By Jamie Knee
A Harvest Dinner Under the Paso Robles Sky
There are evenings in a wine writer’s life that feel like they drift straight from the pages of a novel, and joining the Winemakers Harvest Dinner at Villa San-Juliette was one of them. I had the joy of being seated next to winemaker Dan Smith and his new bride, an honor that offered the perfect window into the heart of this celebrated Paso Robles estate.
Owned by global entertainment icon Nigel Lythgoe, Villa San-Juliette has spent the past seven years under Dan’s thoughtful direction, crafting elegant Bordeaux and Rhône inspired wines that flourish in the Estrella District of California’s Central Coast.
Paso Robles with a Tuscan Soul
Imagine cresting a hill and finding a grand Italian-style villa. Vineyards surround it across 140 sweeping acres of Paso Robles sunlight. Twelve grape varieties thrive on these slopes. Seventy acres are devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon alone. The estate feels like Old World elegance meeting pure California vitality.
Their philosophy is refreshing. Villa San-Juliette strives to create wines for every palate, from crisp, low alcohol whites to beautifully balanced reds. Most of the fruit is handharvested because of the vineyard’s terrain. All of their reserve wines receive the meticulous care of hand-picking. It’s craftsmanship at its core, and you can taste the intention in every sip.
A Winemaker’s Path Home
Dan Smith’s passion for wine began with his family, especially an uncle whose impressive wine collection sparked his fascination. He studied winemaking at Cal Poly and honed his skills at Gallo in the Central Valley. Here, he learned the future of mechanization and innovation in wine.
A chapter in Oregon expanded his palate and perspective, but his heart ultimately pulled him home to Paso Robles. His return to Paso shaped both his career and his life. It was here he met Jessica, now his wife. Together, they bring warmth, joy, and commitment to the Villa San-Juliette family.
A Dinner Worth Savoring
The evening opened on the veranda, where we lingered over house made limoncello as the sun dipped behind the vines.
From there, a masterfully curated culinary journey unfolded:
• Antipasto with Rosé
A pale salmon Rosé bursting with strawberry, watermelon, and bright citrus lifted the flavors beautifully.
• Bucatini with Heirloom Tomatoes & Pinot Gris Reserve
The Pinot Gris was refreshing and full bodied with notes of pear and apple that complemented the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Polenta Cake with Mascarpone & Grenache Reserve
One of the standouts of the night, pairing creamy textures with the bold red berry charm of their Grenache Reserve.
• Wild Mushroom Risotto & Braised Short Ribs with Syrah
The Syrah offered deep dark fruit, subtle French oak, and a whisper of spice, making this a perfect union of earth and elegance.
• Dolce Tiramisu with Romantique Reserve
Their Romantique Reserve, made from ten Rhône varietals, displayed richness and warmth, showcasing the best of the 2013 harvest.
And of course, the finale: a satisfying pour of grappa as the stars came out.
A Night of Community, Beauty, and Old World Charm
The dinner was more than a meal. It was a celebration of connection and discovery among Villa San-Juliette’s passionate club members, who felt like old friends by the evening’s end.
Who could have imagined that in the heart of California’s Central Coast you could feel transported to Tuscany, surrounded by vineyards, rustic elegance, and wines that honor the Old World while celebrating the New?
It was a magical reminder that wine travel delights not only the palate, but the soul.
https://www.villasanjuliette.com
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