I love Bodega Bay. It’s close to home but so different from the valley that I feel like I’m escaping to another world decorated by beautiful sunsets, rocky cliffs, and sky-reaching thundering waves. A world where there’s no doubt that the fish is fresh. With a population of 1,423 Bodega Bay is cozy but big enough to offer plenty of activities, places to stay, and delicious Sonoma Coast cuisine. The list of things to do includes visiting the beach, camping, golf, horseback riding, and wine tasting. For those of us who choose food and wine as a priority, a perfect way to combine Sonoma County cuisine with a Sonoma County wine tasting experience is a winemaker dinner.

Bodega Bay photo by Mike Sherman

Friday, February 18, 2011, the Bay View Restaurant at the Inn at the Tides welcomes Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery as part of the Winemaker Dinner Series at the Bay View Restaurant. Guests are invited to dine in a warm, intimate atmosphere created by reflections from the flames of the fireplace against dark, wood walls while enjoying a fantastic view of the bay.

Following a Canape Reception, David Mowforth, Ferrari-Carano Northwest Regional Manager, will host this wine and food adventure. The four course menu begins with fresh Prawns and Fennel Salad paired with the subtly elegant 2009 Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc, Sonoma County.

Inn at the Tides Overlooking Bodega Bay

The next course features a combination of tasty ingredients but what stands out to me is the type of cheese – it comes from a province in Italy. The course is Tagliatelle with Pancetta and Porcini Mushrooms featuring Parmigiano-Reggiano. I’m excited to sample this course that perfectly pairs the flavor and texture of the Parmigiano-Reggiano with the amazingly balanced 2008 Ferrari-Carano Reserve Chardonnay, Carneros.

The next dish in this Sonoma County wine and food adventure is Grilled Gleason Ranch Lamb Chops with a Sunchoke Puree, Sauteed Rapini (a green vegetable), and Rosemary-Garlic Mashed Potatoes. The ranch, located in Bodega Bay, is a local and sustainable provider of all natural, hormone-free, grass fed, pasture raised meats. This very special course is paired with a very special Ferrari-Carano wine. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Verdot, and Cabernet Franc; the 2006 Ferrari-Carano Tresor, Sonoma County received 92 points from Wine Spectator.

Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery in Dry Creek Valley

Dinner comes to a sweet end with a course named Baba El Dorado Gold. This apple and raisin compote includes a crunchy almond croccante and caramel sauce. Guests will enjoy this perfect pairing of dessert with the flavorful blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes that creates the 2008 Ferrari-Carano Eldorado Gold, Sonoma County.

End your evening of sampling some of the best of Sonoma County in beautiful Bodega Bay by contacting Pure Luxury Transportation. Your private chauffeur will pick you up from a location most convenient for you and deliver you safely to your final destination.