Wine Dinner with Emilio Moro
R.Aire at The Hampton Maid
Address | 259 E Montauk Hwy, Hampton Bays, NY 11946
R.Aire restaurant located at the Hampton Maid in Hampton Bays, hosted a wonderful evening that seamlessly weaved together exceptional food, fine wine, and heartfelt storytelling—featuring Emilio Moro wines. Set against the serene backdrop of the Hamptons, the evening offered a rare opportunity to experience the soul of Spain through five beautifully curated courses, each thoughtfully paired with wines from the esteemed Emilio Moro estate. We contacted the restaurant in advance to see whether Chef Alex Bujorneanu could create a vegan menu for our pairings which they kindly accommodated.
Founded more than a century ago in Ribera del Duero, Emilio Moro is a family-owned winery celebrated for its deep connection to heritage, terroir, and innovation. The legacy continues through Mario Sánchez Moro, the fourth generation of the Moro family, who joined the dinner to share the stories, inspiration, and passion behind each pour. His insights transformed the tasting into a journey—one that celebrated not only the art of winemaking but also the cultural richness and warmth that define Spain’s vineyards.
Chef Alex Bujoreanu crafted a stunning vegan menu for us, beginning with blistered Shishito Peppers dusted with Maldon sea salt and smoked peppercorns. Their subtle heat and smoky finish paired beautifully with the Polvorete Godello 2024—a bright, aromatic white wine that balanced the peppers’ richness with crisp minerality and floral notes. It set the perfect tone for an evening of inventive plant-based dishes and exceptional Spanish wines.
The Crispy Artichokes were a highlight—perfectly golden and tender within, served with a luscious black garlic aioli and a hint of smoked paprika for depth and warmth. Each bite felt indulgent yet refined, especially when paired with the El Zarzal Godello 2023. This elegant wine, with its creamy texture and notes of pear and white blossom, complemented the artichokes beautifully, creating a harmonious balance of earthy richness and bright, delicate minerality.
The Patatas Bravas were a vibrant ode to Spanish comfort food—crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy within, coated in a bold salsa brava and finished with a silky garlic aioli. The balance of spice and creaminess made each bite irresistible. Paired with the Vedimia Seleccionada Tempranillo 2022, the dish came alive—the wine’s ripe cherry, spice, and subtle oak notes mirrored the warmth of the potatoes, creating a deeply satisfying and beautifully balanced pairing.
The Mushroom Fideuà was an earthy, soulful dish—short-cut pasta toasted to perfection and simmered with an array of seasonal mushrooms, each bite layered with umami and depth. Garlic aioli added richness and a hint of brightness to balance the savory flavors. Paired with the Vedimia Seleccionada Tempranillo 2022, the combination was exquisite—the wine’s dark fruit, spice, and silky tannins elevated the dish’s woodsy notes, creating a comforting yet sophisticated harmony of flavor.
The dessert course was a stunning finale—an artful composition of seasonal fruit, candied walnuts, and a delicate blueberry-ginger gel that danced between fresh, bright, and warmly spiced. Each element offered contrast and balance: the juicy fruit, the crunch of caramelized nuts, and the subtle heat of ginger creating a layered, elegant finish. Paired with a beautifully fragrant poached pear cocktail and the La Felisa Tempranillo 2022—an organic, unfiltered wine with notes of red fruit and soft tannins—the course achieved perfect harmony: vibrant, nuanced, and effortlessly memorable.
From the first glass to the final bite, every pairing was a conversation between chef and vintner—a balance of texture, aroma, and emotion. Guests were transported through Spain’s rolling hills and sun-soaked soils without ever leaving the Hamptons. The evening captured the essence of what makes a wine dinner truly unforgettable: connection, craftsmanship, and a shared appreciation for life’s most delicious moments. This was more than a meal—it was a celebration of tradition, family, and the enduring spirit of good wine enjoyed in great company.
