A Taste of sLOVEnia in Palm Beach: Ferdinand Winery Shines Under the Royal Palms

Palm Beach, FL – On a golden summer evening along Florida’s exclusive coastline, the luxurious Gazebo by the Sea at The Barclay played host to a spectacular cultural and culinary celebration: A Taste of sLOVEnia & Italia – Sips from the Heart of Europe. The event, curated by the visionary Excellency, Ms. Irena Mernik, brought together fine wine, gourmet cuisine, and the essence of Slovenia’s vibrant winemaking heritage. Irena has been brought into my world by the reigning queen of Palm Beach, Event Mogul Lexye Aversa. Lexye hosts the star studded Holiday Cabaret in Palm Beach in December. And i cohost.

A Collaboration of Passion and Excellence

At the heart of the evening was Ferdinand Winery, a jewel of Slovenia’s Brda wine region. The gathering was more than a tasting—it was a love letter to craftsmanship, tradition, and international friendship. Irena Mernik’s warm welcome and heartfelt words set the tone, underscoring how collaborative vision and relentless dedication can transform ideas into unforgettable experiences.

Special thanks were given to Lexye Aversa for recognizing the project’s potential and for her discerning vision that brought “Sip of sLOVEnia under the Royal Palms” to life, and to Massimo Battista for providing the platform to present sLOVEnia’s wines to an influential Palm Beach audience.

The Culinary Journey

Guests embarked on a gourmet voyage beginning with Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano, and fresh melon, perfectly paired with Ferdinand’s 2024 Classic Pinot Grigio.

The entrée featured grilled lobster tail and grilled New York strip steak, accompanied by an arugula parmesan salad and broiled baby potatoes. The course was enhanced with an extraordinary trio: 2022 Malvazija Epoca, 2021 Red Epoca, and 2020 Red Brutus.

The finale—a traditional Slovenian apple strudel with vanilla ice cream and homemade whipped cream—captured the sweet soul of sLOVEnia.

Additional highlights included select international vintages such as 2022 Asolo Prosecco Superiore, 2022 Clos Beylesse Rosé Wine, 2019 Villa Montepaldi Chianti Classico, 2020 Limaca Primitivo, and 2016 Radicato Brunello di Montalcino.

Wine Stars of the Evening

The spotlight was firmly on Ferdinand’s celebrated bottles:

• Brutus – a bold, rich red with character as deep as the Brda hills.
• Rdeče Rosso Época – refined elegance in a bottle.
• Malvazija Época – a white wine offering a crisp, aromatic journey.

Palm Beach Glamour Meets European Tradition

Surrounded by the shimmering Atlantic and the elegance of Palm Beach society, the event proved that fine wine transcends borders. This evening was not only about tasting—it was about storytelling, cultural pride, and forging lasting bonds between Slovenia and the U.S.

As Ms. Mernik eloquently put it: “Act like a family. Challenge the norm. Sweat the details. Build for the future.”

And indeed, this evening built memories worth toasting for years to come.