Candle in the Woods “Wine Schnob” dinner
For those chosen few, fortunate enough to be on the invite list for Dave and Lisa Adlard’s annual “Wine Schnob†at the Candle in the Woods, both the wine and the food were a culinary dream come true… and better that sugarplums dancing in their heads! In a setting as beautiful as it is welcoming, this ‘A’ frame log home abides in ten wooded acres north of Coeur d’Alene.
Inside, the warm welcoming ambiance of a cozy fire beside a long table set for 23, a Christmas tree reaches high to the ceiling. Chatty friends, old and new are mingling throughout the house while sipping a Grand Marnier champagne cocktail. There is much catching up to do, and every one is taking a turn at exploring the fabulous and growing collection in Dave and Lisa’s wine cellar below!Â
The Wine Schnob is somewhat of a pot-luck-ala-Coeur d’Alene’s-finest culinary talent! Attending, to enjoy both the play in the kitchen and to savor the meal among friends were: Jim Barrett of Beverly’s at The Coeur d’Alene Resort , Michael de Pasquale of Michael D’s Eatery and the Fort Ground Grill, 
Angelo Brunson of Angelo’s 
Ristorante’ and Bambino’s Pizza & Gelato, Sam Lange of Grande Ronde Cellars, Kris McIlvenna of Greenbriar Catering & Events, and the proprietor of the Candle in the Woods, Dave Adlard and his sous chef Derek Rennebaum.  Dave’s wife Lisa, and Mary Ragsdale decorated the house and table for an elegant holiday feast; an evening of celebration, wine talk and laughter!
Each chef was assigned a specific part of the meal and they all cooked in the kitchen together, sharing tall stories, utensils, drinking wine and occasionally tripping over each other in tight quarters. It was a fun night in the kitchen and who better to serve this splendid effort, than friends and loved ones.
The wines presented were a showcase of fine wines from the private cellars of some notable area wine enthusiasts and the un-Schnob Wine Rebel himself Craig Renaud even stepped in with some of his notable favorites.
The “Wine Schnob†Rules …
As the different courses are served, the wine is talked up and tasted, as each fits into the rules of the “Wine Schnobâ€. The wine must be one of the following to be served: it must be over 10 years old, or must cost over $50, or must have received 90 points or higher from a reputable wine taster (Parker, Wine Enthusiast, etc.), or you must be prepared to tell an exceptional story of how it was acquired!
Dave’s thoughts on the reason for the Wine Schnob is that we all have a bottle or a few sitting in the cellar, year after year, waiting for that perfectly special occasion to open it up and share with friends. This is the dinner that qualifies as that special occasion you have been waiting for! No more waiting while the wine just collects dust.
Sharing is in order! Save the wine from a destiny of getting corked!
Sharing outstanding wines and foods with good friends creates new memories, much more valuable than the dust!
The Candle in the Woods “Wine Schnobâ€â€¦ a grand way to kick of another beautiful December in North Idaho.
