Iconic Montalvo Arts Center Transforms Grounds for the Art of Food & Wine

The historic villa in Saratoga was host for this year’s fabulous Art of Food & Wine event on September 8. Gourmands and wine lovers gathered to find the site transformed into a paradise for the assembled diners. More than 25 of the Bay Area’s most beloved restaurants–including San Francisco’s Greens and Chez Philippe of Los Gatos–provided a fabulous array of savory and sweet treats for the lucky guests to sample.

A tasting of over 30 wines completed the experience, with patrons sipping offerings from Rombauer Vineyards, Merry Edwards Winery and Vineyards, Three Sticks and Roederer Estate, just to name a few. As they sipped and supped, guests also had the chance to bid on a number of luxury auction items, including a sushi feast for 10 at Palo Alto’s Iki Omakase, a Russian River Valley wine weekend at Kanzler Winery and a five-night stay in a home overlooking Montana’s beautiful Whitefish Lake. Notable guests such as Dan and Charmaine Warmenhoven, Paul and Libby Conrado, Mark Jon Bluth  and David and Lori Hsieh competed for the luxe packages.

The funds raised at Art of Food & Wine benefit artists participating in the Sally and Don Lucas Artist Residency, area arts education programs and live performances and exhibitions. The fundraiser also helps ensure that the Montalvo Arts Center’s historic property will continue to enrich the surrounding community for years to come.