February 5, 2026 (San Francisco, CA) — K&L Wine Merchants will host an intimate, one-night-only dinner bringing together Ernst “Erni” Loosen of Germany’s Weingut Dr. Loosen and Laura Catena of Argentina’s Catena Zapata, two of the most influential figures in contemporary wine, for an in-depth exploration of the long-term evolution of Riesling and Malbec.
Held at Piccino at the Presidio in San Francisco, the dinner will feature a curated tasting of current releases poured alongside rare library vintages. The evening is designed to offer guests a firsthand look at how these varietals develop over decades when guided by great vineyards, meticulous viticulture, and patient winemaking.
A highlight of the evening will be the unveiling of Dr. Loosen’s Tradition Collection, a deeply personal project in which Erni Loosen revisits historical Mosel winemaking practices. These wines were fermented using traditional methods and deliberately held in the cellar, often for 20 to 30 years, before release. This extended aging allows the wines to fully express their balance, structure, and longevity. Several selections from the collection will be poured publicly for the first time.
The dinner will also include landmark wines from Catena Zapata, reflecting Laura Catena’s work in elevating Argentine Malbec through high-altitude vineyards, precision viticulture, and a long-term vision for age-worthy wines. Together, these wines present a rare opportunity to consider how two distinct regions and varietals arrive at a shared conclusion: time remains one of the most important elements in great wine.
Guests of the dinner will also have the exclusive opportunity to purchase the wines featured during the evening, including selections from Dr. Loosen’s Tradition Collection and library wines from Catena Zapata.
The five-course dinner will pair Piccino’s seasonal, Italian-inspired California cuisine with eight wines selected to highlight the theme of evolution and maturity. Discussion throughout the evening will be led by Loosen and Catena, focusing on their philosophies, vineyards, and approaches to wines built to endure.
Event Details
Date: March 11, 2026
Location: Piccino at the Presidio, San Francisco
Format: Five-course dinner with eight wine pairings
Ticket Purchase Link: https://www.exploretock.com/k-and-l-wine-merchants-san-francisco/event/593763/a-shared-table-with-laura-catena-ernie-loosen-at-piccino-presidio-sf
Additional details, including the full menu and wine lineup, can be found at: https://shop.klwines.com/company/events#1
About Dr. Loosen
Dr. Loosen is one of Germany’s most acclaimed estates, known for its world-class Rieslings from the steep, slate-rich vineyards of the Mosel Valley. Since taking over the family winery in 1988, Ernst “Erni” Loosen has focused on expressive, site-driven wines rooted in traditional practices and long-term aging. The estate’s wines are internationally recognized for their balance, longevity, and clear sense of place.
About Catena Zapata
Catena Zapata is widely credited with elevating Argentine wine onto the global stage, particularly through its pioneering work with high-altitude Malbec. Led today by fourth-generation vintner Laura Catena, the winery combines historic family vineyards with cutting-edge research to produce wines of depth, precision, and ageability. Catena Zapata is consistently ranked among the world’s most influential and respected wine estates.
