Food, Wine and Music – A Perfect Weekend Afternoon

Every Saturday, Truett-Hurst Vineyards hosts a music event in their Tasting Room.  On February 18th, folk-rock acoustic singer-songwriter Brian Bergeron will be playing from 1 pm – 5 pm at a Live Music and BBQ Pairing at this beautiful winery.  Relax on the Adirondack chairs by the Dry Creek and enjoy some tri-tip and whisky fennel sausages to pair with the bold red wines.

For a list of future music events, click here.

Where:  5610 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg

Phone:   707-433-9545

Cost:      Free

************

Every Sunday you can bring a picnic lunch to the Terraza (patio) at D’Argenzio Winery and enjoy live music.  Come down to Vintner’s Square in Santa Rosa and enjoy D’Argenzio’s fine wines on the bocce court.  Music will be provided by The Moonbeams, a local act playing the blues, jazz and Latin music.  (Other wineries within the square will be pouring, so come enjoy an afternoon of wine and music.)

Where:  1301 Cleveland Avenue, Suite A, Santa Rosa

When:   Sunday, February 19th, 2 pm – 5 pm

Cost:     Free

Reds and Romance, Karah Estate Vineyard Opens New Tasting Room

Image via Wikipedia

There’s still time for you to plan a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend.  Snuggle by the fireplace as you celebrate Reds and Romance with Dutton-Goldfield’s lovely wines on Saturday and Sunday, February 11th and 12th.  They’ll be showcasing the release of their 2010 Pinot Noir and Cherry Ridge Vineyard Syrah.  The special reserve flight is $15 (complimentary for wine club members.)

As a special treat, artist Susanna Kaplan will be sharing her unique, fused-glass jewelry on Sunday.

Where:  3100 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol

When:   February 11th and 12th

Phone:  707-823-3887

******************

Come to Karah Estate Vineyard/Windy Hill Winery’s new Tasting Room on February 11 and celebrate the opening while enjoying the panoramic views of the Petaluma Gap.  Enjoy a free wine tasting and the chance to win a free case of wine.

Where:  1010 West Railroad Avenue, Cotati

When:    February 11th

Phone:  707-795-3030

**********************

de Lorimier and Wilson Wineries – Valentine’s Day Wine, Food, Music, You

If you haven’t made up your mind about where to go to celebrate Valentine’s Day, consider de Lorimier Winery’s Club deLo Valentine Celebration.  Enjoy a complimentary afternoon of great wines, delicious food and live music.

This gorgeous gallery tasting room is surrounded by lovely vineyards and has spectacular views.  Enjoy the work of local artists with your wine and sit around the fountain in the cabana courtyard on upholstered couches.  FYI:  The tasting room is open daily from 10:30 am  – 5 pm. 

Where:  2001 Highway 128, Geyserville

Phone:  800-546-7718

After spending the afternoon at de Lorimier, head on over to Wilson Winery for an elegant, romantic dinner in their historic barrel room.  Start with a champagne toast and hors d’oeuvres in the tasting room and then dine while listening to classic harpist, Bertina Mitchell.  Reservations are required and seating is very limited and by invitation only. ( It may already be too late to reserve your spot, but you can try by sending an email to Emily@wilwonwinery.com.)

When:  February 11th, 6 pm – 10 pm

Where:  1960 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg

Phone:  707-433-4602

Cost is $120 per person for wine club members

$130 per person for guests of wine club member

$150 per person for non-members.

Viansa Winery – A Taste of Tuscany Close to Home

Located at the entrance to Sonoma Valley, Viansa Winery sits upon a hilltop, providing breathtaking views of Sonoma Valley, vineyards, olive groves and wetlands.  The buildings are all Tuscan inspired, and you will feel as if you have been transported to a villa in Tuscany.

At Viansa Winery’s Italian Wine & Cheese Pairing, experience five of Viansa’s varietal wines with five different cheese enhanced with Viansa’s food products.  If you love the flavors of Italian wines and cheeses, this is a not to be missed event.

This is a private tasting limited to 8 guests per tasting and reservations are required.  To reserve your spot call 800-995-4740 or email tuscan@viansa.com

Where:  25200 Arnold Drive, Sonoma

When:  10:30 am, 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm

Cost:    $25 per person, $10 for wine club members and one guest

****************************

Other wine and food pairings at Viansa are presented every Saturday at 1 pm.  Enjoy a deliciously interactive wine and food class highlighting seasonal ingredients and exclusive Viansa food products and wines.  This is more than just a cooking demonstration; you will be treated to an hour of food preparation and wine discussion, accompanied by small plates and special wines.

Reservations are suggested, so email tuscan@viansa.com or call 800-995-4740 to reserve your place.

