Atop Mt. Nam in central Seoul, the Grand Hyatt hosts some of the most entertaining and worthwhile events in the capital. In the Namsan III banquet room on the second floor from 7 p.m. to 9:30 pm on April 3, the hotel’s Wine Club held an evening of “Italian Stallions,’’ a specially themed event in collaboration with the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Korea.

In a casual and friendly atmosphere highlighted by free flowing fine Italian wines and an accompanying tapas-style buffet, the event provided an ideal opportunity to network with other professionals.

With a romantic cityscape backdrop, roughly 130 people gathered to sample 45 different varietals presented by eight importers. Guests were able to make purchases directly from the importers at specially discounted prices. There was also a contest and guests were encouraged to vote by placing a star-shaped sticker on the bottle they thought was the best wine. The winner was the Banfi Chianti 2010 vintage from Tuscany and imported by Lotte. As the winner it will be sold in the deli shop on the main floor of the hotel.

The other importers were Dongwon, Nara, Cave de Vine, Woori, Keumyang, Luvin Corea and Shingdong. Each importer donated a bottle of wine as prizes in an exciting raffle. Another prize included free entry to the upcoming “Summer Wines” event to take place on June 7 at the Poolside Bar of the hotel.

Kim Yoon-young and his wife Nina are already planning to attend. At the evening of the Italian Stallions, Kim, from Brazil but here in Seoul working for Philips Lighting Korea said, ``There is a good selection of wines and food. The food is great but a better selection of cheese and bread is desired. In case of the wines, there are many types of Italian wine, many of them are unknown but great tasting and from different regions.’’

Most of the wines were from Tuscany, called Toscana in Italian. From this area Dongwon brought some wines from the family-run Felsina estate. A dry Chianti Classici Berardenga 2009 stood out, as did the Vin Santo 1999, a dessert wine. Described on wine.com as ``golden yellow, with coppery highlights and scents of peach, apricot, and ripe pineapple, the palate of the Felsina Vin Santo demonstrates considerable weight, velvety smoothness, and elegant fruit nicely married to the oak. The finish is satisfyingly lengthy.’’

As suggested by Christophe Piganiol from France, the Vin Santo paired with sticks of almond biscotti, known as cantuccini in Italian, was a perfect finish to a delightful evening of tasty tapas, premium Italian wines, meeting new people and looking out on the lights dotting the night view of Seoul.

On Feb. 1, nearly 100 people attended the Hyatt’s Wine Club event “Down Under” to sample an assortment of over 40 wines from Australia and New Zealand presented by eight prominent importers.

On June 7, along with a similar high quality tapas buffet, “Summer Wines” promises a selection of wines from all over the world that are crisp, refreshing and more suitable for the warmer temperatures. The cool poolside venue will be a great way to welcome the summer. For more information visit www.seoul.grand.hyattrestaurants.com or to make a reservation call 02-799-8899.