offering insights into the pairings and the culinary creations. The event was limited to only 25 guests, ensuring us an intimate dining experience.
FIRST COURSE
Seared Scallops in a lemon beurre blanc and citrus, topped with caviar and accompanied by a melon-fennel salad paired very nicely with the MacRostie 2023 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay that, “started it all for them” back in 1987 and was served in the White House 3 years after its release.
Perfectly caramelized scallops met a silky lemon butter sauce that brightened without overpowering, while the refreshing melon-fennel salad brought balance and an aromatic lift. A refined, well-composed dish that was both vibrant and elegant. The wine, with notes of lemon, lime, green melon, and kiwi echoed the dish’s citrus and melon components creating a lovely match.
SECOND COURSE
Herb-Crusted Duck Breast with a Cherry-port reduction and potato & parsnip gratin came next. The duck was rosy and tender with a crisp herb crust and was elevated by the cherry-port reduction that brought a level of depth and brightness. The creamy potato & parsnip gratin added a level of richness and comfort. Paired with the MacRostie 2023 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, the wine’s notes of ripe plum, red berries, and subtle baking spice mirrored the dish’s flavors, while its balanced acidity and gentle tannins cut beautifully through the richness, for a seamless and elegant pairing.
THIRD COURSE
Roasted Pork Tenderloin accompanied by a pomegranate glaze and sweet potato purée was served next. While the pomegranate glaze offered a bright and tangy contrast and the sweet potato purée was smooth, subtly sweet and delicious in my book. The pork itself was unfortunately cooked beyond my preferred medium, resulting in a less tender and juicy serving of meat that I have come to expect and enjoy from this cut.
Paired with MacRostie 2022 Nightwing Vineyard Pinot Noir – Petaluma Gap
This vibrant Pinot Noir—with notes of red currant, cherry candy, orange citrus, persimmon and pomegranate, was a hit with fellow diners at the table. Nightwing was the highlight of the pairing and made the course memorable.
FOURTH COURSE
A chocolate tart that most definitely won my heart! The crisp chocolate crust held a most delicious, creamy dark chocolate mousse filling topped with fresh berries. It was a marvelous treat paired with the 2022 Clockwise Monte Rosso Vinyard Zinfandel-Moon Mountain District. The wine, containing notes of blackberry, blueberry, fresh ground coffee and cocoa, wrapped up the evening’s wonderful offerings with a beautiful bow.
The opening night of the Palm Springs Equality Wine Fest set the bar high with a thoughtfully curated culinary journey. From expertly paired wines to Chef Lizarraga’s artfully prepared dishes, the evening celebrated not only food and wine but also the joy of coming together in a shared experience. With its intimate setting, passionate hosts, and a warm sense of community, the event was a delicious reminder of what makes this festival so special.
