The 2011 Wine Train Vintner’s Lunch Series

 
The 2011 Wine Train Vintner's Lunch Series: Famous vintners from all over Napa Valley team up with the Wine Train for special lunches with paired food and wine.
 
 
The Napa Valley Wine Train’s Vintners Lunch series, a popular Friday lunch event, was designed to enrich the culinary experience by pairing wines from expert vintners with the perfect dish crafted by the excellent palate of Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald.
During these lunches, guests leave all of the decisions up to the masters and indulge in Chef’s taste sensations, as they journey through the wines of the day. These menus are put together for one day only, which means the lunch’s delectable food and wine fusion will never be repeated.
Each Vintner’s Lunch takes place in the Wine Train’s elevated 1952 Vista Dome Car. This exclusive, VIP-style car gives patrons an unparalleled view of the Valley. The lunch’s specially designed menu is prepared fresh on board in the Vista Dome’s kitchen, which is located on the first story of the car. Get up close and personal to both Chef Kelly and the guest vintner.
 
2011 Vintner’s Lunch Line-up
Benessere Vineyards (Aug 5, 2011) Benessere means “well-being” or “prosperity” in Italian. The Benish family chose this name to convey the prosperity and well-being of living in the Napa Valley. Benessere Vineyards strives to produce some of the finest small lots of Italian-inspired wines in Callifornia. Winemaker Jack Stuart will joining guests on board.
Markham Vineyards (Aug 12, 2011) Markham Vineyards is the fourth oldest continually operating winery in Napa Valley. Learn about generations of wine making experience from their winemaker, Kimberlee Nicholls.
Raymond Vineyards (Sept 9, 2011) Jean-Charles Boisset, Raymond Vineyard’s President and friend of the Wine Train, along with director of winemaking, Stephanie Putnam, ride the train and discuss their biodynamic winery.
Grgich Hills Estate ( Sept 30, 2011) Join Mike Grgich, the winemaker behind the famed 1973 Chateau Montelena chardonnay, the chardonnay which won the 1976 Paris tasting. This legendary blind tasting is responsible for making Napa into the well known and respected wine making region that it is today. The Grgich Hills Vintners Lunch will give Wine Train guests the unique opportunity to talk with this historical wine maker, enjoy the fruits of his labor (literally), feast on a gourmet meal paired to his delicious wines.
ZD Wines (Oct. 7, 2011) ZD Wines is a family owned and operated winery that has been around since 1969. They are dedicated to producing delicious wines in an environmentally friendly fashion. They have been certified organic for over a decade, and are a solar powered winery. Join Winemaker Chris Pisani on board and learn about ZD’s exquisite wines.
Judd’s Hill (Oct. 21, 2011) “Having a good time making great wine with family” is Judd’s Hill’s motto! Beginning as garage winemakers, the Finkelstein family has been producing legendary wines in the Napa Valley since the 1970s, when they created Whitehall Lane Winery. Now, Judd Finkelstein and his wife Holly, continue to hand-craft ultra-premium wines in the same heartfelt and intimate style embraced by his parents over thirty years ago.
 
Train fare, gourmet multiple course meal, paired wines and welcome glass of sparkling wine included: $159 http://winetrain.com/events/vintners-lunch