Winemaker dinners are one of my favorite types of dinners. I have fond memories of course after course of delicious food paired perfectly with all types of wines. I have a method for making sure my palate doesn’t get tired while saving room so that I am sure to taste everything. But even the best of methods can be led astray when the winemaker dinner takes place at a restaurant that has earned a Michelin Star.

Sante Restaurant located at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa presents a winemaker dinner on October 21, 2010. Join Mike and Mary Colhoun, proprietors of Landmark Vineyards, for Sante’s award-winning cuisine and the award-winning wines of Landmark Vineyards. Using fresh ingredients Sante Executive Chef, Andrew Cain, has created a menu perfectly suited to each Landmark Vineyards wine.

Sante Restaurant at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa

The evening begins with a Canape Reception featuring Dungeness crab cake “Poppers” with Chipotle aioli; marinated Feta with English cucumber, mint, and Kalamata olives; and curried Fulton Valley Farms poached chicken salad served in Pate a Choux “Puffs”. The Landmark Vineyards wine served during the reception will be the Landmark 2008 Overlook Chardonnay which received 90 points from Robert Parker and 92 points from Wine Spectator. The second course will be a delicious salad of Maine lobster paired with Landmark 2007 Heintz Chardonnay.

The evening continues with a unique course that changes the wines for the evening from whites to reds – grilled “Minute Steak” of Squab breast with truffled Squab Jus. You’ll enjoy Landmark Vineyards 2008 Grand Detour Pinot Noir, awarded 90 points from Robert Parker and 93 points from Wine Enthusiast, with this tender course. The next course is an adventure in red meat – roasted saddle of natural Cervena venison with Forest mushrooms, braised swiss chard, butternut squash puree, and Oregon huckleberry sauce. The velvety tannins of Landmark Vineyards 2008 Solomon Hills Pinot Noir will be the perfect compliment to this special dish.

Mike & Mary Colhoun, Landmark Vineyards Proprietors

The evening comes to a rich, decadent, luscious end with Pierre Robert triple-cream style cheese with Tellicherry black pepper shortbread, Black Mission fig marmalade, and a Syrah reduction. This final course will be paired with Landmark Vineyards 2008 Steel Plow Syrah – the recipient of 94 points from Wine Spectator and winner of position 19 on Wine Spectator’s list of top 100 wines of 2009.

Remember to pace yourself to experience everything this evening has to offer! As a proud partner of both Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Landmark Vineyards, Pure Luxury is confident you will enjoy this incredible and delectable adventure. Make your evening most memorable by making a reservation for your private chauffeur from Pure Luxury.