Wine Bloggers Conference Food – Recap Part 2
In my last post I promised to tell you about the Wine Bloggers Conference food. I had two meals while I was at the conference that were absolutely outstanding and wanted to share them with you.
Jordan Winery Dinner Excursion
When I registered for the conference, we had several choices for dinner on Friday night. I didn’t really know anything about the wineries putting on the dinners but after a review of their websites, I chose Jordan Winery.
From the moment I stepped on the bus, I knew the hospitality would be amazing. Our hostess for the evening, Lisa Mattson, Director of Marketing and Communications for Jordan, started the trip explaining how welcoming guests with a glass of champagne is a Jordan Winery tradition, as she opened bottles and passed them around the bus.
Lisa told us that Jordan is a small, family winery, so I had to chuckle a little when I walked into this enormous, exceedingly gorgeous, tank room.
Jordan Wines and Tsar Nicoulai Caviar Tasting
A wine and caviar tasting was set up for us in the equally enormous barrel room.
Unexpected Wine and Caviar Pairings that Work
The Wines: NV Brut Jordan Cuvée by Champagne AR Lenoble in France; 2014 Jordan Chardonnay, Russian River Valley; 2009 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley; 2012 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley
We sampled flavor infused roes including beet and saffron, wasabi, truffled and ginger
The caviar on the far right is Jordan Chef’s Reserve Caviar by Tsar Nicoulai. The California white sturgeon roe is cured with a special salt blend created and applied by Jordan’s Executive Chef, Todd Knoll. It was a privilege to sample this signature caviar that is available for purchase only at the winery.
Beautiful as well as delicious!
Learning about Tsar Nicoulai Caviar
The Jordan Winery Dinner
Bloggers have to take photos!
Abalone and Jordan Extra Virgin Olive Oil Poached Alaskan Halibut
Paired with 2015 Jordan Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley
Grilled Mary’s Duck Breast with Olive Oil Confit, Chanterelles and Pomegranate Duck Jus
Paired with 2013 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley
Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam, Nicasio Valley Cheese Company Square, Matos Cheese Factory St. George, Moonside Creamery Lunetta, Membrillo, Jordan Bee Pollen and Sonoma Wild Honeycomb
Paired with 2003 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley in Magnum
Comice Pear Gingerbread with Tsu Li-Infused Alambic Brandy Syrup (in wrapper to go), Macarons, Chocolate Truffles and Coffee
Napa Valley Vintners Excursion
Our Napa Valley Vintners Excursion on Sunday began with a wine tasting at the impressive Castello di Amorosa in Calistoga. This may be the subject of another blog post, but this post is all about the Wine Bloggers Conference food!
Castello di Amorosa
Lunch at Las Alcobas
After tasting 10 wines at Castello di Amorosa, we were whisked off to Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in St. Helena where another sumptuous feast was waiting for us.
I love my bubbly and Schramsberg is one of my favorites!
Oysters with green apple mignonette & verbena oil
Paired with 2013 Schramsberg Querencia Napa Valley Brut Rose
2016 Silverado Vineyards Miller Ranch Yountville Sauvignon Blanc
Jon Emmerich of Silverado Vineyards and the Wine Lunatic discussing Sauvignon Blanc
Hamachi (yellowtail) crudo (raw) with rose vinegar and Asian pear
Paired with 2016 Silverado Vineyards Miller Ranch Yountville Sauvignon Blanc
2016 Hess Collection Mt. Veeder Gruner Veltliner
Striped bass with carrot top chimichurri and charred carrots
Paired with 2016 Hess Collection Mt. Veeder Gruner Veltliner
Jamie Gall, blogger at Minnesota Girl in the World
30 day dry aged beef striploin with king trumpets, celery root and potato gratin, and sauce au poivre
Paired with 2014 Antica Napa Valley Antinori Family Wine Estate Atlas Peak Pinot Noir
2014 Nichelini Family Winery Chiles Valley Petite Sirah
Local cheese with accompaniments
Paired with 2014 Nichelini Family Winery Chiles Valley Petite Sirah
Without smell and taste, the photos in this post can only give you the slightest hint about how amazing the Wine Bloggers Conference food was. The delicious food, fabulous wine and attention to detail made for two incredibly memorable meals.
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Until next time…
