Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience was the ultimate epicurean weekend! It showcased the best of Sonoma County through its world-renowned food and wines. Foodies got to mix and mingle with local celebrity chefs as well as Top Chef winners and Food Network stars. Winos had the opportunity to meet winemakers, grape growers, wine experts, and sommeliers. With a crowd of so many interesting and passionate people it fostered a strong sense of community and set the stage for many great conversations to take place.
This was the first ever Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience and the weekend was conceptualized to celebrate Healdsburg’s emergence as an epicurean destination. Events were held at various locations in Healdsburg that included fine restaurants, hotels, and wineries. The wide variety of events shined a light on the vibrant culinary diversity, sustainable farming practices and deep connection to the agriculture of Sonoma as it relates to the rest of the world.
I started out my weekend at the main event, Vintners Plaza Grand Tasting. It showcased tasty bites crafted by local well-known chefs such as Christopher Kostow of The Restaurant at Meadowood and Loveski Deli, Crista Luedtke of boon eat+drink, Jeffrey Lunak of Sumo Dog, and Gerard Nebesky of Gerard’s Paella. There were more than 100 wineries from Sonoma, Napa, and beyond so guests swirled, sniffed, and sipped throughout the event.
Afterwards, I made my way to the Sips-N-Sliders event at Healdsburg Bar & Grill with Top Chef Masters winner, Douglas Keane and award-winning chef, Viet Pham. I sampled Chef Viet Pham’s now infamous “Pretty Bird Nashville Hot Chicken” slider and Chef Douglas Keane’s hamburger – both were delicious! Rombauer wines were poured in addition to ciders provided by Golden State Cider.
Throughout the day, The Matheson hosted VIP celebrity chef cooking demonstrations. I learned from Top Chef winners, Food Network stars and even got the chance to meet, eat and drink with them. The lineup included: Justin Chapple, Maneet Chauhan, Nyesha Arrington, Stephanie Izard, and Tim Love.
In the evening, there were many exciting events! The VIP Magnum Party with Ray Garcia took place at the Montage Healdsburg and highly coveted wines from some of the best wineries in the world were poured. Culinary bites from award-winning chef Ray Garcia and the Montage’s own Chef Jaron Dubinsky were served and Jason Lede of Cliff Lede Vineyards and FEL Wines provided the beats.
Others flocked to the outdoor concert at Rodney Strong Vineyards featuring The Band Perry. Guests enjoyed food trucks and delicious wines followed by dancing under the gorgeous Sonoma sky.
Early Sunday morning, my boyfriend, Matthew and I embarked on a truck adventure with Francisco Lopez of Aldina Vineyards, a member of Sonoma County Winegrowers. While enjoying the beautiful weather we explored the Fountaingrove District AVA and walked the vineyards of Aldina. Located on top of a mountain, we took in gorgeous views of Sonoma County, sipped on Aldina’s wines, and learned about the family behind the label who founded the winery. One can find Aldina wines at Bacchus Landing in Healdsburg, or purchase them on the winery’s website.
Afterwards, we met other vineyard truck tour participants at Dutton Ranch for an authentic Sonoma County style BBQ featuring the “Texas Cowboy Chef,” Tim Love. The event was limited to 100 VIP guests and it was a grand feast that included a flame grilled 250 pound swordfish, delicious clam bake, tomahawk ribeyes, venison, and lots of delicious sides!
Others had lunch at Chef Kyle Connaughton’s three Michelin starred restaurant, SingleThread, located in downtown Healdsburg. Chef Kyle Connaughton and his wife Katina farm 24 acres of land to produce many of the delicious offerings in their ‘kaiseki inspired’ tasting menu.
Cheers to the inaugural HWFE – it was a weekend filled with delicious food, incredible wine, and wonderful people. I can’t wait to attend again next year!
