Dig Truffles? A Foodie’s Guide with Winery Truffle Lunch at Pine Ridge Vineyards

Dig Truffles? A Foodie’s Guide with Winery Truffle Lunch at Pine Ridge Vineyards

Come on an adventure, a day-long journey of gastronomy, fun science, truffle dog demonstration, wine and, of course, lots and lots of extraordinary truffle cuisine with world-class experts as your guides. Few opportunities in the world allow you to immerse yourself in all things truffle, and we’re thrilled to invite you to join us for this full-day truffle experience that will excite all of your senses!

Begin your day in true Napa style at the Westin Verasa Napa with a glass of sparkling wine in hand as you interact with international Michelin star/master chefs in a rare up-close and personal exchange. Before they dive into a weekend of creating culinary magic, hear about their passion and secrets for cooking with truffles. Then savor bites of black truffle canapé while learning how to select, store and prepare them with Michelin starred Chef Ken Frank of La Toque. Discover surprisingly interesting and fun facts about truffles and truffle hunting with world-renowned truffle scientist Prof. Paul Thomas of American Truffle Company^® (did someone say “Sex and Truffles”?), and CPDT-KA certified truffle dog trainer Alana McGee.

Interactive Truffle Experience

Do you know the difference between black and white truffles? How about between European and native North American truffle species? Would you be able to discern them by sight or smell alone? Let American Truffle Company^®’s Chief Truffle Officer Robert Chang guide you as you see, smell and touch a variety of truffles, and experience for yourself why some people love the Italian white truffle, while others prefer the Périgord black. Comparing against real truffles, you’ll uncover the limitations of synthetic truffle products like truffle oil and truffle salt, often used on truffle popcorn and truffle fries. Pair all this delicious information with delectable truffle bites prepared by our all-star chefs.

Cave Experience at Pine Ridge Vineyards

Come and experience highly rated world-class wines in the spectacular European-style underground cave at Pine Ridge Vineyards! This miles-long intricate set of caves is an integral part of Pine Ridge’s winemaking process. Here, you’ll have tastings of Pine Ridge’s sophisticated and truffle-friendly wines, along with passed truffle appetizers!

Truffle Dog Demonstration

No truffle immersion is complete without truffle dogs. With your glass of wine in hand, you’re invited into the vineyards at Pine Ridge for a rousing dog training demo (petting encouraged!). Find out how truffle dogs are trained to unearth only mature truffles. See the highly trained truffle dogs in action as they sniff out and pinpoint truffles hidden underground, normally undetectable by humans. Brush up on your Italian, as some of our truffle dogs were born and bred in Italy and only understand Italian!

Winery Truffle Lunch

This delectable multi-course lunch will be prepared by a duo of star chefs, including guest Chef Raphael Lunetta of Santa Monica’s Lunetta and Lunetta All Day, as well as Host Chef Ken Frank of La Toque. Every course features fresh truffles paired with Pine Ridge’s most exclusive wines. Immerse yourself in the full pleasure of decadent courses covered in truffles and served with exquisite wines in a quintessential winery cave setting! This is Napa Valley at its finest!

What’s more, the winners of the day’s truffle identification contest will have a chance to take home a fresh whole Périgord black truffle!

This event is open to 21+ guests only.