Art, Fresh Bites, Wine, and of course Chocolate in Wine Country!

A big thanks to everyone who made it out to first official North Bay Yelp Elite event at Maisonry on Sunday It was exciting and inspiring to see so many fabulous yelpers come from all over the Bay area to celebrate the North Bay and wine country.  Especially on such a gorgeous day.

Many yelpers took advantage of the picturesque scenic winery drive and made a day of it. Andrew T and Bill B cruised over to the event from the East Bay and pulled up to historic Maisonry to the friendly faces of CPA Valet head Matt and his crew  (Matt even grew up in Yountville himself!). With Yelp's own Connie C there to check everyone in, yelpers like Jennifer N  and Ieesha M walked through a sand colored stone entrance into a "living art gallery," where they were warmly greeted with a refreshing glass of Blackbird Vineyard Rose. After exploring the artfully curated interior of Maisonry, boasting unique pieces such as a "metal bikini," or "silver skull with the aviator glasses" Natalye S and longtime friend Brian G made their way over to the impressive TCHO chocolate spread (which as they pointed out, is actually vegan!) to feast on dark dreamy bliss. Sun beaming brightly, yelpers were beckoned into Maisonry's stunning sculpture garden to gather, mingle and relax. Kicking back among the big oak trees, Nique F and other yelpers assembled around and chatted at Maisonry's long
rustic table, which "blended in seamlessly with
the landscape."  

Amongst the fire pit and eclectic sculptures, guests were able to visit the various wine stations, where enthusiastic Maisonry staff were pouring incredible local wines from: Blackbird Vineyards, Tor Kenward Family Wines, Lail Vineyards, Renteria Wines, and Pedras Wine Company. Savoring the taste of each wine, yelpers were even able to converse with Maisonry owner and Blackbird Vineyard founder Michael Polenske as well as Maisonry's Gallery Direcotry – Barbara Hennings-Huep.

In between chocolate bites, and swoon worthy wine sips, yelpers were passed fresh bites, from Ross based M Woodward Catering's menu – including a lip-biting assortment of dishes such as Miniature Tostadas with Seared Hamachi and Roasted Tomatillo Salsa. Miniature Fried Chicken Sandwiches, Grilled Filet Mignon on Crisp Potato Pancakes, Baby Artichokes Fried in Extra Virgin Olive Oil and more.  Eric L was so smitten with the chicken sliders that he helped himself to five, courtesy of the lovely Ligaya T, who was on hand to make sure everyone had a chance to sample it all. 

Sascha O, Molly B, and Mandy L, amongst a slew of other yelpers spent the rest of the event, lounging beneath the shade, taking pictures, and enjoying the flow of conversation which continued well into until Sunday dusk. Le sigh.

To read all about the Sunday fun and to share your own experiences  – just click here. More pictures can be found here