Thousands Beat the Heat at ‘Sonoma Wine Country Weekend’
Posted on October 1,2017 By John Compisi
Thousands Beat the Heat at ‘Sonoma Wine Country Weekend’
One especially fabulous Northern California wine country fund raising event occurred this past Labor Day Weekend. Sonoma Wine Country Weekend (SWCW) raises, literally, millions for various local community charities. This year, the typically over heated event set new records for triple digit heat but also sported a new venue, the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University.
Logo Courtesy of SWCW
The weekend kicked off with the usual stunning variety of winemaker’s lunches and dinners, like the Viluko Vineyards Winemakers Luncheon in the recently established Fountain Grove AVA. The proprietors, Pedro and Karen Arroyo offered exceptional hospitality despite the record breaking 3 digit heat, which exceeded 110 degrees. This 400 acre property is wild and filled with mountain lions, deer and avian creatures…and vineyards – about 70 planted acres of mostly Bordeaux varietals.
Recently planted vines and antique equipment (L.Compisi)
Winemaker Tim Milos waxed eloquent as a six course luncheon paired with Viluko wines was paraded into the iconic barn on the property. Wines poured featured six exceptional Bordeaux vintages and varietals including Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec and of course Cabernet Sauvignon. Milos’s descriptions were fun and flawless.
Winemaker Tim Milos describes his wines (L.Compisi)
2012 Viluko Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (L.Compisi)
Each course was more delicious than the previous and the pairing wines were elegant, complex and well balanced. Chef’s Shaun McGrath and Jenna Hodges and their Calistoga Kitchen team did an amazing job of producing beautifully plated food in a virtual wilderness setting.
Summer Greens with Avocado (L.Compisi)
Grilled Akaushi Bavette Steak (L.Compisi)
Other winemakers’ lunches were hosted by such all stars as Balletto Vineyards, Cast Wines, Christopher Creek Winery, Comstock Winery, Davis Family Vineyards and Linked Vineyards. Yummy! Winemaker’s dinners included Macrostie Winery & Vineyards, Ravenswood Winery, Seghesio Family Vineyards and Valley of the Moon Winery at Madrone Estate. Sunday featured winemaker BBQs at a few additional wineries. The capstone dinner on Friday night was the Paulée Dinner hosted by the Russian River Valley Winegrowers and held at Landmark Vineyards at Hop Kiln Estate. This end of harvest tradition from Burgundy is fast becoming the hottest ticket for the SWCW.
Pairing Menu at Viluko Vineyards (L.Compisi)
Saturday’s excitement was all about Taste of Sonoma held for the first time at Sonoma State University Green Music Center in Rohnert Park. A crowd of over 2,000 people attended and they were not disappointed, although they battled the heat by consuming significantly more Sparkling, White and Rosé wines then normal. Gloria Ferrer’s Bubble Lounge with oysters, sliders and other nutritious delectables was often overwhelmed with the throngs of people craving chilled bubbles and cold oysters.
Logo Courtesy of SWCW
Sonoma WCW is jointly produced by the Sonoma County Vintners and the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Foundation, all proceeds benefit local Sonoma charities including youth education and literacy programs, Girls and Boys Clubs, senior care, the arts and many more.