It was our pleasure to welcome Chad Oakes and Jason Priestley of Oak & Priest Wine Co. to Edmonton on behalf of SABOR Restaurant Group for an evening that brought California wines, Canadian ingredients and culinary excellence to one table.
Lucky ticket holders enjoyed a five-course dinner prepared by Chef Lino Oliveira and his team, with menu highlights drawn from the finest Canadian ingredients including a Smoked Scallop Gazpacho and Braised Shortrib with red wine jus. Chad and Jason guided guests through the four wines of the Oak & Priest portfolio, pairing each with the food and sharing the stories behind the bottles.
The evening was led by SABOR’s signature brand of hospitality, with Christian Mena hosting the room. It was a four-part harmony in every sense.
More than a wine dinner
Jason Priestley is known to Canadians as an actor, director and producer, but his passion for winemaking runs deep. His time as co-owner of Black Hills Estate Winery in the Okanagan, including a seat on the advisory board, laid the groundwork for Oak & Priest, the brand he founded with his friend and business partner Chad Oakes of Nomadic Pictures. The same bold approach that has marked their success in film and television shows up in the glass.
Throughout the evening, the duo took time to visit each table, chatting with guests and making the room feel like a gathering of friends. Guitarist Marc Beaudin joined in with a couple of songs, with Christian Mena taking the mic to sing along.
Great food, outstanding wine, and friends old and new. It was a night with storytellers and artists who have translated their creative passions into a feast for the senses, and one none of us will forget.
A heartfelt thank you to Chad and Jason, Chef Lino and the kitchen team, Christian and the SABOR team, Marc Beaudin, and every guest who joined us at ATRIUM.