What do you get when you combine a local wine club that has over 2500 members, the largest and fastest growing country club in our area, and one of the world's most respected and historic wineries?

An event that wine and food lovers in our valley will be talking about for years.

Local wine club Valley Vino has partnered with Avalon Golf and Country Club and Napa's Rombauer Vineyards to create an event that has the local wine / restaurant scene buzzing.

Wine Academy: An Evening with Rombauer Vineyards will be one of the biggest and best wine events in the region this year. Valley Vino and Avalon had to cut off reservations at 95 people and establish a waiting list in the event of cancelations. People were still calling throughout the day today trying to get into the event.

Valley Vino has been doing Wine Academy tastings for almost three years now. The partnership with Avalon began in November of 2012 and the events have averaged 55 people since then. Most local wine events average about 35 tasters with 50 being considered an outstanding night.

Rombauer Vineyards' Clyde Gilbert will be the master of ceremonies at the event. Gilbert will share his 25+ years experience in the California wine world with the guests and offer detailed explanations of the wines, vineyards, and the winemaking techniques that have made Rombauer one of the most sought after and hard to acquire wines over the last 20 years.

Here's a preview of the wine / food pairings for the event:

1. 2011 Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay paired with:

Macaroni, Garlic Shrimp, Tomatoes and Feta

2. 2008 Rombauer Carneros Merlot paired with

Duck Confit Salad with Cherries, Honeyed Almonds, and Goat Cheese Dressing

3. 2011 Rombauer Zinfandel paired with

Roasted Stuffed Chicken Breast, Fig Romesco and Gorgonzola Cream Sauce

4. 2010 Napa Valley Cabernet paired with

Grilled Lamb Lollipops, Rosemary Infused Polenta, Blackberry Demi Glaze

We'll have a complete review of the wines and the corresponding menu items in a special Friday blog.

You can learn more about Valley Vino Wine Club and join for free by visiting:

www.myvalleyvino.com