Recently, December of 2018 I had the pleasure of attending a Winemaker Dinner with Blackbird Vineyards Winemaker Aaron Pott at Charlie Palmer Steak Napa. This was an incredible evening where hosts Chef Charlie Palmer and Winemaker Aaron Pott spent the evening with a small exclusive group of guests sharing more about their cooking and winemaking with guests. See all of the fun I had below!

Guests were welcomed with the lovely AERENA Rose and Blackbird Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc. If you’re not familiar with Blackbirds Vineyards they also have a tasting room, RiverHouse in downtown Napa. Read more about that on my Downtown Napa Guide here.

Blackbird Vineyards Winemaker Aaron Pott is all smiles sharing his delicious wines with guests.

Me and Chef Charlie Palmer of Charlie Palmer Steak (amongst many other Napa & Sonoma Restaurant).

Learn more about Charlie Palmer on the blog in my interview with Chef Charlie Palmer here.

The spectacular line up of Blackbird Vineyards wines we enjoyed at this fabulous evening at Charlie Palmer Steak, Napa Valley.

Kudos to the culinary team of Chef Charlie Palmer Steak

Chef Francisco Lopez  and Chef Charlie Palmer

Aaron dining and hanging out with Blackbird Vineyards and Charlie Palmer Steak guests.

Our third course the Seared Ribeye with braised beef cheek, apple soubise, treviso, charred cipollini. This was served with the 2009 Blackbird Vineyards Paramour Wine which were perfection together!  The wine brought out the rich flavors of the meats. This was for sure my favorite of the dishes! 

Winemaker Aaron Pott sharing more about the wines between courses.

 Chef Charlie Palmer and Executive Chef Francisco Lopez chatting with guests during the dinner.

For dessert we had a Chocolate Torte coffee, cabernet Gel, gold. This was paired with the 2013 Blackbird Vineyards Paramour. It really was amazing that Chef used cabernet to create the gel of this dessert.  I may have said the steak was my favorite course but this was an equal tie as well!

It’s always such a treat getting to spend a few minutes chatting with the Chef or Winemaker at an event like this. I’ve been fortunate to get to know Chef Charlie over the years at his various Wine Country Events (I’m a regular at his Annual Pigs & Pinot Event at Hotel Healdsburg and his Annual Project Zinfandel Fundraiser also at Hotel Healdsburg). He does so many great things for his community in addition to his amazing culinary contributions.  Read more about the 2018 Pigs & Pin

Thanks to Chef Charlie Palmer & the team at Charlie Palmer Steak for hosting me as media to this lovely evening of delicious food, great wine and fabulous company!