Friday, September 2, 2011
12:30 p.m.
Winemaker Lunches are held at wineries throughout Sonoma County.
$85 per person
Tickets are non-refundable.
Lunches are being added daily, please check back for new additions.
deLorimier Winery
12:30 p.m.
Spend the day at deLorimier Winery where Winemakers Diane Wilson and Antoine Favero invite you to an authentic Sonoma experience in the heart of the beautiful Alexander Valley. The gold medal-winning wines of deLorimier will be expertly paired with a sumptuous three-course luncheon prepared by Chef Ken Rochioli and created with the freshest local ingredients. With old vine Bordeaux varietals hanging from the vine and the rolling hills of the Alexander Valley surrounding the property, deLorimier is a classic Sonoma County setting for an event filled with lush wines, decadent foods and stunning views.
Hamel Family Wines
12:30 p.m.
Come to Kenwood’s picturesque Hamel Family Ranch where you’ll enjoy an intimate dining experience surrounded by beautiful estate vineyards, lovingly farmed by the Hamel family. Known for its family of Bordeaux-inspired, terroir-driven wines, Hamel Family Ranch will pour its renowned Cabernet Sauvignon paired with a “locavoracious” lunch of fresh Sonoma delicacies from neighboring Oak Hill Farm and prepared by Chef, Cheese Maker and Culinary Educator Sheana Davis. Her four-course menu will bring you on a taste tour through the history of Hamel Family Wines’ burgeoning wine collection while delighting your palate with the freshest, seasonal flavors of Sonoma County. Click to View Menu
Hidden Ridge Vineyard
12:30 p.m.
Hidden Ridge Vineyard Proprietors Lynn Hofacket and Casidy Ward invite you to join them for an unforgettable picnic in their breathtaking high-altitude vineyard. Designed to thrill the adventurous explorer, this experience begins with a four wheel-drive tour of their mountaintop vineyard - a place so steep, so well developed so interesting in its planning scheme that it's been described as "really that amazing." Duskie Estes of Zazu lends her formidable culinary talents to create a seasonally inspired meal that promises to pair perfectly with the award winning wines of Hidden Ridge Vineyard. Put on your boots, bring your appetite and prepare to be blown away by a high-altitude event unlike any other. Click to View Menu
Landmark Vineyards
12:30 p.m.
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 in some of the most memorable wines and fresh local cuisine Sonoma has to offer. Held amid this visually stunning property nestled in the foothills of the Macaymas Mountain range, and highlighted by the sounds of local musicians, this unique experience offers a glimpse of why Landmark Vineyards can claim this title like no other Sonoma destination. Click to View Menu
Lynmar Estate
12:30 p.m.
Lynmar Estate, producer of limited-quantity Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, is a mosaic of serene beauty, unique vineyard terroir and purposeful stewardship. At this magnificent gathering you'll experience epic vistas of the Laguna Watershed and Russian River Valley while taking in the views of a lush sanctuary that's home to more than 200 species of birds, including a nesting pair of bald eagles. Lynmar Executive David Frakes offers a picnic menu prepared using produce from the estate garden and paired with current releases that will elicit both the complexity of the food and the intricacies of the wines -- an experience further enhanced by the scenic natural splendor of Lynmar Estate.
Stone Edge Farm
12:30 p.m.
Spend a sunny day at Stone Edge Farm where you'll discover the abundant beauty that results from true artistry in the vineyard and garden. Known for its unwavering dedication to sustainable farming practices, Stone Edge Farm produces both the outstanding wines and the heirloom vegetables and olive oils that will take center stage at this remarkable al fresco meal. Winemaker Jeff Baker will personally pair each wine to each delectable course created by Winery Chef John McReynolds for an unparalleled experience of field-to-table dining. You'll begin your journey in the vineyard with hors d'oeuvres, and then join your hosts under the shade of the bay tree that overlooks the bountiful gardens and vineyards, each in full bloom.
Stryker Sonoma Winery
12:30 p.m.
