The Art of California Winemaking

at the Falls Village Inn

Wine lovers will have a rare opportunity to raise a glass with a California winemaker Sunday at 2PM when the Falls Village Inn holds a four-course, four-wine dinner with Chacewater Winery’s Mark Burch in attendance.

Burch will discuss the art of California winemaking as guests enjoy the meal prepared by the Inn’s new chef, Matt Fahrner. Dishes will be specially created to pair with the Chacewater varietals.

“Mark Burch is going to be in Connecticut for the 13th annual Sun WineFest at Mohegan Sun,” said Sue Sweetapple, manager of the Inn. “We thought it would be great fun to get him to the inn while he is here.”

Burch grew up in Hilmar CA, an agricultural community southwest of Modesto. A harvest job with Gallo changed the direction of his career and life, leading to a course of study in viniculture at Fresno State. He continued working for Gallo while attending school and was promoted to production supervisor.

In 1989 he moved on to Sebastiani in Sonoma, where he became Cellar Master, and later to Kendall-Jackson, where he worked as assistant winemaker. Through Kendall-Jackson he met Myron Holdenried, which eventually led Burch to Chacewater, a family-owned winery and olive mill located in Kelseyville, CA.

Sweetapple says the Inn regularly features three of the four Chacewater wines on its menu so patrons can look forward to ordering them on future visits.

The Inn is limiting the winetasting to 50 patrons. The price is $45 and includes, lunch, wine and tax. Gratuity is additional. For reservations call the Inn at 860-824-0033.