Bricoleur Dinner: A Three-Part Symphony

Posted on   August 24,2020   By John and Linda Compisi

In mid-August we had a truly delicious and delightful gourmet food and wine dinner at Bricoleur Vineyards located on Starr Road in the Town of Windsor. Bricoleur is one of Sonoma County’s newest wineries and hospitality venues. It is the brainchild of Mark Hanson wife, Elizabeth Wall Hanson and their daughter Sarah Hanson Citron, the co-founders.

Although the grand opening was to occur in April, it didn’t occur until June as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions. Filling the void during that period, they instituted a weekly zoom ‘Quarantine-Kitchen’ featuring their wines and the culinary creations of Estate Chef, Shane McAnelly, formerly of Chalkboard and the Brass Rabbit in Healdsburg. These events consistently hosted over 90 zoom participants due to the creativity and humor of Sarah, Shane and Sales and Hospitality Director, Chris Richard.

Bricoleur scheduled three Saturday evening wine and food pairing 4-course dinners for the month of August. We were able to attend the middle one in mid-August. The Julia Childs inspired dinner that we attended featured Bricoleur wines and wonderful culinary treats from our favorite wine country Chef, Shane McAnelly. The Salade Niçoise with Kick Ranch Viognier, followed by the Bisque de Crevettes with the Estate Chardonnay to the Poulet Róti á la Gratin with the Estate Pinot Noir were all wine country delicious and perfectly paired. Most of the fresh produce has been harvested from the estate gardens for our Dinner. In fact, our wait person was Mikey De Paolo, the Estate Gardner. A real treat.

The Estate Barn has been revamped to support events like private parties, anniversary parties, corporate and other larger events. It is very chic and with its ability to be open ended is perfect for summer, fall, winter and spring. Of course, the COVID restrictions limited the seating for our dinner but the owners and staff have adapted quite marvelously.

Not too late to get tickets for the August 29th Dinner, 5:30-8:30pm, titled “High on the Hog”, will feature Peach & Burrata Salad, Housemade Strozzapreti, Wood Oven Roasted Pork Loin and Maple Bacon Doughnuts for dessert. Of course, each is paired with a Bricoleur Wine including a sparkler with dessert. Quite reasonable price of entry in light of the great food and wine and the outdoor ambiance. COVID precautions are in place. But don’t worry if you can’t make the last August dinner, as the Bricoleur team plans to continue the  Wine Dinner Series for the rest of the year, weather permitting. 

#ENJOY