FRIDAY, August 31, 2012
Winemaker Lunches are held at wineries throughout Sonoma County.
$85 per person
Tickets are non-refundable. 21 and older only. No children or pets allowed.
Captûre Wines
12:30 pm l Available
Join Captûre Wines and Chef Daniel Corey of Luce Restaurant -- recently awarded a Michelin Star for a third consecutive year -- for an unforgettable summer dining experience at Captûre's organically farmed mountain estate, Tin Cross Vineyards. By combining time-honored Bordeaux winemaking traditions with the singular terroir of this magnificent vineyard, Winemakers May-Britt and Denis Malbec have created wines that are elegant expressions of depth, nuance and longevity. Chef Corey's understanding of Captûre’s philosophy ensures flawless pairings, impeccably designed by a master chef. Your multi-course meal will be served on the wrap-around porch of the estate home at the summit of Pine Mountain, overlooking the valley 2,500 feet below. This meal promises each guest a day of exquisite wines, superior cuisine and unparalleled views.
Davis Family Vineyard
12:30 pm l Available
Discover why Davis Family Vineyards believes that wine is an essential part of a rich and passionate life! This elegant, three course farm-to-table lunch will be skillfully prepared by the King and Queen of Pork, John Stewart and Duskie Estes of ZAZU, and perfectly paired with Davis Family Vineyards' current releases. Plus, Winemaker Guy Davis will join you for an illuminating discussion of how he uses tradition, technology and science to advance the art of winemaking. It's a one-of-a-kind afternoon filled with local, organic fare, brilliant wine pairings, interesting discussions and unmatched views of the Russian River Valley.
Deerfield Ranch Winery
12:30 pm l Available
Deerfield Ranch Winemaker Robert Rex and his team makes small lots of handcrafted wines from more than 26 carefully selected vineyards in Sonoma County. Specializing in blended wines, Deerfield Ranch Winery is on the cutting edge of California winemaking techniques, and you can taste the quality, passion and richness of these wines for yourself when you join them for a very special dining experience at their property in Kenwood. You're invited to relax under the majestic oaks on the ridge while taking in the sweeping views of Sonoma Mountain and the Valley of the Moon. Plus, you'll savor premium Deerfield Ranch wines paired with exquisite California cuisine created by their very own estate chef. A beautiful summer afternoon in Kenwood, with the elegant wines of Deerfield Ranch? Yes, please.
The Donum Estate
12:30 pm l Available
The Donum Estate embraces a winemaking philosophy rooted in the Burgundian grand cru model, and the result is some of the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay possible. Join Winegrower and Founder Anne Moller-Racke and the Donum Estate team for a seasonal lunch paired with these notable wines and served al fresco alongside the Donum Vineyard. You'll enjoy an insider's view of the three remarkable vineyards that comprise this 147-acre estate: Donum Vineyard, Ferguson Block and Nugent Vineyards. These unique parcels are home to heirloom varietals and Dijon clones – as well as a variety of thriving wildlife. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a sunny day of sipping world class wines, learning about these impeccably managed vineyards and savoring the seasonal flavors of Sonoma.
Hamel Family Wines
12:30 pm l Available
Join Hamel Family Wines on the "Sett" for a sunny afternoon of Bordeaux-inspired, terroir-driven wines, Sonoma delicacies and stunning vistas. This multi-course winemaker's lunch, prepared by chef Armando Navarro of Sonoma's own El Dorado Kitchen, will feature seasonal, local ingredients and each course will pair with one of Hamel's exceptional wines. It promises to be a memorable afternoon at Kenwood’s picturesque Hamel Family Ranch surrounded by beautiful estate vineyards, lovingly farmed by the Hamel family.
Hughes Family Vineyards
12:30 pm l Available
Keith and Cherie Hughes invite you to Hughes Family Estate for a tour and lunch designed to celebrate their commitment to quality and sustainability. Located in the hills above Glen Ellen, and uniquely situated at the crossroads of the Sonoma Mountain, Bennett Valley and Sonoma Valley appellations, this extraordinary location boasts two organically certified vineyards known for producing highly acclaimed wines. Vineyard Manager Phil Coturri, an icon of Sonoma Valley organic farming, will lead you through these impeccably maintained vineyards for a rare glimpse of his renowned viticulture techniques, followed by a tasting of Hughes Family Estate wines in the estate private tasting room. Then, be seated for an al fresco lunch created by the five-star Olive and Vine Catering Group and served on the terrace overlooking the Mayacamas Mountains and Sonoma Valley.
