Sonoma in Shanghai

COOL FEAST: Tempting crustaceans are enticingly displayed on ice in the oyster bar. [Photo provided to Shanghai Star]

The wine dinner at Morton’s was a treat from my editor as a reward for three weeks of continuous hard work without a break.

As we chatted between sips of champagne and oyster shooters on the balcony, I learned that the night was all about Sonoma County, that Mecca of New World wines.

Each dish was to be served with a wine from that part of California, and owners and representatives from each vineyard would serve up information and more wine, should you need it.

Sonoma County is much like Napa Valley, says Wang Jun, managing director of MCF International Group, which represents Kunde Estate Vineyard, except that it is less known to international tourists.

But, "this is good because you won’t have to book in advance to enjoy a good meal in the local restaurants".

Morton’s has two restaurants in Shanghai. While the Steakhouse in Pudong’s IFC Mall features its renowned beef and red meat, the Morton’s in the IAPM mall on Huaihai Road is famous for the oyster bar and seafood grille.

Both restaurants hosted Sonoma wine dinners in May, and we were at the seafood grille. Sonoma County sits on the northern coast of California, and is home to about 400 wineries.

"The pristine natural environment characterized by a rugged Pacific coastline, towering redwood forests and expansive national parks was named one of Wine Enthusiast magazine’s 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations for 2014," says the restaurant by way of introduction.