I have never been to a lobster feast…or a clam bake. So, we were quite excited when we saw The Deloach Vineyards members only Lobster Feast. The date was within a week of our 34th Anniversary, so we made reservations, which lead to this whole, sweet Napa and Sonoma mini vacation.
This was our second day, and we had already had a great day adventuring around Healdsburg, Sebastopol and J Winery. We were waylaid with the Iron Man contest going on in this area, but we were able to make it back to our little Airbnb, change our clothes and high-tail it over to Deloach Winery in plenty of time.
We were one of the first to arrive and the tasting room was still open. So, one of the servers welcomed us back (he actually recognized us…such a nice man) and told us to sit anywhere we wanted and he would bring us a couple glasses of wine to enjoy while we were waiting for the event to begin.
We felt so fancy.
The grounds of Deloach Vineyards are lush and beautiful. We sat on a grassy knoll and we were able to see the outdoor patio area, the park-like grassy area and the Estate House. It is a spectacular place.
They also have a fabulous garden area with flowers, vegetables, herbs, sheep and chickens.
For dinner, long tables were set up near the garden area under canvas canopies. It was so beautiful.
Meanwhile, the tasting salon was closed for the event and we decided to sit on the patio area, where we could look out over the property. They would also be serving appetizers and a sparkling wine before dinner.
And we entertained ourselves with selfies.
People began arriving and more wine was poured. Appetizers were served.
After about 1/2 hour or so of enjoying appetizers on the patio, we were summoned to the eating area in the garden. We found a couple of empty seats at our table and spent a few minutes getting to know the people around us
Every table had two huge strainer-like buckets at the end. They contained all the goodies that were on the menu located at each person’s “place setting.” (Except for the bread, dessert and drawn butter.)
Then the time came to dump the buckets. Everyone was asked to get up from their seats, grab their wine glasses and other belongings and stand back while the experts emptied the buckets. Seems like everyone had their cameras and phones at the ready to record the event (even me.)
It was amazingly exciting. The colors were bright and bold. The scent of fresh seafood and cooked vegetables wafted through the evening air. My stomach started growling just looking at all the food.
Every person got a lobster and then you could grab whatever else you wanted…corn on the cob, artichokes, red potatoes, peel and eat shrimp, whole bulbs of soft, creamy garlic. Can’t you almost taste it?
Then, on came the butter for dipping and bowls of mayonnaise. They also had lobster tools to crack open the lobster and various other condiments. Since there were no plates or other silverware, we were encouraged to dig in with our hands. Napkins were passed around. Oh! Each of us were given our own embroidered aprons to protect our clothing.
And the wine was poured…
And the music played on…
After everyone had eaten their fill, the winery employees introduced themselves and invited us to join them in the Estate house for dessert. I took a few minutes to wander around the estate because the light was becoming quite beautiful and I wanted to take a few photos of the property. And, because I dilly-dallied around, we missed out on the dessert table. We were both okay with that because we were stuffed.
Deloach Vineyards is definitely a place you want to put on your winery bucket list. You could even become a member and join us for the next Lobster Feast. They have a special area in back of the Estate House where the members can sit and enjoy a slow paced, relaxing wine experience on good weather days.
And when the weather gets cool, there is a beautiful Lounge-like area to enjoy the wine.
Their wines lean heavily towards Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but they also serve a lovely Zinfandel.
It’s not easy to have a Lobster Feast at your own house, but I would highly recommend joining in on one, if you ever get the chance. And, Deloach Vineyards puts on a great one!.
We Call Him Yes!Chef! 
Published by