WINE TO ME IS PASSION.IT’S FAMILY AND FRIENDS. IT’S WARMTH OF HEART AND GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT. WINE IS ART. IT’S CULTURE. IT’S THE ESSENCE OF CIVILAZATION AND THE ART OF LIVING. ---Robert Mondavi
Good wine. Wonderful people. Delicious food. What a night! Actually, it was a splendid night. Our seasonal Wine Makers Dinner event is what I’m talking about. Twice a year, we host a dinner for our clients to say thank you for their continued business.
Our featured winery of the night was Far Niente in Oakville, California. As a wine lover, I was very excited to hear this since Far Niente is a world known winery. Famous for their Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, Far Niente was founded in 1885 by John Benson. Far Niente, from an Italian phrase that romantically translated means “without a care.” Sixty years later, in 1979, Gil Nickel purchased the winery and adjacent vineyard and began a three-year restoration of the property. Today, the winery continues to focus on producing only the two varietal wines.
With our Executive Chef, Chad Krahling and his wonderful staffs’ warm hospitality; we were able to enjoy a five course delicious meal. First were the delectable Hors D’oeuvres that included Smoked Salmon with Toast and Dill and Roasted Root Vegetable Soup with Duck Confit. Every course was served with a different wine that complemented the dish. I was in heaven! My favorite course by far was the dessert, Tart Tartin with Vanilla Bean Gelato and Apricot Honey. The moment I tasted that Tart Tartin I was reaching for more! I even took some of Terri Collin’s dessert when she wasn’t looking. My favorite wine had to be their 2006 Nickel & Nickel, Searby Vineyard, Russian River, Chardonnay. It had a touch of vanilla to the front pallet and it was very light at the end. It made me think of a warm summer night with just a breeze in the air. It was refreshing and brought a smile to my face.
In between our courses, our entertainer of the night, Director of Sales, Dan Fitzgerald amused us with his natural suaveness and gave away a few bottles of wine and wonderful gifts that included overnight stays at our lovely hotel. I don’t know who would say no to free wine or free hotel stay! Everyone was very happy and enjoyed every minute of it.
Soon, the night came to an end and it seemed like everyone was very content with either the dinner or the prize they have won. As each of them left, they had nothing but great things to say and we thanked them for their loyalty with our hotel.
Our featured winery of the night was Far Niente in Oakville, California. As a wine lover, I was very excited to hear this since Far Niente is a world known winery. Famous for their Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, Far Niente was founded in 1885 by John Benson. Far Niente, from an Italian phrase that romantically translated means “without a care.” Sixty years later, in 1979, Gil Nickel purchased the winery and adjacent vineyard and began a three-year restoration of the property. Today, the winery continues to focus on producing only the two varietal wines.
With our Executive Chef, Chad Krahling and his wonderful staffs’ warm hospitality; we were able to enjoy a five course delicious meal. First were the delectable Hors D’oeuvres that included Smoked Salmon with Toast and Dill and Roasted Root Vegetable Soup with Duck Confit. Every course was served with a different wine that complemented the dish. I was in heaven! My favorite course by far was the dessert, Tart Tartin with Vanilla Bean Gelato and Apricot Honey. The moment I tasted that Tart Tartin I was reaching for more! I even took some of Terri Collin’s dessert when she wasn’t looking. My favorite wine had to be their 2006 Nickel & Nickel, Searby Vineyard, Russian River, Chardonnay. It had a touch of vanilla to the front pallet and it was very light at the end. It made me think of a warm summer night with just a breeze in the air. It was refreshing and brought a smile to my face.
In between our courses, our entertainer of the night, Director of Sales, Dan Fitzgerald amused us with his natural suaveness and gave away a few bottles of wine and wonderful gifts that included overnight stays at our lovely hotel. I don’t know who would say no to free wine or free hotel stay! Everyone was very happy and enjoyed every minute of it.
Soon, the night came to an end and it seemed like everyone was very content with either the dinner or the prize they have won. As each of them left, they had nothing but great things to say and we thanked them for their loyalty with our hotel.
As Dan stated, “ Tonight was our best Wine Makers Dinner.” I agree with him 100 percent! I’m already looking forward to the next dinner and to making IT the best Wine Makers Dinner. Again.
- Ms. Jennifer Lee, Sales Assistant
