Enjoy all the comforts and the solitude of this beautiful estate in the afternoon before an evening of great food and drink while gazing over the terraced vineyards and California woodlands.
Our first dinner takes place in our beautifully decorated dining room with a view, but first appetizers and wine tasting on our wrap around large balcony. California has long been the leading trend setter for chic elegant entertaining. In the kitchen we’ll prepare together a Pan Asian Interactive dinner we guarantee you’ll love.
Day 2
Winery Tour, Picnic Lunch & Cooking
Lesson
After a full breakfast of homemade goodies like our cinnamon, chocolate bread, omelets torte, crab cakes Benedict, fresh fruits, yogurt, granola, and sugar cured ham, we begin out first wine experience.
We’re joined by our California wine guru Sam, who leads us to the Spring Mountain region, one of Napa’s hidden gems and to one if its outstanding producers, Paloma and Pride. We’ll meet and have a picnic lunch with two wonderful vintners whose story of how they became winemakers is as good as their wines. When we return to the estate you’ll have time to relax, walk in beautiful gardens or swim in the heated pool prior to our evening festivities.
The well equipped kitchen of the estate was specially designed for entertaining and ideal for our informal cooking lessons. Creating a beautiful “tablescape” for a party is a highlight of tonight’s demonstration and how to prepare a fabulous dinner party you’ll be able to enjoy as much as your guests.
Day 3
Farmer's Market & Castello di Amarosa
The Sonoma Farmers Market is a true feast for the body and soul, especially in springtime when the soil is rejuvenated and the cycle has begun anew.
The bounty of the market is complete nirvana for passionate cooks, (and serious eaters) with everything from duck eggs, free range birds, fresh goat cheeses, smoked meats, baked goods, edible flowers and heirloom vegetables. Food stalls crammed with exotic mushrooms, pheasant, quail and seafood offer endless delicacies to choose for our menus and dining pleasure. Vendors selling ready to eat tamales, spicy noodles, smoked salmon pizzas and gooey Sonoma Jack quesadillas are just a few treats on this moveable feast. This is California dreaming at its finest.
When lunch on our stunning terrace is finished, we expect everyone will be ready for a walk. The drive to Castello di Amorosa is a beautiful trip through the valley and into the hills where at first glance you won’t believe your eyes. A magnificent medieval Tuscan castle was a dream Daryl Sattui incredibly turned into a reality.
Day 4
Del Dotto & Frazier Family Wine
Experiences
Relax by the poolside after breakfast or visit tranquil Bellwether Farms to see one of Sonoma’s most lovely farms producing the finest sheep’s milk cheeses, crème fraise and French style cheeses.
In the afternoon, our coach arrives for the Del Dotto wine “experience” in the estate’s opulent wine gallery. Then on to Frazier Family wine estate for a vintner dinner in Frazier’s enchanting caves. A dazzling special event is being created just for us and one you won’t soon forget.
Day 5
COPIA & Vintners Collective
After another delicious breakfast we‘re off to COPIA and Julia’s Kitchen for a fun, informative and memorable tour of this unique “kid in a candy store” experience. When we return to our estate, rest if you desire, because tonight we welcome one of wine country’s most distinguished experts. We are proud to work with the wonderful people from the Vintner’s Collective, who dreamed of creating a place where wine lovers could taste the wines of some of the best winemakers in Napa Valley, and where smaller wineries without their own tasting room could showcase their wines and introduce them to consumers. The passion of these winemakers who are producing some of the most sought after wines in the world is an exclusive Vagabond
Gourmet event with the partnership of the Vintners Collective
Day 6
Wineries, Food Artisans & Cooking
Lessons
Fancy more wine tasting or meeting with our favorite food artisans? After breakfast, the choice is yours. One option is indulging in a visit to one of the area’s decadent spas for a sip in (sip in?) the fountain of youth. A nearby olive grove is making award winning oil and “all things” olives or a vineyard lunch at the Kuleto Estate may be to your liking.
Afternoon cooking participation for the chefs in the crowd will certainly delight. We’ll be designing and preparing a stylish Wine County dinner party with many tips and tricks for food presentation you can recreate for your next special event back home.
Day 7
Lunch at Local Resturant & Farewell
Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast, we are touring downtown Napa before lunch at the legendary French Laundry in Yountville. Thomas Keller’s reputation and accolades need little explanation and even thought there are so many outstanding restaurants in Napa and Sonoma we couldn’t help but include this in this food and wine lover’s smorgasbord.
Later relax at the estate or pack your wines for our wine shipper. Tonight we’ll have a farewell dinner of luscious “cabernets and chocolate” featuring a mixed grille of rack of lamb and tenderloin to complete our adventure with a stellar finish.
Day 8
Departure from Wine
Country
After breakfast depart for home or continue your California experience. San Francisco or the Pacific Coast Highway await your exploration.
Meeting/Departure Location
Vagabond Gourmet
Cancellation Information
Cancellations 61 days prior to departure will require no further payments. Cancellations 60 days or less before departure will receive a 50% refund. All deposits may be applicable to future Vagabond
Gourmet tours.
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