Wine enthusiasts, take note: the Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco, is introducing artisanal wine dinners this fall showcasing two Napa Valley vineyards: Swanson and Blackbird.
Swanson Wine Dinner, October 24
Hosted with Clarke and Elizabeth Swanson of Swanson Vineyards and winemaker Chris Phelps, the five-course menu for this meal will feature Pommes Gaufrettes (2012 Chardonnay), Roasted Sonoma Quail (2011 Merlot), Coriander Black Pepper Crusted Big Eye Tuna (2011 Zinfandel), Charred Fallon Hills Ranch Lamb Loin (2010 Alexis Cabernet Sauvignon) and a “Pumpkin Pie” with persimmon (2008 Tardif Late Harvest Chardonnay), paired with unique Swanson wine selections.
Dinner begins at 7:00 pm with hand-passed canapés and Swanson Rosato, followed by an exclusive vertical tasting of Face Cabernet Sauvignon from 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Guests can stay the weekend with a special package priced at $415 (plus tax) per night for the evenings of October 24 and 25, 2014. For reservations, please email [email protected] or call +1 (415) 276 9888 and mention Swanson Wine Dinner.
Blackbird Wine Dinner, November 8
Wines at the Blackbird Vineyard are known for being terroir-driven, and Chef Mali is set to highlight this quality with a special farm-to-table four-course menu. Dinner will begin with the 2013 Maisonry Sauvignon Blanc and 2011 Recuerdo Aliado Malbec as well as a selection of canapés.
What's on the menu? Baked Dungeness Crab Gratin (2013 Blackbird Rosé), Confit of Liberty Duck Leg (2012 Blackbird Vineyards Arise), Slow Roasted Fallon Hills Ranch Lamb Shoulder (2012 Blackbird Vineyards Denary Cuvée and 2011 Blackbird Vineyards Paramour Red), and Local Artisanal Cheese with Poached Autumn Fruit (2006 Blackbird Vineyards Illustration Red).
The stay package for this event, priced at $395 per night (plus tax) is available for the nights of November 7 and 8. For reservations, please email [email protected] or call +1 (415) 276 9888 and mention Blackbird Wine Dinner.
Standalone pricing for both dinners is also available at $175 per person for the Swanson dinner ($150 for Swanson Wine Club members) and $150 for the Blackbird dinner. For reservations, please call +1 (415) 276 9784 or email [email protected].