Relish Culinary Adventures will guide you through the sun drenched afternoon of fun, food, and friends with the self-described "bohemian and free-spirited" folks at Stryker Sonoma Winery. Known for their small lot, handcrafted and award winning bottlings, the staff at Stryker works hard to convey their philosophy of bold but thoughtful wines that are a blend of traditional and modern. The stunning architectural design of the winery reflects this, and you'll see firsthand how the look and feel of the property takes cues from the natural environment and captures the romance of winemaking. Be prepared to take a hands on approach to lunch as winemaker Tim Hardin works side by side with you to create amazing hors d'oeuvers and an excotic trio of grilled tacos. Prepare your lunch while enjoying sips of the vibrant and crisp semillon, then sit down with a trio of hand-crafted estate wines selected by Tim to compliment the casual wine country experience that will leave you feeling a bit "bohemian and free-spirited" yourself. Click to view menu
WINEMAKER LUNCHES: SOLD OUT
Deerfield Ranch Winery
12:30 p.m. l SOLD OUT
Deerfield Ranch Winemaker Robert Rex and Associate Winemaker Cecilia Valdivia, and their team, make small lots of handcrafted wine 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 passion for yourself when you lunch at Kenwood’s Deerfield Ranch Winery. Relax under the majestic oaks on the ridge while taking in the sweeping views of Sonoma Mountain and the Valley of the Moon. You’ll enjoy premium Deerfield Ranch wines paired with exquisite California cuisine created by Executive Chef Justin Everett of the El Dorado Kitchen in Sonoma. Click Here to View Menu
Dutcher Crossing Winery
12:30 p.m. l SOLD OUT
Meet Dutcher Crossing Proprietor Debra Mathy in her elegant vineyard home for a memorable meal among friends. Mathy likes to say “you can see the fruits of our labor from start to finish,” and this philosophy is never more evident than when Mathy pours her award winning wines alongside impeccable Sonoma County cuisine. Renowned local Chef Gia Passalacqua will be serving up family-style Italian fare while Winemaker Kerry Damskey leads a lively and informative discussion of each perfectly paired Dutcher Crossing wine. Take in views of the vineyard and enjoy the uniquely elegant ambiance of the wine room at this gracious gathering you’ll cherish forever. Click to View Menu
Foppiano Vineyards
12:30 p.m. | SOLD OUT
Spend an afternoon at Sonoma County’s historic, family-owned Foppiano Vineyards, a place where quality and simplicity have thrived since 1896. Your host, Winemaker Natalie West, invites you to dine vineyard-side in the lush rose garden picnic area, where you’ll be served a wine country lunch by chef Tim Vallery of Peloton Catering, designed to perfectly pair with the elegant estate wines of Foppiano. It’s a rare opportunity to relax in the heart of Foppiano Vineyards’ 160-acre estate in Russian River Valley, known as one of the most esteemed wine regions in the world, while enjoying the world-class wines for which Foppiano is known. Prepare to be impressed – this is an afternoon of fresh cuisine and exquisite wines you won’t soon forget. Click to View Menu
Hanzell Vineyards
12:30 p.m. 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 Jeffrey H. Lloyd of Cafe La Haye 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! Owned by Saul Gropman, Cafe La Haye is an intimate American bistro in the town of Sonoma, and has been a local stalwart for 15 years.
Hook & Ladder Winery
12:30 p.m. | SOLD OUT
Hook & Ladder Proprietors Cecil and Christine De Loach invite you to their private home for a winemaker lunch featuring Hook & Ladder wines paired with a meal prepared by Chef Joshua De Loach. Spend the afternoon on the De Loach family ranch surrounded by vineyards and vegetable gardens, where you’ll enjoy the delicious discoveries that are the result of their farm-to-table, sustainable lifestyle. Chef Joshua has created a menu featuring local ingredients, and harvest permitting, Winemaker Jason De Loach will be on hand to discuss each pairing. Click to View Menu
Hughes Family Vineyards
12:30 p.m. l SOLD OUT
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 Phill 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 Mayacama Mountains and Sonoma Valley.
Matanzas Creek Winery
12:30 p.m. | SOLD OUT
Settle in for an unforgettable afternoon in Bennett Valley’s Matanzas Creek Winery, where the striking beauty of the winery and the enchanting flavors of the wines combine the best of rustic country charm and refined elegance. Home to a spectacular lavender garden that is the trademark of the winery and a thrilling attraction for travelers who come from around the world to spend time there, Matanzas Creek is the destination for those looking for a one-of-a-kind Sonoma County experience. At this lunch, you’ll taste winery's latest releases followed by a perfectly paired three-course meal created by Monti's Rotisserie. Click Here to View Menu
Montemaggiore
12:30 p.m. | SOLD OUT
Please join proprietors Lise and Vincent Ciolino for a rare peek into a small, secluded, mountainside estate where they grow 10 acres of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier, cultivate 800 olive trees, tend farm animals and raise a family. You’ll enjoy a summertime feast prepared by Chef Jude Affronti of Healdsburg’s very own Affronti Restaurant on the deck of the Ciolino’s private home with spectacular views overlooking northern Sonoma County. This one-of-a-kind pairing feast will include Montemaggiore’s 3Divas (a white Rhone blend of Marsanne, Rossanne and Viognier), Rosé of Syrah, award winning Paolo’s Vineyard Syrah and finally their Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah blend called Nobile. Prepare to be captivated by the beautiful property, the careful attention to detail in each and every pairing and the warm ambiance at this lovely Sonoma County gathering. Click Here to View Menu
Pezzi King Vineyards
12:30 p.m. l SOLD OUT
Jim and Cynthia Rowe invite you to join them for an exquisite lunch at their beautiful, exclusive estate at Pezzi King Vineyards -- a magnificent property situated high above the Dry Creek Valley. You’ll dine poolside at the Rowe’s spectacular home while you take in the glorious scenery and the world-class views of the valley below. Winemaker Chris Barrett will pair a selection of the estate’s finest bottlings with the cuisine of Chef Chad Newton, one of San Francisco’s most recognized and critically acclaimed chefs, formerly of Postrio and Fish and Farm in San Francisco, and Redd in the Napa Valley. Featuring fresh produce and herbs from the winery garden and served in one of the most spectacular settings in Sonoma County, this afternoon promises to be a one of a kind wine country experience.
Robert Hunter Winery
12:30 p.m. l SOLD OUT
Proprietor Robert Hunter invites you for an afternoon in Ann’s Garden at Robert Hunter Winery, where you’ll indulge in a delightful lunch prepared by his private chef, Kurt Hemenway. The garden itself is a veritable Eden of Sonoma County. Filled with extremely rare and historic plants cultivated by fourth-generation plant collector Ann Hunter, with hardscape created by world-renowned landscape designer Thomas Church (widely recognized as the founding father of modern residential landscape design), Ann’s Garden is a living, growing artistic achievement. The winery, a beautiful, of-the-beaten-track discovery, is known for being the smallest Sparkling Wine house in California, and is open by appointment only. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend an afternoon strolling through the breathtaking garden while sipping Sparkling Wine, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon with the Hunters. The exquisite meal, perfectly paired with the wines, promises to be a culinary achievement second only to the stunning scenery at this very special place. Click Here to View Menu
Schug Carneros Estate Winery
12:30 p.m. | SOLD OUT
It's a cool summer day in the caves at Schug Carneros Estate! Raise a glass with the Schug family to the unparalleled views of the Carneros Appellation before dipping into a private tour of the distinctive barrel caves built right into the hillside. Winery chef and family member Kristine Schug prepares a delectable three-course meal paired with Schug's world class Carneros appellation wines. Spend some time at Schug and you'll see first hand why Carneros wineries are considered some of the best in the world. Click to View Menu.