We first visited the property waaay back in 1996. This was a time when California wine makers were pursuing ever more powerful wines, and ever bigger scores, throwing balance out the window. Henri was different. He brought a European sensibility to this extraordinary California terroir. He was right of course. We followed him through many vintages and now we buy the wine from his sons. For twenty-six vintages, we have seen these wines perform great when young, and age gracefully for years.
Walk Around Tasting 6:30 - 7 PM
Dinner at 7 PM
Hors d'Oeuvres & Tasting
Chardonnay 'Reserve' 2016
Cabernet Sauvignon 'Laureate' 2014
Cabernet Sauvignon 'Laureate' 2009
Lobster & Black Truffle Manicotti
Chardonnay 2016
Duck Pastrami on Rye Toast
White Rock 'Claret' 2016
Wagyu Beef Tasting
Flatiron Steak, Cheese Steak, Beef Tartare
Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
A Tasting of The Honeys of Mario Bianco
The Best Flora-Specific, Vintage Honey In Europe
Acacia Blossom 2017, Chestnut Blossom 2017,
Cherry Blossom 2018, Eucalyptus 2016, Dandelion 2016
Served with Goat Cheese, Nuts, Apples and Vanilla Ice Cream
$199 per person plus Tax and Service
[email protected] or call 732-828-4444
White Rock is a 35-acre naturally farmed vineyard, boasting a unique terroir of white volcanic ash, nestled in a small valley at the base of the Stag’s Leap Range. It has never been farmed any other way. The estate has never been subjected to herbicides, pesticides, or fumigants.
The original parcel was purchased by a Dr. Pettingill in 1870. Dr. Pettingill planted the property to Riesling and Zinfandel, one of the earliest plantings in Napa. In 1871, using only a hand saw to cut the white rock he quarried from the property, he constructed a winery in which he would process 7,000 gallons of wine per year. It was renowned to be of high quality.
One hundred years later, the property was reclaimed by Henri and Claire Vandendriessche. He came to America from France to study at UC Berkley in 1967. He met Claire, they fell in love, started a family and then set about restoring the White Rock Estate to its former glory. They moved into the old winery and made it their home. The White Rock estate used to boast a formidable cellar of these age-worthy wines, but they lost much in the fire, including the family home.
After graduating UCSC with a degree in Physics, Christopher achieved a degree in oenology from The University of Bordeaux. After working at some great European properties, and then working under John Kongsgaard in California, Christopher took over as wine maker at White Rock in 1999. Today, he and his brother Michael have taken over the business.
Do come and enjoy an evening with Christopher, a comprehensive selection of his wines and an extraordinary dinner at one of your favorite restaurants.
[email protected] or 732-828-4444