Becker Vineyard Luncheon ~ still day two

The main purpose for my trip to Texas was to visit Becker Vineyard and attend the luncheon.

I have known Dr. Becker for over 5 years but had never met him.  I happened to be randomly searching for somewhere to go and things to do when I landed on Doc's Vineyard website.  I had seen the Lavender Festival event but due to work and my guys traveling, didn't think the timing was right.  Then I noticed the luncheon, after reading what the luncheon entailed....well......I just had to go.

.......continuation from day two ~ 

After breakfast at Sugar and Smoke and a stroll through town, we were ready to find our way to Becker Vineyard.

We didn't need directions to the vineyard as we saw the sign as we were driving to Fredricksburg and it was less than 30 minutes from our hotel.

The wind had started to die down and it was turning out to be a really nice day.

We found the turn off to the vineyard.  It's a narrow dirt road and we drove for a bit and then.... we started to see the beautiful vines so we knew we were headed the right way.




Once we drove down the narrow dirt road for a bit we saw the vineyard sign, turned right and then saw where cars where parked and found a spot and parked.

When we got out we saw this beautiful building.  There were two buildings so we weren't quite sure which one. We still had time figure out where to go so we weren't concerned.

We were excited to see what was in store for us but first wanted to take in the beautiful scenery.




Living in the city, it was nice for us girls to get away to kickback and relax... and we were ready!

There was a gentleman directing people arriving to see if  they were there for the luncheon.

The building is so beautiful and impressive we couldn't wait to see what it would be like inside!  I SO appreciate and love architecture.

I think we both oooh'd and aaaah'd all the way inside.
 ~ lol




And it didn't stop once we got inside either.

The tasting room is absolutely breath taking.  From the wood beamed ceiling, chandeliers, the tasting bar, the hard wood floor and the beautiful heavy bookcases used to display the wines, herbs, lavender products and SO much more!

I've been in tasting rooms before but WOW ~ could not get over how gorgeous it was.





When we walked up to the tasting bar, they were showcasing wines that would be part of the luncheon such as Cuvaison, Llano, Hogue, Spellbound (which is Mondavi) along with some Becker Vineyard wines and more.

We enjoyed walking around the tasting room looking at the wines that Becker Vineyard has and the lavender products that they have. OH!! I forgot to mention that they have a lavender field.  In fact a few weeks before the luncheon they had a lavender festival.





They grow 4 different types of lavender's.  Hoping to make a trip next year for the festival!

Enjoyed the tasting and found a few wines that we liked that we made notes on.

The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable.  It for sure was what we were looking for ~ nice, relaxing, no worries and spending time together doing something we both love.

While we were watching people mingling and enjoying their wines, I heard a voice that I recognized.
It was Dr. Becker's!!

He was standing right next to me talking to a gentleman.
I didn't want to be rude and interrupt, so I patiently waited and was able to finally meet the man that I had sent on so many trips to do research for wines, vineyards and lavenders.

We chatted a bit and I let him get back to his guests.
It was such an honor and privilege to finally meet Doc.




We just finished tasting  Ilano Estacado
Tempranillo 2010 ~ mmmmm...(was SO good), when Bunny (Doc's wife) made an announcement for all those there for the luncheon to migrate over to the Lavender Haus to begin the luncheon.

We left our empty glasses to wander over to the Lavender Haus.  It was just as breath taking as the tasting room.

We were given a table assignment when we first checked in so we went to look for table 4.



We found it!  The tables were set so beautifully.

We went to sit down, but were told to set our things down and go outside as they had servers pouring guests glasses of Chandon Blanc de Noir.


We sat our stuff down and went outside with the rest of the guests.  It was so pretty.

Nice large trees provided shade for those who wanted to sit down and enjoy the sparkling wine. The patio was beautifully paved with flagstone.




I opted to walk around and take pictures.  :)

Artichoke blossoms. Did you know if you don't harvest them, they bloom with these beautiful purple flowers?

These are Globe artichokes which explains why they are SO flippin HUGE!! They are literally the size of a softball if not slightly bigger.

They are really pretty in dry flower arrangements.




































Then I spotted some kitchen activity. Curious... and when they moved positions...more curious.

Just after that picture, Bunny made an announcement for people to please start making their way to their tables.

We all started to head in as requested and made way to our table.  I noticed a door next to ours and then realized it was the kitchen door.  Which was cool because the Chef's came out to speak while we were being served their courses.




While people were getting settled and meeting their table mates, I was getting set up ~ notebook, pen, camera and iPhone ~ check!

