Sazón and InVINtions winery may sound like two very different businesses, but they have more in common than some might realize. Both businesses are owned and operated by Colorado natives. Both focus on fresh, hand-crafted offerings for their customers. And now, these local favorites have teamed up to bring an elevated Latin wine pairing menu to South Denver.
Lisha Bustos, owner of Sazón in Lone Tree, is introducing a curated modern Mexican menu that is artfully paired with custom-produced Latin wines from InVINtions winery in Greenwood Village. The new pairing menu is launching at the beginning of September, but if Lisha had been told a couple of years ago that she would be heading the creation of this menu, she might not have believed it.
“I’m not a big fan of beer and wine,” Lisha admits. “So, when I catered an event at InVINtions, I was hesitant to stay for the wine tasting that the owner, Marcus, invited me to. I ended up really enjoying it! Marcus was very kind and he was passionate about the wines he shared with me. I learned more about wine in that one tasting than I ever had before.”
It was this experience that got Lisha thinking. So many other Mexican and Latin restaurants focus on tequilas and margaritas, but what about all the beautiful wines being produced throughout Latin America? Lisha decided it was time to have a conversation with Marcus about a partnership. This lead to the creation of a wine pairing menu that highlights Latin wine varietals alongside her fresh, authentic dishes.
“Marcus and I spent a lot of time putting this menu together. We tested many different pairings, with Marcus creating some really unique and memorable combinations. For example, chicken is usually paired with white wine, but we’re pairing it with a malbec. The malbec's warm notes of clove, vanilla, and caramel complement the rich, savory flavors of the chicken, while its smooth finish balances the bold spices of the dish,” Lisha explains.
Another combination that Lisha is excited to share is Sazón’s Chilean salmon paired with an InVINtions sauvignon blanc. The salmon is glazed with agave and served over esquites, a Mexican-style street corn and the wine's bright citrus and tropical fruit flavors balance the richness of the salmon. But the real show-stopper might be dessert.
“I have a sweet tooth,” Lisha says, “so my favorite is the dessert pairing. We have a Café Sucré Port, which is a mocha-flavored port that InVINtions dreamed up for us. We are serving it with our churros and decadent dipping sauces. So far, this has been the combination that we’ve received the most feedback on from our customers – they love it!”
For anyone that finds a wine they love on the pairing menu, they can take a bottle or two home with them. All of the wines featured are available for purchase at Sazón with some also available at InVINtions. The Chilean chardonnay, Lisha noted, is only available at Sazón. Starting in September, Sazón will also be offering special deals every Wednesday when guests purchase a bottle of wine.
“Wine is such a big part of Latin culture so this menu really made sense. I don’t know of any restaurants highlighting how wine pairs with Mexican and Latin food, and we are excited to share this unique experience with our customers. These are one-of-a-kind flavors and wines that have been curated specifically to be enjoyed together and it’s all available in one place,” Lisha explains.
Lisha first opened Sazón in 2022 with the dream of sharing fresh, scratch-made Mexican and Latin food with the South Denver community. She grew up cooking everything from scratch with her grandmother in southern Colorado, leading her to where she is today.
“I love people and I love food, which is why I opened this business,” explains Lisha. “When you visit Sazón, I want you to feel taken care of, like you matter, and that you’re part of our little familia.”
When you visit Sazón, ... you’re part of our little familia.