Vine & Dine: Passport to the French Countryside

Join us for an unforgettable al fresco summer evening in the stunning surroundings of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Garden at Elm Bank — a 36-acre property located along the Charles River in Wellesley and Dover, Massachusetts. Blending historic charm with natural beauty, Elm Bank sets the stage for a collaborative dining experience between Baker’s Best Catering and Gordon’s Wine.

Our Passport to the French Countryside wine dinner invites you to step into the rustic charm of Southern France without leaving New England. Inspired by the lavender fields, sun-drenched landscapes, and rich culinary traditions of Provence and beyond, this unforgettable evening will transport you through the region’s most iconic dishes and wines.

Begin the night with a welcoming outdoor reception amid blooming gardens, featuring passed hors d'oeuvres and a Layover in Lyon featuring wines from the Rhône Valley and Beaujolais. Then, take your seat under the tent for a guided multi-course wine dinner that captures the essence of Languedoc and Provence.

Gordon’s Sommelier, Chelsea Bell and Brittany Galbraith of famed French importer Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant will guide you through five wines paired with seasonal, rustic French-inspired dishes sharing the stories behind the region’s most beloved producers.

Whether you're a seasoned Francophile or simply love a beautiful setting and great company, this immersive experience promises to engage your senses — and leave a lasting impression as fragrant and satisfying as a field of lavender in full bloom.

Featured Menu & Itinerary:

Docent Tours Of Elm Bank Garden: 6:00-6:30pm       
This is a first come, first serve, limited experience. Please contact chelsea@gordonswine.com to reserve your tour which is separate from your ticket.

Reception: 6:30-7:15pm

Cheese & Charcuterie Display gouda, cheddar, swiss, boursin, goat cheese & brie paired with sliced prosciutto, salami & sweet coppa, cornichons, olive tapenade fresh berries, grapes, fig jam, whole grain mustard, crackers & french baguettes. 

Passed Hors D'Oeuvres
Smoked Salmon Canapes
Brie & Raspberry Pockets
Mini Beef Wellington

Paired with:
Kermit Lynch Selections Vaucluse Blanc 2023 (Rhône Valley, France)
Domaine Dupeuble Beaujolais 2023 (Beaujolais, France)

Seated Dinner: 7:15-9pm

First Course (Plated):
Shaved Asparagus Salad Local baby greens, Tres Bonne Goat Cheese (Boston Post Dairy, Enosburg Falls, Vermont), Watermelon radish, shallot vinaigrette

French Rolls, butter garnished with a sprig of Lavender

Paired with:
Fontsainte Corbières Gris de Gris Rosé 2024 (Languedoc, France)

Main Course (Served Family-Style):
Chicken Provencal Ratatouille tomatoes, eggplant, bell peppers, onions 
Seasoned Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with shallots

Paired with:
Clos Sainte Magdeleine IGP Méditerranée Blanc 2023 (Provence, France)
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge Lulu & Lucien 2022 (Provence, France)

Dessert (Served Family Style):
French macarons, fruit tarts, lavender cookies

The $135 ticket includes reception and 3-course family-style dinner and wine pairings, tax and gratuity and an optional 30 minute guided tour of Elm Bank gardens. Tours must be booked through emailing chelsea@gordonswine.com.

Please alert us of any allergies or dietary restrictions at least 72 hours before the event.

Tickets cannot be refunded within 72 hours of the event.

Guests will be seated communally at farm tables according to party reservations. If any members of your group booked separately, kindly inform us and we will ensure you're seated together.

This dinner will take place rain or shine! We’ll make the necessary arrangements to ensure everyone has a spectacular evening—no matter the weather.

About MHS
Massachusetts Horticultural Society helps people change their lives and communities for the better through growing plants together. MHS disseminates information on horticulture and related sciences through its Library, educational programming, exhibitions and community outreach initiatives. Through these, MHS engages guests with the importance of plants, gardens and natural landscapes in their lives and helps them to become active growers and gardeners themselves. As the first incorporated horticultural society in the U.S., MHS has been practicing horticulture ‘for the public good’ since 1829.

About the Garden
Elm Bank’s 36-acre property features both traditional and modern gardening styles. The Garden at Elm Bank serves as inspiration for your home garden, a place to relax in the natural world, and a backdrop for time spent with family and friends. The display of different plants, flowers and trees provide a beautiful setting for gatherings, walks, picnics, and more.