Ma(i)sonry Style.

One of the perks of living in San Francisco is being so close to the Napa Valley.  I have been fortunate enough to spend a good bit of time there in the past two and half years and lucky enough to have some friends in the wine business.  One of my favorite stops while in wine country is Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley in Yontville.  The owner Michael Polenske, a dear friend of ours and boyfriend to one of my best girlfriends, Kimberly Miller, has curated such incredible space that it is almost hard to describe.  The historic stone building and grounds that make up the property are more like being in a super chic wine country home than a gallery.  Michael fills the space with fine art, a fabulous Sherman Nobleman exhibit is there now, and beautiful fun antiques from his buying trips around the world.  The setting, the staff, the wine, and the atmosphere are just chic perfection and oozing with style.
The weekend is the start of Auction Napa Valley and in celebration of this event Michael, Kim, and Michaels amazing team hosted a wine dinner at Ma(i)sonry for 40 lucky people under the olive trees at three consecutive handmade tables made from naturally fallen redwood trees.  Upon arrival you were met with a glass of the famous Blackbird Rose (which I have enjoyed pools side at Blackbird many a Saturdays in the summer) and as the sun set and the candles were lit the Blackbird and Ma(i)sonry wine started flowing.

The Mandarin Oriental brought in talented chefs to provide a delectable paring for each wine (well maybe the wine is paired with the food, I am not sure) and the evening was full of fun!  Every detail thought of; the place cards, the sculptures placed on the tables, the olive trees gently sprinkled guests with tiny white flowers throughout the evening (not sure if that one was planned), and glasses were never empty.
As my first wine dinner experience I can safely say: Yes please, I want more!
My place setting.

Check out the latest issue of Gentry Magazine as well for a fabulous spread on Michael and Ma(i)sonry.  Michael is also the owner of I. Wolk Gallery