Cavallo Point, ranked among the “Top 5 Resorts in the U.S” by Travel + Leisure, today announced the exciting lineup of acclaimed chefs, esteemed sommeliers, premier wineries and memorable events slated for the Sixth Annual Lexus Culinary Classic, taking place at Cavallo Point August 27-29. The exclusive culinary celebration, held in partnership with Lexus and Napa Valley Vintners, brings together 12 chefs and 11 vintners over the course of three days—celebrating the finest food and wine—from farm to field and vineyard to ocean.
This culinary celebration presents eight distinctive experiences, including multi-course menus, intimate, hands-on cooking demonstrations and an evening at the highly exclusive Skywalker Ranch. The weekend begins with an unforgettable, multi-course farm-to-table meal prepared by Lexus Culinary Master Stephanie Izard and culminates in the Sunday Lexus Grand Tasting. Guests are invited to join any or all of the weekend’s one-of-a-kind food and wine experiences, with signature dishes by acclaimed chefs from 10 Lexus Hotel Partners complemented by premier wines from Lexus Ambassador Scott Pruett and leading California vintners. Beyond the exceptional culinary events, the weekend also includes special guests Lexus Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy and professional artist Lucinda Eubanks.
In addition to the epicurean events, the Lexus Driving Experience enhances the weekend with an exhilarating drive from Cavallo Point, winding past some of the country’s most idyllic scenery. Guests can add to the inspiring experience by slipping into the driver’s seat or riding along as a passenger for the complimentary 30-minute drive.
Across the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito, just minutes from San Francisco, Cavallo Point is the perfect place to savor nature, nurture, culture and adventure, along with fine cuisine. The Lexus Culinary Classic presents several event ticket purchasing options, with individual event tickets available for purchase. This year, guests also have the option to purchase a full Weekend Package, with single-ticket access to five signature events throughout the weekend, including the Farm-to-Table Opening Night Dinner, The Lexus Oyster Experience, Basque and Indulge Skywalker dinner and Lexus Grand Tasting. Guests will also have the option to choose between attending the Pruett Wine Tasting or Wine and Watercolor, which run concurrently. Exclusive à la carte tickets are also available to attend Refined Rustic Bourbon Tasting and Dinner. The Weekend Package represents a 10% savings off the total ticket price for all five signature events (pricing varies based on selection of either the Pruett Wine Tasting or Wine and Watercolor experience).
The schedule of events is as follows:
Friday, August 27
Farm to Table: The Power of Food 6:00 – 9:00 PM | Mission Blue Chapel, Cavallo Point Ticket Price: $225
The weekend begins with an opening-night dinner that invites guests on an immersive journey revealing the process behind the farm-to-table movement. We’ve heard “Farm to Table” many times before, but how often do we actually see where our food comes from?
The evening will begin with an hour-long reception, followed by a four-course meal focused on a variety of sustainably sourced and creatively inspired cuisine prepared by Lexus Culinary Master Stephanie Izard and Lexus Hotel Partner Chefs Anthony Cole (Chatham Bars Inn) and Jim Leiken (Bardessono). Chef Stephanie will speak to the importance of mindful eating and prepare unique dishes with food that came fresh from local farms, directly to your table. The dinner will be paired with curated wines selected by Lexus Culinary Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy of Napa’s Heitz Cellars. After enjoying wines of intrigue, varietal expression and regional character, guests will be treated to a decadent dessert for the final course.
Saturday, August 28
Lexus Ride and Drive 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM The Lexus Oyster Experience 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM |Mission Blue Lawn Featured: Chefs Pablo Mellin (Pebble Beach), Anthony Cole (Chatham Bars Inn) Ticket Price: $180
Celebrate an afternoon with family or friends under an open-air cabana on the lawn at Cavallo Point. Join a lively and entertainment-filled cooking demonstration, with a hands-on introduction and tutorial on how to shuck the oysters by Chefs Anthony Cole (Chatham Bars Inn) and Pablo Mellin (Pebble Beach). Then, mingle with fellow guests and indulge in seafood dishes prepared by each chef that are signature to their properties. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon of stunning views, fresh oysters and Champagne to pair!
