On Monday, November 9th The Cellar San Clemente hosted an exclusive Winemaker Dinner featuring the wines of one of the Santa Ynez Valley’s most well-respected and talented vintners, Andrew Murray. As it states on their web site, “Passionately focused on Rhône varieties, Andrew Murray has consistently crafted highly acclaimed red wines and white wines in the Santa Ynez Valley for 20 years. His Viogniers, single-vineyard Syrahs, and blends led Robert Parker, Jr. to refer to Andrew Murray Vineyards as, ‘…one of the shining stars in the Santa Barbara firmament.'” And, that evening, The Cellar’s new Executive Chef, Holton Britt, together with fellow Cellar chef, Kahner Trigg, prepared a four-course pairing menu that perfectly complimented Andrew Murray’s superb wines.

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Lucky guests who attended the intimate dinner were treated to the following culinary delights:

MENU

Welcome Reception
Fanny Bay Oysters + Citrus Pearls
(2014 E11EVEN Sauvignon Blanc, Citrus Vineyard)

First Course
Octopus Ceviche Tostada
(2014 Viognier, Santa Maria)

Second Course
Heritage Pork Cheek with Sweet Potato + Blackberry Jam
(2013 Esperance, Citrus Vineyard)

Third Course
Wagyu Beef Tenderlooin + Foie Gras with Potato Pave + Lacinato Kale
(2014 Tous les Lours Syrah, Santa Ynez)

Fourth Course
Pear Two Ways with Chocolate + Blue Cheese
(2013 Roasted Slope, Santa Barbara)

Below is a recap-by-photographs from what was a truly exceptional evening of food, wine, and inspirational conversation. Be sure to stay tuned to The Cellar’s Facebook Page and Instagram account (@sccellar) for news on other upcoming exclusive events similar to this, including the Champagne Sabrage Dinner with Louis Roederer Estate on Monday, December 7th. And, for more information on how to purchase Andrew Murray Vineyards’ wines, visit them online at www.andrewmurrayvineyards.com, or follow them on Instagram/Twitter (@amvwine).

{Follow Anne Watson Photography on Facebook and on Twitter/Instagram @annewatsonphoto}

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