Sonoma County is the ultimate culinary destination—the region represents an amazing convergence of exceptional artisan foods such as farmstead cheeses and olive oils, Pacific seafood sourced off the rugged Northern California coast, scenic vineyards that produce world-class wine, and people who have been living and eating sustainably long before green was a trend. The harvest season in Sonoma County is the perfect time to experience this captivating food and wine destination.
The Savor Sonoma two-day package captures the essence of Sonoma County's culinary personality through interactive winemaking activities, a local and seasonal cooking demonstration, and exquisite dining experiences, all in and around the charming town of Healdsburg.
The first evening, guests will meet in the lobby of Hotel Healdsburg and stroll to Barndiva restaurant for a Winemaker's Dinner. The warm breezes of the late summer evening will create a lovely atmosphere for our dinner in the Barndiva garden (pictured right). Barndiva prides itself in sourcing its food from farmers, ranchers and small batch purveyors who live and work in the magnificent food shed surrounding Healdsburg. At this dinner, a different wine will accompany each of the four seasonal courses with the respective winemaker sharing thoughts and a seat at the table. Mingle and dine with these notable winemakers at this extraordinary wine country gathering place.
The next morning guests will meet at the Relish Culinary Center, featured in the June issue of Traditional Home, for a cooking demonstration of seasonal wine country dishes with chef Christopher Greenwald (pictured left cooking at Relish). Relish utilizes an amazing array of talented chefs who live and work in Sonoma County to lead its varied cooking classes, wine classes and private events. Chef Christopher, one of Relish's favorite chefs, honors locally-grown and produced ingredients in creative ways that are always delicious. And his enthusiastic and warm teaching style is engaging and sure to inspire home chefs. Traditional Home editor Stephen Exel will assist Chef Christopher for added fun. Guests will taste samples of each recipe paired with luscious Sonoma County wines and take home copies of all recipes.
Celebrity chef and restaurateur Charlie Palmer fell in love with Sonoma County and moved his family to Healdsburg from New York several years ago shortly after opening Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen (pictured right). The restaurant will open its doors for a private lunch with a menu influenced by chef Palmer's inimitable cooking style. Savor a three-course lunch paired with specially selected wines designed to energize you through the rest of the day's activities.
After lunch guests will be transported to the heart of the Dry Creek Valley wine appelation for a custom Winemaker for a Day experience at the beautiful Quivira Vineyards and Winery. Guests will participate in an interactive winemaking experience in the midst of the grape harvest, tasting freshly pressed grape juice, learning about Biodynamic farming, seeing first-hand the winemaking process and, of course, tasting some of the region's finest wines.
Guests will be returned to Hotel Healdsburg at the end of the day. We encourage you to arrive a few days early or stay an extra few days to explore Healdsburg and its surroundings on your own. Relish would be happy to make recommendations for outdoor activities, wineries, culinary events and other wonderful happenings in the area.
Wednesday - Thursday, September 9-10, 2009
$450 per person
To register, contact Relish Culinary at 877.759.1004 or download,
print and return the Savor Sonoma Registration Form.
Savor Sonoma includes:
Four-course Winemaker's Dinner at Barndiva Restaurant
Demonstration cooking class with chef Christopher Greenwald and Traditional Home editor Stephen Exel featuring seasonal ingredients paired with wine at the Relish Culinary Center
"Winemaker for a Day" experience at Quivira Vineyards, including a private tasting
Private lunch with wine at Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen
Transportation to and from
"Winemaker for a Day" activity from Hotel Healdsburg
A limited number of rooms for Wednesday night, September 9, have been reserved at a special rate at
Hotel Healdsburg, Healdsburg 800.899.7188
The Vintner's Inn, Santa Rosa 800.421.2584
Mention "Traditional Home" when you reserve.
Special rates are available for reservations booked by July 15.
Additional lodging options can be found through the Healdsburg Lodging Coalition.
Note that guests who do not stay at Hotel Healdsburg are responsible for transportation
to and from Hotel Healdsburg where we will meet for each activity.
