After a missed year due to Covid-19, the Project Zin event is back and the wait was totally worth it! For those of you who may not be aware, Project Zin is an incredible event hosted by Chef Charlie Palmer and Winemaker Clay Mauritson. The event proceeds benefited the Down Syndrome Association North Bay which is an organization near and dear to Winemaker Clay Mauritson’s heart ever since his son, Brady, was diagnosed with Down Syndrome.

Extending a huge thank you to the Project Zin team. I had the most incredible time at the Eleventh Annual event and I cannot wait for the next one. Read more about my time at Project Zin below!

Bricoleur Vineyards was the host of this year’s Project Zin Event. The ambiance of the outdoor setting, string lights, and the selection of wine and food made for an incredible evening.

Would you just look at these smiles! Here is the amazing Brady Mauritson and Clay Mauritson at the Live Auction hosted by Daryl Groom. All proceeds benefited the Down Syndrome Association North Bay!

I’ve been attending this event for years and love to see how the hospitality, wine, and food community of Healdsburg come together to raise money for this special cause.

Zinfandel Wine Samples

Now, let’s talk wine. Project Zin guests sampled 21 of the most sought-after Zinfandels. The selection was incredible and I enjoyed the many different wineries offered.

A. Rafanelli 2018 Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley was one of the stunning wines offered at Project Zin.

A. Rafanelli is known for its amazing Zinfandel and it was delicious as always. Read more about A. Rafanelli in my Top 10 Dry Creek Wineries that I adore blog post.

Some more Zinfandel wines included Limerick Lane Cellars, Hartford Court Winery, Bricoleur Vineyards, and Ridge Vineyards.

It is safe to say I was busy tasting wines at Project Zin! They also featured the Lambert Bridge Winery 2019 Zinfandel, Saini Vineyards 2018 Old Vine Zinfandel, and the Once and Future 2019 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel.

Loved this by Bricouler Vineyard’s “Flying By the Seat of our Pants” Brut. Such a fun and delicious sparkling wine that Bricouler offered.

The Fabulous Project Zin Food

The incredible selection of Zinfandel wines offered at Project Zin paired perfectly with the tastings from Chefs Charlie Palmer (Dry Creek Kitchen), Evan Castro (Bricoleur Vineyards), and many other Sonoma County chefs.

The food was such a delight! I left full but absolutely satisfied after trying all the amazing dishes.

I loved seeing the Valette Restaurant team at Project Zin as this spot is a staple of mine. Read more about and my dining experiences at Valette Healdsburg restaurant here.

Just a few of the amazing chefs who made the event special with their stunning food tasting experiences!

Chef Nate Appleman’s wood-fire pizza was a show stopper! This stunning pizza topped with Gravenstein apples, Estero gold cheese, and black pepper oil was just delicious!

I enjoyed some yummy sliders from Campo Fina that just melt in your mouth! I have been to Campo Fina numerous times and absolutely adore this spot. Read about my feature of Campo Fina in The Best Pizzas in Sonoma County.

It is always a pleasure eating dishes from Chef Charlie Palmer and Wyatt Keith of Dry Creek Kitchen. This Smoked and Slow Cooked Short Rib was divine. The amazing dish included salt-roasted beets, local blackberry BBQ, and puffed quinoa. Read my interview with Chef Charlie Palmer and check out Dry Creek Kitchen in The Top 10 Healdsburg Restaurants You Must Experience blog post.

This was an amazing SingleThread Farm Restaurant dish. So beautiful it was almost too pretty to eat! I adore SingleThread Farm Restaurant and Inn and recommend this beautiful spot. Read about my time at SingleThread Farm Restaurant & Inn in Healdsburg California here.

These toffees from Healdsburg Toffee Company were the perfect treat!

Thank you, Chef Palmer and Clay Maurtison for the most amazing time. I am so glad we could support local restaurants wineries and an amazing cause. This event was one to remember!