A salon is a gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring host, held partly to amuse one another and partly to refine the taste and increase the knowledge of the participants through conversation.

Recently, SIP & SAVEUR attended the inaugural evening of the Winemaker Salon in San Francisco organized and hosted by Cynthia Hogan. The evening was held at a private home in Cow Hollow. Anne Olson, the Chef for the evening, meticulously paired each course with the beautiful wines of our friends, and the featured winemakers of the evening, Nate and Lauren Belden of Belden Barns.

The evening started with the Belden Barns 2014 Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir which Anne Olson paired with a roasted fig with sheeps’ milk ricotta, balsamic and fresh thyme. This was followed by a Yellowtail Crudo with coconut milk, apple and sautéed shallots which was paired with the Belden Barns 2014 Estate Sauvignon Blanc. This second pairing was definitely one of the standout pairings of the evening and something we still talk about. The freshness and cool texture of the Yellowtail played a nice base for the lightness of the coconut milk reduction; the apple and sautéed shallots added a nice hint of crisp and caramelized bitterness (sweet & savory). When the flavors of Chef Olson’s exquisite Crudo and the Belden’s Sauvignon Blanc melded on the palate, the sensation was like experiencing the most beautiful Maui Sunset for the first time. An absolute dream. The coconut milk brought out the sweet and tangy pineapple and tropical fruit characteristics of the Sauvignon Blanc.

Belden Barns did not disappoint. They poured their entire wine list, including the 2013 Estate Grüner Veltliner, 2013 Estate Chardonnay, 2013 Estate Pinot Noir, 2012 Estate Syrah and as a special surprise for the dessert course, their 2012 Estate Late Harvest Viognier. The evening was such a delight with great company and amazing wines. We are looking forward to attending future Winemaker Salon events.

A group photo of everyone who attended the evening.