When it comes to savoring the best of wine, food, and hospitality in a picturesque setting that will leave you with lasting memories, Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery never disappoints. The 2023 Gary Farrell Harvest Dinner enchanted guests with an unforgettable evening of exquisite cuisine, world-class wines, and breathtaking views of the Russian River Valley.
In this post, I’ll take you on a journey through the event, featuring the tantalizing menu and the delightful wines that made it an evening to remember.
The evening kicked off with the following mouthwatering selection of hors d’oeuvres that set the tone for the culinary adventure ahead:
Deviled eggs with za’atar and chives – They were perfectly seasoned and featured a fusion of flavors and textures.
Mt. Tam and onion jam on olive oil crostini – The creamy Mt. Tam cheese paired harmoniously with the sweet onion jam atop crisp olive oil crostini.
Roasted potato with crème fraîche and caviar – A luxurious bite that left guests craving for more.
All of this was beautifully complemented by the following wonderful wines, setting the stage for an epicurean journey like no other:
- 2019 Rochioli Vineyard Inspiration Series Oak Puncheon Fermented Chardonnay
- 2019 Fort Ross Vineyard Pinot Noir
Following hors d’oeuvres, guests made their way to their seats. The dinner table was festively decorated and shortly after settling in, the first course was served – a Seared Salmon Salad featuring endive, frisée, romaine, avocado, and bush basil ginger. It was tossed in a soy and lemon vinaigrette and was as visually stunning as it was delicious.
The following wines accompanied the salad, enhancing the flavors of the dish:
- 2020 Rochioli Vineyard Inspiration Series Cuvée D’Oeuf Chardonnay
- 2020 La Rinconada Vineyard Inspiration Series One Night Stand Chardonnay
The main course was nothing short of a culinary masterpiece. Guests were treated to Liberty Duck Legs and Caggiano sausage served with Rancho Gordo Marcella beans, pinot-spiked duck sauce, and olive oil breadcrumbs. The dish was accompanied by a medley of flavors, including roasted zucchini and tomatoes, charred sweet onions, smoked eggplant vella dry jack, braised fennel, celery, and confit of garlic cream infused with parsley and thyme. It was a symphony of savory sensations that paired wonderfully with the following wines:
- 2019 Terra De Promissio Vineyard Inspiration Series Clone 943 Pinot Noir
- 2019 Gap’s Crown Vineyard Inspiration Series Clone 667 Two Barrel Selection Pinot Noir.
To conclude this epicurean journey, guests were treated to a delectable dessert – Brown butter almond cake with muscovado sugar cream and poached pears. It was a sweet and satisfying ending to a night filled with culinary delights.
The 2023 Gary Farrell Harvest Dinner was a testament to the winery’s commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for its guests. From the tantalizing hors d’oeuvres to the sumptuous main course and the sweet conclusion, every aspect of the evening was carefully curated to delight the senses. Coupled with the outstanding wine pairings, it was a night to remember. If you have the opportunity to attend a Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery event in the future, don’t hesitate to seize it.
Cheers to another successful Harvest Dinner at Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery!