By SUSAN KALAN

Historic Hotel Bethlehem kicked off its new quarterly special event series on Friday with a Taste of Italy wine pairing dinner held in its Terrace Room.

Award-winning Executive Chef William Murphy prepared a five-course menu, with wine pairings presented by Terry Balent of Southern Wine & Spirits.

Guests enjoyed premier wines from around the world. They included Villa Sandi Prosecco, a fruity Champagne wine paired with Prosciutto San Daniele, or marinated shaved vegetables; and Bersano Babera d'Asti, a ruby sweet fruity wine paired with arugala and spinach salad with toasted pine nuts and gorgonzola.

Also, Falchini Vernaccia, a dry, buttery, nutty wine paired with pan roasted day boat scallops, Porcini risotto and white truffle fondue; and Ruffino Il Cucale, a ruby red fruity/spicy wine paired with roasted buffalo tenderloin, olive oil whipped potatoes, and sautéed broccoli rabe.

The meal ended with Rosa Regale Braciheto d'Auqui, a red sparkling wine with aromatic hints of rose petals and raspberries paired with mixed berries and 100-year-old balsamic Chantilly cream.

The next gourmet event, themed "Vines of Spain," will feature a tapas and wine pairing reception. It will be held 7 p.m. Friday, July 13.