Last night, Gary's Wine & Marketplace celebrated twenty years of "tasting and giving," at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park. 

Over 400 well-dressed guests sampled approximately 800 wines! California cabs, like Caymus, Stag's Leap, Duckhorn, and my favorite of the evening David Arthur 2007 Napa Cab were being poured in plentitude. 

Featured tables included "Gary's Best of 2006 Brunello di Montalcino," including Poggio di Sotto Brunello di Montalcino, and Stella di Campalto Brunello di Montalcino. There was  "Gary's Best of 2009 Pinot Noir from California & Burgundy" with Talley Pinot Noir Estate, Brewer Clifton Pinot Noir Ampelos Veineyard, and Henri Boillot Pmmard Rugiens, among others.  Guests were given an exclusive preview tasting at "Gary's Best of Bordeaux 2009" table which included the outstanding Domaine de Chevalier Pessac Leognan. 

A party is complete without food, and there was plenty of that as well! The Park Avenue Club along with Gary's Marketplace, and other vendors like D'Artagnan, Epicure, Food Matters, and The Cheeseworks,  provided paella, roast turkey breast, various cheeses like roaring Forties, Robiola and Humbolt Fog, in addition to cured meats, olives, and pates. There were also truffles by J. Emanuel, and ultra-dark, ultra-delicious artisanal chocolate drops by Chocolate Espirit which contain three times the antioxidants of typical chocolate.  There were also assorted Italian desserts by Alfonso's Pastry Shoppe.

Proceeds from the event will benefit various local charities such as Gafnon Cardiovascular Institute, Atlantic Home Care & Hospice, Interfaith Food Pantry, and the Arts Council of the Morris Area.

Enjoy the slide show, and stay tuned to Hot From The Kettle for a video tasting with Gary from the very exclusive 2009 Bordeaux table.