Harvest, history, wine and the Sonoma Coast seascape
Around here, most locals know that one of the best times of the year to visit the Sonoma Coast is in autumn.
“During July and August there are foggy days, but in fall, the pattern shifts,” said Sarah Sweedler, president/CEO of Fort Ross Conservancy. Mild days with a break from wind and fog, embellished by miles of glistening water, dramatic cliff lines and breathtaking sunsets have a way of soothing the soul like only the ocean can.
Add to all the natural wonder a bountiful harvest from the Sonoma Coast, and blissful foodies just might be attracted to the area like bees to honey. Each year the Fort Ross Harvest Festival grows in popularity, with about 2,000 people making the trek to the Russian-era settlement perched atop the coastal bluffs in Jenner. “The low-key event is a great way to acknowledge seasonal change in a beautiful setting,” said Sweedler.
Fort Ross, established in 1812, is now a California Historical State Park, and plenty of dedicated experts will be on hand to share the rich history of the settlement at the 2013 Fort Ross Harvest Festival that will take place on Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.
Bringing the Past to Life
Featuring apple harvesting in the historic orchard, interpretive talks by experts on the historic orchard, a working demonstration of a replica Russian-style windmill and information on the Alaskan marine history, the event is likely to please on a multitude of sensory and intellectual levels.
Plenty of song and dance will aid in the celebration of yet another bountiful harvest in this unique corner of West Sonoma County. In addition to Eastern European artists and musicians, a performance by the Su-Nu-Nu-Shinal Kashaya Pomo Dancers is likely to delight guests. “The Pomo presence is a very important part of Fort Ross History,” said Sweedler, who is grateful for the dancers and their willingness to share elements of the local Native American culture.
Kids activities, including historic crafts and horse and wagon rides, make this a good event for the whole family. Heirloom apples, apple cider, apple baked goods, local cheese and food trucks selling seasonal fare will be on hand.
New Fort Ross-Seaview
Wine Fest Luncheon and Tasting
But the Fort Ross Harvest Festival wouldn’t be complete without celebrating the Fort Ross-Seaview winegrape crop. New to the Fort Ross Harvest Festival is the Fort Ross-Seaview Wine Festival. “It’s a celebration of 14 years of long, hard and consistent work,” said Linda Schwartz of Fort Ross Vineyard and Winery, who helped the area to gain its recent recognition as an American Viticulture Area (AVA).
The Fort Ross-Seaview Wine Festival will feature a luncheon at noon and wine tasting from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Those attending the Fort Ross Harvest Festival ($15 per person) will have the opportunity to purchase entrance to the wine tasting on the day of the event for an additional $20 per person. Tickets to both the Fort Ross Harvest Festival and the wine tasting can be purchased in advance for $35 through the Evenbrite website (www.event brite.com).
Lunch tickets, however, are available by advance purchase only and will be all-inclusive, meaning those who purchase a lunch ticket for $95 will have entry to the wine tasting tent, harvest events, and parking/ state entrance fees.
Starring Regional Flavors
It won’t be an average lunch as local chefs have labored to put together a menu highlighting a multitude of star flavors from the region. Liya and Andrew Truong of Terrapin Creek Restaurant in Bodega Bay decided to go the soup route, a favorite feel-good comfort food enjoyed often at the coast. Each carefully planned dish will be balanced with choice wine selections from the region.
“We found that the earthiness and richness of the potato cheese soup really complements the buttery flavor of the 2006 Martinelli Three Sisters Vineyard Chardonnay. We also used Estero Gold Cheese (in the soup), an aged cow milk cheese, that is made locally by the Valley Ford Cheese Company to represent some of the wonderful cheesemakers in our area,” said the Truongs, who are honored to be a part of the Fort Ross Harvest Festival.
But the soup is just one contribution to the lunch that will also include a creation from Chef Jeff Riley of the Duck Club at the Bodega Bay Lodge and more. Riley will be preparing wild King Salmon on creamed organic spinach with organic delicata squash and tarragon-laced fresh breadcrumbs, paired with 2009 Fort Ross Reserve Pinot Noir.
Barbara Hom, executive chef of the Fort Ross Vineyard, will also be on board with a five-star anise tea-smoked Liberty Duck breast with cherry berry sauce, forbidden rice, corn and butternut squash pilaf, paired with 2010 Del Dotto Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast. The meal, of course, would not be complete without dessert – and Pastry Chef Jenny Malicki will have that covered, presenting the finishing touch of an apple and pear galette with salted caramel sauce.
“I think the new partnership is a good one,” said Sweedler about the Fort Ross-Seaview Wine Festival and luncheon addition. Organizers are looking forward to a mixed demographic that will help a diverse group learn about both Fort Ross Historical State Park and the new Fort Ross-Seaview AVA.
For details about the harvest festival, visit www.fortross.org or call 707-847-3437. The Fort Ross Harvest Festival was underwritten by Renova Fort Ross Foundation (www.fortrossfoundation.org). Fort Ross State Park is located at 19005 Coast Highway, Jenner, CA 95450.
