Betty Sullivan with Vivian Gay, at the Mecca World in Wine dinner.

Mecca SF, in the Castro District, has announced the new “Around the World in Wine” Dinner Series, hosted by Betty Sullivan - featuring wines of selected regions from throughout the globe presented by wine industry expert Vivien Gay, CEO and founder of Vinum Global, and paired with the unique cuisine of Mecca’s Executive Chef Moises Sikaffy. Introducing the new series, Mecca’s General Manager Ginny E. Brown, a certified sommelier, said, “Vivien’s knowledge and enthusiasm for all things in the world of wine - shared with convivial dialogue plus a twinkle in her eye - is not to be missed.”

Flavor nuances of wines selected are matched throughout the three-course dinner by specially designed menu items created by Sikaffy, named executive chef at Mecca in February, who brings his own international background and experience.

Wines of Chile (a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca 2007; a hearty Carmenere, Rapel Valley 2006; and a tangy Chardonnay, Aconcagua 2006) and Argentina (a deep, ruby red Malbec, Mendoza 2006) by vintner Santa Carolina were spotlighted at the May 7 event. “This new series offers an opportunity to broaden one’s awareness of wines from different parts of the world,” said Gay. “The series will include selections from the finest of domestic wineries located here at our doorsteps in California and then move to international settings as well.” She added, “The global wine industry is at its most exciting now, and meets the interests of wine lovers who are increasingly adventurous.”

Santa Carolina offers an award-winning line of wines featuring flavors of the Casablanca, Maipo, and Rapel Valleys in Chile. With its architectural richness and historical role in Chile’s wine industry, the Vina Santa Carolina winery buildings and underground cellars were declared a Historical National Monument in 1973. Gay told Bay Times that she has recently returned from Argentina and Chile, “an area that is growing in popularity regarding wines.”

Mecca is renowned for its dedication to diversity and community service, and has served for more than a decade as the venue for numerous benefits, special occasions, and celebratory events. In particular, Mecca has supported community organizations addressing HIV/AIDS, women’s, and transgender health services. Gay has helped out in many queer and AIDS-related charity functions. She also heads Isosceles, a marketing agency that helps beverage companies market their brands to the gay and lesbian community at fundraisers. She said Santa Carolina donates wines to many gay and lesbian causes. She just did a benefit for AIDS in Atlanta, “Wines Uncorked,” with one of her South African vintners. She has just been approached by another Argentinean winery that is designing a label focused on the gay community. Gay told Bay Times, “I am constantly searching for wineries in my portfolio that want to give back to the LGBT community.”