Somms & Sliders Returns to NYC With More Craft Burgers, Napa Wines

A handful of New York City’s most talented sommeliers and culinarians are partnering to offer a gourmet pairing of craft burgers and Napa Valley wines during the city’s second annual Somms & Sliders promotion.

Through Nov. 4, this year’s 24 participants, from established restaurants to fast casual burger joints, as well as notable wineries and wine bars, include reputable names like Untitled at The Whitney, Bowery Meat Company, and City Winery.

The promotion, presented by The Napa Valley Vintners, a nonprofit wine trade association, is intended to renew a sense of curiosity and appreciation for untouched wine varieties of the region by highlighting a specially selected Napa Valley wine with each burger.

“A lot of what excites me about Napa Valley now stems from the great tradition and rich history that the region holds,” says Eduardo Porto Carreiro, wine director at Untitled. “With its storied past, a lot of winemakers newer to the region have been digging into often forgotten varieties and a more restrained style of winemaking.”

At Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House New York, a glass of Hess Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley is paired with three off-menu lamb sliders, with patties mixed with goat cheese, topped with arugula and crispy fried onions, and served on a buttery toasted brioche roll spread with chipotle aioli.

“Through finding ancient vineyards and giving grapes, such as Charbono, a second chance, to planting obscure varieties, such as Friulano and Refosco, winemakers today are shining a spotlight on the region with a renewed sense of discovery,” suggests Porto Carreiro.

See the full list of participants here.

Image courtesy of Untitled at The Whitney