For the thirteenth year in a row, Wine Vault & Bistro is pleased to announce a spectacular 5-course winemaker dinner paired with five Foxen wines. Foxen owners Dick and Jenny Dore will be here in person to host this dinner. If you're unfamiliar with Foxen, here's a little background info:

Bill Wathen and Dick Dore have been making wine together since 1985 when they founded Foxen Winery at the historic Rancho Tinaquaic in northern Santa Barbara County. Since then, their dedication has remained the same: to create small-production, vineyard-designate wines using a minimalist approach to winemaking. The winery is named in memory of William Benjamin Foxen, an English sea captain and Dick's great-great grandfather who came to Santa Barbara in the early 1800's. In 1837 he purchased Rancho Tinaquaic, a Mexican Land Grant that originally totaled nearly 9,000 acres and comprised most of what is now known as Foxen Canyon. Captain Foxen adopted the distinctive anchor as his ranch cattle brand, which became a trademark of the winery and is pictured on every label. Foxen Winery makes its home on the 2,000-acre Rancho Tinaquaic which remains in family hands to this day. 

We hope you'll be able to join us for what will surely be a fun evening of tasting great wines paired with great food while rubbing elbows with two of the most respected vintners from Santa Barbara. Wine notes and bottle prices are at the end of this announcement if you're interested.

Doors open at 5:15 for happy hour/informal winemaker reception and dinner starts promptly at 6:00. Cost is $129.50 for all five courses and all six paired beverages. Sales tax and a 20% gratuity will be added which brings the total to about $165. Due to limited seating, credit card reservations are a must. We accept Visa and MasterCard only.

MENU

Asparagus | Whipped Tarragon Bearnaise | Toasted Almonds

2024 Foxen “Ernesto Wickenden Vyd.” Chenin Blanc (3 oz. pour)

Grilled Swordfish Belly | Rosemary Crostini | Little Neck Clam + Saffron Broth

2023 Foxen Chardonnay “Bien Nacido Vyd: Block UU” Chardonnay (4 oz. pour)

Coq au Vin

2023 Foxen “Santa Maria Valley” Pinot Noir (4 oz. pour)

Six-Hour Braised Short Ribs | Smoked Garlic Mash | Syrah Jus

2021 Foxen “Williamson-Doré Vyd.” Syrah (4 oz. pour)

 ~ and ~

2020 Foxen “Vogelzang Vyd.” Cabernet Sauvignon (3 oz. pour)

Mascarpone + Nutella Pots de Crème | Espresso + Cocoa Dust

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream (2 oz. pour)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

RSVP (IF ON A DESKTOP COMPUTER)

Click the “Contact the Host” button in the “Tell a Friend” box on to the right and respond with the info below.

RSVP (IF ON A MOBILE DEVICE)

Scroll to the very bottom of this posting. Click the “Contact the Host” button in the “Tell a Friend” box at the bottom and respond with the info below.

RESPOND WITH THIS INFO

1. your cell number and best time to call so we can call you to update your credit card info

2. how many people are in your party, and

3. answers to the HEAD’S UP questions in the paragraph below if you’re a party of 1 or 2.

HEAD’S UP

We have a very limited number of tables for couples who want to sit by themselves so please let us know if you’re willing to sit at long communal tables (“Last Supper” style) as that will greatly increase your chances of getting in. (Yes, we understand that this is a Valentine’s dinner and that most folks will want a private table and, yes, we will do our best to accommodate that but at some point we max out on private tables!) We also have a firepit table for two (https://www.winevaultbistro.com/fire-pit) available so let us know if you’re OK with that table if you want to sit by yourselves. Also, please consider inviting another couple or two to join you as if you’re a party of four or six there won’t be a problem getting your own table. 

LOCATION & PHONE

Wine Vault & Bistro is located in the heart of San Diego between Little Italy and Old Town at 3731-A India Street on the upstairs terrace. Follow the black handrail up the stairs from the sidewalk to our front door. Our phone number is (619) 295-3939.

PARKING

Metered and non-metered on-street parking is usually available within a 3-block radius. Try to find non-metered parking as the new meters are now enforced seven days a day until 8:00PM yet still only allow a maximum of two hours. You can also park in the free lot behind Shakespeare Pub two doors down, but do not park in El Indio's lot unless you want your car towed! If you can’t find parking next to the restaurant, there’s usually parking on the side streets behind the restaurant, on San Diego Avenue one block in front of the restaurant and on the adjacent side streets just past the Chevron station across Washington Street. If you plan to drive here make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to find a parking space but ideally use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft so you don’t have to deal with it.

WINE NOTES & BOTTLE PRICES

2024 Foxen “Ernesto Wickenden Vyd.” Chenin Blanc ~ $23

(Santa Maria Valley) Tasting Notes: A dry, crisp white with notes of lemon oil, pear and chalk with a rich, textured and mineral-driven profile. From sixty-year-old vines.

2023 Foxen Chardonnay “Bien Nacido Vyd: Block UU” Chardonnay ~ $29

(Santa Maria Valley) Tasting Notes: Has a steely minerality and structural complexity with notes of bright fruit, citrus and toasted oak.

2023 Foxen “Santa Maria Valley” Pinot Noir ~ $29

(Santa Maria Valley) Tasting Notes: Vibrant and high-toned with a savory structure. Tarragon, truffle, tobacco and fresh watermelon create a distinctive profile. 

2021 Foxen “Williamson-Doré Vyd.” Syrah ~ $52

(Los Olivos District) Tasting Notes: Aromas of ripe red cherry, strawberry, leather, iron ore, ground black pepper and hints of charcuterie. Herbaceous and meaty on the palate, the tannins are already integrated into the rich and somewhat sweet-feeling finish. 271 cases made.

2020 Foxen “Vogelzang Vyd.” Cabernet Sauvignon ~ $62

(Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara) Tasting Notes: Sweet black cherries and orange zest dominate the palate with aromas of blue fruits, toasted baking spice, graphite and lemony herbs. Tannins are already well integrated into the mouthwatering acidity and red-fruit and spice finish.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream ~ $26 (750ml)

A rich, cream liqueur with vanilla notes made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon. Enjoy it chilled, on the rocks, over ice cream, or pour it in your coffee for an indulgent after dinner (or brunch!) treat.

THE FINE PRINT

Due to fluctuations of supply, we reserve the right to make substitutions of equal or greater value in case any of the wines or foods become unavailable. Please, ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY NO ONE UNDER THE AGE OF 21 ... even if your babysitter flakes out on you at the last minute!

Hope to see you here. Buon appetito and cheers!

Chris