KEENE, N.H.(MyKeeneNow) Listeners to What’s Cookin’ with Luca Paris on WKBK Radio this week got a behind-the-scenes taste of one of the most talked-about culinary events in the region.

Chef Luca Paris joined host Dan Mitchell to recap a recent semifinal matchup in the popular Winter Wine Madness pairing competition held at The Restaurant at Burdick’s — an interactive dining experience that’s quickly become a sellout draw.

The competition brings together eight wine professionals in a bracket-style format, pairing wines with a three-course menu while guests vote blindly on which selection works best with each dish.

This week’s discussion focused on a close contest featuring two competitors who took different approaches to pairing wines with a grilled halloumi and piperade course — highlighting how contrast, acidity, and texture can shape the dining experience in very different ways.

Beyond the matchup itself, the conversation explored the broader philosophy behind the series: that wine pairing is as much about personal discovery as it is about technical precision — and that simple dishes often reveal the most about what’s in the glass.

Listen to the full conversation below for more on the pairing strategies, the growing popularity of the event, and what makes these community-centered wine dinners such a hit.

Listen to the full episode: