Cincinnati Opera – Cincinnati Opera's 2016 Online Auction
Auction Ends: Dec 5, 2016 09:00 PM EST

Travel

Sonoma Wine & Dine Trip!

Item Number
179
Estimated Value
6000 USD
Opening Bid
2900 USD

Item Description

This Experience Includes:

  • Private winery tour and reserve wine tasting for 2 at Cast Wines, Geyserville
  • VIP 6-course dinner with wine pairings for 2 at Valette Restaurant in Healdsburg
  • 3-night stay in a standard guest room at Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel & Spa in Santa Rosa
  • Round-trip coach class airfare for 2 from within the 48 contiguous U.S. to San Francisco or Oakland, CA
  • Winspire booking & concierge service

Cast Wines, Geyserville (Sonoma County)
Enjoy a private winery tour and reserve wine tasting for two. Tucked into the forest above their Grey Palm Estate vineyard in bucolic Dry Creek Valley, Cast grows and produces handmade wines in limited quantities using old-world techniques highlighting the very best of Sonoma County. Your host, a knowledgeable member of the winery team, will toast your arrival with sparkling Blanc de Noirs. Glass in hand, take a walk through the vineyard to learn about sustainable farming practices and see first-hand how the grapes are nurtured and prepared for harvest. Sample refreshing cold-fermented Sauvignon Blanc as you make your way to the “crush pad’ for an overview of harvesting and a taste of estate Zinfandel. Proceed through the winery fermentation tank area and into the barrel aging room where you will have a seated tasting of Cast’s Old Vine Zinfandel and other current release and limited reserve wines, accompanied by a cheese plate. Finish your visit on the tasting terrace where you will enjoy one of the best views in wine country.

Valette Restaurant, Healdsburg
Enjoy a VIP 6-course dinner with wine pairings, prepared exclusively for your party of two. Chef/Owner and Healdsburg native Dustin Valette will make a personal visit to your table and craft an elegant menu from Sonoma County’s finest seasonal ingredients to complement the region’s distinctive wines. Valette incorporates the best of the abundant local sources into specialties such as broiled Miyagi oysters with caramelized onion biscuits and coriander-crusted duck breast with fig compote. The wine pairings exemplify the symbiotic relationship of wine and cuisine.

Chef Valette, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, honed his craft at some of the most celebrated restaurants on the West Coast, including the Michelin-starred Aqua in San Francisco, Napa Valley’s Bouchon, and most recently, Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen. The opening of Valette is the perfect combination of a homecoming and labor of love, as Dustin and his brother Aaron Garzini, a dynamic sommelier, pay homage to their family’s history. The restaurant's vibe is upscale casual and has a simple charm -- rustic and comfortable -- with the premise of being a gathering place to showcase great food, boutique wine and impeccable service.

Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel & Spa (Santa Rosa)
Enjoy a 3-night stay in a standard guest room for two. This Mediterranean style hotel is just a short drive from Sonoma County, Napa Valley, Russian River and gorgeous Pacific Coast. When not out exploring the area, sip wine by the cozy fire pit, treat yourself to a massage at the spa, or stroll to the shops, restaurants and cultural attractions in picturesque Santa Rosa.

NOTE: Sonoma is approximately 1.5 hours north of San Francisco and Oakland.

Airfare
This package includes round-trip coach class service for two from any major metropolitan airport in the 48 contiguous United States to San Francisco or Oakland, CA, subject to availability.

Airfare must be booked within one year from the date of purchase. Airfare taxes and a $25 per person processing fee are the responsibility of the purchaser. Blackout dates: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s weeks.

Business and First Class upgrades are available at the time of booking for an additional fee. Use of frequent flyer miles for upgrades is dependent on specific ticket restrictions as determined by the airline’s frequent flyer program.

Winspire Booking & Concierge Service
Winspire provides a team of seasoned travel professionals who will help you redeem your experience. All travel related details and reservations are handled for every part of your Winspire experience. Operating as a full-service travel agency, Winspire can assist with extra hotel nights, airfare upgrades, and additional guests. This service also provides you with an established network of onsite contacts who can help you book additional experiences, activities and tours.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Must be booked a minimum of 60 days in advance. Reservations are subject to availability. Certificates cannot be replaced if lost, stolen or destroyed. All purchases are non-refundable. Packages cannot be resold. Ground transportation is not included.

Item Special Note

Buyer is responsible for shipping cost. Please allow 7 days for standard processing and shipping.  Express delivery available upon request.