2012 Marimar Estate Winery

An Afternoon of Tapas and Paella at Marimar Estate

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Forty eager Hillsborough members and guests boarded a bus July 28, 2012 in anticipation of an afternoon at Marimar Torres Estate Winery, a Spanish inspired winery nestled in the rolling hills around Sebastopol in Sonoma County, CA, a Russian River/Green Valley appellation. Marimar Torres is an outgoing, gracious lady, a member of one of Spain’s foremost wine families and the daughter of legendary vintner Don Miguel Torres.

After a two-hour trip, we arrived at the winery, which resembles a Catalan farmhouse. Members were given a guided tour of the winery grounds, followed by wine and tapas on the patio. The vineyards are named after Ms. Marimar’s parents “Don Miguel” in honor of her father and ”Dona Margarita” for her mother. Ms Marimar mingled with her guests on the patio overlooking the Don Miguel Vineyard. We enjoyed tapas and “Acero” Chardonnay, Don Miquel Vineyard, Russian River Valley 2010. Among the tapas, a favorite was Pilotas [Catalan Meat Balls]

While Marimar began to prepare her classic paella, assisted by her kitchen crew, we were able to watch her skilled progress. It was fascinating! For lunch, we were seated at tables in a cozy room underneath large portraits of Ms Torres’ parents. We began with a tasty Ensalada De Bonito [Bonito Salad with Vegetables]. Two wines were poured: “La Masia” Chardonnay, Don Miguel Vineyard, Russian River Valley 2008 and “Dobles Lias” Chardonnay, Don Miguel Vineyard, Russian River Valley 2008.

Next came what all were waiting for: the exquisite Paella Mixta De Pollastre I Marisc [Classic Paella with Chicken, Shellfish, Rosemary and Saffron]. This was complimented with two Marimar Estate Pinot Noirs: “LaMasia “Pinot Noir, Don Miguel Vineyard, Russian River Valley 2007 and “Mas Cavalls” Pinot Noir, Dona Margarita Vineyard, Sonoma Coast 2007.

The paella was followed by cheeses from Spain with quince [Quesos de Espana con Membrillo]. Dessert was a real creation – Peres Al Vi Negre Oriola [Aunt Oriola’s Pears in Red Wine with a Fresh Cheese filling and Strawberry Coulis]. This innovating dessert brought many compliments.

Recipes for all of the courses are available in Ms Torres cookbooks “The Catalan County Kitchen” and “The Spanish Table”, which were available for purchase. Members were also able to purchase wines, which of course they did. Having a Mondiale event in a winery is always a memorable event!! It was a wonderful afternoon!