Pruett Vineyards Tasting: A Syrah Series Vertical 3:00 – 4:00 PM | Cavallo Point, Verbena A Featured: Lexus Ambassador Scott Pruett and Chef Michael Garcia (Cavallo Point) Ticket Price: $125
First established in 1848 during the Gold Rush, the Sierra Foothills had more acres planted in wine grapes than Napa and Sonoma combined. Though Prohibition led to the end of this, Hall of Fame race car driver and Lexus Ambassador Scott Pruett, along with his wife Judy, took a gamble by establishing Pruett Vineyard in this little-known wine region. It was no secret this was Scott’s passion, and he wanted to do the work, from establishing the vineyards in 2007 to making the wines. Championship Cuvee is their flagship Estate Syrah, named to pay homage to the many championships Scott has won. From the first release in 2011, thru the present 2016, they have consistently scored in the top three for all California Syrah’s, according to Wine Spectator. Join Scott Pruett for this one-of-a-kind vertical tasting. Guests will have the opportunity to taste the 2012 - 2015 Championship Cuvee from the Pruett Library Collection, now unavailable to the general public. Learn how each year posed unique challenges to the outcome of this varietal and hear stories of Scott’s journey from velocity to viticulture while also enjoying delectable bites prepared by Chef Michael Garcia (Cavallo Point).
Wine and Watercolor 3:00 – 4:00 PM | Cavallo Point, Mission Blue Lawn Featured: Professional Artist, Lucinda Eubanks, and Napa Valley Vintners Ticket Price: $95
Let the wine and creative juices flow in this unique Wine and Watercolor class offered exclusively to Lexus Culinary Classic guests. Professional artist Lucinda Eubanks will join Napa Valley Vintners to curate an experience fit for all. With a glass of wine in hand and views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge, the world is your canvas. Lucinda Eubanks will guide guests through techniques that will allow anyone the opportunity to be an artist for the day. Cavallo Point will provide smocks, and each participant will go home with their own unique work of art.
Basque and Indulge: A Tribute to Spain 5:30 – 10:00 PM | Summit at Skywalker Ranch, Lucas Valley, Marin Featured chefs: Chefs Bernard Ibarra (Terranea Resort), Sebastien Archambault (Rosewood Mansion) and Ryan Rupp (Skywalker Ranch) Ticket Price: $299
Travel in a chauffeured luxury Lexus vehicle from Cavallo Point to the very exclusive Summit Skywalker Ranch, for an intimate trip to the Basque region of Spain. Nestled in a private enclave in Marin County, Summit Skywalker Ranch is a 25-minute drive from Cavallo Point and an elevated retreat for invited guests only. Toast the night away during an hour-long reception at the winery, then move inside for a Franco-Spanish inspired four-course dinner. Indulge in an array of flavors while you experience new ingredients and techniques of the French and Spanish regions. Preparing the special meal are Chefs Bernard Ibarra (Terranea Resort), Sebastien Archambault (Rosewood Mansion) and Ryan Rupp (Summit Skywalker Ranch). The dinner will feature specialties harvested from the property alongside Skywalker Vineyard wines. Guests will depart with a Lexus gift bag that includes small, luscious treats from each participating Hotel Partner.
Guests are asked to arrive promptly at Cavallo Point by 5:30 p.m. and check in at the Art Gallery. All guests will be transported in luxury Lexus vehicles to and from the event.
A Refined Rustic Bourbon Tasting and Dinner 6:00 – 9:00 PM | Cavallo Point, Cooking Demonstration Kitchen Featured chefs: Chefs Angela Tamura (Pebble Beach), Joey Edwards (Blackberry Mountain) and Krystal Swenson (Paws Up) Ticket Price: $180
“Sip” back and relax during this indulgent cooking demonstration and dinner. Explore the perfect combination of the rich, smooth flavors of bourbon and discover how it pairs with the smoky and succulent flavors of many different cuisines! The event begins with a welcome bourbon cocktail followed by an interactive cooking demonstration. A trio of featured hotel chefs will walk you through how they use special techniques to prepare their dishes. The demo is followed by a curated bourbon tasting, each paired course by course. Come join Chefs Angela Tamura (Pebble Beach), Joey Edwards (Blackberry Mountain) and Krystal Swenson (Resort at Paws Up) for a three-course meal crafted to perfection.
Sunday, August 29 Lexus Grand Tasting 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Session 1) | 1:00 – 2:30 PM (Session 2) | Callippe Room, Cavallo Point Ticket Price: $85
The weekend festivities culminate in spectacular fashion at the Lexus Grand Tasting, featuring thirteen Lexus Hotel Partner chefs from around the country and vintners from the acclaimed wine-growing regions of Napa Valley and Marin. This exclusive culinary adventure invites you to nibble, nosh and sip on special offerings that showcase America’s finest chefs and premier California wineries. While seated, guests will have the opportunity to meet the chefs and wineries as they rotate throughout the event to speak to their craft. The event will conclude with an outdoor reception at Cavallo Point’s stunning setting overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, creating an experience that is sure to be memorable.
For more information about the event, tickets and packages, please visit LexusCulinaryClassic.com.
