Who is the Foley Entertainment Group?
If you’re familiar with the Vegas Golden Knights, you might be familiar with the Foley Entertainment Group.
Foley Entertainment Group, led by Bill Foley, is a diverse collection of businesses across several sectors, including sports, entertainment, technology, and financial services.
The group is structured around three main pillars: Sports, Hospitality, and Venues, all managed with a commitment to providing five-star services and experiences to fans, guests, customers, and clients.
The company also engages in special projects, like The Foley Collection, which includes a series of private homes and villas providing luxury concierge services.
About Foley Family Wines & Spirits
Foley Family Wines is a very important family and brand in the winemaking industry. Founded in 1996 by Bill and Carol Foley, the company initially started by purchasing Lincourt Vineyards, naming it after their daughters, Lindsay and Courtney. Known for its growth within Santa Barbara County and its emergence onto the global stage, the Foley Family Wines has consistently aimed at enhancing its luxury portfolio of wines.
In an effort to expand their portfolio beyond wine and into spirits, the Foley family acquired a distillery in Minden, Nevada, which specializes in American whiskey and white spirits, positioning Foley Family Wines & Spirits to offer a fuller range of high-end beverages.
Their commitment to creating fine wines and crafted spirits makes them legends in the beverage industry.
What’s the significance of the Harvest Moon, and why is it worth celebrating?
For centuries, the moon has always held profound significance spiritually, emotionally, and in agriculture.
Spiritually, the Harvest Moon symbolizes abundance, transformation, and balance. For years, whenever the Harvest Moon would come around, this would mark the occasion with rituals and celebrations. Native Americans and Celtic cultures, among others, have been known to celebrate the different phases of the moon, with the Harvest Moon standing out as particularly significant. It represents not just a time of bountiful harvest and the opportunity to express gratitude, but also a moment to reflect on the past year’s endeavors and the fruits of hard labor finally being reaped.
Emotionally, the Harvest Moon embodies prosperity, renewal, and hope. It makes us realize that there is so much more to come, and that this is the beginning of a brand new season (or chapter) of our lives. I always think of the Harvest Moon as a sign that the best is yet to come.
In agriculture, the moon’s phases have guided farming practices for generations. It’s no different when it comes to viticulture. The ripening of grapes for wine production closely follows the lunar calendar, with the Harvest Moon signaling the optimal time for grape picking. This critical period directly influences the sugar, acid, and flavor balance in the grapes, thus determining the character and quality of the wine. In essence, the moon acts as a guide for agricultural success and quality, underlining its importance in earthly affairs.
Why stay at Farmhouse Inn?
Farmhouse Inn is truly such a special place. Located in Forestville, this boutique hotel features a spa, a (heated) pool, fire pits, and two onsite restaurants that will make your stomach oh-so-happy. While maintaining a luxurious boutique hotel setting, it also has a cozy, heartwarming energy to it that will make you feel like you’re coming home. You can read my full review on it here.
To end off the quick review, I also wanted to mention how much I love their intimate winemaker dinners. It truly makes the property even more special.
A Peek Into the Four Courses at the Harvest Full Moon Dinner
Everything was absolutely delicious. Some standout items from the menu included the Spot Prawn Cocktail and the Turbot with Calamansi and Marigold. All of the flavors married together so beautifully. The textures were just right and it made me wish there was more!
CANAPÉS
Spot Prawn Cocktail | 2022 Roth Estate Rosé of Malbec, Russian River Valley
Inspired by Executive Chef Travis Watson of the Hotel Californian
Matsutake Tartlet | 2022 Four Graces Reserve Pinot Blanc, Willamette Valley
Inspired by Executive Chef Chase Williams of Black Walnut Inn & Vineyard
FIRST COURSE
Dungeness Crab Ceviche | 2021 Chalk Hill North Slope Pinot Gris
Inspired by Executive Chef Adrien Nieto of Hotel Les Mars & Arandas
SECOND COURSE
Confit Nardello Pepper with House Ricotta & a Reduction of Merus Cabernet | 2023 Foley Johnson Handmade Rosé, Rutherford
Inspired by Executive Chef Eric Placentine of MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa
THIRD COURSE
Turbot with Calamansi & Marigold | 2021 Chalk Hill Caron Ann’s Oak Hill Chardonnay
Inspired by Executive Chef Craig Wilmer of Farmhouse Inn
FOURTH COURSE
Passionfruit Pavlova & Chardonnay | Lighthouse Gin Alexander
Inspired by Executive Chef Norka Mella Munoz of Wharekauhau Country Estate
Under the Harvest Moon: A Toast to Memories, Traditions, and the Simple Joys of the Season
Farmhouse Inn always throws the best dinners. They are always so intimate and well thought out, and of course, the wine and food pairings are always so well done. As the night progressed, friendships were made and laughter filled the entire room. It truly felt like a dinner with some of your closest friends.
The Harvest Full Moon Dinner was more than a fine dining experience, it was all about getting back to our roots, feeling the beat of the earth beneath us, and opening a new chapter of life with new people. That’s what the full moon is all about: opening a new door of possibilities.
As we all said our goodbyes, our tummies were full and happy, and ready for a peaceful slumber.
