Everyone knows that Roald Dahl’s stories gained worldwide fame thanks to the film and cartoon adaptations of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Fantastic Mr. Fox. But not everyone knows that Dahl, being both a gourmet and a wine lover, also wrote a number of short stories for adults – including some about wine and drinking.

In the short story collection The Best of Roald Dahl we came across Taste – an incredible tale that every true gourmet should know, and a tribute to the great Bordeaux, France’s most noble wine.

Taste is Roald Dahl’s love song to Bordeaux – and to other very human weaknesses. We loved it so much that we’ve acquired the rights to translate and publish Taste in Latvia, and agreed that during the Riga Wine & Champagne festival, we can stage it for our wine-loving audience.

For the first time in Latvia, Roald Dahl’s gastronomic story “Taste” will be presented in Latvian, translated by Aigars Nords and performed by Artūrs Krūzkops. The premiere is paired with a five-course Bordeaux dinner and extraordinary wines, complemented by insights and tales of Bordeaux and France from Aigars Nords and Andrew Jefford. Join us on November 21 at Hanzas Perons!

“I was genuinely surprised by this story by Roald Dahl, which we’ll be performing for the first time at Hanzas Perons. I think it’s wonderfully witty. For me, what matters most with any play is that I feel it – physically, emotionally – that it stirs something in me. And this story about wine – as I was reading it, I could literally feel my taste buds awaken,” says Artūrs Krūzkops, Dailes Theatre actor and narrator of Taste.

The “Taste” premiere is paired with the most magnificent Bordeaux dinner Latvia has ever experienced. Guided by the story’s themes, guests will savor exceptional Bordeaux wines, listen to the insights of Andrew Jefford and Aigars Nords, and indulge in a five-course menu created by five of Latvia’s leading culinary talents.

So, what exactly will happen here?

Bordeaux! A performance in two parts:

• Part One. The Latvian premiere reading of Roald Dahl's work "Taste" performed by Dailes Theatre actor Arturs Krūzkops. What is the story Taste about? It is an absolutely thrilling story that involves an almost criminal scene at the dinner table, with Bordeaux in the leading role! The original story in English or subtitles on screen will be available for international guests. We will, of course, experience the reading in the company of a good Bordeaux to warm up for dinner!
• Part Two. A Taste-inspired dinner with stories by Andrew Jefford and Aigars Nords (in English). A five-course dinner will be served, paired with Champagne, Mosel wines, and distinguished Bordeaux wines.

The five-course feast will be created by some of Latvia’s most beloved restaurants and chefs:

• Ēriks Dreibants, Juris Dukaļskis, Pavāru māja,
• Māris Jansons, Kest,
• Kristaps Sīlis, John,
• Artūrs Trinkuns, Barents,
• Sergejs Šiporovs, Snatch.

Shortly about the Evening:

• 📍 Where: Hanzas Perons
• 📅 When: November 21
• 🍽 Menu: See the detailed five-course menu below
• 🥂 Wines: Champagne, Mosel, and a line-up of distinguished Bordeaux (full list below)
• 🎫 Tickets: €179, limited availability

What’s on the table for the Bordeaux Dinner?

Kest | Appetizers

Champagne Henriot Blanc de Blancs, Jéroboam (Base 2009, Dg. 01/23)

Barents | Course I

Herring in seaweed tempura, chicken-fat hollandaise, chipotle, pickled cabbage

2020 Eva Fricke Riesling Lorchhäuser Seligmacher, Rheingau, Germany

Pavāru māja | Course II

Zander from Lake Burtnieki, marinated fennel, seaweed, and smoked tuna sauce

2022 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Spätlese, Mosel, Germany

Roald Dahl’s “Taste” Premiere

Performed by Arturs Krūzkops.

During the performance – Château Branaire-Ducru, Saint-Julien from a “legendary vintage” – you’ll have the chance to guess which one it is!

Snatch | Course III

Caramelized Porcini Mushroom Risotto

• 2004 Château Le Gay, Pomerol
• 2004 Château Haut-Bailly, Pessac-Léognan
• 2022 Château Le Rey ‘Les Rocheuses’, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux
• 2018 Château Ferriere, Margaux

John Restaurant | Course IV

Latvian organic duck, carrot, and apple

• 2016 Château Clerc Milon, Pauillac, Magnum
• 2010 Château Beychevelle, Saint-Julien
• 2008 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Pauillac
• 1998 Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, Margaux

Kest | Course V

Grapefruit and vanilla meringue, citrus symphony, blood orange gel, hazelnuts

A remarkable dessert wine – a sweet surprise awaiting you.

Dinner "The Taste of Bordeaux" is a part of TOP 100 Wines + Chefs