Hotel Casa del Mar celebrates exceptional female vintners from around the world with its Women in Wine series, honoring their craft, leadership and contributions to the wine industry. Launched on June 5 with an inaugural winemaker dinner featuring Heidi von der Mehden of Arrowood Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma Valley, the series continues through the fall of 2014 with a mix of tastings, receptions and multi-course dinners that showcase wines made by women.
The Women in Wine program pairs intimate education with enjoyment: guests meet the winemakers, taste a curated selection of wines, and enjoy thoughtfully paired food in elegant settings. Events are designed for both wine enthusiasts and those new to tasting, offering insight into winemaking styles, regional differences and the personal stories behind each label.
Highlights on the calendar include:
Grand Tasting and Reception with Kate MacMurray, Tara Gomez, and Sara Gott (June 25): Attendees will taste three Californian wines crafted by female winemakers — Kate MacMurray of MacMurray Ranch, Tara Gomez of Kitá Wines, and Sarah Gott of Joel Gott Wines. The trio will lead an approachable reception-style tasting, where passed hors d’oeuvres are paired with each wine selection. Live music by the Jasmine Tommaso Trio sets an inviting atmosphere. Tickets are priced at $65 per person.
Winemaker Dinner with Kathryn Hall (Sept. 15): Kathryn Hall, vintner for Hall and Walt Wineries, brings more than three decades of experience in the California wine industry to this special evening. In addition to her extensive career as a winemaker and vintner, Hall served as United States Ambassador to Austria from 1997 to 2001, where she promoted American wine across Europe. At this seated four-course dinner, she will present a selection of wines from her Napa and Sonoma estates paired with a chef-designed menu. Tickets are $160 per person.
Beyond ticketed events, Hotel Casa del Mar spotlights women winemakers across its dining outlets. Catch, Terrazza and the Lounge at Casa each feature a dedicated wine list that highlights producers led by female winemakers. These lists include options by the glass and carafe, and feature international selections such as Trimbach Estate, Bodega Catena Zapata and Argiolas Winery, alongside notable California estates. The curated lists give guests the chance to explore a range of styles and regions while dining at the hotel.
The Women in Wine series is part of Hotel Casa del Mar’s broader commitment to thoughtful, hospitality-driven programming that connects guests with creators and producers. By centering female winemakers, the hotel provides a platform for voices that have shaped modern winemaking and encourages discovery of wines that embody both tradition and innovation.
Whether attending a reception, an intimate dinner, or sampling a glass at one of the hotel’s restaurants, guests can expect knowledgeable presentations from the winemakers, well-paired culinary offerings, and an atmosphere that fosters conversation and enjoyment. The series is ideal for those seeking to deepen their understanding of wine while celebrating the achievements of women in the industry.
For those interested in related reading and wine experiences, consider exploring features on regional wine cultures and small producers to complement the insights gained at Casa del Mar’s Women in Wine events.
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