On Tuesday evening, March 25, Scenic 98 Coastal is excited to bring its South Meets South Wine Pairing Experience to Orange Beach, benefitting The Nature Conservancy of Alabama. For The Love Of Nature is the theme of this event co-hosted by Frank & Co Jewelers and Saunders Yachtworks and will take place at the 8-Reale Speakeasy at The Wharf. 

The collaboration of local vendors participating in this event includes ABM Wines, the Alabama-based distributor for South to South Wine Importers in New Orleans. Chef Tino Fries, working with ABM Wines founders, Seth Hargett and Ree Segars of Summerdale, and Jerr McCutchen at 8-Reale Speakeasy, has prepared a menu of locally sourced seafood, meats, and sweets to enhance the festive occasion. 

Also on hand is Janel Hawkins, founder of Sand Castle University in Gulf Shores, who will sculpt a special work of sand art exclusively for this event. This will be a great photo opportunity for guests! David Gibson, founder of Judge Roy Bean Spirits, is providing his local pecan-wood-finished bourbon to create Scenic 98 Old Fashioneds as guests arrive. We appreciate Admiral Shellfish Company in Ft. Morgan for providing the freshly harvested oysters we will happily enjoy. At the event's conclusion, the featured South African wines will be available for purchase.

Our wine host for the evening, Suzaan Laing, a trademark attorney from South Africa, will be on hand to introduce five excellent small-production varietals paired with a menu of distinctly Southern fare with South African roots. While visiting New Orleans, Suzaan decided to earn her Masters degree at Tulane University Law School. When the pandemic occurred in 2020, travel back to her home in South Africa was not allowed, so she decided to open a wine-importing business featuring excellent South African wines.

“I knew most of the producers since I had helped each of them trademark their wineries. South African wines are well thought of and highly valued throughout Europe and Asia but were not well known in America. South to South was the name that seemed to fit. We’ve been importing South African wines from the vineyards I know and love, and distributing them throughout the Southern United States. Seth and Ree at ABM Wines represent us in Alabama, and the wines selected for the event are indeed special,” she says.

Seth, an experienced chef in his own right, with stints in New Orleans at Mister B’s and Emerils, was eventually recruited to be the fine dining chef at the Grand Hotel in Pt. Clear. Three years ago, with his wife, Ree, they opened ABM Wines with a mission to introduce select wines not currently available in Alabama. They travel the State calling on chefs at fine dining establishments to share their exclusive wine offerings and have also taken small groups on a wine tour in South Africa. 

Our chef for the evening, Tino Fries, has extensive experience in the restaurant industry. He grew up in Michigan and tells me he has been cooking all his life. “I was drawn to the culinary field in 6th Grade after a foreign food class and have been hooked ever since.”

Tino and his wife, Courtney, recently spent three years traveling out west exploring different cuisines while working at restaurants in Arizona, Wyoming, the Pacific Northwest, Colorado, and back to Michigan. They moved back to Orange Beach last year, where they had lived before their “cuisine-discovery” excursion.

“Each stop in our travels out West was about six months. We experienced the local food scene, worked in restaurants, and enjoyed the outdoors. In addition to the culinary education, we considered the activities offered at each place. It was a fun and rewarding time to experience the Western United States.” 

In February, the couple launched Dragonfly Travels, a concept developed throughout their travels. “We wanted to bring a fine-dining, personal chef experience for in-home entertaining.” For the 8-Reale event, Tino and Courtney will prepare small, easy-to-hold bites carefully curated from local sources to create the South Meets South menu. “We are excited to be part of this celebration!”

My wife, Linda, heard Judy Haner, Director of Coastal Programs for The Nature Conservancy, speak at a Point Clear Rotary breakfast. She learned that TNC, for whom Linda had worked as Director of Philanthropy years ago, has just begun a project to restore Robinson Island, one of the popular recreational barrier islands in Orange Beach damaged by Hurricane Sally. “You should do a story,” she told me. So we did! 

This collaboration organized by the Scenic 98 Coastal team came about when Jack Wallace, co-owner of Frank & Company Jewelers, said he wanted to host a wine event and support a local charity. When we convened a planning meeting for the event at 8-Reale, the speakeasy Jack and his business partner, Frank Trainor, opened at The Wharf a couple of years ago. Jack said, “I want this event to support a local non-profit, that makes  a difference in this community.” The Nature Conservancy was a perfect match.

We then reached out to Saunders Yachtworks CEO, John Fitzgerald. John’s father-in-law, Andrew Saunders, served as The Nature Conservancy’s State of Alabama Board Chair when Linda was involved, and they have enjoyed a long mutual admiration. Andrew continues to be involved with local conservation efforts, and in a way, this event is a tribute to him.

Saunders Yachtworks, the northern Gulf Coast’s largest operation for maintaining yachts up to 120 feet, has long built a reputation for going above and beyond to be environmentally friendly. “It’s instilled in everything we do,” says John. “We need clean water for boaters to enjoy time on the water. A healthy fishery leads to a vibrant fishing habitat. What is good for all of the creatures in the sea and is also good for the people! It’s what keeps us in business. We are more than happy to participate.”

Frank & Co Jewelers, host for the evening's event, has two upscale stores in Orange Beach. When Jack and Frank opened at The Wharf, they decided to open a fashionable speakeasy next door. 8-Reale specializes in “proprietary” cocktails created by expert mixologist, Christopher Norton. 

“We are known for our exceptional cocktails and cozy environment,” says Frank. “Our clientele enjoys relaxing and sipping drinks with friends, especially on the patio adjacent to the marina on beautiful, sunny days. This event is an opportunity to showcase our selection of fine wines. We are delighted to co-host with Saunders Yachtworks and look forward to supporting the Perdido Islands restoration project.” 

Be sure to join us on Tuesday, March 25 for a special evening benefiting The Nature Conservancy. Attendance is limited. Tickets may be purchased at Frank & Co. We hope to see you there, For the Love of Nature. It’s going to be fun!