Fun Things to Do in [Organic] Wine Country: Coming Up

This weekend is filled with events in Wine Country, including:

NAPA COUNTY - RUTHERFORD

Outdoor Movies at Tres Sabores, in Rutherford

$45 gets you food from the taco truck and a view of the Mystery Movie. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit Nimbus Arts. BYOC (Chair) and something warm to wear should the evening turn cool. Tres Sabores is one of my all time favorite Napa spots. Go there and you will see why.

I also recommend investing in a case of outstanding Tres Sabores rose (I am) - something you can enjoy under the sun or stars.

Also save the date of August 10th for a dinner and dance performance event at Tres Sabores featuring Sitelines and food from Gather restaurant in Berkeley (where I wish they would start serving Tres Sabores wines - nudge, nudge). Gather's chef Sean Baker has won outstanding accolades, including the 2010 Chef of the Year from Esquire magazine.

Call or email the winery for details. The event is not yet posted on the web site.

MENDOCINO COUNTY - POTTER VALLEY (EAST OF UKIAH)

Wine Club (and Anyone) Party

Where does Alice Waters get her pigs from? Why Magruders, of course. Mr. Magruder himself will be roasting the pig at McFadden's annual wine club party (open to all, not just members) with dining and dancing under the stars. $50 gets you in the "door." Mr. McFadden is celebrating his 75th birthday, having grown wine grapes organically for 40+ years at this secluded paradise at the head of this gorgeous valley. if you want to get his personal farm tour (wonderful), come by 5 pm.

McFadden has been growing grapes for many of Napa's finest wineries for decades. I am quite partial to his own label's Brut and Late Harvest Riesling. Chardonnay lovers will want to indulge in his highly rated Chards under the McFadden label as well.

If you care to camp overnight, you are welcome to. You can also bring your swimsuit for a river dip before or after the event (i.e. Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning).

ON THE HORIZON - SF

Pairing Tablas Creek Wines with Prospect Restaurant

Get ready for the Rhone invasion when Jason Haas of Tablas Creek comes to Prospect Restaurant (sister to Boulevard) in San Francisco on Wednesday, July 31. Feast like a king or queen on the five-course meal which features Maine diver scallops, pork belly, melons and more paired with five of Tablas' highly regarded wines including Vermentino, Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc, Esprit de Beaucastel, Cote de Tablas, and Quintessence. The full menu is here. It's $135 per person including food and wine. For reservations, call Prospect at 415.247.7770.