The Mainly Mozart organization has announced the return of its Wine Pairing Series for the 2025/2026 season, expanding the popular program to include four concertmasters across four performance weekends with the addition of Saturday concerts alongside the existing Sunday performances. This expansion reflects growing public interest in innovative classical music experiences that combine artistic performance with culinary elements.
The series features four distinguished concertmasters from major American orchestras: Jun Iwasaki of the Kansas City Symphony performing November 15-16, 2025; Nurit Bar-Josef of the National Symphony appearing January 10-11, 2026; Nathan Cole of the Boston Symphony scheduled for February 21-22, 2026; and Frank Huang of the New York Philharmonic concluding the series April 11-12, 2026. Each weekend will showcase the featured concertmaster alongside other principal musicians in intimate performances at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club.
Presented by Jean-Charles Boisett Wineries, the events begin with open hors d'oeuvres receptions before audiences are seated for the combined concert and tasting experience. The unique format pairs each musical piece with specifically curated wines selected to mirror the style and emotion of the composition. Wine commentary precedes each musical work, creating what organizers describe as a multi-sensory experience that enhances both the auditory and taste sensations.
Nancy Laturno, Mainly Mozart Co-Founder and CEO, explained the concept's appeal: "It's not every day you get to enjoy a glass of wine inspired by the music you're hearing in the moment. We loved this idea, and the enthusiastic response from attendees encouraged us to expand the series this year — adding Saturday concerts and a fourth concertmaster. The wine selections are exceptional on their own, but paired with the music, they elevate both the flavor and the experience."
The series represents an important development in classical music programming, demonstrating how traditional orchestral performances can evolve to attract broader audiences through innovative sensory experiences. By combining world-class musical talent with curated wine pairings, Mainly Mozart creates accessible entry points for new classical music enthusiasts while offering seasoned patrons novel ways to engage with familiar repertoire.
This expansion signals a growing trend in the performing arts sector toward multi-disciplinary experiences that appeal to multiple senses and interests simultaneously. The success of the 2024 debut series prompted the organization to increase both the number of performances and featured artists, indicating strong market demand for such integrated cultural experiences.
Performance times are scheduled with Saturday events beginning with 5:00 PM wine receptions followed by 6:00 PM wine pairing events, while Sunday performances feature 4:00 PM receptions leading into 5:00 PM events. Tickets are available through the organization's website at https://www.mainlymozart.org/wine-series, with limited seating available for what has become one of San Diego's most distinctive cultural offerings.
