Friday, August 31 and Saturday September 1, 2012
6:00 p.m.
Winemaker Dinner Parties are held at wineries throughout Sonoma County.
$160 per person
$175 per person for the Honorary Chair Dinner Parties
Tickets are non-refundable.
Here's a sample of Dinner Parties from 2011. Dinner Parties for 2012 will be added soon, please check back.
FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER PARTIES
Balletto Vineyards and Winery
6:00 p.m.
John and Terri Balletto invite you to an unforgettable evening featuring the balanced and elegant wines of Balletto Vineyards and Winery paired with the culinary creations of Executive Chef Thomas Schmidt of John Ash & Company. After a celebratory toast featuring one of the many hand-selected wines of the evening, Winemaker Anthony Beckman will personally escort you through the cellar while sharing the intricacies of his winemaking style. A master of crafting delicious dishes with a sophisticated flair, Chef Schmidt will present a memorable meal, flawlessly paired with Balletto wines, and featuring Sonoma County's freshest seasonal offerings. You'll take in the views as you dine al fresco on the patio while enjoying the sounds of the Tuscan fountain and a soothing selection of dinner music. It's a sensational celebration of harvest you'll remember for seasons to come. Click to view menu
Hartford Family Winery
6:00 p.m.
Robert Parker once wrote of Hartford Family Winery: “These are always some of the most exciting as well as diverse offerings in my tastings, and I always walk away shaking my head at just how good they are.” Join Hartford Family Winery proprietor Don Hartford for an intimate dinner showcasing these thrilling Sonoma County wines paired with a locally grown, seasonally inspired meal served at the beautiful Forestville winery. Hartford Family Winery’s high personality bottlings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Old Vine Zinfandel are a celebration of character through adversity, and are highly prized for their expressive qualities. Click to View Menu
Keller Estate
6:00 p.m.
Take in the remarkable summertime scenery of Keller Estate’s vineyards and olive groves at this dinner hosted by Keller Estate winemaker Jacqueline Yoakum and Chef Joey Ray. Keller Estate is a true Estate: from vine to bottle everything is done on the property – and the result is a lineup of wines that are deeply expressive of their individual terror. Keller Estate produces limited amounts of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Syrah that continue to reach new levels of elegance and finesse. You’ll savor some of the Estate’s most renowned wines paired with an impeccably prepared meal filled with the freshest flavors of Sonoma County. Click to View Menu
La Follette Wines
6:00 p.m.
Join Winemaker Greg La Follette on a "terroir tour" of La Follette's exceptional single vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Upon your arrival, Greg will greet you with a glass of Chardonnay paired with small bites before heading on a vineyard tour with growers Rick and Diane DuNah. The 10-acre vineyard in the Russian River Valley has been exquisitely farmed by the DuNah family since 1998 and produces "larger than life" Pinot Noir. After the vineyard walk, you’ll sit down with Greg and the La Follette team for an unforgettable Sonoma County wine and food experience. Celebrity Chef Duskie Estes from ZaZu & Bovolo (and recent contestant on Food Network's "The Next Iron Chef") will prepare an extraordinary menu using fresh local ingredients, flawlessly paired with La Follette Pinot Noirs from around Sonoma County. You will enjoy wines from the Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Mountain, and Russian River Valley appellations, and hear Greg La Follette describe the unique characteristics each vineyard has bestowed upon LaFollette wines. Soft jazz from local acoustic guitarist Jim Adams will provide a smooth backdrop for an incredible Sonoma Wine Country experience. Click to view menu
SATURDAY NIGHT DINNER PARTIES
Quivira Vineyards and Winery
6:00 p.m.
From beehives to head-trained Zinfandel, Quivira offers guests a farm-to-table winery experience unlike any other. Quivira specializes in small-lot wines from varietals specifically matched to the soils, seasonal strength of sun and coastal influenced nights that accentuate the unique characteristics that flow from the vine directly to the wine. The quality of their wines is an honest reflection of our commitment to this land, Biodynamic agriculture and our dedication to artisan winemaking. As you arrive at Quivira for dinner you’ll be greeted with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and delicious hors d'oeuvres prepared by Chef Mateo Granados. You’ll dine in Quivira’s beautiful, meticulously maintained gardens on five fresh courses will be presented by Chef Mateo -- most of the produce items and proteins will have been grown and raised directly on the estate. Winemaker Hugh Chappelle will also be presenting an insider’s look at the Quivira wines selected to pair with the meal. It promises to be an evening of al fresco dining you won’t soon forget. Click to View Menu
Ravenswood Winery
6:00 p.m.
