Wine education event at Darden Bistro slated Wednesday

Darden Bistro, Vita Nova's wine and tapas bar, is hosting a wine education and tasting event with Marian Jansen op de Haar, one of the top sommeliers in the world, from 6-7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17.

Offered in the cozy bistro off Vita Nova's main dining room, the event, besides providing participants with expert advice on selecting and recognizing fine and vintage wines, will include a wide selection of wines by the glass paired with selected cheeses or hors d' oeuvres plates prepared by UD's Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management students.

Jansen op de Haar is the award-winning director of wine for Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, a national chain. She will talk about the sensory analysis of wine and guide tasters through optimal pairings possible, using the Darden Bistro menu.

The event is geared to appeal to both novice and seasoned wine-lovers, and due to the high-profile nature of the guest sommelier, interested participants should call (302) 831-0500 to register promptly, as seating is limited to 20.

The Darden Bistro menu can be found at [www.hrim.udel.edu/vitanova/Bistro.asp].