Monterey

Winemaker/Owner Jim Schultze from Windy Oaks Estates presents his wines at the Grasing’s event. L to R Alix Bosch, owner of De Tierra wines L to R Alix Bosch, owner of De Tierra wines shares a toast with Chef Kurt Grasing and shares a toast with Chef Kurt Grasing and event chair Stef Lee while planning a pairing event chair Stef Lee while planning a pairing of wine and food at the outdoor rooftop of wine and food at the outdoor rooftop space at Grasing’s Restaurant in Carmel. space at Grasing’s Restaurant in Carmel.

It was 2020 and the dreadful plague shut us down in the first quarter. As a result, our Cadre made a pivot to smaller outdoor events. Our newest member Chef Kurt Grasing hosted us at his eponymous restaurant’s newly created rooftop dining space. A safer environment couldn’t be conceived by even the most stringent health official!

De Tierra Winery member Dan McDonnal and his partner Alix Bosch collaborated with Chef Grasing to assemble a five-course tasting menu paired with a selection of six different wines. Highlights included a Roasted Tomato Soup Shooter paired with a 2017 Russell Vineyard Riesling and Braised Short Ribs paired with a spectacular 2016 Monterey Syrah. Also notable was a 2019 Frannin White Blend of Chardonnay with Sauvignon Blanc.

Soon to be Knighted, Dan McDonnal introduced the wines and soon to be Knighted Chef Kurt Grasing presented the food. Our chapter is fortunate to have a vibrant community of food and wine professionals joining our already prestigious ranks!

As the venue was limited to twenty attendees, we produced a Grasing’s encore event with the Windy Oaks Estate Winery and a new menu. Knight James Schultz introduced his father, Winemaker Jim Schultz, to guide us through the five wine selections. This winery is in the Coralitis appellation of Santa Cruz. Higher elevations and a cool sea breeze make this a special spot to nurture Pinot Noir. Jim regaled us with many stories of trips to Burgundy as we enjoyed the wines.

Notable pairings included a 2016 Sparkling Albariño served with a Pumpkin Soup Shooter. The Cast Iron Seared Duck Breast was perfect with the 2018 “Henry’s Block” Pinot Noir. We finished with a dessert of Poached Pear served with the 2016 Chalone “Old Vine” Mourvedre.

De Tierra Winery and Windy Oaks Estate Wines join our esteemed member wineries Wente, Scheid, Galante and Dawn’s Dream to bless us with a dream team lineup of partners!

Looking ahead we anticipate hosting our iconic “Pier Party at Stillwater Cove” this October in Pebble Beach. And finally, we plan on the assistance of our Grand Commander to elevate Ted Balestreri and Scott Scheid to Supreme Knight. Scheid Family Wines have been an integral component of our chapter for decades. Mr. Balestreri, known for his famous Sardine Factory restaurant, was among the founding members of our four decade plus Monterey Chapter of the Knights of the Vine!

Clockwise from lower left. Demi and Rich Briscoe with Stef Lee and Marilyn Clockwise from lower left. Demi and Rich Briscoe with Stef Lee and Marilyn Gustafson patiently await the first course of food at Grasing’s event Gustafson patiently await the first course of food at Grasing’s event