Tolosa Winery’s Winemaker Dinner was magical – we dined amongst the vines with string lights and a blue moon above us. Tolosa creates exceptional Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that are the purest expressions of Edna Valley. It was a truly unique and immersive dining experience where we got to see the vines and limestone soil firsthand as well as catch a glimpse of the wine production area from afar.
The table settings were very elegant and the menu featured five courses prepared by Chef Kean McCabe of Earth & Oven and they seamlessly paired with Tolosa wines:
- Crispy Prosciutto with Melon paired with a 2020 Tolosa Sea Bed Chardonnay
- Grilled Shrimp paired with a 2020 Tolosa Pacific Wind Chardonnay
- Crispy Duck Breast paired with a 2019 Tolosa Apex Vineyard Pinot Noir
- Filet Mignon Stroganoff paired with a 2019 Tolosa Primera
- Cheescake paired with a 2018 Tolosa 1772 Syrah
Every course was delicious and my boyfriend, Matthew and I cleaned each and every plate! Normally, I have a hard time liking everything poured at wine tastings however, I really did like everything that Tolosa poured over the evening. In particular, I liked the 2020 Tolosa Sea Bed Chardonnay and Matthew liked the 2019 Apex Pinot Noir. That said, all of their wines are wonderful! After the meal, Chef took the time to visit each table to introduce himself and talk about the dishes served, a nice and personable touch!
During the day Tolosa Winery is a modern winery with a lovely ambiance that one should visit when in the San Luis Obispo area. If you get a chance to attend one of their winemaker dinners I’d jump at the opportunity – you won’t be disappointed!
