“You have to taste this!” How many of us have been lucky enough to have heard that sentence uttered at least once? At the 18th Annual Taste Alexander Valley, I predict guests will hear this sentence several times.
Beginning this Friday, May 15th and ending Sunday, May 17th, this wine and food event captures the essence of the Alexander Valley located in northern Sonoma County. Not only will ticket-holders meet Alexander Valley winemakers and winegrowers, but also enjoy delicious bites created locally. With access to more than 25 wineries, visitors are certain to discover new favorite wines and take advantage of special pricing.
The event starts with a Magnum Dinner & Barn Dance on Friday. This is the first time the dinner and dance has been offered and it has sold out! Those lucky enough to have purchased tickets will be invited to a walk around wine tasting hour, followed by dinner at a table hosted by an Alexander Valley vintner. A special four course family style dinner created by Chef Dustin Valette will be paired with each vintner’s special Magnum selection. Live music will be provided by Supermule, playing their own style of Bluegrass and more.
On Saturday and Sunday the event continues as each participating winery presents special wine and food pairings, along with opportunities to meet the talented people behind Alexander Valley’s impeccable wines. With over 25 wineries to choose from, ticket-holders have a vast array of wines (and food!) to choose from. Here are a few examples!
Interested in a Cave Tour?
At Alexander Valley Vineyards, visitors are invited to a Cave Tour offered twice each day. Along with sipping their 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon from both American and French oak barrels, a visit to Alexander Valley Vineyards also includes two wine and food pairings. A 2013 Estate Chardonnay is paired with caramelized onion, oven-roasted tomato and goat cheese flatbread. And, a 2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is paired with grilled pork loin served with a cherry and jalepeno gastrique.
How about a walk in a Vineyard?
Sign up for a Vineyard Walk at Francis Ford Coppola Winery where a member of their winemaking team will describe what makes the Alexander Valley such a special place for growing wine and will pour tastes into your glass straight from the barrel. Food pairings include fava bean arancini and beef carpaccio.
- Meet the Winemaker
Experience your wine and food pairing with live music at Sapphire Hill Vineyards. Sapphire Hill Vineyards’ Winemaker Tami Collins will be pouring from 12pm to 3pm on Saturday, and from 12pm to 2pm on Sunday. Guests will sample a 2012 Alexander Valley Apostle Zinfandel paired with lamb with a Beef Bourguignon Sauce served with Arugula topped with a dusting of almond and mint.
- Listen to Live Music
the Jay & Rocky Band will play at White Oak Vineyards & Winery while visitors enjoy three wine and food pairings. The first is a 2013 Sauvignon Blanc paired with Ceviche. The second pairing is a Chardonnay paired with Panko crusted Mac n’ Cheese. The third is a 2012 Syrah paired with blue cheese sliders served with caramelized onions.
Special offers
to celebrate the event, Rodney Strong Vineyards is offering Club pricing on wine purchases. Their special wine and food pairing is 2012 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon served with charred beef short ribs with Argentine chimichurri and gold potato puree. Visitors will also partake in a special taste of Rodney Strong’s Library Wine, 2007 Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon.
Remember to contact Pure Luxury Transportation for your private chauffeured car and ride safely in pure luxury!