Kascadia Winemakers Dinner

With immense passion, planning, and meticulous execution, the team at Tasting House restaurant in Los Gatos, California and Kascadia Wine Merchants launched Kascadia Wine’s very first winemakers dinner, an extraordinary culinary event that brought together the finest in wine and cuisine. 

Photo: Phantom Creek Wine Director Mark Beringer, Chef Julian Silvera, Spearhead Winemaker Grant Stanley

At the heart of this remarkable evening were four expertly crafted courses prepared by the award-winning Executive Chef Julian Silvera, each perfectly paired with exceptional wines from two renowned wineries, Phantom Creek Estate and Spearhead Winery, both hailing from the Okanagan Valley of Canada. 

The highlight of the evening was the presence of the winemakers themselves, who shared their expertise and insights with guests. Leading the charge in the first course was Mark Beringer, a true luminary in the industry and a descendant of one of the most iconic wine families in Napa Valley history. As the great-great-great grandson of the founders of Beringer Vineyards, Beringer was quite literally born into the world of wine, and he now brings that vast wealth of knowledge and experience to Phantom Creek, a staggeringly impressive $100 million estate that is quickly making waves in the global wine scene. Beringer spoke of the meticulous attention to detail that goes into crafting Phantom Creek's exceptional offerings, which are now available for purchase in the US. 

The evening also featured the award-winning creations of Grant Stanley, the talented winemaker from Spearhead Winery. Spearhead recently earned the prestigious title of 'Winery of the Year' at the 2024 National Wine Awards of Canada, a testament to the incredible quality and craftsmanship that Stanley brings to each and every bottle. Guests were captivated as he shared the unique terroir and techniques that ingrain Spearhead's wines with their remarkable depth and complexity. 

Complementing the exceptional wines was a four-course menu that showcased the culinary artistry of Executive Chef Julian Silvera. Hailing from New York City, Silvera honed his skills at the Michelin-starred Knife & Spoon in Florida before bringing his talents to Tasting House. With a passionate focus on sustainability and a commitment to sourcing the freshest, most hyper-local ingredients, Silvera crafted a menu that delighted the senses and perfectly accentuated the nuances of the featured wines. From start to finish, the winemakers dinner was a triumph of collaboration, creativity, and a shared dedication to elevating the art of food and wine. A heartfelt thank you to all who participated in making this evening sensational! 

Patrons were greeted with a glass of 13th Street Sparkling Rosé upon arrival, before nestling into their seats for dinner.

First Course
2020 Phantom Creek Pinot Gris
Halibut: ginger orange gelee, jicama, bee pollen

Second Course
2021 Spearhead Golden Retreat Pinot Noir
Hay smoked chicken: cherry and earl grey compress, early grey tuile, mushroom cherry

 

Third Course
2019 Phantom Creek Petit Cuvee
Hanger Steak with balsamic ash: sunchoke puree

 

Fourth Course (Dessert)
2022 Spearhead Riesling
Jasmine panna cotta: lime gel, lemon zest