Cantilever
WALLA WALLA, WASHINGTON | JUNE 2023
On a very warm Walla Walla day, we pulled through the ruler-straight vineyard rows of Alton Winery to their tasting room, the stunning example of modern architecture standing squarely in the bottom of the basin so as not to interrupt the meticulously clean lines planted all around.
The crisp aesthetics of the property belie the care and precision of winemakers Griffin Frey and Joe Woodworth, but contrast delightfully with Joe and his wife, Ashley’s sense of warm hospitality. They aren’t often open to the public, so we were thrilled to set the table in the shade of their cantilevered patio, safe from the hot sun and the dusty sun devils that tend to spring up in the surrounding fields on summer days.
After enjoying crisp cocktails and spritzes from Delola and American Harvest Organic Vodka, we sat down to a delightful Supper simply stuffed with local ingredients from Chef Sam Shelton, featuring American Lamb. Each course was paired perfectly with wines from Alton, showing off the characteristics of this special place in the glass as well as through the gorgeous view.
WELCOME
To beat the hear of the day, everyone was greeted with a Delola Spritz Bar at check in before heading to the winery patio to mingle and enjoy spectacular appetizers.
Refreshing American Harvest Organic Vodka Cucumber Coolers were available to sip in the sunshine before sitting down to the wine-paired Supper.
A MENU BY SAM SHELTON
Chef Sam Shelton brought a phenomenal, femme-filled team to execute a hyper-local menu complimenting Alton’s wines.
The fresh flavors of seasonal produce were perfect for the warm weather, while grilled American Lamb completed the meal.
MENU
WELCOME
Smoked Feta & Tomato Jam
Chilled Cucumber Soup
Grilled American Lamb Kabab
Farmers Cheese & Pea Bruschetta
Cocktails:
American Harvest Organic Vodka Cucumber Cooler
Delola Spritz Bar
FIRST
Summer Cobb Salad pancetta, egg, radish, peas, blue cheese, green goddess vinaigrette
Wine: 2022 Alton Wines Sauvignon Blanc
SECOND
Shrimp Crudo green olives, capers, pepperoncini, tomato, herbs, lemon, parmesan crisp
Wine: 2021 Alton Wines Chardonnay
MAIN
American Lamb Leg golden raisin caper, young carrot, zucchini, goat yogurt, zaatar spice, grilled pita
Wine: 2020 Alton Cabernet
DESSERT
Pecorino Cake macerated strawberries, black pepper mascarpone, mint
Wine: 2021 Alton Grenache
WINE PAIRINGS
We had the singular opportunity to enjoy Alton Wines, particular expressions designed to be shared at the table rather than stored in the cellar, while looking out at the land where the grapes are grown.
We started the sunny afternoon with a bright Sauvignon Blanc and progressed into Cabernet and Grenache as the evening deepened into night.
NIGHTCAP
Chef Sam’s Pecorino cake artfully walked the line of savory and sweet, balancing macerated strawberries with the bite of black pepper mascarpone. Paired with Alton’s 2021 Grenache, it was a perfect punctuation mark to the meal.
SECRET LOCATION: ALTON WINERY
After pouring beautiful selections from Alton Wines at tables around the country, we were delighted to be invited to gather in their vineyards. The clean lines of their elegant tasting room with gorgeous views of the farm were a perfect backdrop for the evening, while their wines completed the experience deliciously. Joe, Ashley, Griffin, and even Winston, the vineyard dog, were consummate hosts and ambassadors for their product, clearly made with passion for this place and a desire to share it.
