Sip, Bite & Blog wrapped up under ideal conditions: Ruth Reichl spoke to the bloggers on a perfect day at the Kendall-Jackson Wine Center and Chef Justin Wangler cooked a meal nobody is likely to forget.

We were honored to share the weekend with Grace, Nicole, Rebecca, Lori, Kathy, Maryse, Adam, Marc, Cathy, Adrianna, Jessica and Gina.

The afternoon began with Ms. Reichl joining everyone – along with Chef Matt Lowe – in the culinary garden for a glass of wine and a tour. Walking through our sensory garden, Chef Matt described all the affinities that can be found in the ground, on the plate and in the glass.

Next we all moved inside to listen to Ruth Reichl speak. In an hour long story, because that’s really what it was, she talked about her experiences with food and the changes she’s seen it take over the past 40 years. Her message was one of excitement; excitement for the new ways food is being thought and talked about.

Of course her message didn’t end there. Speaking directly to the attendees of Sip, Bite & Blog, Ms. Reichl discussed her non-traditional path into food writing. A career that started with a regional magazine that took her to the New York Times came with no formal training.

To end the evening Chef Justin Wangler decided to show off for the crowd, putting together a menu that read – and tasted – like a piece of art.

The four course meal began with Glazed local cod with corn pudding and cherry tomatoes; it continued with pan seared squab with truffled Sonoma mushroom risotto; the third course was a New York strip steak with potato puree and roasted estate carrots; the meal ended with a white chocolate cake.

Afterwards the Sip, Bite & Bloggers headed back to the hotel for one last celebratory drink. We all met briefly for brunch on Sunday before everyone headed for home.

We can’t wait to see everyone again next year.