by Melanie Melvin

Prime 3 on Main in downtown Leesburg transports guests on a journey through Central Europe with elegance, flavor and fine wine.

My husband Dan and I recently had the pleasure of attending a private wine pairing dinner at Prime 3 on Main Steakhouse, where every course was paired to perfection, each wine introduced with passion and the soft strains of live piano music completed an unforgettable experience.

Prime 3 is known for exclusive culinary events that draw loyal guests from near and far, and our visit Prime 3 once again delivered an evening that beautifully celebrated both food and wine — this time, with a focus on the diverse and distinctive wines of Central Europe.

The evening felt special from the moment we were warmly greeted at the door and escorted to reserved seats designated by personalized placecards, which was a thoughtful touch that set the tone for an evening filled with attention to detail. 

A glass of Dr. Loosen Riesling Sekt Extra Dry from Germany welcomed us with notes of pear, spice, delicate apple, and peach, gentle sweetness balanced its crisp acidity. The aroma of dried herbs and a whisper of wet stone hinted at the craftsmanship behind every bottle.

As guests mingled, we enjoyed a beautifully presented charcuterie selection featuring Norwegian Gjetost, Italian Parmesan, and German Cambenzola cheeses, with Lomo Pork and Bresaola Beef, complemented by fresh grapes and strawberries. The spread also included breads from a beloved local German bakery, and a carving station offering succulent stuffed pork loin filled with prosciutto, mushrooms and a touch of brown sugar.

Guests were treated to soothing sounds of a grand piano performed live by pianist Jamie Ajorna throughout the evening. Soft jazz and classical melodies flowed effortlessly between courses and conversation, enhancing the warm and intimate ambiance and adding an elegant backdrop to the evening. 

Prime 3’s co-owner Dr. José Rosado guided us through each wine with expertise and enthusiasm, while Chef Bri Santiago introduced each thoughtfully crafted course. Together, they created a seamless harmony between plate and glass.

Course 1 – Poland: Wild Mushroom and Buckwheat Pierogi

Handcrafted dumplings filled with earthy wild mushrooms, drizzled with brown butter and caramelized shallots. The pairing, an Aichenberg Grüner Veltliner “Permious” 2023 from Lower Austria, brought lively peppery aromas and notes of apricot, lemon, and apple — its mineral finish beautifully lifted the richness of the pierogi.

Course 2 – Poland & Russia: Csontleves (Beef Bone Broth Soup)

A comforting and deeply flavorful broth simmered with bone marrow, root vegetables, and tender noodles. The Hugl Gemischter Satz 2024, a traditional Viennese field blend, was crisp and aromatic with citrus and floral notes, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty soup.

Course 3 – Hungary: Beetroot Carpaccio

Visually stunning, this dish featured paper-thin red and golden beets arranged like a flower, finished with fresh dill, horseradish crema, and edible blossoms. The Monograph Agiorgitiko 2023 from Greece (a delightful nod slightly beyond Central Europe) was vibrant and fruit-forward, with subtle oak aging that added complexity. Served slightly chilled, it was as elegant as the plate before us.

Course 4 – Slovenia & Czech Republic: Duck Confit

The evening’s main course was a masterpiece — tender duck leg confit served with braised red cabbage and wild mushroom–barley risotto. Paired with the Domaine Bessa Valley Enira 2018 from Bulgaria — a blend of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Syrah — this wine stood out as my favorite of the night. Its dark garnet hue and aromas of plum, cocoa, and vanilla complemented the richness of the duck perfectly. The finish was long, silky, and utterly memorable.

Course 5 – Hungary: Dobos Torte

The finale was a decadent Dobos Torte, featuring thin layers of sponge cake and silky chocolate buttercream topped with a gleaming caramel glaze. It was served with the legendary Diznókő Tokaji 6 Puttonyos 2016, a sweet wine with aromas of apricot, vanilla, and spice. The lively acidity of the Tokaji balanced the dessert’s richness, ending the evening on a luxurious and satisfying note.

Each detail, from the curated pairings to the live music, reflected the passion and professionalism of the Prime 3 team. Dr. Rosado’s depth of wine knowledge and Chef Santiago’s culinary creativity combined to create an experience that was both educational and indulgent.

Leesburg is fortunate to have a restaurant like Prime 3, where events like these elevate dining into an art form. We left the evening not only delighted but also inspired — eagerly looking forward to the next unforgettable pairing dinner.

Rating: ★★★★★ – A flawless evening of food, wine, and hospitality. 

For information about future wine pairing events, follow Prime 3 on Facebook or visit their website. Seating is limited, and advance RSVP is required to attend these exclusive dining experiences.