I had the amazing opportunity to go wine tasting in Yosemite National Park for one of the top California wine events — the Ahwahnee Vintners Holidays.
This wine tasting weekend, held every fall at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel, features some of the top Napa Valley wineries and vintners for three days of gourmet food, seminars and wine pairings.
The event begins with a Meet the Vintners reception, where you’ll be spoiled with delicious hors d’oeuvres and featured wines from participating winemakers. The following day, the Ahwahnee’s grand living room is transformed into a wine-tasting conference, as top California winemakers discuss their wines, the winemaking process and what makes their products unique. Each guest is allowed to sample along with three glasses from each winery.
Chef Percy Whatley, executive chef of the Ahwahnee Dining Room, leads the culinary team with expertly prepared meals paired to each vintner’s wine.
A highlight is the grand gala dinner in the historic Ahwahnee Dining Room, when the chef pairs each course to the participating vintner’s wines. My wife enjoyed the slow-cooked California quail with sun choke puree paired with a Freeman Vineyard Pinot Noir, while I had the Broken Arrow Ranch Texas Antelope Loin with Cardamom Roasted Carrots, paired with a Hidden Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley.
To learn more about Vintners Holidays, or the hotels other food and wine events, Chefs Holidays and Bracebridge Dinner, call (888) 413-8869.
