July 19, 2007

By Dan Clarke

Many Americans would remember Fred MacMurray as the patriarch of the Douglas family, a role he played in the 1960s on the television show My Three Sons. Older folks—or those who watch Turner Classic Movies—will know him as a fine movie actor whose career spanned several decades.

Setting at MacMurray Ranch couldn't have been prettier.

This past weekend those Sonoma County Vintners presented TASTE of Sonoma County at the site of MacMurray’s ranch on Westside Road. The actor passed away in 1991, but his name is becoming known to newer generations who’ve tried the wines of MacMurray Ranch, a Gallo family winery. In fact, the actor’s daughter, Kate MacMurray, was on hand both Saturday and Sunday to give talks on the history of the property.
 

It’s likely that most—if not all—of those attending this centerpiece of the annual Sonoma County Showcase were there for the wonderful food and wine, rather than to visit the former home MacMurray. But the location couldn’t have been more beautiful—a meadow in the hills of western Sonoma County. Arriving guests charged their glasses with Gloria Ferrer sparkling wines at the “Bubble Lounge,” where they could also have a taste of sushi from Ken Tominaga of Hana Japanese and Go Fish. Opportunities for diversion abounded, but most of the action was under four open-sided tents—each one pouring the vinous products of a Sonoma wine region; Russian River, Alexander Valley, Sonoma Valley and Dry Creek Valley.

As parties go, it was splendid, but there were opportunities to learn as well as drink and nosh. Demonstrations and informal classes and lectures were all around. The event was well-attended, but not too well-attended and no one had to wait long for tastes of wine, nor tastes of some of the great food prepared from Sonoma County chefs. It’s likely that most of the guests were from Northern California, but not all. I heard one couple discussing the unfortunate circumstances in Indiana (presumably their home) where restaurants hadn’t yet caught on to the practice of pairing good sparkling wines with their sushi. Though not many Midwesterners would come west for such a weekend, it was a great event and worth a bit of travel to participate.

Casteñeda’s Marketplace from Windsor put the finishing touches on a fine paella.	Weber demonstrated grilling of American lamb with these meatballs and later with a leg of lamb.

Taster get information about great Pinot Noirs from Hartford Family Wines.	Santi of Geyserville brought pork. Chef Dino Bugica assured all that he knew the names of all the pigs who provided the meat for the party.

Editor’s note: Information about the events of the annual Sonoma County Showcase can be found at www.sonomawine.com/showcase. Those planning on visiting the area can access links to hundreds of lodging and dining opportunities at the Resource Directory of Taste California Travel (see North Coast listings). Also in the Resource Directory are links to the websites of nearly all California’s wineries.