AGAPI WINE CLUB

Bianca and Chef Gus Silivos host Sunday afternoon wine and food adventures

By Magi Thomley Williams

After being on a waitlist for over a year, Agapi Wine Club has a few openings for new members so hurry to reserve your spot!

Bianca and Chef Gus Silivos have curated a superb series of events to showcase Chef Gus’s cuisine and accompanying wine selections for fortunate Agapi Wine Club members. Wine consultants join the monthly gatherings to share notes on the wine while Chef interprets his accompanying culinary choices. Some items in the food pairings are not included on the menu or only appear on the catering menu, others are served on Agapi’s regular menu.

A Sunday family dinner quality permeates Agapi Garden during the parings. Twenty people signed up for the first wine club tasting four years ago; many are still members who have developed close relationships over the shared love of wine and food. In February, participants came from as far away as Destin. The eclectic group at one table included four young girlfriends, two Pensacola businesspeople and a retired Navy couple.

Each month boasts a different theme, which is only revealed to the wine club members the Monday prior to the actual date, keeping anticipation at a

INTERESETD?

• What: Agapi Wine Club

• When: Upcoming wine club dates are April 23, May 28 and June 25; there are two seatings on chosen Sundays each month: 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

• Where: Agapi Bistro + Garden, 555 Scenic Hwy., Pensacola

• More information: Contact Bianca at bianca@myagapi.com or 850-8135683 to join or for more details peak. The only exceptions are in March when female winemakers are featured in honor of Women’s History Month and each December when a blind tasting is held. All other dates are a complete mystery until the big reveal.

Members take home two featured bottles of wine or one very special wine from each tasting and members aren’t required to attend to be eligible to receive their wines. Another perk for members is that they receive 15 percent off all bottled wines from the Agapi Bistro + Garden menu when dining in. Membership is $65 per month and can be cancelled or paused at any time. Current members can invite guests for only $25 each.

February’s event included wine consultant Michael Fix of Winebow Fine Wine & Spirits and featured wines produced in warm and cool climates using the same grape varietal. Fix has worked regularly with Agapi Wine Club for the past three years.

“The great thing about Gus and Bianca and what they do here is coming up with a theme,” Fix said. “It keeps people interested, involved in membership. There’s always a different vibe. It keeps people engaged and excited. Also, they make great food, which Gus has been doing for a long time and knows how to pair great foods with great wines. We work as a team – that makes it a good working relationship.”

Wine Club enjoyed in the Agapi Garden is a distinctive way to spend a Sunday afternoon with friends old and new while trying a new variety of the grape.

“Be adventurous with wine,” Fix urged. “Try different things when you host a dinner, take a chance on something. Don’t just go with everything that you know. You will be surprised, coming to things like this helps you find things you love when you hated a whole category of things. You should try to branch out, to try new things.”

Agapi Wine Club is the perfect opportunity to embrace the adventure!