The July Winemaker Dinner at the scenic Semiahmoo Resort featured impressive Spring Valley Vineyard wines paired with a delicious five-course meal designed by the creative Chef Bruno.
Throughout the meal, winemaker Serge Laville entertained the crowd with stories about the vineyard and each of the wines.
Spring Valley, located in Walla Walla, is known for producing only reds, but a special release of 2014 Viognier was also poured at the dinner. Serge explained that there was Viognier remaining from his co-ferment with the Nina Lee Syrah, so he decided to add a white wine to his portfolio. If you like Viognier, you will love this one — although it likely can’t be found anywhere but the winery itself and at special occasions such as winemaker dinners like this one.
As Serge visited with each table during the five courses, he was asked to name the wine of which he was the most proud. His response: his Syrah from the tough growing season in 2011. The entire harvest took place in November (much later than usual) and was completed in 17 days instead of the typical 40-day period.
We enjoyed the Syrah, but we also appreciated the Cabernet Franc, the winery’s best-selling Uriah, and the lovely Frederick.
Here is the full menu of dinner courses and wine pairings, listed on a unique wooden menu at each place setting.
First Course
Goat Cheese Panna Cotta, Micro Herbs, Brioche Toast, Sockeye Salmon Ceviche, Pickled Cucumber, with Spring Valley Vineyard 2014 Viognier
Second Course
Pan Seared Foie Gras, Crispy Pork Belly Bacon, Creamy Polenta with Pecorino, Fresh Cherries, with Spring Valley Vineyard Katherine Corkrum 2010 Cabernet Franc
Third Course
Roasted Halibut, Spot Prawns, Braised Heirloom Tomatoes, Black Olive & Fresh Thyme Vinaigrette with Spring Valley Vineyard Uriah 2013 Red Blend
Fourth Course
Japanese Wagyu Beef Ribeye, Smoked Rainbow Carrots, Red Wine Jus with Spring Valley Vineyard Frederick 2012 Red Blend
Dessert
Vanilla Cremeux & Washington Berry Trifle with Spring Valley Vineyard Nina Lee 2012 Syrah
Semiahmoo Resort holds winemaker dinners each month – so mark your calendar for these upcoming events.
- August 25: Wagner Family Wine featuring Caymus
- Sept. 8: Rodney Strong
- Oct. 4: Cakebread Cellars
- Nov. 3: Stags Leap
- Feb. 10, 2017: Second Annual DeLille Cellars Dinner
- May 11, 2017: Joe Dobbes
Whether you live in Washington state, British Columbia, or anywhere else, Semiahmoo Resort is a great weekend getaway with breathtaking scenery, kayaking, birdwatching, swimming and lots of other activities in addition to the winemaker dinners. We are lucky to live nearby!
Cheers!
Margot and Dave