Landmark Vineyards
12:30 pm l Available
In the spirit of its mission "to make great wines that enhance the joy of life,” Landmark Vineyards invites you to its scenic courtyard for an afternoon celebrating the joys of fine Sonoma wines and cuisine. Winemaker Greg Stach’s harmonious creations take center stage at this al fresco gathering, where you’ll revel memorable wines and a multi-course meal of fresh local cuisine prepared by Donna Wegener of Pacific Connection. Held amid this visually stunning property nestled in the foothills of the Macaymas Mountain range, and highlighted by lovely acoustic music, this unique experience offers a glimpse of why Landmark Vineyards can claim this title like no other Sonoma destination.
Sbragia Family Vineyards
12:30 pm l Available
Ed and Adam Sbragia welcome you Sbragia Family Vineyards' newly remodeled Ark tasting room for a dining experience featuring their critically acclaimed Dry Creek Valley wines paired with the freshest seasonal fare. This new space, named for the Healdsburg restaurant owned by Ed's parents from 1936-1946, honors the Sbragia family's deep winemaking roots and their connection to the land, people and vines of the Dry Creek Valley. Join this venerable winemaking family for a day in one of the world's top wine destinations, where you'll discover the wines, the cuisine and the views that make the Dry Creek Valley one of Sonoma Wine Country's brightest stars.
Schug Carneros Estate Winery
12:30 pm l Available
Known for their international quality and character, Schug wines have been praised by critics and wine lovers alike in both Europe and the United States. Join Winemaker Michael Cox at Schug Carneros Estate for a one-of-a-kind food and wine experience in the cool ambiance of the barrel aging caves. It's an unforgettable opportunity to escape the summer heat while enjoying an award-winning lineup of wines paired with a three-course lunch prepared by Sage Catering. Plus, you'll share in an informal discussion of the evolution of the wines, vineyards and Winemaster Walter Schug’s imitable winemaking style. For those who revel in the beauty and finesse of perfectly crafted wines served in a unique setting, this event at Schug Carneros Estate is not to be missed.
Three Sticks Wines
12:30 pm l Available
Those lucky enough to dine with Bill and Eva Price at their private home, Open Sky Ranch, will have the unique opportunity to share an intimate dining experience with the proprietors of Durell Vineyard – one of Sonoma's top five vineyards. Bill has built a 20-year reputation as an investor in such wineries as Chateau St. Jean, Kistler Vineyards and Kosta Browne, and he launched Three Sticks in 2002 as a quest to create world-class wines from his Durell Vineyard. Winemaker Don Von Staaveren's commitment to delicately managed, handcrafted wines has resulted in critical acclaim from every corner of the wine world -- and his experience shows in the excellence of Three Sticks wines. You'll taste these remarkable wines paired with a memorable meal while taking in the views at Open Sky Ranch. It's a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse at Sonoma County winemaking at its best, and an event not to be missed.
thumbprint cellars
12:30 pm l Available
Erica and Scott Lindstrom-Drake invite you to a unique dining experience in the barrel room at Thumbprint Cellars where you'll not only taste their wildly popular wines – you'll make them, too! Each guest will blend their own version of Thumbprint's acclaimed "three some" blend to take home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Plus, you'll share a meal paired with Thumbprint wines that celebrates the seasonal abundance of Sonoma Wine Country cuisine. Be a winemaker for a day! This "learning lunch" is sure to be a memorable experience.
SOLD OUT Winemaker Lunches
Benovia Winery
12:30 pm l SOLD OUT
Take in the beauty of the Russian River Valley when you join Benovia Winery for an intimate summer lunch in the vineyard. Benovia specializes in small-lot wines that are handcrafted to reflect the elegance and authenticity of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Sonoma County. Winemaker/Partner Mike Sullivan will take you on a tour through the impeccably-farmed estate vineyard, and share the philosophy and methods behind Benovia’s organic and sustainable farming practices. You'll dine on a three-course luncheon prepared by Chef Michael Matson that will seamlessly partner with Benovia’s single vineyard wines. An unforgettable afternoon will be had by all, as you take in the views of the vineyard and enjoy a day immersed rustic Wine Country charm.
Hanzell Vineyards
12:30 pm l SOLD OUT
Named by the New York Times as "one of the most influential producers in California's winemaking history," Hanzell Vineyards offers a rare glimpse into Sonoma's heritage of world-class winemaking. Join President Jean Arnold-Sessions, Winemaker Michael McNeill and Chef Carlo Cavallo for an afternoon that melds history, fine dining and benchmark wines for an event that celebrates the very finest Sonoma wine country has to offer!
