Delicate floral notes, bold reds, and the unmistakable flavour of Italian heritage met the warmth of Jamaican hospitality last week at DelMare, Half Moon, where Ruffino Wines took centre stage at an exclusive four-course dinner hosted by Select Brands. The event marked the Jamaican stop of Ruffino’s Icon Tour, a global tasting series celebrating the brand’s most prized wines and introducing them to discerning palates across the world.

The tour, which has visited Bangkok, Rome, Dubai, and London, landed in Montego Bay with a mission: To showcase Ruffino’s legacy through flavour, storytelling, and unforgettable pairings. Christian Bottegal, Ruffino’s International sales director, guided guests through the evening, bringing over 20 years of passion and knowledge, and a deep respect for wine as a cultural experience.

“Ruffino may be a large, internationally known brand,” Bottegal shared, “but at our core, we are farmers. Every wine reflects the land it comes from. We grow our own grapes, farm organically, and let the terroir speak. That’s our truth.”

That truth unfolded beautifully in every pour, from the crisp and refreshing Ruffino Prosecco Rosé to the structured, elegant Riserva Ducale Oro, Ruffino’s iconic Chianti Classico.

Chef Claudio Facchinetti, the Italian-born executive chef at DelMare, paired these wines with a masterful menu. Known for infusing classical Italian technique with the boldness of Caribbean ingredients, Chef Claudio brought each dish to life harmoniously with the wines.

“Wine should never overpower food and food should never hide the wine,” he explained. “They must complement each other, like a conversation between friends.”

Among the standouts was a deconstructed lamb lasagne, made with locally sourced lamb slow-braised in Ruffino’s Chianti, finished with a parmesan foam and crisp homemade pasta. Another highlight was the Wagyu striploin, paired with Ruffino’s bold Modus — a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot — praised for its richness and depth.

“Anyone who knows me knows I love a bold red,” said Shannon McClure-Delebarre, commercial manager for Constellation Brands in the Caribbean. “The Modus was a perfect pairing — complex, yet smooth enough to let the dish shine.”

For Debra Taylor Smith, luxury portfolio manager at Select Brands, the evening was about more than taste, it was about connection.

“Every bottle tells a story,” she said. “Our goal was to transport guests — to let them feel Tuscany, even if just for a few hours. And that’s what wine does. It carries culture, emotion, and history in every sip.”

The dinner also reflected Jamaica’s evolving relationship with wine. While the market has traditionally leaned toward sweeter offerings, Taylor noted a growing appetite for more structured, nuanced wines, particularly among younger consumers.

“Jamaicans are exploring. They’re tasting. They’re becoming more adventurous,” said McClure-Delebarre. “And Ruffino meets them wherever they are on that journey — whether with a crisp Prosecco, Rosé or a bold Super Tuscan.”

As the final course gave way to a toast of Chianti and sea breeze, one thing was clear: Ruffino didn’t just make an appearance in Jamaica, it made an impression.

“Wine should bring people together,” Bottegal concluded. “That’s what we believe. And tonight, it did.”