![A fork in the wine road](https://cdn.magzter.com/1387283240/1662474264/articles/Wro95egM11663578206714/A-FORK-IN-THE-WINE-ROAD.jpg)
Not long ago the cheese and charcuterie board was considered the gold standard for a high-end wine tasting experience. Today, wineries in California’s Napa and Sonoma Counties are bringing wine and food pairings to a new level, offering multi-course tasting menus in private settings embellished with fine linens, stemware and bespoke service to showcase premium cuvée wines at their best.
All 10 experiences recommended here feature food and wine but no two are the same, differing in everything from the style to the setting. What they do have in common (aside from being a marvellous way to enjoy wine country) is an emphasis on the wine, first and foremost, and using carefully prepared food to enhance it.
‘You can get cheese and charcuterie anywhere in wine country,’ says Hamel Family Wines executive chef Clinton Huntsman. ‘It’s not special any more. It is much more meaningful to show guests our wines with an experience that has a true dinner-party feel.’
Hamel Family Wines
RESERVE EXPERIENCE
15401 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, CA 95476
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![Wine wisdom](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5165/1653379/nztMo1avH1712665113391/WINE-WISDOM.jpg)
Wine wisdom
Our regular learning section helps you get more from your glass
![Around ABRUZZO](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5165/1653379/EhDOH7_E71712663487378/AROUND-ABRUZZO.jpg)
Around ABRUZZO
A stunning, under-explored, year-round destination with an extraordinary natural setting, Abruzzo’s appeal lies in its rustic villages and a sunny-natured, hospitable local character
![UMBRIA A wine lover's guide](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5165/1653379/id6pNU5B21712662821134/UMBRIA-A-WINE-LOVERS-GUIDE.jpg)
UMBRIA A wine lover's guide
In the heart of Italy lies an undulating landscape dotted with hilltop villages and draped with olive groves, where winemakers are breathing new life into long-neglected indigenous grape varieties
![Lessons in LAMBRUSCO](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5165/1653379/vZTuBZKPZ1712662549347/LESSONS-IN-LAMBRUSCO.jpg)
Lessons in LAMBRUSCO
Coming from the same region of northern Italy as some of the world’s most famous names in food, the wide range of Lambrusco wines provide ample scope for complementing meals both local and international, while refreshing the palate, too
![Sustainable cocktails THE FUTURE?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5165/1653379/N-2SpGm9q1712662195050/SUSTAINABLE-COCKTAILS-THE-FUTURE.jpg)
Sustainable cocktails THE FUTURE?
In every industry, it's pretty much the hottest topic right now, but what does the S-word mean when it comes to cocktail-making? Leading experts give us their take and share eco-conscious recipes to replicate at home
![VENTOUX AOC The rising star of the Rhône](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5165/1653379/1-IqzxSKN1712662005479/VENTOUX-AOC-THE-RISING-STAR-OF-THE-RHNE.jpg)
VENTOUX AOC The rising star of the Rhône
The Southern Rhone appellation is emerging as a community-led force of innovation and sustainability.
![Polkadraai Hills](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5165/1653379/c57VXa9651712661155824/POLKADRAAI-HILLS.jpg)
Polkadraai Hills
This lesser-known corner of South Africa’s Stellenbosch region is starting to turn heads, thanks to its special soils and a close-knit community of talented young winemakers
![BY FARR](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5165/1653379/_0i33cXNS1712660706963/BY-FARR.jpg)
BY FARR
The enigmatic Nick Farr, of Australia's celebrated By Farr winery, is famously reluctant to entertain the wine media or submit samples for tasting. So we jumped at an opportunity to visit the family estate in Geelong to taste some of the country's most sought-after Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
![Brunello di Montalcino 2019: 30 picks from a 5-star vintage](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5165/1653379/9ysdLT92u1712659748724/BRUNELLO-DI-MONTALCINO-2019-30-PICKS-FROM-A-5STAR-VINTAGE.jpg)
Brunello di Montalcino 2019: 30 picks from a 5-star vintage
It's a vintage to bring cheer to Tuscany lovers' hearts, and the first of what is being billed as a strong run of three to come. The successful 2019 Brunello wines offer richness, balance and immediate appeal while also managing to avoid excess
![Brunello di Montalcino 2019](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5165/1653379/f-77XJVuZ1712659482513/BRUNELLO-DI-MONTALCINO-2019.jpg)
Brunello di Montalcino 2019
It's a vintage to bring cheer to Tuscany lovers' hearts, and the first of what is being billed as a strong run of three to come. The successful 2019 Brunello wines offer richness, balance and immediate appeal while also managing to avoid excess