Of Shakespeare and Wine
My perfect summer evening is a lively production of Shakespeare under the stars while enjoying a picnic and a bottle of wine. Fortunately, Sonoma Shakespeare delivered all that and more with their production of Midsummer Night’s Dream. Celebrating Sonoma Shakespeare’s 32nd season at the newly renovated Buena Vista Winery made summer complete.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is perhaps one of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedies, and director Kate Kennedy brought the story to life. The Avalon Players transformed the winery grounds into a forest where romance, mischief, and mayhem took place. The intimate setting connected the audience to the characters in a real way. Actors performed throughout the crowd, creating the feeling that we were eavesdropping on a private affair.
Picnic tables were grouped around a central fountain which served as a stage for the actors. The historic winery building was an effective backdrop for the drama. Characters appeared in our midst and disappeared back into the forest. It was an evening of merriment, food, and wine.
Buena Vista’s tasting room was open to sell wine by the bottle or glass for the performance. We had assembled our own picnic, and the only thing we lacked was wine, which Buena Vista was only too happy to provide.
It was a difficult choice, since all of their wine is excellent. Perhaps a white wine on this warm evening – a crisp Pinot Gris or smooth Chardonnay, a refreshing Rose or their effervescent Brut Sparkling Wine?
But their reds are exceptional, so it became a choice between a lush Pinot Noir, Syrah or Zinfandel. In the end, we chose the Attlia Selection Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley, a limited production of only 150 cases. It was the perfect choice to accompany the evening’s entertainment and our charcuterie, cheese and bread.
Buena Vista Winery takes the anxiety out of assembling the perfect picnic by providing chef-made selections, including French hotdogs, lamb burgers, garden salad, decadent chocolate cake, and of course wine, all at reasonable prices.
Details: Buena Vista Winery is Sonoma’s oldest winery, founded in 1857. It is open daily for tastings from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For an exceptional experience, schedule a reserve tour and tasting with the Count, available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays by reservation. Buena Vista is one of the pioneers of California’s wine industry. Read more about how it got started.
Sonoma Shakespeare is concluding its 32nd season. Visit their website to find out which Shakespeare play they will be performing for the 33rd season in summer 2013.
