When I think of Fall what typically comes to mind are leaves changing, cooler sweater weather and of course Halloween. That’s at least all I knew as a kid growing up in Chicago where we had four very distinct seasons. California life is a bit different and now fall means time for harvest (as is when wineries are picking their grapes and starting to make wine) and when Kendall Jackson hosts their annual tomato festival. This was the first year I attended this incredible Tomato Festival farm to table charity dinner and hopefully will become an annual tradition. Read more below about this amazing evening and check out the incredible Kendall Jackson Estate, their talented master Farmer Tucker and their Chef Justin Wangler. Without Farmer Tucker and Chef Justin this evening would not have been possible so a huge thanks to the incredible team at the Kendall Jackson Estate.

The beautiful table set up for 175 guests in the gorgeous Kendall Jackson Estate garden

This incredible event benefitted no kid hungry . Currently,  1 in 5 kids will face hunger this year. Using proven, practical solutions, No Kid Hungry is ending childhood hunger today by ensuring that kids start the day with a nutritious breakfast and families learn the skills they need to shop and cook on a budget. No More info at NoKidHungry.org.

Kendall Jackson Estate Chef Justin Wangler, me and Chef Ryan Pollnow of Aatxe (read more about Aatxe here).  I’m a huge fan of the Kendall Jackson Estate Food & Wine pairing experience, read more about that here. 

Cheers to delicious Kendall Jackson wine and Hog Island Oysters

Master Garden Tucker Taylor of Kendall Jackson Estate

Top Chef runner-up Chef Brooke Williamson and another talented Chef

The gorgeous estate gardens.

The incredible line up of wines we enjoyed. I’m a sucker for Santa Maria Valley so could not have been more thrilled to enjoy this Jackson Estate Pinot Noir throughout the evening. It paired perfectly with the Filet we enjoyed for dinner.

The delicious main course Filet prepared by Chef Douglas Keane of the new Two Birds and One Stone in St. Helena. This was so yummy I need to go visit that restaurant and experience more of his cooking!

Master Garden Tucker Taylor and Chef Joshua McFadden of Portland’s Ava Genes & Tusk

Kendall Jackson Estate Chef Justin Wangler & Chef Joshua McFadden

What a blast hanging in the garden with these guys. Not sure what I enjoyed more the amazing food they made or the incredible wine pairings. It was all fabulous!!!

The adorable dessert. Too cute, and so yummy.

Thanks to Kendall Jackson for hosting me to this incredible event. It was truly a night I will never forget and I hope to join again next year. See you next Harvest Kendall Jackson Estate.