Inaugural Gathering – Cuvée Couples of the Grand Cru – Thursday October 29th, 2026 6pm-9pm Private Beach Front Restaurant – Pelican Bay

Marker 36 – Indoor Dining @ Pelican Bay

Our first gathering is contingent on a minimum guest count of six members with a maximum of ten.

Hello Friends and Wine Enthusiasts,

It is with great pleasure that I introduce the very first wine dinner for our newest and most discerning circle — Cuvée Couples of the Grand Cru — a gathering devoted to serious wine enthusiasts here in Naples who appreciate not only extraordinary bottles, but the company in which they are shared.

For our inaugural evening, we will dine at one of Pelican Bay’s two private beachfront restaurants — The Marker 36 — recently refreshed following the 2024 hurricane season and now more beautiful than ever. Just steps from the Gulf, this intimate and inviting setting offers the perfect backdrop for thoughtful conversation, exceptional cuisine, and wines worthy of contemplation.

As will be tradition with all future gatherings, each couple is invited to bring a gorgeous bottle aligned with our evolving monthly theme, to be shared among the group in the spirit of generosity and discovery.

For our first dinner, our theme is:

Grand Crus of the World

“Grand Cru,” French for “great growth,” represents the pinnacle of vineyard classification — most notably in Burgundy, Champagne, and Alsace — signifying sites of extraordinary terroir, pedigree, and aging potential. These wines sit at the apex of their regional hierarchies: rare, complex, age-worthy, and often highly collectible.

Today, the spirit of “Grand Cru” extends beyond France, embraced more broadly to describe wines of global stature and acclaim — from Napa Valley to Piedmont and beyond. For this inaugural evening, we invite you to interpret the theme thoughtfully and bring a bottle that reflects the highest expression of its origin.

This will be an evening of elegance, depth, and shared passion — a true celebration of great growths and even greater company.

I so look forward to raising our first glass together.

With great anticipation,

Jason Pate
Exceptional Wine Experiences Group
Cuvée Couples of the Grand Cru

THEME: Grand Cru’s of the World (RED AND OR WHITE)

VINTAGE REQUIREMENT: 2018 or older

PRICE MINIMUM: $100+ White or $125+ Red (corkage is $25)

*For this gathering you may bring 1-2 bottles

Estimated Dinner Costs (menu forthcoming) $85 per person (due and payable to server at meals conclusion)

*Menu subject to change

*Limited to 10 seats

To RSVP, email Jason at: winelover@exceptional-wine-experiences.com

To RSVP, email Jason at: winelover@exceptional-wine-experiences.com

About Cuvee Couples of the Grand Cru…

Welcome to The Cuvée Couples of the Grand Cru™.

There are certain pleasures in life that deserve to be shared. A remarkable bottle of wine. An extraordinary table. An evening that lingers long after the last glass has been poured.

And, of course, the company of those who appreciate them as much as you do.

It is with great pleasure that we welcome you both into our very special circle of couples who share an appreciation for fine wine, exceptional dining, and the art of enjoying life together.

Conceived as a more intimate expression of the Exceptional Wine Experiences Group, The Cuvée is where wine, culinary discovery, and companionship come together.

As members, you’ll enjoy invitations to an intentionally curated collection of experiences throughout the year, including:

  • Exceptional Wine Dinners – Memorable evenings at some of Naples’ most interesting culinary destinations.
  • Private Wine Tastings – Discoveries spanning celebrated estates, distinguished vintages, and extraordinary finds.
  • The Art of the Table – Thoughtfully assembled gatherings where great food, remarkable wines, and engaging company take center stage.
  • Special Experiences – Occasional opportunities to meet winemakers, explore distinctive wine regions, and enjoy experiences beyond the ordinary.

Our philosophy is refreshingly simple: no wine snobbery required, no complicated expectations, and no need to know everything about wine. Just a shared enthusiasm for discovering something wonderful.

We believe the best wine experiences are rarely just about the wine. They’re about the people around the table, the conversations that unfold, and the memories created along the way.

We look forward to introducing you to our upcoming gatherings and welcoming you both around the table.

Until then, may your glasses be generous, your company delightful, and your next bottle extraordinary.

Welcome to the Cuvée. We think you’re going to feel right at home.

Warmest regards,

Jason Pate
Founder & Curator
Exceptional Wine Experiences Group

The Cuvée Couples of the Grand Cru™
Naples, Florida

In good company. In exceptional taste.
Cheers!

To RSVP, email Jason at: winelover@exceptional-wine-experiences.com