The Bamboo Grille at New Jersey’s Basking Ridge Country Club’s offers up a comfortable dining experience with island flair. With its tropical-infused menu and scenic views of the 18-hole golf course and Somerset County, the restaurant, which is open to the public, is a different concept for country club dining. Entering its fifth season, the Bamboo Grille boasts spacious outdoor seating, complete with island-style umbrellas and a large bar in the center of all the action. Patrons can watch as golfers approach the 18th green. While basking in a relaxed atmosphere, customers can indulge themselves with delicious signature dishes like Calypso Calamari ($11) and Brazilian BBQ steak ($24) and be pampered with an amiable and sincere staff. Restaurant owner Jim Finnegan has helmed several successful restaurants in New Jersey, and the Bamboo Grille is no exception. “There is no restaurant like this in the area,” says Finnegan.

To further enhance the creative concept created by Jim and his team, the grille now offers a selection of some of the finest South American wines on the market. Stop in between 11 am to 10 pm, Tuesday through Sunday, to sample some of these wines, now served exclusively at the Bamboo Grille.

Don Baltazar Chardonnay (50%)/Viognier (50%) Blend 2006, San Juan, Argentina
More than 85 percent of wines from Argentina come from the Mendoza region. The San Juan valley lies 90 miles north of Mendoza. San Juan is blessed with 300 days of sunlight and less than three inches of rain per year. Viognier (pronounced vee-o-nay) is a small French grape, which imparts floral aromas and an infusion of fresh citrus fruit in wine. What makes the Don Baltazar blend so unique is that the Chardonnay is fermented and aged inside an American oak barrel, creating a creamier Chard with hints of vanilla and spice.

The Viognier is fermented and rests in a stainless steel tank, preserving the fresh aromas of flowers and fruit. Once combined, the customer is treated to a new experience. Drinkers of oakier-styled Chardonnay’s will appreciate the crispness of the Viognier, while fans of stainless steel-based Chards will uncover the pleasure of sweet spice from American oak.

> Don Baltazar Chardonnay/Viognier blend pairs well with the Calypso Calamari, Citrus Caesar Salad, and the Parmesan Crusted Tilapia.

Vina Casa Tamaya Syrah Reserve 2006, Limari, Chile
The Limari Valley is located 250 miles north of the capitol city of Santiago. More than 90 percent of Chilean wines come from central valley regions like Maipo, Rapel, Curico, or Colchagua. John Dourney, general manager of the Bamboo Grille, differentiated his South American wine list by adding Tamaya’s Syrah Reserve. Syrah, Sirah, or Shiraz (thank you Yellow Tail) are all the same grape. Tamaya’s Syrah comes from a new world country (Chile) but is crafted in an old world style (French). The wine has an intense, deep purple color with a pleasant nose of black fruit, raspberries, and vanilla. On the palate, consumers will recognize the spice associated with the Syrah grape and will savor the fruit and hint of oak. An elegant texture, smooth tannins, and a long finish make this wine a new experience. The Syrah was awarded 88 points and a best buy distinction in July’s 2009 issue of Wine Enthusiast.

> Tamaya’s Syrah pairs perfectly with the Filet Mignon. The tender cut of meat is served with a wild mushroom demi glace, chive mashed potatoes, and grilled asparagus.