The Black Cypress will host an intimate dinner March 8 with variety of wine and Washington State Wine Commission board member Christian Sparkman.

There event will feature a five course meal paired with five wines provided by Sparkman Cellars.

Event coordinator Daniel Dycus planned similar wine maker dinners in the past. The owner of The Black Cypress, Nick Pitsilionis said he hopes the community can come out and enjoy an exclusive night of fine dining without having to go to the big city.

“It’s a nice experience to have for our guests,” Pitsilionis said.

This event aims to present the community with great wines from across the state of Washington at a great price, said Dycus.

“Washington has pretty world renowned wines,” said Cypress bartender Cory Preston. “It’s a hard thing to not appreciate.”

The Black Cyrpress is also a big supporter of purchasing locally, whether that is here in the Palouse or in other regions of the Pacific Northwest, Pitsilionis said.

Dycus said the dinner brings focus to small scale wineries within the global community.

“In Washington the little guys are trying to develop something that is interesting and innovative to compete with bigger companies,” he said.

Being the second largest producer of wines in the nation, Washington has a lot to offer to the wine community, Dycus said. He added that students interested in the industry after graduation can get involved gain exposure to leaders through this experience.

This is also an opportunity for students to taste wine that is not always attainable for students on a budget. 

“To live in a state with such spectacular wine and be able to drink some of it for a great price is a great opportunity, especially here in Pullman,” said Preston.

Some of the wines that will be served are a 2012 Apparition Rhône White Blend, 2012 Lumière Chardonnay, 2012 Wonderland Grenache, 2011 Stella Mae, and a 2011 Hallelujah Port.

Pitsilionis said they designed the menu around Sparkman’s wines. Some of the courses that will be served include smoked salmon salad, a fennel soup with spot prawns, and truffle butter pasta. 

The dinner will be $90 and guests can purchase bottles of the featured wine at the restaurant the night of the dinner.

Sparkman will speak at the event and will also mingle with different tables, talking about Washington terroir and other wine-related topics.

A reservation is required. As of print time twenty-five spots were available. The dinner will start at 3 p.m. and continue until 6 p.m.