Come celebrate the 2011 Harvest with Ravenswood founder and 2011 Vintners' Hall of Fame inductee, Joel Peterson for a night of stories, music, and unexpected delights. Set in the hills above Sonoma Square, Ravenswood Winery provides a stunning setting for dinning, dancing and revelry. Guests will enjoy a four course meal prepared from the freshest local products; music offered by Sonoma's own local talent and of course the Single Vineyard Zinfandels that put Ravenswood Winery and Joel Paterson at the forefront of their craft in 1976.
Arrowood Vineyards & Winery
Friday, 6:00 p.m. l SOLD OUT
Experience the beauty of a Sonoma Valley harvest sunset while you dine poolside at the Arrowood Estate Guest House with Winemaker Heidi von der Mehden. Learn more about Arrowood’s philosophy of producing classic varietal wines with grapes grown exclusively in Sonoma County as they pour library wines and rare vintages from the cellar. Sonoma favorite the girl + the fig restaurant will prepare an extravagant five course meal perfectly paired with Arrowood’s outstanding lineup of award winning wines. Acoustic guitar music provides a soothing instrumental accompaniment to an unforgettable evening. Click to View Menu
GlenLyon Vineyards & Winery
Friday, 6:00 p.m. l SOLD OUT
Suzy and Squire Fridell of GlenLyon Vineyards & Winery are rolling out the red carpet for an evening filled with all the fun, flavor and frivolity that these professional performers and devoted winemakers can serve up. After decades as renowned entertainers, Suzy and Squire settled into the Sonoma County good life, founding GlenLyon Vineyards & Winery on 26 bucolic acres in the heart of Glen Ellen. Join them for sips and starters on the new Water Tower and Overlook before dining on an exquisite multi-course meal in the Main House paired with their beloved, award-winning wines. An evening with Suzy and Squire promises many surprises – be prepared for an exciting taste of tempting wines, exquisite cuisine and exemplary entertainment in a spectacular setting.
MacMurray Ranch
Friday, 6:00 p.m. | SOLD OUT
A visit to the historic property of MacMurray Ranch in the heart of California’s Russian River Valley is a rare opportunity to be immersed in the stunning beauty of this one-of-a-kind property. Nestled among spectacular redwoods, and surrounded by the foothills and mountains of the Pacific Coastal Range, this private 1,700-acre ranch is the home of MacMurray Ranch Wine, which honors the legacy of the land by crafting wines from the Russian River Valley appellation and other "best places for Pinot Noir" with elegance and finesse. Dine on sleek, sophisticated Sonoma County fare from Stark + Company Catering paired with the award winning wines for which MacMurray Ranch is known, and revel in the companionship of wine and food aficionados who will join you as guests at this unforgettable event.
Muscardini Cellars
Saturday, 6:00 p.m. | SOLD OUT
Join us for an exclusive evening with Michael Muscardini of Muscardini Cellars. You will be treated to an amazing dining experience. Starting with our location high above the Sonoma Valley where the views are breathtaking. Chef Catherine will prepare delectable selections that pair masterfully with our wines. The evening will begin with appetizers and our Rosato, followed by a full course dinner served with our award-winning Italian style wines, and finishing with a dessert accompanied by Muscardini Cellars' famous grappa.
Rodney Strong Vineyards
Friday, 6:00 p.m. | SOLD OUT
Join Tom Klein of Rodney Strong Vineyards in raising a glass to the recently re-launched Alexander's Crown, Sonoma County's first single vineyard cabernet with the debut vintage from 1974 at this memorable meal served in his spectacular private home. Along with Alexander's Crown, Klein will also pour Rockaway and Brother's Ridge single vineyard cabernets, providing guests a unique tasting of Alexander Valley, from south to north, while they take in spectacular 270-degree views of the Alexander Valley. Each wine will be masterfully paired with a menu that features the freshest seasonal flavors of Sonoma County. Click to View Menu