Geja's Cafe presents Alexander Valley Vineyards Winemaker Dinner April 4, 2011

On Monday, April 4, Geja’s Café, 340 West Armitage, invites guests to enjoy a fondue dinner paired with the best of Sonoma County. The Alexander Valley Vineyards Winemaker Dinner, part of Geja’s Café’s ongoing popular Winemaker Dinner series, will be a special and informative event featuring Rob Wetzel, one of the owners of Alexander Valley Vineyards, to provide commentary and answer questions on the wines.

Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley was mostly prune orchards and pastures when, in 1962, Maggie and Harry Wetzel purchased a large portion of a homestead built by Cyrus Alexander, the valley’s nineteenth century namesake. In the rural community of family farms and ranches, the Wetzel family settled and raised livestock, cultivated bountiful gardens and restored Alexander’s original home. With an eye to their neighbors in nearby Napa Valley, the Wetzels boldly planted premium grape varieties, among the first in the area. They then built a small winery and produced their first wine in 1975. Immediately they established a reputation for estate grown wines with distinctive varietal character. Acclaimed for crisp Chardonnay and luscious Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley Vineyards brought recognition to the appellation and became a leading winery in Sonoma County.

The evening begins with a 6:30 reception followed by dinner at 7:00 with a lively discussion of the evening’s wines. The four-course dinner features Geja's house Salad, Cheese Fondue, Beef Tenderloin, Chicken & Jumbo Shrimp Entree, and Flaming Chocolate Fondue for dessert. Each course will be paired with the appropriate all-you-can-drink wine. Cost for each dinner is $50 per person, which includes the wines, dinner, tax, and gratuity. Reservations are required for the dinners, and interested parties are encouraged to act quickly as the popular Winemaker Dinners tend to sell out. For more information and to reserve, please call 773-281-9101.

Geja’s Café is known for romantic fondue dining and an extensive list of fine but moderately-priced wines. A cozy wine cellar atmosphere, private booths and candlelight contribute to its intimate surroundings, with live flamenco and classical guitarists performing nightly to enhance the ambiance. Hours for Geja’s Café are: Monday through Thursday, 5 to 10:00 p.m.; Friday, 5 p.m. to 11:00; Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11:30; and Sunday, 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Valet parking is available. For reservations, please call 773-281-9101 or visit www.gejascafe.com.