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Sonoma County, California

Glenn Proctor explains the vineyard detail for his Puccioni Wine.

We just returned from a quick weekend trip to Sonoma County, California.  It’s a special place for us.  Besides the wine, good food and sunshine, we were married in Healdsburg 10 years ago.

This weekend was about reuniting with classmates of the California Agricultural Leadership Program.  Classmate Glenn Proctor hosted us at his Puccioni Vineyards. We drank Puccioni Old Vine Zinfandel and Petite Syrah while catching up on the nine years since we graduated. This group produces some of California’s best food; we ate well, with classmates cooking up their catfish, chicken, lamb.  Others make gumbo and rice. From the Salinas Valley we enoyed grilled asparagus, sausage, artichokes, and of course, fresh-tossed salads.

Earlier in the day we visited Quivira Vineyards, a small, family owned winery located in the heart of Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley, followed by learning about oil olive production at Dry Creek Olive Company.

California Ag Leadership Alumns of Class 29

Have you visited Sonoma County, California? Do you have a favorite winery to share?

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On New Year’s Eve, we were invited to dine with Captain Christopher Turner on Holland America’s 14-Day Southern Caribbean Cruise on board the ms Prinsendam. 

menu- 2008 New Year's Eve dinner with Captain Turner, Holland America Line's Prinsendam

Receiving a copy of the menu signed by Captain Turner was a nice memory of the special event.

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Delightful Sommelier Dinner

Sunday night we enjoyed the Sommelier Dinner at the Pinnacle Grill put on by Pinnacle Manager Ferdinand, Chef Scott and Cellar Master Andrew. The tasting menu paired a different wine with each tasting-size course:

The Amuse Bouche included seafood and caviar paired with Moet et Chandon Champagne

Cream of parsnip and sweet potato soup was paired with Tio Pepe Fino Palomino Sherry

Spiced lamb loin with arugula and frizzy salad was paired with “Eroica” Riesling

Our favorite course was herb crusted halibut with scallion mashed potatoes and saffron bearer blanc was paired with Laboure – Rot Pouilly Fuisse

Apple and Pear spoom was served in a martini glass and doused with champagne

Beef tenderloin with sautéed greens and rosemary jus matched perfectly with Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon

Stilton cheese laced with port wine was paired with Dow’s Porto

And then the chef’s chocolate fantasy was severed with Inniskillin Vidal Ice Wine

Wrapped up with coffees and chocolates

If you like food and wine, this was a fun, informative and delicious evening!

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Last night we attended the Filipino Crew Show at 11 pm. We always enjoy these shows but this one was standing-ovation incredible, with the traditional favorites and a few updated songs and music styles. Special highlights included a Louis Armstrong solo with trumpet by Oro (the Lido bartender) and the solo by Carlo (the Crow’s Nest bartender) accompanied on guitar by Richard (dining room wine steward).  

Something new was a special cocktail of the Philippines offered during the show.

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