For those who couldn’t attend, the recent wine dinner was a delightful exploration of wine, history, and storytelling. The evening featured a deep dive into the fascinating background of The Prisoner wines, paired with carefully curated dishes.

The presentation began with an introduction to The Prisoner wine brand from Ryan Shepherd. While there is no dedicated vineyard for The Prisoner, the grapes are sourced from over 120 independent farmers across California, including Napa and Sonoma. This approach enables the use of unique and diverse varietals, creating complex and memorable blends.

We learned about the brand’s founder, Dave Phinney, and his unlikely journey into winemaking. From a college political science major disillusioned with law, to discovering a love for wine during a study-abroad trip to Florence, Dave’s story is as unconventional as his wines. His early work at Robert Mondavi Winery shaped his path, and his perseverance eventually led to the creation of The Prisoner Red Blend in 2000. Despite initial skepticism due to its bold label and blend, the wine became a massive success, evolving into the cult favorite it is today.

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a lineup of exceptional wines, along with thoughtful food pairings, entertaining anecdotes, and an exclusive raffle featuring winery-only wines. It was a cozy celebration of fine wine, good company, and the artistry behind every bottle.

Thank you to The Prisoner Wine Company, and everyone who came out and joined us for this special event!

The Food:

Baked Brie Salad
Vitruvian Farms greens, brie cheese, phyllo,
assorted stone fruit, toasted pistachio nuts,
honey balsamic dressing

Duck Cassoulet
Duck confit, braised cannellini beans,
pancetta, chorizo and andouille sausage

Wagyu Steak
Cast iron Wagyu steak, oyster mushrooms,
grilled asparagus, heritage roasted
potatoes, grilled chive oil & cabernet gastrique

Fall Tree Fruit
A pastry shell filled with a medley of tree fruit