WiNE COuNtRY NEWS | WiNE COuNtRY tHiS WEEKAndretti <strong>Wine</strong>ry Signs Chef Athena Palombito L’Italia in Vigneto Culinary ProgramAndretti’s Napa Valley winery showcases the Mediterranean lifestyleKnown for its majestic setting and elegant, Tuscan-inspired estate,Andretti <strong>Wine</strong>ry continues its tradition of producing great wine in theCal-Ital style and creating memorable experiences. With the additionof Chef Athena Palombi, the winery adds an exceptional talent whoseculinary expertise will enhance its dining program year-round.Founded by legendary race car driver Mario Andretti, the wineryestate is home to a 42-acre vineyard, winery, barrel-aging chai and anItalianate dining room, in which Chef Athena Palombi, will createdinners and lunches all paired with signature Andretti wines.“We are thrilled to have Athena Palombi on-board,” commentedfounder Mario Andretti. “Her style and approach, and her naturaltalent in creating wonderful meals to be paired with great wines areexactly what Andretti stands for. <strong>This</strong> all reminds me of my boyhoodhome in Italy and what is so wonderfully appealing about theMediterranean lifestyle – which we share with friends and visitorshere at Andretti <strong>Wine</strong>ry every day.”A veteran of local television and Food Network’s “Chef Wanted” aswell as the kitchens of several great chefs, Athena Palombi is knownfor her unpretentious approach to preparing top-flight seasonalcuisine. “I call it elegant peasant or rustic Mediterranean,” saidPalombi. “My family roots, both Greek and Italian, have had a stronginfluence as I channel them through each of my dishes.”At Andretti, Chef Palombi will be creating dinners and lunchesthroughout the year, all paired with Andretti wines. Andretti <strong>Wine</strong>ryis renowned for its portfolio of fine wines featuring traditionalregional varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, aswell as luxury Italian varietals, Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio and Dolcetto.Chef Athena Palombi with Mario Andretti“Athena’s cuisine is an ideal complement to our portfolio,”commented Joe Antonini, Chairman and Cofounder of Andretti. “Herappreciation of local ingredients, her passion for quality and herunderstanding of the pure pleasure of sitting around a table withfriends and sharing a great meal is what we are all about.”A sample dinner menu might include a first course of Gamberialla Griglia con Lardo e Insalata di Lenticchie (Lardo wrapped grilledPrawns on top of a warm Lentil Salad), second course of Risotto aiFinferli al Tartuffo Bianco (Chantarelle Risotto with White Truffle),third course of Agnello al Forno e Patate (Roasted Leg of Lamb andwith Rosemary and Garlic served with Potatoes) and dessert of VinoCotto di Fichi con Torta di Formaggio (<strong>Wine</strong> poached figs served ontop of a Ricotta Cheesecake), all paired with Andretti wines.At Andretti, dinner is served at 7 p.m., and lunch at noon. Theprice for dinner is $125 per person; lunch is $95 per person, bothwith a maximum of 16 guests. Upcoming dinner dates are Friday,December 7 and Saturday, December 15. Check the website forupcoming lunch dates.Events are private and by appointment only. To make reservations,call Tenaya at 1-888-460-8463 Ext. 229. Reservations should bemade at least 48 hours prior to requested dates.Andretti <strong>Wine</strong>ry is located at 4162 Big Ranch Road, Napa, CA94558 and is open daily from 10am to 5pm. For more information,call (707) 259-6777 or visit the website at www.andrettiwinery.com.40 www.<strong>Wine</strong><strong>Country</strong><strong>This</strong><strong>Week</strong>.com
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