Representatives of the grape growers and winemakers of Sonoma County, California came out to Calcasieu to pair their pride-and-joy wines with some New Orleans favorites. To begin the meal, hors d'oeuvres were passed around, and we were lucky enough to drink a sparkling wine that President Reagan drank with Gorbachev: Iron Horse's 2012 Wedding Cuvee.
After being seated, we were presented with a salad and a glass of Matanzas Creek 2014 Sauvignon Blanc. Our represenattives touched on some very interesting points about the sustainability efforts of many of the Sonoma County winemakers. They are trying to reach 100% sustainability, which is not easy in California's arid climate, but they are near 70% already.
During our appetizer of Butcher Andouille with Grits and C. Donatiello 2012 Chardonnay, our reps explained the quality of living in Sonoma County. We were all interested to learn about how the workers on these farms are most Mexican immigrants, and that they area is experiencing a housing crisis for them because the cost of living is high considering the luxuriousness of the wine region. But local committees are working hard not only to house their workers, they make sure to pay them well and take care of their families. One interesting fact is that immigrant children are all given a backpack with items to make their transition to America easier.
Our entrees were a choice of a huge portion of roasted chicken or filet mignon, both were excellent, of course. But we all had a glass of robust Argo 2013 Estate Pinot Noir. We then talked about the importance of buying local to support your commnity or your fellow American citizens. America exports huge amounts of wine, but Americans still believe that wine is best from other countries. But after our dessert of chocolate pudding cake and cafe au lait ice cream paired with Munselle Vineyards 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, I don't believe that to be true at all. I will definitely be planning a trip to Sonoma soon to try out more delicious American wines.
