As the world’s only resort to achieve the coveted Forbes Five-Star label 11 years in a row, Sea Island in Georgia boasts so much more than a beautiful location. It’s the service, multiple activities, and bespoke experiences that all serve to make this resort truly one-of-a-kind – not to mention, an incredibly talented group of chefs and sommeliers who offer world-class food and wine. The Wedding Style team had the pleasure of visiting Sea Island and personally indulging in amazing gumbo at the River Bar & Lounge, and the next-level steak at Colt & Allison. It was the wine cellar at The Cloister, however, that stood out as the perfect place to host a welcome or rehearsal dinner. Intimate wine cellar dinners at Sea Island are the epitome of fine dining and Southern elegance, and a surefire way to impress guests during a wedding weekend.
The Cloister
There’s actually two wine cellar locations to choose from – The Cloister and The Lodge. Both allow patrons to step back in time and surround themselves with the old-world romance of exposed brick, bottle-lined chambers, and candlelight. The Cloister’s wine cellar features a pine wooden ceiling that was created from a mid-1800s South Carolina sawmill, along with limestone sourced from North Georgia. Guests will enjoy a multi-course meal served on a handmade English oak table, while sipping on wines from Sea Island’s award-winning collection of more than 1,000 labels.
The Cloister Wine Cellar Dinners: Sample Menu
1st Course: Poached Chilled Lobster – Asparagus, Frisee, Micro Celery, Salt, Confit Citrus
2nd Course: Fried Green Tomato and Crab Stack – Avocado Puree, Micro Cilantro, Blood Orange Segments, Shaved Radish, Queso Fresco
3rd Course: Striped Bass – Porcini, Fennel, Champagne
4th Course: Eye of Ribeye – Black Truffle Potato Pave, Asparagus, Carrot, Crispy Shallot, Bordelaise
5th Course: Valrhona Delice – Caramel Chantilly, Praline Ganache, Dacquoise, Chocolate Mousse
The Lodge
Intimate wine cellar dinners at The Lodge combine selections from the Colt & Alison menu, exquisitely paired with wines from the Sea Island collection. Couples and their guests will sample everything from international classics, to vintage wines from the 1900s, to private-label wines produced by esteemed vintners exclusively for the resort. Side dishes are also served family-style, providing a more homey and relaxed ambiance for rehearsal dinners.
The Lodge Wine Cellar Dinners: Sample Menu
First Course: Crab Maison – Capers, Lemon, Parsley, Brioche Toast
Second Course: Wedge – Bleu Cheese, Bacon, Buttermilk Dressing
Entrée Served with Family-Style Sides: 6 oz. Petite Filet with Buttered Lobster Tail; 10 oz. Filet Mignon; 8 oz. Duck Breast; 16 oz. Heritage Pork Chop; Golden Trout
Dessert: Gold Brick Sundae – A Sea Island Tradition, Trio of Ice Cream, Pecans
