We have belonged to many wine clubs over the years but no one throws a party like the Cherry’s of Villa Creek. The Cherry’s value their wine club members and no holds are barred when they throw their release parties twice a year. The wine is amazing, the food prepared by Chef Tom Fundaro is a gastronome’s paradise. The party is a friendly, fitting gathering of wine club members, and friends and colleagues of the Cherry’s. The décor and setting always highlights their award winning wines in the casual chic style they always pull off so effortlessly.
Camille Cherry and one of her friends serving their award winning wines.
Inside the tasting room…
The Cherry’s had the light fixtures constructed from old apple harvesting equipment. The property was once an apple orchard.
The Cherry’s generously share some of their library wines with wine club members. Becca Chris’ darling assistant winemaker sampling the 2010 Bassetti.
We were greeted by this amazing fruit and cheese board.
Chef Tom Fundaro wowed us once again
Olives, Mushrooms
Scallops on the half shell …calamari salad
Tom’s shishito peppers (always a favorite) and mussels on the half shell
On the grill…Paella & Lamb on the Spit & Sea Bream
Steve chatting up Becca about the new releases
And guess who just turned 35 Mr. Colin…can’t believe he is that old! How did I get this old?
After we returned to the lake we were lucky enough to get an invitation to dinner on my friend Rusty’s terrace. Rusty is an emmy winning former set decorator so you can imagine that dinner at her home is always an event. As if we didn’t already have enough wonderful wine. We were treated to Justin’s Isocoles Reserve and the Venerable Focus.
Rusty has a jewelbox of a house. Every inch is carefully curated and a feast for the eyes. One day I will get good photographs. Rusty could make celery look interesting.
Having dinner on her terrace is magical. She lives right next door to us and our terraces are at the same level. Until I am lucky enough to go for dinner I forget the eden she has created in that small space.
The sunset like a fire in the distance. Wait did Rusty choreograph this? I am sure it did not look like this at my house right next door…
That’s my house in the distance. When we moved in next door I knew Rusty and I would be kindred souls. I am so lucky to have her for a neighbor and friend.
Lastly you don’t have to buy a new tablecloth to dress up your table everytime. Use what you have. Notice how Rusty draped a red shawl across the center of her table to create a little drama? We like to entertain at our outdoor fireplace when we have a small group. I have a small 48” portable table that I bought on Amazon that I place over my existing coffee table (it weighs a ton by the way). I used my burlap tablecloth as a base and transformed the top with a shawl from my closet. Tablecloths can be expensive. Use what you have and change out your napkins!
of the table settings i saw, i like yours the best, by far!
lucky you, cannot imagine the lifestyle of wine country, looks like a non-stop to this chicagoan & i am suddenly jealous! 🙂
xx
debra
Beautiful Setting! The food looks delicious. 😍🍷
Everything here is just…delicious!! From the wines to the tables, flowers, paella, sunsets and neighborhood friendships…love it!
I want to be your neighbor! 😉
xx, Heather
PS-linkup is live again on Friday–join us!
THAT CHEESE DISPLAY caught my eye………..on INSTAGRAM!How FUN to have a kindred spirit LIVING right next door………….our neighbors son who is about your SON's age is building a house down there.He too is INTO the VINO!!!Then again I think WE all are into the VINO!
SIDE NOTE…….your friend MARY ANN did a darling HOUSE in WALNUT CREEK………..well I KNOW that woman!WHAT A SMALL WORLD!Just love how we all connect!
Is it lunch time yet?!? This all looks so delicious!
I know…it is always so amazing…so glad I finally shared it…
What a great release party. I've never heard of that vineyard and will have to check it out. Your neighbors table and terrace were magical, so inviting. I love your table magic as well. I'm still wanting to repeat that last dinner you shared with us, with the purple napkins and votives? It was so pretty.
I have 32 and 36 year old sons…I like to explain that I was a child bride! Life sure flies by, doesn't it?
xo,
Karen
Hmmmm so we must be about the same age Karen?? Villa Creek is the best! We love so many wineries in Paso but they are our absolute fav.
We absolutely fell in love with Villa Creek wine when we took your suggestion and went to their winery during my birthday weekend in Paso. How lucky you are to know the owners. I recognize that iron candelabra;) Glad it is getting good use in such a lovely environment.
Celia from AfterOrangeCounty.com
I am so glad you recognized it!! I thought about doing a wheres Waldo? You should feel honored that Rusty used it! She is the bomb when it comes to ambiance and entertaining
Cindy the settings and surroundings are all so beautiful at these events!
How fun and adventuresome!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Thank you Karena you are always so gracious!
The was a feast for the eyes and now I'm hungry too! I'm so impressed you can drink wine and remember bottle labels…and even take photos. Usually after a glass of wine I'm like "What blog?" I gave my friend Netta a shawl for her birthday and she thought it was a table runner…versatile 🙂 Can't WAIT to go to Paso with you!
Ha! Well you know I have the same issue. We can't wait for you to come!!!
Now that made me hungry! Everything looks delicious and pretty! Glad you had a wonderful night!
Thanks Julie!!