Chalk Hill’s New Culinary Tour

Wine and Food Together at the Winery

SONOMA—This spring Chalk Hill winery has reserved several days a week for exclusive culinary tours of the winery's kitchen gardens, tasting room, vineyards and equestrian center, capped by a sit-down tasting of several wines with several small plates carefully prepared by Chef Didier Ageorges. Think of it as your private invitation to paradise.

By appointment only, guests are invited to pass through the electric gate and the small guard house at the entrance to the Alexander Valley's exclusive Chalk Hill winery. There, on 1,200 acres, owners Fred and Peggy Furth not only grow grapes and make their wine, but also have their private residence and chapel--not to mention an organic garden, football field, a private park, stables, a world class equestrian center and 360 degree views that could very easily bring you to your knees weeping.

The culinary tour, which is strictly limited to eight people to keep things intimate, is an opportunity to learn about the grounds experience the Furth's private organic kitchen garden and to taste Chalk Hill wines with freshly prepared small plates among the vines. And, at $40 per person, you can hardly beat this exclusive experience that's a steal at twice the price (just don't tell them!).

Tours meet at the winery, where you're served glasses of crisp Sauvignon Blanc before heading to the organic gardens by van. (Note: There is some walking through the gardens and a significant number of steps to navigate at the winery, so comfortable shoes are recommended.) With a full-time gardener growing a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, as well as maintaining a hive of bees, much of the food is used by the busy winery kitchen. However, most of the remaining food is donated to a local food bank, with an emphasis on iron-rich foods much needed by the hungry.

From there, the tour winds through the large vineyards, which have been planted with a dizzying variety of varietals and specialized Chardonnay clones—the wine for which Chalk Hill is best known. Make sure to request a map to see where different grapes are planted. The sit-down tasting is served in a soaring library room overlooking Peggy Furth's cavernous equestrian center. With several courses specially planned by the chef, visitors have the opportunity to match Chardonnays with delicate and exotic seafood; while pairing round Merlots with heartier fare. The tour concludes with chocolate truffles and Cabernet Sauvignon in the tasting room.

Sound like fun? Be sure to reserve your tour early, as Chalk Hill is a popular winery and reservations will fill quickly. Vegetarians and those with special diet needs can be accommodated, if the chef is alerted in advance.

Not recommended for children, and pets are not allowed.
Romance Factor: The shorter estate tour offers more chances for wandering through the vineyard, hand-in-hand, but your sweetie will appreciate being fed a decadent chocolate truffle for dessert.
Price: This tour is a steal, compared with other organized tours and the quality of Chef Didier's tasting menu. Book early, because this event is sure to be popular.

Available by appointment Monday, Thursday, or Friday at 2:30 pm. $40 per person. For reservations call (800) 838-4306 or email concierge@chalkhill.com.