Celebrate the Craft returned to The Lodge at Torrey Pines on April 27 with a showstopping display of California’s finest culinary and wine talent. Set on the scenic Arroyo Terrace, overlooking world-class golf greens and ocean vistas, the event brought together top chefs, food artisans and wineries for an unforgettable afternoon. All proceeds benefited The Ecology Center, adding purpose to the pleasure.
One of the most exciting highlights was reconnecting with Nickel & Nickel, part of the Far Niente Estates collection. It was a pleasure meeting winemaker Joe Harden, who just completed his eighth harvest. Before joining the wine industry, Harden played basketball for Notre Dame and professionally for the Santa Cruz Warriors and in Australia.
After completing the viticulture and enology program at UC Davis, he deepened his craft at Robert Mondavi’s prestigious To Kalon Vineyard. “I thought I’d understand winemaking in seven years, but now I say eight to ten,” he quipped.
Alongside John Rice, Far Niente Western Region sales manager, Harden poured the 2023 Truchard Chardonnay, layered with tropical fruit and a hint of brioche, plus three exceptional cabernet sauvignons. The 2022 C.C. Ranch from Rutherford was bold and juicy with raspberry and spice. The 2022 John C. Sullenger, grown just behind the winery in Oakville, opened with floral notes and evolved into complex dark fruit, tobacco and anise. The 2022 State Ranch impressed with wild berries, silky tannins and a mineral edge that promises beautiful aging.
From the wine glass to the plate, Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski of the SDCM group made a lasting impression. Known for his creative menus — Kettner Exchange earned Michelin Bib Gourmand accolades in 2019 and from 2021 through 2024 — Chef Brian brought serious flavor to the party. His Fire Roasted Duck Bao, elevated with cucumber, scallions, and hoisin sauce, was among the most crave-worthy dishes of the afternoon.
Another Michelin-starred moment came from Executive Chef Roberto Alcocer of Valle in Oceanside. Alcocer, who helms one of the only Michelin-starred restaurants in North County, served up cochinita pibil pork tacos garnished with pickled onions and edible flowers. The earthy, sweet pork, slow-cooked Yucatán style, was tender and beautifully balanced.
Daou Family Estates also impressed with their bold Paso Robles reds and luminous whites. Eryn Schnitzler, SoCal business development manager, and brand ambassador Tara Viola poured a lineup that included rosé, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay, as well as the 2022 Reserve Seventeen Forty, a powerhouse blend of four Bordeaux varietals. Named after the historic bell at DAOU that rings to mark harvests and personal milestones, this wine offered notes of blackberry, sage, mocha and silky tannins. Their 2022 Merlot was also a standout — lush, smooth, and quietly commanding.
We began our tasting journey with Chef Cameron Ingle. At the event, Chef Ingle prepared beef shishlik with tahini yogurt, served alongside an impressive lineup from ZD Wines. The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc delivered brightness and freshness, while the 2022 Chardonnay offered rich flavors of citrus and crème brûlée. The 2023 Founder’s Reserve Pinot Noir and 2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon reflected ZD’s signature balance, complexity and commitment to sustainable farming.
Niner Wine Estates of Paso Robles brought out their flagship Fog Catcher red blend, poured by national sales manager Tucker Spear. The 2021 vintage, a cuvée of cabernet sauvignon, malbec, and carménère, impressed with deep color, blue and black fruit notes, and a hint of sweet herbs. Aged in French oak for over two years, this wine is built to impress now and age gracefully for the next decade.
At the Vega Vineyard & Farm booth, Executive Chef Christopher Rossi offered a stunning display featuring tenderloin sashimi lollipops with curry fennel peppers and cauliflower. Winemaker Steve Clifton poured two crisp whites — Albariño and Malvasia Bianca — alongside a Barbera and Dal Prato red blend. Located in Santa Ynez, Vega’s combination of estate wines, a farm-to-table restaurant and lodging at a historic adobe makes it an enticing destination to visit in person.
Celebrate the Craft lived up to its name, serving as a joyful gathering of California’s most talented vintners and chefs in one of the state’s most scenic coastal locations. Whether sipping a powerful Napa cab or savoring a bao bun with a view, this year’s event reminded us that the true spirit of California cuisine lies in its connection to land, craft and community. And for wine and food lovers, there’s simply no better place to be.
— Story by Rico Cassoni
Rico Cassoni is executive producer for Taste of Wine and Food. He and Founder/Advisor Frank Mangio, a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator, are two of the leading reviewers on the web. Reach them at [email protected].
