Over the past 40+ years, the Duke has sold a lot of fine wine to many fine people. One of the comments we often hear is that there isn't enough opportunity to drink that wine. Another frequent comment we hear is how expensive corkage fees are. The Duke has decided to help solve those two problems.

Long-time friends of the Duke, Tom and Fern Sweet, own Mandevilla Restaurant in Westlake Village along with Chef Nick Blinof. Mandevilla, just south of the 101 Freeway on Westlake Boulevard, is a moderately-priced gem of an eating establishment with a carefully selected wine list that is broad-based and sensibly priced.

Working closely with Tom and Fern, we have developed a concept we plan to call Dine with the Duke to deal with the two issues of corkage and opportunity.

Corkage is almost inevitable in fine dining establishments and is understandable even though often expensive. Tom manages his wine list carefully and tries to keep prices lower than most other places on the same or similar wines. As a special inducement to Duke of Bourbon customers, Tom is offering you the chance to enjoy a bottle of wine with no corkage at all! Bring in a bottle or two with a Duke sticker (above, right) and corkage will be waived - aka NO CORKAGE FEE!

Now to the issue of opportunity. Often we want to have a nice bottle, but don't want to open it without sharing it. Here is the other part of Dine with the Duke. Join the Duke at Mandevilla for a week-night dinner. Your job - select a wine from your cellar with a Duke sticker on it, show up and enjoy.

Those attending our events will be seated together in the same area to facilitate service and to allow us to share our treasures. Ordering will be from the regular menu to begin with, but Tom may be convinced to do something special if we have enough interest. The "NO CORKAGE" policy will be in effect.

Our vision of these dinners is to bring friends together to share good times, good food and good wine. Our first event will take place after the first of the year. If you would like to comment on our plan, please call David or Doug at the Duke. Is this an idea that you think will work? Would you participate? Regularly or just occasionally?

Can't make it to one of the events? No problem! Mandevilla's no-corkage on bottles with a Duke sticker program is good every night!

Check out Mandevilla's menu by following this link.

Get ready to have great food, great wine and a great time!