The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay Announces 2014 Vintner Series

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay announces its line up for the 2014 Vintner Series at the coastal resort.

"We are thrilled to present winemakers from such prestigious vineyards as Beringer, Quintessa, Stags Leap, Far Niente, and Chateau St. Jean, just to name a few, for our 2014 season," said Director of Sales & Marketing Jay Heidenreich. "The Vintner Dinner Series is part of our acclaimed wine program and features some of California's most distinguished wineries and vineyards," he added.

Each month, a different winery is highlighted throughout the resort. Upon check-in, guests are offered a complimentary glass of the featured wine, a select varietal tasting series in presented in ENO and once during the month, a four-course vintner dinner is presented in Navio.

ENO Tasting Series
Every Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. in ENO, a Wine Educator from the featured winery presents and educates guests about the latest wines in its portfolio. Tasting fees ranges from $25 to $40 per person, based upon the vintner. Visitors can also choose to elevate their tasting experience with flights of hand-selected cheeses and chocolates from ENO for an additional fee.

Vintner Dinner in Navio
Executive Chef Xavier Salomon presents a four-course vintner dinner in Navio. Collaborating with the wine maker, Chef Salomon designs a menu that highlights the wine selections and pays tribute to Navio's coastal cuisine. Vintner Dinners, held the second Thursday of each month, are $125/per person and include a signed bottle of wine from the vintner, as well as two complimentary passes to enjoy a tasting at the winery.

THE 2014 SERIES

January: Beringer Vineyards
Vintner Dinner: Thursday, January 9
Beringer Vineyards known as "the oldest continuously operating winery in the Napa Valley" was founded in 1875. Since then, Beringer has honed, deepened, and expanded the art of winemaking. They were the first California winery to offer public tours after Prohibition's repeal, establishing the idea of visiting wineries and the Estate was designated a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. Beringer is known for their Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. They pursue balance between modern technology and time-tested winemaking traditions, resulting in wines of global recognition.

February: Quintessa and Faust Wine
Vintner Dinner: Thursday, February 13
Quintessa is a family-owned biodymamic and organic wine estate in Rutherford, Napa Valley. They produce a single Red Blend every year that combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenere, all harvested from the 170 acres of vineyard planted on the property. The vineyard's location is unique in the Napa Valley as it contains a lake, five hills, a river, five distinct soil types and a multitude of elevations, exposures and micro climates. A decade after the first release from his Quintessa estate, Vintner Agustin Huneeus was ready to start a new venture. He founded Faust Vineyards located in Coombsville, Napa Valley and grew the noblest grape, the Cabernet Sauvignon. By building a state-of-the-art winery with the most modern technologies; Faust Wine is the epitome of style that has made Napa Cabernet Sauvignon world renowned: bold and powerful, yet elegant and concentrated.

March: Peju Winery
Vintner Dinner: Thursday, March 13
Peju Winery is a family-owned and family-run winery located in Rutherford, CA in the heart of the Napa Valley. Their 30 acre Rutherford Estate is one of only 21 certified organic wineries in the Napa Valley. Peju produces 19 different bottlings including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Provence, a proprietary red and white cuvee. A charming 50-foot French provincial tower serves as the main tasting room and is the centerpiece of their magnificent estate. After 30 years in the Napa Valley, Peju's mission remains the same for the future: to produce the highest quality wines, welcome guests with an unparalleled wine tasting experience, and to provide exceptional guest service.

April: Saintsbury
Vintner Dinner: Thursday, April 10

May: Flowers Vineyard & Winery
Vintner Dinner: Thursday, May 8

June: Penfolds
Vintner Dinner: Thursday, June 12

July: Ehler's Estate
Vintner Dinner: Thursday, July 10

August: Franciscan Estate Winery
Vintner Dinner: Thursday, August 14

September: Chateau St. Jean Winery
Vintner Dinner: Thursday, September 11

October: Far Niente
Vintner Dinner: Thursday, October 9

November: Thomas Fogarty Winery
Vintner Dinner: Thursday, November 13

December: Stag's Leap Winery
Vintner Dinner: Thursday, December 11