When I arrived at Tres Sabores, I could feel the excitement in the air. The vineyard looked gorgeous, dressed in those warm autumn colors that make this place so special. I’ve been here countless times as a wine club member, but there’s always a buzz during these events. We were greeted with a refreshing glass of Ingrid and Julia Rosé, beautifully garnished with pomegranate seeds, setting the perfect tone for the evening. The food was already cooking when we arrived, and the tantalizing smell of paella wafted across the vineyard, making my mouth water in anticipation.
Once everyone was checked in, the sound of clinking glasses signaled the start of toasts and speeches. Julie and Jon introduced their incredible team, setting the stage for what was to come.
With Tres Sabores feeling like a second home, I took a moment to sneak away and give some vegetable scraps to the resident goats. It’s a fun little tradition I enjoy, and those goats are always happy to see visitors.
When it was time for dinner, most of the tables were already full by the time we checked in. We asked to squeeze in at the end of an already full table, and the other guests, who turned out to be fellow club members living in St. Helena, happily made room for us. We quickly became fast friends, chatting the night away and sharing stories that made the evening even more enjoyable.
Dinner was served at stations, making it easy to explore the flavors of the evening. We enjoyed a delicious squash soup, savory empanadas, a taco bar, and of course, the highlight—paella prepared by ZuZu. Each dish celebrated the season and showcased local ingredients, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate. A highlight of the evening was sipping on the 2006 estate Cabernet and the 2016 Zinfandel, both of which perfectly complemented the meal.
As the night went on, the atmosphere got even more lively. One of the highlights was when Julie’s son took charge of the giant pomegranate piñata. It only took a few turns before it was whacked open, and then it was a mad dash to grab the coveted corks hiding among the chocolates and pomegranate-themed treats. The laughter and excitement as everyone scrambled for the goodies made for a perfect ending to the evening.
Afterward, the crush pad transformed into a dance floor with a live blues band. We danced the night away beside the big wine barrels, all under the glow of the nearly full moon. The combination of great music, wonderful company, and that magical setting made it impossible not to join in on the fun. It felt like the perfect way to celebrate the evening and all the moments we had shared.
Reflecting on the evening, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the sense of community that events like this foster. There’s something magical about gathering with fellow wine lovers and celebrating the harvest season together. It’s a reminder of the joy found in shared experiences, good food, and the vibrant energy of nature. As the night came to a close, I left Tres Sabores with a heart full of memories and a newfound appreciation for the bounty of the vineyard. Until the next celebration, I’ll be savoring every moment—and maybe even daydreaming about the next harvest party!
