Executive Sponsor TricorBraun WinePak
FRIDAY and SATURDAY, August 30 and 31, 2013
Winemaker Dinner Parties are held at wineries throughout Sonoma County.
$150 per person
Tickets are non-refundable. 21 and older only. No children or pets allowed.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2013
Keller Estate
6:00pm
Prepare to swoon over the summertime scenery of Keller Estate’s vineyards and olive groves at this dinner hosted by Keller Estate and featuring cuisine prepared by Keller Estate Chef Visconte. Keller Estate is a true estate winery: From vine to bottle, every step of the winemaking process is completed on the property. The result is a lineup of wines that are deeply expressive of their individual terroir. Keller Estate produces limited amounts of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that continue to reach new levels of elegance and finesse. You’ll savor some of these renowned wines paired with an impeccably prepared, seasonally fresh meal served in the lovely wine library.
Linked Vineyards
6:00pm
Perched on a hillside on the southwestern edge of Knight’s Valley, Linked Vineyards overlooks both Napa and Sonoma counties – a truly unique vantage point from which to savor a meal! Indulge in Linked Vineyards' extremely small lot Cabernet Sauvignon wines paired with a celebration of Sonoma County slow food impeccably prepared by Chef John Franchetti of Rosso Pizzeria + Wine Bar. The meal will be completed fresh on site in Rosso's magnificent Mugnaini wood burning oven. Served in a spectacular setting with unforgettable views and impeccable wines, this is an event for anyone looking to be immersed in Sonoma County fine living.
Longboard Vineyards
6:00pm
To experience the real Sonoma County, kick off your high heels and kick off your evening with a relaxing vineyard walk hosted by Longboard Vineyards' Winemaker Oded Shakked and his dog Bear. You'll work up a hearty appetite, but the lovely folks at Longboard will be more than prepared. Settle down in the Green Barn for a four-course culinary journey designed by one of our local superstar chefs to pair perfectly with an array of Longboard wines. In true relaxing Longboard style, dinner will be served by candlelight and accompanied by live ukulele music. Plus, Oded and the other Longboardians will share wave after wave of incredible surfing stories. One evening with Oded and you'll be repeating his mantra: "Relax, it’s only wine! Enjoy it with food you like and trust nothing but your own palate." Uncork and unwind with Oded for an epicurean evening you'll truly enjoy.
Muscardini Cellars
6:00pm
Meet the family behind the award winning, limited edition wines of Sonoma Valley’s own Muscardini Cellars – and be among the first to dine in the new Muscardini Tasting Room in the Red Schoolhouse. Join Michael Muscardini for a unique culinary experience that begins on the patio with breathtaking views of the Valley of the Moon. In the Red Schoolhouse, you'll be treated to a dinner menu prepared by Chef Catherine Venturini of Olive and Vine that's perfectly paired with Muscardini wines. This intimate affair is the perfect opportunity for any bon vivant to experience Muscardini's "from our family to your family" approach to all things wine and food. Cin cin!
Simi Winery
6:00pm
A visit to Simi Winery, located in Alexander Valley on the outskirts of Healdsburg, is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of Sonoma County winemaking. One of the oldest continuously producing wineries in Northern California, Simi first made wines in 1876 and has been making wines in the same stone cellar since 1890. Join Simi's imitable winemaking team on the Landslide Terrace (named for one of Simi's most famous vineyards) for a meal prepared by Executive Chef Kolin Vazzoler and paired with their award winning, critically praised lineup of wines, as well as some historical selections from their library. It's an evening celebrating Sonoma County's storied winemaking past – and a peek into its brilliant future.
Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards
6:00pm
A visit to Sonoma-Cutrer in the Russian River Valley is a rare opportunity to experience the mastery of Sonoma County winemaking. Dedicated to the pursuit of original expression in every one of its award-winning wines, Sonoma–Cutrer is known for coaxing perfection out of every vine. Join Winemaker Mick Schroeter on the charming Croquet Terrace for an evening of epicurean delights and live entertainment designed to please the senses. From the very first vintage of Sonoma–Cutrer Chardonnay to limited production, world-class Pinot Noir, the quality of this extraordinary winery has taken root and continues to grow. Experience first-hand some of the most expressive flavors Sonoma County has to offer.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 2013
Benziger Family Winery
6:00pm
Glen Ellen's Benziger Family Winery is committed to nurturing the earth through their meticulous Demeter-Certified Biodynamic® practices. Let them nurture you for an evening at their estate winery, where you’ll taste and toast with a family on the forefront of the green movement. Begin your experience with a relaxed, guided tram tour through their picturesque vineyards in the shadow of Sonoma Mountain. Then, delight in the pure flavors of a three-course meal prepared with just-picked ingredients from their ranch – each dish will be perfectly paired with Benziger Family Winery's acclaimed vineyard designate and library wines. It's a rare opportunity to mingle with a family that has deep roots in Sonoma County, and is uniquely passionate about preserving the planet for future generations. Eat, drink and see for yourself how Benziger’s Farming for Flavors™ program is good for the Earth and great for the palate.
2013 SOLD OUT Winemaker Dinners
Arista Vineyards
6:00pm
Join the McWilliams Family of Arista Vineyards for an intimate wine and food event overlooking their picturesque estate, and featuring the late summer harvest from their heirloom garden. Winery Chef Timothy Kaulfers will prepare sensational six-course meal impeccably paired with Arista's current releases and library wines. Arista's wines have deep, rich flavors that reflect the unique sites from which they are sourced. Produced in small lots of several barrels, each wine is deliciously balanced with fruit, tannins, acidity and oak in harmonious proportion. A breathtaking setting of Japanese water garden and mountain and vineyard vistas offers guests a welcoming environment to linger over a leisurely meal. Raise a glass to an evening you're not soon to forget.
Hartford Family Winery
6:00pm
Discover the wines Robert Parker, Jr. calls "some of the most exciting as well as diverse offerings in my tastings" when you're an honored guest at Hartford Family Winery. Proprietor Don Hartford and Winemaker Jeff Stewart invite you for a memorable evening relaxing in one of the Russian River Valley's most uniquely beautiful locations, surrounded by meticulously maintained vineyards, lush gardens and awe-inspiring redwoods. Chef Bruce Riezeman of Park Avenue Catering will pair the wines perfectly with a five-course feast designed to feature fabulous flavors from every corner of Sonoma County. Hartford Family Winery's award-winning limited production Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Old Vine Zinfandel will take center stage this gracious gathering of wine lovers, and you'll be welcomed like one of the family.
