The American Harvest Workshop has been an integral part of the Napa Valley and blink, it's been 25 years since those first chefs came to Cakebread to work with local ingredients and some excellent wine. When Rancho Gordo was very young, chef Brian Streeter and hostess Karen Cakebread, met with me at the local farmers market and asked if I'd participate. It was an incredible time and one of the first times I felt like the beans were taken seriously. It was a great moment for me and the beans!

Most years, the Cakebread family invite 4 or 5 chefs to come for several days and meet with the local purveoyrs and work with the family's wines. The event ends with two incredible dinners using the tricks and resources they've learned and the talent they bring to the table.

As a producer, it's a chance to meet world class chefs, like Rick Moonen of RM Seaood (above) and have them create dishes using your product. As a young company, it's like getting a Wonka golden ticket. And the meal? You can't imagine.

This year, things are getting shaken up a bit. The public is invited to the big party on August 19th. There will be tastings, seminars, wine and more. I'm teaming with Taylor and Toponia from The Fatted Calf for a seminar on pork and beans, Napa style.

For more information or tickets, visit the Cakebread website or call 707/963.5222. See you there!