Some of us have been batting around having an offline in the Dallas/Fort Worth area over the past few weeks. I think we've pretty much settled on holding this offline at Amici's Signature Italian in Carrollton on July 23rd. Amici's is an Italian restaurant that is pure BYOB. That should work out great for us at a reasonable cost per person. It is also a little more centrally located for the mid-cities people.

For those of you that would like to read about the restaurant here is a GuideLive review:

Amici's Signature Italian

I would like to throw out there a theme of "Italian Varietals". If this works for people then hopefully we can get a white or two to warm up such as a Pinot Grigio or Italian Sparkler and proceed onto a grab bag of Tuscans, BdM's, Barolos, etc... I'll definitely bring a surprise bottle of a California rendition of an Italian varietal just to give everybody a different perspective. We can firm up the theme and other details later.

So first up, who's in?

I'm in for 2 (Mr. & Mrs. WIML)

Mr & Mrs. Preferred would like to reserve two spaces. Thanks for putting this in motion! I'm looking forward to meeting you and the rest of the Dallas area wine lovers.

Joe,
Great choice for the restaurant. My wife and I have been there several times and we love it, especially since it is close to home and BYOW. I will have to get back to you to let you know if my wife and I can make it. I just attended a wine dinner with the Wine Commune people from the area last night and I had a great time. We had 30 different wines (California 90's was the theme) and my head is still throbbing a bit today. Very much worth the pain though.

Hope you can make it texaswino. Look forward to finally meeting you in person. This should be a nice, casual and relaxing evening.

Tally so far base on posts at VC and WS:

Mr & Mrs bigredseeker
Mr & Mrs preferred
Mr & Mrs Michael Vickery
Mr & Mrs WIML

8 total so far. Nice start. I also know of 2 other potentials from out of town that should firm up over the next 2 weeks.

texaswino is still a maybe.

Added to more from the WS site. The list now stands as follows:

bigredseeker(2)
preferred(2)
Michael Vickery(2)
BubbaP(2)
WIML(2)

Total - 10

texaswino - maybe 2
secret surprise out of town guest - maybe 2

I suggest everybody bring an Italian varietal. That simple. I don't think we should do anything "fancy" at this inaugural event. We should just keep it casual and get to know each other better.

I'd suggest at least 1 person bring a white such as a pinot grigio and/or an Italian sparkler. This is to get things warmed up a little before we start hitting the reds. Feel free to post here what you intend to bring if you want to make sure nothing is duplicated or simply surprise us that evening.

I am definitely bringing 1 bottle of an Italian style wine not made in Italy. I plan on pouring this 1 bottle blind to see if anybody can guess the varietal, where it was produced, etc... Just for fun. Other than that I'll probably bring a Tuscan or Brunello di Montalcino. I need to check my stash to figure out what.

Hmmm. Missing another one. You guys are giving me a complex. All Texas related off lines seem to be on dates when I am unavailable.

Sounds good though. You guys will have a great time. Drink an extra glass for me....see what a great excuse for a little excess.

Cheers!

Oh, by the way, I'll make sure I drink one in your honor at Manny's. My excuse for excess.....

Here is our updated list:

bigredseeker(2)
preferred(2)
Michael Vickery(2)
BubbaP(2)
Vintage(1)
WIML(2)

Total - 11

Unfortunately we've lost bigred_seeker. Hopefully we'll be able to catch him and his wife at a future event.

Here is our updated list:

preferred(2)
Michael Vickery(2)
BubbaP(2)
Vintage(1)
WIML(2)

Total - 9

** BUMP **

Michael has us comfirmed for 7PM tonight. I recommend everybody bring 1 bottle plus 2 glasses per person. Use your own stemware; the restaurant stemware is "lacking".

Look forward to seeing everybody tonight.

Have fun y'all!

I'm heading home to start the decanting of the Brunello I'm bringing.

See you all there!

That sounds like a great idea. Don't spill any in your glass by accident.

now that would be a good accident

A summary of the evenings events and links to tasting notes are overhere .