Summer / Fall 2008

Yosemite Vintners' Holiday 2008

The celebrated wine tasting tradition of The Ahwahnee continues during the 27th annual Vintners' Holidays series from Nov. 2 through Dec. 4. Robert Mondavi, Silver Oak, Mumm and Grgich Hills Cellar are a few of the prominent names featured from the thirty-three participating California wineries.

Each Vintners' Holidays session includes four informative panel discusions and wine tastings presented by prominent vintners. At the conclusion of the session, participants enjoy an impressive dinner in the elegant Ahwahnee Dining Room. Executive chef, Percy Whatley, and his Ahwahnee culinary team create gourmet menus comprised of unique entrées, salads and desserts which are designed to compliment the selected vintners' wines over five courses.

"We're bringing in a truly stellar lineup of winemakers this year," said Ahwahnee beverage manager Stew Good. "Guests attending each of the eight sessions this November are in for a treat ~ waiting another six months will be difficult, even for me."

Internationally recognized, The Ahwahnee is a full-service, AAA Four-Diamond hotel located in scenic Yosemite Valley. Long considered the jewel of the national park system, The Ahwahnee is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and has been accepted as a member of Historic Hotels of America, a program that recognizes hotel properties for preserving and maintaining their historic integrity, architecture and ambiance.

The Ahwahnee Dining Room is renowned for its elegant candlelit evening ambiance, innovative cuisine, scenic forest views through 24-foot-high windows and an award-winning wine list of more than 150 wines. In addition to the Vintners' Holidays series, the hotel is also known for its magnificent Bracebridge Dinner, an 18th century-themed Christmas dinner and pageant, and the Chefs' Holidays series (January and February) which highlights prominent guest chefs and culinary demonstrators in a format similar to Vintners' Holidays.

All wine seminars and panel discussions are open to park visitors free of charge. Special packages at The Ahwahnee and Yosemite Lodge at the Falls include lodging, two tickets to the Gala Vintners' Dinner and admission to the "Meet the Winemakers" reception.

For more information on Yosemite Vintners' Holidays at The Ahwahnee or to make reservations, call 801.559.4949 or visit online at www.yosemitepark.com/Vintners.