Don't miss this opportunity to relish in the best that the wine and culinary worlds have to offer with our delectable winemaker dinner at Blackbird. Sip on wines from Firestone Vineyards, Santa Barbara County's first estate winery, while you mingle with winemaker Dan Spratling, and enjoy an exquisite dinner from Executive Chef Travis Watson. The evening begins with a meet & greet reception on the patio, followed by a four course dinner in Blackbird. Each course is carefully curated by Chef Travis to perfectly pair with these superb wines.
About Dan
Dan fell in love with the Santa Ynez wine region while studying at UC Santa Barbara, and was inspired to study Enology at Fresno state. After graduating, Dan spent 4 seasons in New Zealand as winemaker at Saratoga Estates on the beautiful Waiheki Island, where his Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, and Rosé were all awarded medals at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
After returning to California, Dan spent 8 years working in winemaking production in Napa Valley with Budge Brown/ Cleavage Creek, after which Dan worked at Rudd Winery in Oakville, followed by Elyse Winery in Yountville, and then Fantesca Estate Winery on Spring Mountain. In Dan’s 4 years at Fantesca, he worked closely with Heidi Barrett in the development of ultra-premium Bordeaux wines. Next Dan moved to the valley floor of St. Helena, as assistant winemaker of Titus Vineyards, further developing his Bordeaux craftsmanship. Dan enjoyed Napa’s climate and competitive nature but always felt the draw to Santa Ynez Valley. At Firestone, Dan is excited to bring his Bordeaux expertise to this incredible wine region.
Dinner Menu
First Course
Charred Shrimp Cocktail
hibiscus poached pineapple, charcoal roasted beets
Paired with: 2021 Firestone The Chairman Series Fume Blanc
Second Course
Seared Tamarind Glazed Duck Breast
shitake dashi, plum + kohlrabi slaw
Paired with: 2017 Firestone The Chairman Series Merlot
Third Course
Braise Pork Oso Bucco
bone marrow bordelaise, gremolata, red flint polenta
Paired with: 2019 Firestone Reserve Syrah
Fourth Course
Banana + Chevre Creme Caramel
malden salted caramel, pineapple fritter
Paired with: 2021 Firestone Reisling
