On Saturday, April 2, Napa branch members gathered at Peju Province Winery in Rutherford for an unforgettable evening of great wine and food.

Peju Winery is one of the most beautiful settings and with it’s 50 ft. tower one of the tallest in Napa Valley. The tower is built with stucco and stone that resembles a French Provencal tower. The building houses a changing gallery of art from local artists and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains.

Winery owner Tony Peju purchased the 30 acre estate in 1983 and it was replanted in 1999 primarily with cuttings from a 5.5 acre block of the original Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that were producing his best wines. “Whatever we hope to achieve in the bottle begins in the vineyard and we are fortunate to have found this vineyard with it’s ideal conditions for our reserve wines”, says Tony Peju.

Hosted by winery family members Ariana Peju White, her mother H B Peju and winemaker Sara Fowler, the festivities began upstairs overlooking the barrel room with a tasting of most of the wines produced by Peju. Wines tasted included the ‘09 Provenance Red/White blend, ‘07 Syrah, ’08 Cab Franc, ’06 Napa Valley Cab, ’09 Sauvignon Blanc , ’09 Chardonnay, ’07 Reserve Fifty/Fifty, ’06 Estate Reserve Cab and the ’06 HB Vineyard Cab. Artisan cheeses, Duck Breast Crostini with Black Cherry Compote and Lamb Stuffed Mushrooms with Saffron Sauce were served during the tasting.

Members then proceeded to the beautiful stained glass room downstairs for dinner prepared by Peju Executive Chef Richard Perot beginning with Wild Arugula Salad with roasted beets, orange segments, goat cheese and candied toasted nuts with Champagne vinaigrette served with 2009 Peju Estate Chardonnay. Our entree was Cabernet and Pomegranate Braised Niman Ranch Pork Osso Bucco with Truffle mashed potatoes and sauteed seasonal vegetables served with Peju 2007 Fifty/Fifty red wine (a blend of Merlot and Cabernet). And finally for dessert, Fuji Apple tart with Fiscalini Cheddar and Honey Carmel Sauce served with 2007 Peju Delicias Zinfandel Port.

Our wonderful hosts from Peju provided members with one of the most memorable wine and food experiences we have ever attended with great wine and food and a very beautiful setting. Anyone visiting Napa Valley should not miss Peju Province WInery.