Winemaker Dinner

Posted on June 14, 2017 by Still Waters Vineyards

On June 3^rd  we hosted our 2^nd annual Winemaker Dinner in the Gardens. We have wanted for a long time to host an unforgettable event for our guests on our spectacular grounds. This year did not disappoint! The menu was planned and prepared by talented local Chef Charles D. Paladin Wayne to accompany a curated selection of wines.

The evening began with an array of passed appetizers and an early debut of our 2016 vintages of both the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. Live, acoustic music was played in the background throughout the evening, giving the guests the feel of an intimate concert outside in the warm summer breeze.

 

The Salad Course began the dinner with a Crunchy Citrus Salad. This delicious salad included shaved fennel, heirloom tomatoes and carrots, daikon radish, wheat berry, orange segments, and a sublime Three Citrus White Balsamic Vinaigrette. We accompanied this vibrant salad with our 2016 Chardonnay that is incredibly well balanced with a fresh minerality that complimented the zesty flavors nicely.

The First Course was a phenomenal dish of white Sea Bass with a smoked corn relish, braised kale and mustard greens, beurre blanc, and a red wine Nantua (a classic French seafood sauce). This dish was not only absolutely delicious (there were guests who used the freshly baked bread to mop up every last delicious morsel of sauce at the end) but the presentation was lovely, adorned with fresh edible flowers. This dish was served with two vintages of Cabernet Franc– a 2007 and our new 2013 that will be released in the Autumn. The light spiciness perfectly held it’s own to the smoky, briny goodness of the sea bass.

The Second Course brought us back on land with tender braised Brisket served with potatoes Dauphinoise and organic market vegetables with a red wine demi-glace. This hearty course was flavorful and the decadent. The brisket was succulent and the potatoes Dauphinoise are potatoes Au-Gratin to the umpteenth level. This was paired with two vintages of our classic Bordeaux blend Reflections– 2008 and the new 2013 vintage that will also be released in the Autumn. This bold red wine held up well to the big flavors of the dish and added a pleasant fruit aspect to the flavor profiles.

And finally, it was time for the Sweet Endings. We were served a trio of sweet tastes- a passion fruit creme brulee, grilled stone peach chocolate ganache tart, and Leo Leo pistachio gelato in a delicate basket weaved of caramel. We paired these perfect little tastes with our 2013 Late Harvest Petit Sirah– a little touch of warmth and sweetness to bring the whole thing together.

Our Winemaker Dinner was a thorough success in our eyes. The ambiance was just what we strove for- perfect weather, music that complimented the mood wonderfully, and great times had amongst friends both new and old. The food was fantastic and it was fun tasting through the different vintages of some of our favorite wines! We hope that people will want to join us again next summer for another magical evening!

Paul and Chef Charlie having a great time.

Such a beautiful evening!

See you next year!