Business Notebook: Wine tastings begin at Chateau Hathorn

WARWICK - One of the most beautiful landmarks in Warwick is the Chateau Hathorn Restaurant. The authentically furnished 18th century private mansion at 33 Hathorn Road near the intersection of Route 94 and County 1, Warwick, was built in 1832. The Chateau boasts cathedral ceilings, wood carved interiors, a Victorian lounge, picturesque outdoor banquet area and luxurious accommodations along with fine food and wine. The restaurant was honored in the prestigious Zagat guide and Wine Spectator. And in Orange County, it was voted “Best” for both ambiance and “Wine List.” The stately elegance, Old World charm and five-star rating for its continental cuisine can be traced to owners Dolph and Helene Zueger, both natives of Switzerland. Dolph Zueger, who once cooked for the actress, Sophia Loren, was educated in the finest culinary schools in Europe. Not very long after emigrating to the United States, he and his wife, Helene, who was trained in restaurant management, opened the successful Swiss Inn in Dobbs Ferry. And, about 24 years ago, they became the owners of Warwick’s Chateau Hathorn. The restaurant became so well received and popular that in her roll as hostess, Helene Zueger knows many of her customers by name and often welcomes regular patrons who return on weekly basis. Chef Dolph Zueger is not only an artist in the kitchen, he is a talented gardener, carpenter and builder. “My father dug the wine cellar out by hand, with a shovel and a wheel barrow,” said his daughter Sandra. “Then he did all the work to build it and even took a large tree that had been cut down to craft the table and stools.” Sandra Zueger, who has a degree in marketing and has been working in the family restaurant for 15 years, now plans to introduce wine tasting, a new feature at the Chateau Hathorn, beginning Sunday, April 29. She has dedicated this project to her brother Andreas, who served as a chef for the restaurant until his untimely death several years ago. “After being in Zagat guide and consecutively winning the ‘Award of Excellence’ from Wine Spectator Magazine, I believe I am not the only one who knows this restaurant is ‘talent,’” she said. The April 29 wine tasting will begin at 3 p.m. with a champagne reception in the Victorian Lounge, accompanied by gourmet Chateau hors d’ouevres and light background music. Guests will have an opportunity to mingle in this calm setting and then enjoy International white and red wines along with samples of Chateau specialties like Weinershnitzel and Zurichoise followed by a dessert wine and apple fritters or Swiss milk chocolate. The tastings will also include a presentation by a wine expert and instruction in the proper methods of judging fine wine, including which type of glass to use. Guests will not be rushed and they will also have an opportunity to descend the stone staircase and visit the award winning wine cellar where the Chateau stores approximately 20,000 bottles of the 800 varieties of wine it offers. “Although there is a modest charge ($45) to attend a wine-tasting event,” said Sandra Zueger, “it is only to cover costs. I just want this to be an opportunity for people to sample some of the outstanding dishes and wines that the Chateau has to offer.” In addition to the April 29 International wine tasting event, Zueger plans future tastings featuring the wines of France, New Zealand and Australia among others. For information and reservations call Sandra Zueger at 986-6099 or 544-4798. Last chance to win an Easter bunny Once again, Sweetbriar’s, 26 Railroad Ave., has donated a giant, five-pound Easter Rabbitt to the Warwick Valley Humane Society. And anyone making a one-dollar donation to the society has a chance to win. The drawing will be held at Sweetbriar’s today, April 6. The rabbitt and its siblings, all made with Belgian chocolate, are on display at the shop. “We carry over 30 different sizes and shapes of chocolate rabbits, ranging in size from four ounces up to and including our giant five pound Easter Rabbit,” said owner Stephanie Faerman. “Sweetbriar’s is especially known for it’s molded Easter bunnies made with Belgian chocolate and they are available in dark as well as milk chocolate.” Although this is a busy time of year for Sweetbriar’s and most Easter baskets have been ordered well in advance, the shop is still well stocked with specialty holiday novelty chocolates and confections. “We carry a large line of plates and platters filled with gourmet chocolates and truffles that are guaranteed to make beautiful as well as delicious hostess gifts,” said Faerman. Springfest Update Last week we reported that the Warwick Merchant Guild had announced that Springfest 2007 would be held on Saturday, April 28 or, in case of rain, the following day, April 29. This year, the Merchant Guild is planning Springfest as a “Home and Garden” styled event that will attract appropriate vendors and businesses. The event will feature vendors that offer relevant and appropriate products for the theme of the celebration such as the Farmer’s Market, local orchards, garden centers, lawn care professionals, Koi Pond professionals and pool suppliers among others. As in previous Springfest celebrations, the Warwick merchants will also create in-store events and use their outside vendor space to merchandise and market “spring” products. “Our thinking,” said Mary Beth Schlicting, president of the Merchant Guild,” was to retain revenue in the Village rather than bring in outside vendors to compete with or duplicate products and services offered by businesses.” In a recent meeting, the Guild has also decided to offer entertainment and to produce a restaurant guide for the event as well as a booklet of activities. “This will be much different from past Springfests,” said Schlichting. “It’s going to be big and informative but without a carnival atmosphere.” Schlicting encourages all businesses to become part of Springfest 2007. For additional information call Mary Beth Schlicting at her Main Street shop, Frazzleberries: 988 -5080. More to follow.