With a series of world-class events over a long weekend, Sonoma Epicurean offered a variety of unique experiences for food and wine enthusiasts. Events included curated experiences with award-winning chefs, local artisans and world-class vintners.
There were enlightening discussions during events that were focused on lifestyle, wellness and sustainability. In addition, the V Foundation raised $2.4 million for Cancer Research from the inaugural Sonoma Epicurean. If you’re not familiar with the V Foundation for Cancer Research, it was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator.
The weekend kicked off on Thursday, March 31st with Epicurean Winery Dinners. Northern California’s finest chefs such as Charlie Palmer and Dustin Valette created antioxidant-rich menus that paired perfectly with world-class wines from top Sonoma County vintners, including Aperture Cellars, Francis Ford Coppola, Pride Mountain Vineyards, Silver Oak Cellars and Williams Selyem.
During the day on Friday, April 1st, a variety of immersive experiences and workshops took place which concluded with an “Epic Party” at Mayacama. At the party the world’s most notable vintners poured wines and award winning chefs served gourmet bites. There were a wide variety of food stations that served delectable dishes such as grilled lobster topped with Dorsia Provisions caviar to succulent and tender lamb tacos. To settle my sweet tooth, I made my way to the dessert bar to indulge in delights.
On Saturday, April 3rd, I attended a Wellness Breakfast held at Sonoma Epicurean’s event venue, Montage Healdsburg. It featured guest speakers:
- James Corwell, Certified Master Chef and Chief Innovation Officer of Ocean Hugger Foods
- Cathryn Couch, Founder and CEO, Ceres Community Project
The discussion topic was “The Future of Food as Medicine” covering emerging trends and how thoughtful policy changes can have an enormous impact on the overall health of our society and the soaring costs of healthcare. It was a multi-course breakfast that included the following dishes:
- Fruit smoothie and vegan croissant with butter and jam
- Vegan House Cured Salmon, Arugula, Herbed Farmer Cheese, and Everything Bagel
- An eggless Squash, broccoli, and ginger quiche
- Vegan lemon ricotta pancakes with limoncello, maple syrup and coconut cream
It was my first time trying vegan salmon and it had similar flavors as regular salmon, but the texture was slightly different. Also, the filling of the quiche was made with mung beans instead of eggs. The food was elegantly presented and it was fun to try familiar and comforting breakfast dishes that featured more sustainable and healthful ingredients.
Following the breakfast was the EpiCUREean Symposium where guests engaged with scientists and researchers in a lively discussion on cancer wellness and the need to address disparities in cancer research in minority ethnic groups,. The symposium was hosted by V Foundation’s CEO, Shane Jacobson, and moderated by Evan Goldberg, chair of the foundation’s board.
Saturday evening there was an Epic Feast and Auction at Montage Healdsburg. Guests gathered for a seated multi-course food and wine paired feast prepared by Montage Healdsburg’s Executive Chef, Jaron Dubinsky. It also featured auctioneer and Emmy Award winning radio & TV personality Liam Mayclem.
It was a treat to be able to experience the first-ever Sonoma Epicurean event! Everything about it was top-notch and I hope to attend more of The V Foundation’s events in the future.