Chef John Sarich at the Col Solare 07 Vintage Release Party

Oct 19 / 2010

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A couple of weeks ago I had the chance to work with Chef John Sarich at the Col Solare 07 Vintage Release Party. A majority of the dishes were straight from the Chef’s new cookbook “Chef in the Vineyard”. The cookbook opens with the history of Chef as he started working for Chateau Ste. Michelle-“It was the day that changed my life”, he goes on to say how he loved to cook and teaching how to cook. How he owned his own restaurants and returned back to Chateau Ste. Michelle. Through some very approachable, excellent recipes Chef showcases ten great wine estates from Washington, Oregon and California.

So not only was it exciting to be working hand and hand with one of the finest Northwest chefs, but the wine estate that we had the pleasure of working  together at… is like no other. A collaboration of two industry leaders- Washington’s Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Tuscany’s Marchesi Antinori- Col Solare Winery. Col Solare Winery is nestled high up and into the side of Red Mountain, a premier growing AVA in the heart of the Columbia Valley. Col Solare produces just one vintage of wine a year, a Cabernet based red wine that showcases the fruit of Red Mountain AVA. More on the wine later (later blog), back to the chef.

The menu included eight recipes directly from the book: Tabbouleh Salad, Honey-Merlot Quail, Arugula Frittata, Braised Rabbit with Pinot and Dried Cherries, Pizza Silciliano, Korean-Style Bison Skewers, Grilled Pork Tenderloin with White Bean Ragu, Chocolate Mousse. We also prepared some Duck Confit and Wild Boar Sausage.  As you can see it was a feast that was prepared, but not only that… for me there was the excitement to prepare such wonderful cuisine in the midst of great company all while learning from the flare and style of such a great chef.

There were just over a couple hundred guests that attended the vintage release event. The chef had a table set up for visiting with guests and book signings. Winemaker Marcus Notaro was on hand pouring the new release, Cellarmaster Darel Allwine was pulling barrel samples to taste and the food was set out for all to enjoy.

If you’re one of the guests that were able to attend this event- there is probably not much that compares to a memorable evening of good friends, great wine and excellent food. Hope you got your book signed too, I did.

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