This past Thursday, July 13, wine enthusiasts and music lovers gathered at Boca Bistro for our most popular annual summer event – the 2023 Dreaming Tree Wine Dinner. The evening featured an exquisite culinary journey paired with an assortment of Dreaming Tree wines, a brand co-founded by renowned musician Dave Matthews. Attendees were also in for a treat with this year’s raffles, which included four Dreaming Tree wine bottles signed by Dave Matthews, wine tumblers, and inside tickets to the Dave Matthews Band show at SPAC.
First Course: Dreaming Tree Sauvignon Blanc
The evening commenced with the ’20 Dreaming Tree Sauvignon Blanc, a refreshing and juicy wine with tropical fruit aromas of passion fruit and kiwi. The crisp and clean finish, along with hints of grapefruit, pineapple, and zesty lime, made it an instant crowd-pleaser and a perfect choice for sipping. This delightful wine was paired with a blend of fresh flavors from heirloom tomatoes, peaches, goat cheese, basil, mint, and an herb-pepper vinaigrette, creating a symphony of tastes on the palate.
Second Course: Dreaming Tree Pinot Noir
Next was the ’21 Dreaming Tree Pinot Noir, boasting a bright ruby color and ripe fruit aromas of cherry, wild strawberry, vanilla, and caramel. This Pinot Noir showcased unique complexities with soft, juicy tannins and a hint of spice, making it incredibly enjoyable to drink. The tender and flavorful pork tenderloin harmonized beautifully with roasted eggplant, while the tahini vinaigrette added a delightful nutty twist, culminating in a marriage of flavors that left guests craving more.
Third Course: Dreaming Tree Chardonnay
Moving on, the ’21 Dreaming Tree Chardonnay displayed a pale straw color with delightful flavors of nectarine, baked apples, and toasted marshmallows. Rich and fruity, yet crisp and elegant on the finish, this medium-bodied wine showcased the potential of Chardonnay on the Central Coast. The marinated and roasted endive proved to be a perfect companion accompanied by garlic chips, cilantro espuma, and orange segments providing a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that blended seamlessly with the Chardonnay.
Fourth Course: Dreaming Tree Cabernet Sauvignon
The ’21 Dreaming Tree Cabernet Sauvignon took center stage during the fourth course, wowing guests with its big, bold, and classic California Cabernet characteristics. Bursting with flavors of blackberry and plum, the wine also boasted a touch of toasty oak, adding depth to every sip. Paired with the Fourth Course of Grilled Bistro Steak, the wine elevated every aspect of the dish. The succulent steak, adorned with creamy goat cheese, tangy red onion chutney, and roasted summer vegetables, was a masterpiece on the plate.
Fifth Course: Dreaming Tree Crush
The grand finale featured the ’20 Dreaming Tree Crush, a captivating wine that artfully combined red fruit flavors from Merlot, ripe and jammy notes from Zinfandel, and dark fruit and structure from Petite Sirah and Tannat. This complex blend offered a long, soft finish that left a lasting impression. The dinner concluded with a sweet touch – The Coffee Mousse, accompanied by tahini fudge and pistachios, proved to be a delightful crescendo, tantalizing the senses with its velvety texture and divine coffee essence.
The 2023 Dreaming Tree Wine Dinner at Boca Bistro was an extraordinary evening filled with exquisite wine, delectable cuisine, great company, and blissful music. Cheers to great wine, music, and unforgettable moments! We hope you will join us for next year’s event.