When:  February 4th, 11th and 18th.  Saturdays at 1 pm

Cost:    $20 per person, $15 for wine club members.

*********************

If chocolate is your thing, spend Valentines’ Day weekend at Viansa’s Annual Wine & Chocolate Pairing.  A collection of Viansa wines is paired perfectly with an array of decadent artisanal chocolates.

Reservations are required and the 1 pm seating is already sold out, so call 800-995-4740 or email tuscan@viansa.com to reserve your spot at the 11 am seating.

When:  February 12th, 11 am

Cost:    $60 per couple, $45 per couple for wine club members.

For a full listing of Viansa’s tastings and events, click here.

Wine + Chocolate + Cheese + Love + You = Valentine’s Day 2012

Nothing says loving like delicious wines paired with tasty treats, so join the folks at Bella Winery as they help celebrate Valentine’s Day with Chef Bruce Frieseke’s inspired selection of gourmet foods.  Each yummy bite will be paired with one of Bella’s great new releases or coveted wines.  Enjoy the ambiance of the wine cave and explore the culinary side of romance while listening to classic love songs and watching scenes from your favorite romantic films.

Where:  9711 West Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg

When:  February 11th – 12th, 11 am – 4:30 pm

Cost:    $15 per person, complimentary for wine club members and up to four guests.

**************************

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Mounts Family Winery is hosting a Wine Lover’s event on February 12th.  The vineyard, where three generations of wine-grape growers have adhered to a philosophy of excellence, wants to share their hand-crafted, limited edition wines with you.

Treat yourself and your loved one or BFF to a wine, cheese and chocolate pairing that is sure to let them know how you feel.  Enjoy the 1009 pre-releases of Petite Syrah, Malbec and Zinfandel…wines that will available to purchase on this one day only.

Reservations are required, because this event sells out quickly and tickets are limited.  To RSVP, email info@mountswinery.com  or call 707-292-8148.

Where:  3901 Wine Creek Road, Healdsburg

When:   February 12th, 1 pm – 4 pm

Phone:  707-292-8148

Cost:    $15 per person, free for wine club members

*********************************

Grab your friends and a designated driver and head out for the Sweet 116 Valentine’s Day tour.  Taste your way through six wineries and enjoy decadent treats and delicious wines along Highway 116 near Sebastopol.  Ticket holders may select a souvenir logo wine glass handpainted by local artists to use during the tour.  Purchase your tickets at these participating wineries:

Balletto Winery, Dutton Estate Winery, Graton Ridge Cellars, Martin Ray Winery, Russian River Vineyards, and Taft Street Winery.

Where:  3561 Gravenstein Hwy. North, Sebastopol

When:   February 11th, 11 am  - 4 pm

Cost:    $25 per person, $5 for designated driver

Culinary Adventures – Eat, Drink, Learn, Experience

I’ve recently discovered Healdsburg, and this lovely little town offers so much in the way of food and wine that I don’t think I’ll ever get to sample it all. 

I recently received a Groupon offer for a half-day Relish Culinary Adventure.  Healdsburg is strategically located near the Russian River, Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys, and we know that these three areas are recognized wine-growing areas, but the area is home to more than just grapes.  There are also award-winning olive oils, cheeses, meat and produce, which are all sourced for the top restaurants in Sonoma, Napa, San Francisco and beyond. 

Dry Creek Culinary Adventure: 

Relish provides day trips to some of the most scenic and delicious spots, where you learn about the farmers and artisans who work the land.  This is how it works: 

You meet at the Relish Culinary Center and start the morning at Dragonfly Floral Farm, where you’ll have time to explore the 6-acre estate.  You will feed the chickens and ducks and gather some edible flowers and herbs to incorporate in your lunch. 

Image via Wikipedia

Next stop is the Dry CreekOlive Company, where you’ll tour the press and learn about the intensive process for making artisan olive oil.  You’ll taste the company’s olive oils and vinegars, selecting the favorite for lunch.

Dry Creek Peach and Produce is next, where you will enjoy a white peach Bellini cocktail and tour the beautiful orchard and taste and gather their flavorful peaches. 

The final destination is the Lambert Bridge Winery.   The tour ends at the Al Fresco Kitchen, where the flowers and herbs, olive oil and fresh peaches will be added to the three-course lunch.  While savoring the meal, learn about the history of the winery. 

Relish Culinary Adventures offer other day trips and Multi-/Day, Cook & Stay “camps,” so if you’re a foodie, this is your chance to enjoy the complete Wine Country Experience from the vineyard to the Bottle and more. 

Relish has cooking classes in addition to the culinary tours, so if you’re looking for something to do with the kids, or if you just want some hands-on kitchen time, check out their list of classes and events by clicking here. 

P.S.  There is still some time for the Groupon, so if you haven’t signed up yet, now is the time.