A Seat at the Table: Urban Connoisseurs’ Men, Wine & Spirits Dinner Celebrates Wine Culture and Community
Urban Connoisseurs founder Marcia Jones (left) and Ashleigh McCurdy (right) post at the Men, Wine & Spirits Dinner last week. (Photo: Converge Media)
By Ashleigh McCurdy / @Life_DesignedByAshleigh
Last week, I experienced a night chock-full of intention and good vibes: the Men, Wine & Spirits Dinner, hosted by Urban Connoisseurs. Every detail was curated to perfection, every conversation meaningful, and every moment layered with purpose.
Held at Osteria la Spiga in Seattle, the evening brought together an intimate group of guests for a culinary and wine experience that took me on my own little culinary tour—-and it was nothing short of incredible.
Photo: Converge Media
A Dinner As A Declaration
“This isn’t just a dinner. It’s a declaration.” That sentiment, shared by Urban Connoisseurs founder Marcia Jones, set the tone for the evening, and it delivered.
The event honored the legacy of John June Lewis, Sr., who in 1940 became the first Black winery owner in the United States. Eighty-six years later, the room was filled with a new generation of Black winemakers, distillers, and innovators—each one building on that legacy in their own way.
An Experience for the Senses
From the moment I sat down, it was clear this would be a night to remember. The evening opened with a standout: a Peach Bourbon Lemonade from Black Éden 1912 Bourbon—smooth, refreshing, and perfectly balanced. As someone who naturally leans toward darker spirits, it immediately set the tone.
Then came the courses. The saffron infused shrimp and grits, layered with smoked gouda and pancetta and finished with a delicate dusting of 24k gold, was rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Paired with a 2023 Sauvignon Blanc from Knights Bridge Winery, the dish and wine together created a perfect balance: light, crisp, and elevated.
And that was only the second course. Over the course of the evening, guests were taken through a six-course journey, each dish thoughtfully paired with wines and spirits that complemented and enhanced the experience.
The Stories Behind The Glasses
What truly set the night apart was the people behind the wine. Winemakers and founders took time to personally introduce their selections, sharing not only tasting notes but also their journeys, challenges, and purpose.
Names like Sidney Rice, John Joubert, and Channing Frye brought their own story to the table, reminding us that this industry is not just about product, but about people, legacy, and vision. Strangers became tablemates. Tablemates became friends. There was laughter, conversation, and an undeniable energy that filled the room, one that felt both elevated and deeply rooted.
The evening also supported the Black Winemakers Scholarship Fund, reinforcing Urban Connoisseurs’ commitment to creating pathways for the next generation.
Photo: Converge Media
The Sanctuary Perspective
The Men, Wine & Spirits Dinner brought together exceptional food and wine, and honoring where we’ve been while celebrating where we’re going. And if this night was any indication, the future of the wine industry is in very good hands.
More experiences like this are coming soon. Stay connected with The Sanctuary.
