Over 30 Appellation St. Helena wineries teamed up with chefs from local restaurants, wineries, and rising star students from the CIA to create the perfect wine and food pairing.  Attendees served as judges, tasting each combination and voting on their favorites throughout the evening.  Below are the professional and student team winners for 2018.

Professional Team Winners

First Place: Beringer Vineyards, 2012 St. Helena Home Cabernet Sauvignon, with Acacia House by Chris Cosentino (Oxtail Toast, Pickled Mustard Seeds, Wild Fennel)

Second Place: Ehlers Estate 2015 “1886” Cabernet Sauvignon, with Goose & Gander (Braised Lamb Neck and Candy Cap Mole, Steamed bun, Benne salad, Lemon Crema)

Third Place – Charles Krug Winery 2016 Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc, with Estate Chef Daryl Muromoto (Braised Pork Ciccioli Crostini, Estate Citrus Marmellata)

Student Team Winners

First Place: Del Dotto Vineyards, St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon, students David Ju and Chase Evans (Steamed Bao Buns with Braised Beef Cheeks, Shallot Aioli and Spring Vegetables)  

Second Place: Parry Cellars, 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, students Sean Smith and Reilly Brown (Ancho Beef Taco with Charred Salsa and Escabeche)  

Third Place: Rombauer Vineyards, 2014 Stice Lane Cabernet Sauvignon, students Allison Komara and Nina Widjaja (Korean Beef Short Ribs "Galbi Jjim")

Fourth Place: Pellet Estate, 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Pellet Vineyard, students Brandon Matthews and Carlos Ramires (Cornet of Red Wine Braised Kobe Beef, Creamy Polenta, with Morel and Black Truffle)

Fifth Place: Ballentine Vineyards, 2016 Maple Station White Blend, students Cameron Hassell and Nicolas Stogsdill ("Wanna Wonton")

CIA Director’s award for Excellence in Creativity and Innovation:  Chase Cellars (2017 Zinfandel Rose, Hayne Vineyard), students Charles Fulbright and Conner Black ("Saturday Special")

Organizer

Presented by Appellation St. Helena in partnership with:

• The Culinary Institute of America
• The St. Helena Chamber of Commerce
• Visit Napa Valley