The Napa Valley Wine Train has announced the all-star cast for its 2011 Vintner's Lunch program.
The popular series has been designed to enrich the culinary experience by pairing wines from expert vintners with the perfect dish crafted by executive chef Kelly Macdonald.
During these lunches, guests leave all of the decisions up to the masters and indulge in the chef's taste sensations, as they journey through the wines of the day. These menus are put together for one day only, which means the lunch's delectable food and wine fusion will never be repeated.
Each Vintner's Lunch takes place in the Wine Train's elevated 1952 Vista Dome Car. This exclusive, VIP-style car gives patrons an unparalleled view of the Napa Valley. The lunch's specially designed menu is prepared fresh on board in the Vista Dome's kitchen, which is located on the first story of the car.
Diners will have the chance to meet both chef Kelly and theguest vintner.
The 2011 Vintner's Lunch Line-Up:
Artesa Vineyards and Winery (June 8, 2011)Artesa takes its name from the Catalan word for handcrafted and focuses on traditional Napa Valley varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Winemaker Mark Beringer will ride with guests and showcase the ultra premium, small lot wines of Artesa.
Dick Vermeil & Vermeil Wines (June 22, 2011)Former NFL coach and Calistoga native Dick Vermeil will ride the train to swap stories, sign bottles and discuss the delicious Vermeil Wines.
Domaine Carneros (July 29, 2011)Domaine Carneros, one of Napa's most prominent sparkling wineries, is the quintessential California expression of French Champagne. Join Domaine Carneros's Zak Miller to experience the sparkling side of Napa.
Benessere Vineyards (Aug 5, 2011) Benessere Vineyards of St. Helena is a boutique family-owned winery, which produces small lots of Italian varieties. Jack Stuart, the winemaker for Benessere Vineyards will be along for the ride to talk about the wines.
Markham Vineyards (Aug 12, 2011)Markham Vineyards is the fourth oldest continually operating winery in Napa Valley. Learn about generations of wine making experience from their winemaker, Kimberlee Nicholls.
Raymond Vineyards (Sept 9, 2011)Jean-Charles Boisset, Raymond Vineyard's president, along with director of winemaking, Stephanie Putnam, ride the train and discuss their biodynamic winery.
Judd's Hill (Oct. 21, 2011)"Having a good time making great wine with family" is Judd's Hill's motto. Beginning as garage winemakers, the Finkelstein family has been producing legendary wines in the Napa Valley since the 1970s, when they created Whitehall Lane Winery. Now, Judd Finkelstein and his wife Holly, continue to hand-craft ultra-premium wines in the same heartfelt and intimate style embraced by his parents over thirty years ago.
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