Seghesio Tasting

On the evening of the sixth of September, 2007, anyone interested in fine dining and excellent wines had a unique opportunity to attend a dinner at Calistoga restaurant, hosted by Camille Seghesio of Seghesio wines, one of California’s finest wine producers. This family owned vineyard has been producing wines since the late nineteenth century, overcoming many of the problems such as phylloxera and prohibition, that beset the burgeoning Californian wine industry at this time. The Seghesio name is a hallmark of quality, producing artisanal, quality wines using techniques that are in harmony with the environment and designed to make the final product in the bottle truly outstanding.


There were two parts to the evening. There was the option of an hour long tasting with Camille in Sideways Wine store or a five course dinner where the menu was carefully constructed and beautifully presented by head chef Seanan Doherty in order to highlight and enhance both wine and food.

The lucky attendees of the pre dinner tasting listened intently as Camille outlined with justifiable pride, the family’s fascinating history and winemaking philosophy. Camille spoke about wine as so much more than simply a beverage to accompany food. She talked about wine as a work of art, a successful marriage of love and skill between winemaker and nature (not forgetting the incredible amount of work that producing fine wine entails.) She also talked about the cultural significance of wine in general and of what wine could be in terms of something which unites people, and as one of life’s great pleasures. Those present gasped their approval as they tried a selection of prize winning Zinfandels, an Arneis and a superb Barbera, all of which are often difficult grapes to produce outstanding wines with. As each wine was presented, Camille would give a little history, both general and specific to the family vineyard, about the grapes and the wines, which only served to enhance the pleasure in the glass.

Many Thanks to Camille for coming along.