The Sonoma Wine Country Weekend decorations have been removed, leaving the natural beauty of Sonoma’s landscape to continue to entice visitors. But the memories of this incredible, festive, fundraiser still bring smiles and lively conversation to the people from across the globe who attended.
Photo of Sonoma County from SonomaCounty.com
If you read our last blog about the beginning of the celebration, you’ll know we left off anticipating what the rest of the weekend would bring. As usual, it did not disappoint.
The Girl and the Fig – Sondra Bernstein & Chef John Toulze at Taste of Sonoma, photo by Sonoma Wine Country Weekend
Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch on Saturday brought together more than 200 wineries and over 60 local chefs, presented wine seminars and cooking demonstrations, and included a Marketplace featuring over 30 farmers and artisan food purveyors. It’s clear to see why Taste of Sonoma was named one of “10 Best Wine and Food Events in the United States” by Celebrated Living magazine! In each appellation’s tent, wineries were paired with local chefs to create a variety of perfect pairings. Grill Stations could be found throughout serving delicious bites including ribs and paella. Chef “pop-ups” also brought tasty bites, including a Baja shrimp and smoked scallop cocktail, smoked pork chops with habanero peach glaze, lavender raspberry rhubarb crumble, and so much more.
Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction at Chateau St. Jean on Sunday continued to capture the joyful spirit of the weekend! Along with more impeccable Sonoma wines poured by winemakers and winery owners, bites created by 13 amazingly talented Sonoma chefs were served. Once the auction kicked off in the Wine Spectator’s air conditioned Auction Tent, the lively crowd bid an array of items including prized bottles of wine, one-of-a-kind bottles of wine, exclusive trips and packages, winemaker dinners, private tastings and tours at wineries, and an unbelievable list of more items.
Special Guests Take the Stage Under the Wine Spectator Auction Tent Spotlight, photo by Sonoma Wine Country Weekend
Last year 3.3 million was raised for Sonoma County charities. This year, the celebration raised a staggering 4.5 million for Sonoma’s non profits dedicated to supporting students, children, farm workers, and others in need. Cheers!
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