For those of you who may not be aware of Project Zin it is an incredible event hosted by Chef Charlie Palmer and Winemaker Clay Mauritson. This preeminent wine event gathers some of the most sought after Zinfandels paired with the food of Chef Palmer and top local Sonoma County chefs. All event proceeds benefit the Down Syndrome Association North Bay a cause near and dear to Winemaker Clay’s heart since his son Brady was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Read more about this incredible organization and Brady’s story here.

I am pleased to share that the 2016 Project Zin event has raised a record amount fro DSANB, close to $100,000 the highest to date!!

 I was lucky to attend this year’s event held at The Hotel Healdsburg on August 20th, 2016. This was an amazing event that I will look forward to annually as it combines a wonderful charitable organization with incredible culinary talent, delicious wines in the spectacular Hotel Healdsburg decor. If you have not been to this hotel add it to your bucket list as it is amazing. Stay tuned for more Hotel Healdsburg coverage on the blog as I share my unbelievable stay very soon….

Chef Charlie Palmer and Chef Scott Romano of Dry Creek Kitchen

The delicious BBQ Rubbed Ribeye from Charlie Palmer’s team at The Dry Creek Kitchen

The incredible live auction line up benefitting Down Syndrome Association North Bay.

Winemaker Clay Mauritson and his son Brady

Winemaker Clay Mauritson and Chef Charlie Palmer

Some yummy sliders from Spoonbar. I’m a sucker for sliders with cole slaw. Incredible!

The talented team from Diavola Pizzeria Incredible stuff I fell in love with their pizza at this event.

The Chalkboard Restaurant team which made the most delicious pasta dish I experienced at the event!!

The incredible Chalkboard Restaurant pasta. Divine!

Another incredible beef bite paired with truffles and foie gras from Valette Healdsburg

Me and Chef Charlie Palmer. A HUGE thank you for having me to this amazing fundraiser and getting to finally experience the spectacular Hotel Healdsburg.

The incredible Martinelli Winery Zindandel. I have to admit, this may have been my favorite Zinfandel at the event…. I did have two or three taste of it and could not get enough!

The incredible sweets from Healdsburg Toffee Company

The incredible team from Bourbon House who came from New Orleans for Project Zin! Talk about an amazing group of people coming a far distance to support an incredible cause. And there food was delicious as well!

The fabulous Turley Zinfandel. No matter what variety I have from Turley Wine Cellars, I am always impressed with the balance and complexity of their wines.

Another favorite dish I enjoyed. This beef chili was incredible especially paired with a Zinfandel from Jimtown Store, a local Healdsburg Cafe & Store

A special thanks to Charlie Palmer and Hotel Healdsburg for hosting me to this event and during my stay at The Hotel Healdsburg.