Posted by: hannaheath on 03/14/2008 08:53 PM
Updated by: hannaheath on 03/14/2008 08:53 PM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
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St. Patrick's Dinner at Irish Vineyards ~By Hanna Heath
Vallecito, CA….The hammered dulcimer played by Scott Williams was the perfect backdrop for the eloquently relaxing evening at Irish Vineyards in Vallecito. Irish Vineyards held their fourth annual St. Patrick ’s Day dinner in their creatively decorated tasting room at 2849 Highway 4. Dinner was prepared and served by Tallahan’s Café in Arnold. Authentic Irish appetizers and entrées were served to many wine club members……
70 wine club members joined the Irish family in the release of their newly historically created wines. In 1998, the Irish family left the Valley in pursuit of their dreams, hoping to find a quaint location where they could raise their children and build a winery. The small town of Vallecito had both, and the historic Batten house became the foundation on which this dream would grow. The Batten farmhouse, built in 1867, offered the family a new beginning, and the 8.3 acres was the perfect place to plant grapes and start their winery.
A long journey has brought the Irish family to hold this traditional dinner event since 2004. “This is by fare the best dinner yet, the authentic food is outstanding and the musician is one of a kind,” shared winery owner Russ Irish.
Tonight’s music included the hammered dulcimer, a very unusual and international instrument. Originating in the Middle East, English soldiers brought the instrument back to England during the Crusades about 1000 years ago. In England, it became known as a hammered dulcimer and it made its way throughout many parts of Europe.
Born in Delaware and raised in Maryland, Scoot Williams took up the hammered dulcimer after a spontaneous purchase of one at the Maryland Renaissance festival. A few months later, he was playing Christmas carols for the family church Christmas Eve service, a tradition that has endured for fifteen years.
The menu prepared for tonight’s dinners included: crab cakes, spinach salad, roast breast of duck, roast potatoes and beans, along with bailey cake for dessert. Dinner was topped off with various wines and champagne provided by Irish Vineyards. “The crab cakes are wow, wonderful,” shared Nadine Irish mother of Russ Irish.
“I enjoy coming to this event, because it is the weekend kick off. It’s a relaxing event and it creates that Irish Day’s feeling,” shared wine member Erik Neilsen. “My son tries his hardest to make this event enjoyable and comfortable for his guest, and I think he’s doing a wonderful job,” says Jim Irish father of Russ Irish.
If you are interested in becoming a wine club member visit www.irishvineyards.com for more information.
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