Fairlane Hotel’s Wine Dinner Series

Brings the World to Ellington’s

Photos by Ross Jaynes Visual Media Co.

At Fairlane Hotel, the table has become a gateway to the world. Through its destination-inspired wine dinner series at Ellington’s, an event venue on the 4th floor, the hotel has reimagined the traditional wine-pairing dinner as an immersive cultural experience. During the evening’s journey, food, wine, storytelling, and hospitality come together to transport guests to some of the world’s most celebrated culinary regions.

Rather than simply pairing wines with a multi-course menu, each dinner is thoughtfully designed around a specific destination. Every detail — from the cuisine and wine selections to the stories shared throughout the evening — reflects the traditions, history, and flavors of the featured region. The result is an experiential evening that invites guests to travel through taste while remaining in the heart of downtown Nashville.

The series began with an exploration of Parma, Italy, a region internationally recognized for its culinary heritage. Guests were welcomed to an elegant four-course dinner, curated by Executive Chef Samuel Greer and inspired by Parma’s celebrated ingredients and timeless recipes. Each course was expertly paired with Italian wines selected to complement the flavors of the menu.

Throughout the evening, Andrew Brewer, Certified Sommelier and owner of Lessons From the Vine, guided guests through the region’s history and culture. Brewer’s storytelling extended far beyond tasting notes, offering insight into the people, traditions, and vineyards that shaped Parma’s renowned food and wine culture. As each course was presented, guests gained a deeper appreciation for the connection between regional cuisine and the wines produced alongside it, transforming dinner into an engaging educational experience.

That Parma dinner established the foundation for Fairlane Hotel’s vision of creating experiences that celebrate the art of travel through exceptional hospitality and culinary storytelling. Leading to the second installment, where guests were transported to San Sebastián, Spain, a destination revered as one of Europe’s culinary capitals.

Inspired by the rich traditions of Basque cuisine, the evening featured a thoughtfully curated five-course tasting menu paired with distinctive Spanish wines that reflected the diversity and character of the region. Once again, Andrew Brewer led guests on a journey through the destination, sharing stories of Spain’s celebrated wine regions, culinary customs, and the culture that made San Sebastián one of the world’s most admired food destinations. With every course and paired wine pour, guests were transported to the heart of San Sebastián. Dinner started with Grilled Octopus and ended with Basque Cheesecake – all superb!

What differentiated the San Sebastián dinner from other wine events was its seamless transition into its second experience. After the final course, guests were invited upstairs to CAPRIcious, Fairlane Hotel’s seasonal rooftop pop-up overlooking downtown Nashville.

The rooftop gathering transformed the evening from an exceptional dinner into a complete hospitality experience. Guests continued conversations over specialty cocktails while enjoying skyline views, premium cigars, and a telescope for stargazing. The relaxed atmosphere encouraged new connections and extended the sense of discovery long after dessert had been served, reinforcing Fairlane Hotel’s philosophy that memorable experiences are built through thoughtful moments shared.

While many traditional wine dinners focus exclusively on food and beverage pairings, Fairlane Hotel’s series has established itself as something distinctly different. Each dinner is carefully curated as a destination experience that combines culinary artistry, regional education, and immersive storytelling into one cohesive evening. Guests are not simply served a menu — they are invited to understand the history, culture, and traditions that inspire every dish and every bottle.

The intimate nature of the event further enhances the experience. With smaller guest counts, attendees can engage directly with the sommelier, connect with fellow diners, and enjoy an atmosphere that feels both personal and welcoming. Every dinner encourages conversation with a shared appreciation for exceptional food and wine.

For Nashville residents, the series offers an opportunity to explore renowned culinary destinations without ever leaving the city. For hotel guests, it provides an experience that extends beyond accommodations, showcasing Fairlane Hotel’s commitment to creating memorable moments rooted in design, culture, and hospitality.

Through the Parma and San Sebastián wine dinners, Fairlane Hotel has demonstrated that dining can be much more than a reservation — it can become a journey. By blending destination-inspired menus, carefully selected wines, expert storytelling, and unforgettable settings, Ellington’s has created a signature experience that celebrates the spirit of exploration while bringing people together around the table.

As the series continues to evolve, each new destination promises another opportunity for guests to discover the flavors, stories, and traditions of the world’s great culinary regions. At Fairlane Hotel, every wine dinner serves as an invitation to travel, connect, and experience the world one course — and one glass at a time.

To learn more about the Fairlane Hotel or for additional information on upcoming wine dinners, visit fairlanehotel.com/experiences or Eventbrite. Enjoy an evening of exceptional wine and cuisine — and leave with a story worth sharing.

A Tasty Delight from San Sebastián, Spain

By Samuel Greer, Executive Chef at Fairlane Hotel

Basque Burnt Cheesecake

A classic Basque-style cheesecake with a deeply caramelized exterior and an exceptionally creamy center.

Ingredients

• 510 g cream cheese, softened (18 ounces)
• 22 g cornstarch (3 tablespoons)
• 130 g granulated sugar (½ cup + 2½ tablespoons)
• 3 large eggs
• 300 g heavy cream (1 ¼ cups)
• 60 g milk (1/4 cup)

Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Fine mesh sieve
• Mixing bowl
• Cake pan or springform pan
• Parchment paper

Method

1. Prepare the Batter

1. Beat the cream cheese until completely smooth.
2. Add the sugar and cornstarch.
3. Mix until fully incorporated and no lumps remain.

2. Add the Wet Ingredients

1. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
2. Pour in the heavy cream.
3. Add the milk.
4. Mix just until the batter is smooth and homogeneous. Avoid overmixing.

3. Strain

Pass the batter through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any remaining lumps and create an ultra-smooth texture.

4. Bake

1. Line a cake pan completely with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend above the rim.
2. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
3. Bake at 200°C (392°F) for 30 minutes, or until the top is deeply caramelized while the center still has a slight wobble.

5. Cooling

1. Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature.
2. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled before slicing.
3. For the best texture, chill overnight.

Chef’s Notes

• Use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs for the smoothest batter.
• Do not skip straining the batter. It gives the cheesecake its signature silky texture.
• The center should still jiggle slightly when removed from the oven; it will continue to set as it cools.
• This cheesecake is best served cold, with the interior remaining rich, creamy, and custard-like.