Usually, when discussing wealth and wine, the joke is that to make a small fortune in wine, you start with a large one. However, a recent dinner featuring some of the leading businessmen of our time brought wealth and wine together in a different way, proving that two can co-exist, but perhaps not in the way that most vignerons would prefer.

The illustrious Le Cirque restaurant served as the setting for this special dinner, which brought together the heads of several prestigious corporations to consider the question on how best to preserve wealth from generation to generation. But, seeing themselves as “dolphins and not sharks,” they want to do so while also giving back to society and leaving a positive mark on the world.

In addition to mixing and mingling with one another and hearing from Uri Levine, who recently sold Waze to Google for a vast sum of money, the event participants had the opportunity to taste through a lovely selection of wines, carefully selected to pair with the delicious dinner. As successful leaders in their various fields, they shared much in common with the wines being presented and paired that evening – representing family businesses and the continued pursuit of excellence.

In a nod to summer, the event kicked off with a Provençal rosé, even though Mother Nature refused to acknowledge that spring had arrived, serving up cool temperatures and a string of rainy days in place of sunshine and warmth. I inwardly smiled as I got the mostly male audience to indulge in pink wine!

With its ability to pair well with a diverse selection of passed hors d’oeuvres, the Chateau d’Esclans was a good option to pour during the cocktail reception. It was also an excellent example of how owner Sacha Lichine has built a world class brand and contributed to the growth of the rosé category through the development and creation of high end, luxury rosé. Lichine originally hails from a renowned Bordeaux family, but has since pursued other regions and projects, recognizing opportunities for innovation such as what he has achieved in Provence.

During Levine’s presentation, the participants sipped on Lanhaus Meyer Grüner Veltliner. The winery’s Production Manager, Gerhard J. Lobner, has established a cooperation with wine growers in lower Austria, who had been farming vineyards for generations. He works closely with these owners to identify the best grapes and, as a result, has helped to save these vineyards that had otherwise been in danger of being abandoned.

It was then time to enjoy the main event – dinner! The mushroom risotto was a perfect companion to the Moniker Pinot Noir 2012 from Mendocino, California. Moniker is the result of the Thornhill family’s desire to bring their family together, both in business and in everyday life. The family purchased the winery in 2004 and as befitting a family business, each member of the family holds a different role in the organization. And the winemaker married into the family. Moreover, they are good stewards of the land; the property is Certified Fish Friendly and they use an innovative drip irrigation.

The main course of fillet of beef was beautifully paired with Wente Nth Degree Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 from the Livermore Valley. The name Wente has been around for 130 years, earning the title as the country’s oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery. Today, the fourth and fifth generations are at the helm of this company. With an extreme focus on quality, the Nth degree line is artisanal and handcrafted. For example, the vineyard sees as many as 15 passes through the vines over the growing season to tend the grapes and ensure that they are in excellent health.

As a sweet ending to the evening, the Marenco Brachetto d’Acqui Pineto 2013 from Piedmont, Italy was exquisite with the strawberry pavlova. The Marenco family has been in the wine industry since the 1900s, developing the business throughout the 20th century. The first winery was built near the Strevi train station to get the wine direct to the customers. Today, the three daughters – Michela, Doretta and Patrizia – run the company.

All in all, the confluence of wealth and wine flowed in many directions over the course of the meal, bringing everyone together in the enjoyment of great food, lovely wine and good company!