The Hamilton College San Francisco Alumni Association recently spent an afternoon at Cakebread Cellars, one of the most highly-regarded wineries in Napa Valley. Hosted by Bruce Cakebread P’10, a group of approximately 30 alumni and parents of current and past students toured the winery’s picturesque grounds, tasted an assortment of Cakebread Cellars’ award winning wines and enjoyed a three-course luncheon prepared by the on-site Culinary Chef.
After welcoming the Alumni Association in a brief reception, the day began with Bruce Cakebread leading the group on a path through the estate vineyard. As the group passed by acres of blooming grape vines set against the backdrop of the rugged Vaca Mountains, Cakebread shared the history of his family’s winery as well as his own personal story of how he ended up in the business. He also explained the grape growing process and answered questions about their cultivation.
Cakebread then lead the group into a large, cool facility where Cakebread Cellars harvests, produces and ferments some of its wines. Surrounded by hundreds of oak barrels filled with aging wine, Cakebread described the wine making process and explained what to look out for when tasting wine. While he spoke, Cakebread tapped two barrels, offering the group the chance to taste two varietals including the winery’s widely popular and award winning Dancing Bear Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon.
Following the barrel tasting, Cakebread lead the group to the Pond House, the original winery of the property, where he hosted a three course luncheon featuring a pairing of select Cakebread wines. Overlooking the namesake pond and surrounding vineyards, members of the alumni association reconnected with old friends over delicious food and outstanding wines.
Members of the Class of 2010 and their parents are invited to attend a wine-tasting of Cakebread Cellars varietals over Family Weekend, October 29-31.
To learn more about Cakebread Cellars, visit their website or call (800) 588-0298.
