Upon my return from Mexico (more on that soon!) I quickly stepped into the most beautiful dining experience of the season, with Dry Creek Vineyard! It was an event that I had been looking forward to ever since the invitation had arrived; an embossed envelope that opened to the most stunning card I had seen: a lace cut out card, complete with ribbon that opened for a formal invite. Wow!
My evening with Dry Creek Vineyard began outdoors, just outside their main entrance. Guests convened at the welcome table under the trees, and were greeted with a smile and a glass of wine (as is the formal greeting here in Wine Country).
Founded in 1972, Dry Creek Vineyard is a family owned winery with more than 45 years of grape growing and wine making experience. It was the winery's President and Kim Wallace's father, David Stare, who first planted the grapes that would eventually produce the Dry Creek Vineyard wines. It was he who pioneered planting the Sauvingnon Blanc varietal in Dry Creek - even after he was told that it was something that couldn't be done. Turns out that David Stare was right in following his pioneering ways: as the Dry Creek Vineyard Fumé Blanc has set the standard for for all of Northern Sonoma County. He was also the first to produce Fumé Blanc in Sonoma County!
With wine glasses in hand, Kim Wallace gave us a tour of the property. We paused at the iconic Dry Valley Vineyards sign, to learn more about the winery history, and at the glass panel of the family and vineyard history, then strolled through the tasting room, and into the cellar and barrel room (which is also a tasting and dining room!). There, Assistant Winemaker Brian talked us though our tasting. Guests were encouraged to ask all the questions - and to not feel silly about any of them! I really enjoyed how approachable the entire wine tasting experience was - wine can often feel intimating - sometimes I find myself worrying if I'm using the right 'language' or if I am tasting the correct 'notes' and flavors. When a winery (and winemaker!) can meet you where you are at, it's incredibly refreshing.
After our tasting we were escorted to the insectary garden where we were served small hors d'oeuvres, with catering by Girl and The Fig. There was also a delightful Zinfandel Brown Sugar Body Scrub station where guests could grab their (pre-labeled with our names) jars and create a custom scrub! The sweetest surprise was discovering that the recipe called for Dry Creek Vineyard Zinfandel, which we poured directly into the jar. I personally cannot wait to use mine; it smells heavenly.
For our grand finale of the evening, we sat down for our sunset dinner in the vineyard. Our sit-down was perfectly timed - just as the sun began to set, we were seated at the most beautiful table setting I have ever seen: pink and rose gold place settings, beautiful dahlia floral arrangements, silk napkins, custom carved wooden name cards, and menus tied up with a satin ribbon, topped with a pearl accent! The end result was nothing short of spectacular. Our meals were catered by Girl and The Fig, whom I adore. I have a myriad of food allergies, and they worked around them without a hitch - to which I am always grateful.
As the dinner progressed, we learned of Kim Wallace's nomination for Wine Executive of the Year for the Wine Enthusiast 2019 Wine Star Awards! What an incredible feat. A huge congratulations to her, and I personally wish her the best and hope that she wins ❤
The Sunset Vineyard Dinner event was lovely - and it was the conversation among the guests and hosts that made it a night to remember. It was both humbling and inspiring to hear what Kim, and my fellow attendees have accomplished, as well as their goals for the future. I can honestly say that I wish every single person at the table the best in all that they attempt! I'm humbled to have found myself in such great company that evening. A big thank you to Kim and Dry Creek Vineyards for hosting me that evening.
Visit Dry Creek Vineyard
If you would like the opportunity to visit Dry Creek Vineyard, or would like to learn more about attending their Vineyard Dinner, please visit their website. You may also call to schedule a tasting by contacting their Concierge at 800-864-9463 x103. The Winery is open from 10:30am - 5pm daily. To learn about the various tours and tastings offered please visit this page.
