The FOOD & WINE PAIRING EXPERIENCE

The 2025 Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival again offers an opportunity to taste 3 plates of delicious foods paired with different wines.  These Wines will be combined with delicious hors d’oeuvres and food pairings prepared by some of the best area chefs. Year after Year this sells out so do not miss out this year and get in early.

 SESSION SCHEDULE:

Friday, August 15th

6:00 PM  & 8:00 PM

Carrabba’s, Italian Grill

$64 per person (Includes Wine Tasting Ticket – 5 Tastes wine and Souvenir Wine Glass)

Carrabba’s in Omaha offers flavorful, handmade Italian dishes prepared to order in a lively exhibition kitchen. Guests enjoy Carrabba’s family recipes handed down for generations including crispy calamari, homemade lasagna and a variety of fresh fish, seafood and meats cooked over their wood-fired grill.

CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILL

2025 MENU Friday at 6 PM & 8 PM

Course 1:

Four-Cheese and Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms- Silver dollar mushrooms seasoned and stuffed with sausage, spinach, ricotta, parmesan, romano, and mozzarella cheese.  Topped with Italian breadcrumbs served over tomato cream sauce.

Paired with Bonizio Rosso by Cecchi- Italy, red blend

Course 2:

Chicken Bryan- Guest favorite menu item, Wood- grilled chicken topped with goat cheese, sun dried tomatoes, basil, and our lemon butter sauce.  Served with Penne pesto with roasted tomatoes.

Paired with Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio- Italy, pinot grigio

Course 3:

Mini Cannolis- Sweetened ricotta cheese with cinnamon, vanilla, and chocolate chips.  Stuffed in a crispy pastry shell and topped with powdered sugar and pistachios.

Paired with Fleurs de Prairie- France, Rose

Saturday, August 16th

 6:00 PM & 8:00 PM

WineStyles  

$64 per person (Includes Wine Tasting Ticket – 5 Tastes wine and Souvenir Wine Glass) 

   Prime Rib with Chef Ata

   WineStyles

        Choose from hundreds of wines and craft beers that have been sorted for you by style and taste to complement our selection of handcrafted chocolates, artisanal cheeses, and gourmet food. Great wines don’t need to be expensive. Whether you’re looking for an amazing $10-$25 bottle of wine or a unique gift, we strive to create the best shopping experience in town.

WineStyles

by Chef Ata

2025 MENU Saturday at 6 PM & 8 PM

First Course:

Italian Chopped Salad:  Crisp Romaine, Iceberg, and Italian Basil tossed in a fresh house made Italian dressing.  Chopped fine and mixed with Genoa Salami, Whole milk Mozzarella, Croutons, Parsley.  Paired with Oxford Landing Pinot Grigio.

Second Course:

Slow Roasted Prime Rib: Slow cooked for 24 hours and served just above medium rare.  Seasoned with Garlic, Rosemary, Thyme, and our homemade spice blend.  Served with a garlic mashed potato and Demi Glaze.  Paired with Oxford Landing Cabernet.

Third Course:

Lemon Bars

Shortbread crust with a tangy curd topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar.  Paired with Oxford Landing Sauv. Blanc.

The FOOD  & WINE EXPERIENCE Sessions will be set up classroom style with wine glasses and conducted by Culinary Chefs, Vintners and Wine Experts. These sessions will involve flights of wine paired with food tasting.   Mike Mancuso, Festival Director, indicated “This Event has had such a Great response every year at the Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival, we have to keep bringing it back.”  Whether you are a wine connoisseur, wine lover or simply interested in trying something new, the Food and Wine Experience will offer a special interaction of chefs with wine tastings.  It represents the culinary aspect of enjoying great wine and a fun way to discover the chemistry of life’s simplest indulgences!”