Then the Becker Vineyard staff came around and filled three of our glasses with the following wines to taste with the course we were to be served :

Llano Estacado Viviana 2009
Terrazas de los Andes, Torrontes Reserva 2009
Becker Vineyard Gewurztraminer 2010

Our first course was from Chef David Gilbert ~ Compressed Watermelon, Pickled Ginger, Freeze Dried Fruit, Jumbo Lump Crab, H2O- Melon Bubble

Ok ~ I have to laugh.  People were making comments and talking about the dish and the  presentation
(which was beautifully creative).

Me, I'm looking at the bubble.  Trying to figure out what the heck we are supposed to do with it.  Eat it I figured....my look must have really spoken ~because Chef David came out the door behind and saw my look and said "Just pop the bubble in your mouth." and he and his team made their way to Dr. Becker  to talk about the dish.

It was AMAZING ~ watermelon and crab marriage ~ WOW!!  It was a great starter and very refreshing and the wines paired were perfect.  My favorite pairing to this dish was the Terrazas de los Andes with the buttery velvet taste that made the dish pop.





Meet Chef David ~ he is such a great guy, wonderful personality, amazing creative vision and love his enthusiasm.

Chef David is the Executive Chef at Sustenio in San Antonio at the Eilan Hotel and a soon to be author ** book due out in a week ~ Kitchen Vagabond.  Can't wait!!






The staff came around clearing plates and poured new wines with the following wines to taste with the course we were to be served:

Cuvasion Pinot Noir 2009
Houge Genesis Merlot 2008
Alexander Valley Vineyard Merlot 2009

Our second course was from Chef Melissa Southern ~ Lavender infused Tomato Bisque.

Confession ~ I don't like tomato soup.  I like bloody mary's and caprese salads but not soup :(
But ~what kind of foodie would I be if I didn't try it? LOVED IT!! OMG~ color was beautiful, very aromatic and loved the creamy texture.  The Houge Merlot really complimented this dish.

Meet Chef Melissa ~ she was so sweet and personable. 

I was getting up for the picture and she was like " No, sit, enjoy."  

Chef Melissa is the owner, caterer and Chef at Rails Cafe in Kerrville.

Chef Melissa - you have made me a HUGE fan of your bisque.  I will have to make a trip back!

The next poring of wines to go with the third course we were to be served were:

Spellbound Petit Sirah 2010

Pascual Toso Malbec, Mendoza 2010

Chalk Hill Estate Red 2008

Our third course was from Chef Stefan Bowers  ~ Oak Smoked Beef Short Ribs, Cherry-Beef Reduction, Fresh Cherries.

Per my notes "Holy shit!" "Melts in your mouth and so tender literally falls apart. NO knife NEEDED!!  Never had cherry and ribs before ~WOW!!

And the Spellbound Petit Sirah ~ heaven with the ribs.

Meet Chef Stefan ~ I happen to meet Chef Stefan while we were enjoying the Chandon before lunch was served such a nice guy.
Thank you again for letting me interrupt for the picture!

Chef Stefan is the Executive Chef at Feast in San Antonio. Prior to Feast, Chef Stefan was the Executive Chef at 20Nine.











And for the fourth course and the grand finale ~
Corn Bread Pudding, Roasted Peaches, Black Berry and Bourbon.

OMG!!!  No wine needed!

So cake like and loved berry and bourbon sauce.

I cannot tell a lie ~ I could have had seconds.
(ssshhhhh ~ I know!!!)
But it was SOOO GOOOOD!

Meet Chef Steven ~ such a sweet and nice guy. Easy to chat with. (all the Chef's were)

Chef Steven is the Chef and partner at Lüke in San Antonio.  Lüke is a Louisiana based restaurant. The San Antonio location was opened due to Chef John Besh was inspired by San Antonio's support for Hurricane Katrina's victims and opened in 2010. 

                                        This was an AWESOME experience and an AWESOME day!

Table # 4

Personal thanks to the hosts - Doc and Bunny Becker.
It was truly a day to remember and I can't wait to come back for another event.

Special thanks to Chef David, Chef Melissa, Chef Stefan and Chef Steven.
Such a culinary treat and inspiration to those with passion for cooking, wanna be chefs and us foodies that love great food!

Thanks to Culinaria ~  A Non-profit in San Antonio.  Such an amazing event and organization.
Keep the food, fun and events coming!

And lastly and certainly not the least ~ my pea.  My friend, my sister, my heart.
It was SO AMAZING and to be able to share the experience with you was the BEST!!  ILY!!
Thank you SO much for this day.   ILY!!

"Drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life's most civilized pleasures."  ~ Michael Boradbent