Taste & Texture

Where Design Meets Wine

Team RCL (l-r): Caroline Covington, Content Creation; Abbey Barbay, Junior Designer; Rylee Martin, Senior Designer; Rachel Cannon, Principal Interior Designer; Mia Foremaster, Project Manager; Brandon Stoute, CFO

Last week, we hosted our inaugural "Taste & Texture" event, an exclusive preview night for Mary Bird Perkins Echo Alliance members that paired exceptional wines with designer fabrics. The evening was a beautiful synthesis of sensory experiences, bringing together design enthusiasts for an unforgettable exploration of how flavors and textiles complement each other.

Rachel with Echo Alliance member, Tiffany Dickerson

Our office transformed into an elegant tasting venue, with each station thoughtfully curated to showcase the relationship between fine wines and luxury textiles.

At our Blush & Balance tasting station, guests were treated to Whispering Angel Rose, rosewater shortbread cookies, and a collection of beautiful blush fabrics

Stations of Discovery

Each tasting station told a unique story. From the "Effervescent Elegance" of our champagne and metallic fabric pairing to the "Layered Luxury” of our complex red wine station with vibrantly layered patterned fabrics, guests moved through the space, discovering new connections between what they taste and what they touch.

RCL CFO, Brandon Stoute, manning the Sumptuous Depth station, which paired Josh Cellars Cabernet with rich velvets, textured wools, and distinguished plaids.

The intimate setting allowed for meaningful conversations about design choices, with our team providing insights about fabric selection and maintenance. As one guest commented, "I never realized how similar choosing the right fabric is to selecting the perfect wine – it's all about understanding undertones and knowing how they'll age!"

Expert Guidance

Junior Designer, Abbey Barbay, explains the types of linens at the Coastal Clarity tasting station. Here, we paired Chalk Hill Sonoma Coast Chardonnay with light bites of crisp pear and gouda cheese.

What made the evening truly special was the personalized attention. Our design team shared valuable insights at each station, explaining why certain fabrics have enduring value while others may look beautiful initially but won't stand the test of time. This interactive approach allowed guests to experience firsthand why Belgian linen maintains its reputation for excellence, and why we avoid viscose velvets despite their initial beauty.

Community Connection

Project Manager, Mia Foremaster, pouring Veuve Cliquot, which paired beautifully with L’Auduree Lemon Macaroons

Perhaps most rewarding was watching our community of design lovers gather, exchange ideas, and build new relationships. The energy in the room reflected exactly what we'd hoped to create – a space where passionate people could connect over beautiful things.

The evening supported our partnership with Echo Alliance, with a portion of all sales contributed to their community initiatives.

RCL Founder, Creative Director, and Principal Interior Designer, Rachel Cannon, greeting the members of Echo Alliance at the start of Taste & Texture

Looking Forward

Principal Interior Designer, Rachel Cannon, ready to educate guests about how to successfully layer patterns in a space. This station featured Sextant Cabernet and figs with rosemary walnuts, drizzled in honey.

The enthusiastic response to Taste & Texture has inspired us to consider making this a seasonal event. The combination of education, community, and exceptional design clearly resonated with our guests, and we're already gathering ideas for future pairings.

Senior Designer, Rylee Martin, spoke with guests at our Blush & Balance tasting station

For those who attended, we hope you left with deeper knowledge and appreciation for the textiles that define our spaces. For those who couldn't join us, we look forward to welcoming you at our next event!

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