Speaker-Steve Tonella-Winemaker and Owner

“Steve Tonella was born in Napa Valley and grew up living in Sonoma and Rutherford.
From an early age he worked in the vineyards with his father and grandfather. Enjoying the hot sun and helping in the vineyard by suckering vines (removing unwanted shoots) tying, training, and irrigating formed his early encounters in vineyards. He says he is amazed to have survived as the mode of transportation was the infamous 3-wheeler motorcycles that were accident prone and tipped easily.
Fast forward to the turn of the century when Steve began making wine and produced small quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon. College took him to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he earned a degree in Business Administration. After college, Steve entered the high-tech industry and quickly moved into sales leadership positions that took him around the world. Fluent in both Italian and Spanish, he’s lived and worked in Rome, Italy, and Barcelona, Spain, besides stints in England and Japan. During all his travels, the dream of cultivating Rutherford wine never left. After working across three continents, the time had come to resurrect the dream of producing Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon into a reality: The 2010 was the ‘first’ of many vintages to come.”

1st Course
Seared Sea Scallop
Asparagus, Crispy Prosciutto, Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Wine-S.R. Tonella Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
“Aromas on the nose start with citrusand savory ginger notes progressing to white peach with a whisper of vanillaspice. On the palate, a rewarding balance of luxurious texture creates just the right amount of intensity. Forward notes of ripe citrus, white peach and pleasant minerality evolve to a lengthy refreshing finish. “

2nd Course
Spinach Lasagna Bolognese
Bechamel, Arugula, Shaved Parmesan

Wine-S.R. Tonella Cellars Proprietory BDX’ Blend, Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Malbec
“Our Reserve BDXx Proprietary Blend expresses the complex harmony of luxurious mouthfeel, well rounded dark fruit & cocoa finalized by opulent lingering tannins”

Entrée
Grilled Beef Filet
Mashed Butternut Squash, Blue Cheese Butter, Roasted Tomato Beef Jus

Wine-S.R. Tonella Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford
“Simply complex. Opens with cassis, cherry, cocoa and juniper berry notes. Lively on the palate with evolving layers of red & black stone fruit, savory spices and vanilla. Rich, lush fine tannins give way to a lengthy finish of spices, juniper, mocha and whispers of minerality.”

Dessert
Coffee Zabaglione
Chocolate Biscotti, Blood Orange Whipped Cream

$85 per person