Andretti Winery Signs Chef Athena Palombi to L'Italia in Vigneto Culinary Program

NAPA VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Known for its majestic setting and elegant, Tuscan-inspired estate, Andretti Winery continues its tradition of producing great wine in the Cal-Ital style and creating memorable experiences. With the addition of Chef Athena Palombi, the winery adds an exceptional talent whose culinary expertise will enhance its dining program year-round. Founded by legendary race car driver Mario Andretti, the winery estate is home to a 42 acre vineyard, winery, barrel-aging chai and an Italianate dining room, in which Chef Athena Palombi, will create dinners and lunches all paired with signature Andretti wines.

"We are thrilled to have Athena Palombi on-board," commented Founder Mario Andretti. "Her style and approach, and her natural talent in creating wonderful meals to be paired with great wines are exactly what Andretti stands for. This all reminds me of my boyhood home in Italy and what is so wonderfully appealing about the Mediterranean lifestyle – which we share with friends and visitors here at Andretti Winery every day."

A veteran of local television and Food Network's "Chef Wanted" as well as the kitchens of several great chefs, Athena Palombi is known for her unpretentious approach to preparing top-flight seasonal cuisine. "I call it elegant peasant, or rustic Mediterranean," said Palombi. "My family roots, both Greek and Italian, have had a strong influence as I channel them through each of my dishes."

At Andretti, Chef Palombi will be creating dinners and lunches throughout the year, all paired with Andretti wines. Andretti Winery is renowned for its portfolio of fine wines featuring traditional regional varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, as well as luxury Italian varietals, Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio and Dolcetto. "Athena's cuisine is an ideal complement to our portfolio," commented Joe Antonini, Chairman and Cofounder of Andretti. "Her appreciation of local ingredients, her passion for quality and her understanding of the pure pleasure of sitting around a table with friends and sharing a great meal is what we are all about."

A sample dinner menu might include a first course of Gamberi alla Griglia con Lardo e Insalata di Lenticchie (Lardo wrapped grilled Prawns on top of a warm Lentil Salad), second course of Risotto ai Finferli al Tartuffo Bianco (Chantarelle Risotto with White Truffle), third course of Agnello al Forno e Patate  (Roasted Leg of Lamb and with Rosemary and Garlic served with Potatoes) , and dessert of Vino Cotto di Fichi con Torta di Formaggio (Wine poached figs served on top of a Ricotta Cheesecake), all paired with Andretti wines.

Details
At Andretti, dinner is served at 7pm, lunch at 12 noon.

The price for dinner is $125 per person; lunch is $95 per person, both with a 16-guests maximum.

Dinner Dates
Friday, September 21
Friday, October 26
Friday, December 7
Saturday, December 15

Lunch Dates:
Saturday, September 29
Saturday, October 20

Reservations
Events are private and by appointment only.
To make reservations, call Tenaya at 1-888-460-8463 Ext. 229
Reservations should be made at least 48 hours prior to requested dates

About Andretti Winery
Located in the heart of the legendary Napa Valley, Andretti Winery exudes Old World Charm. Modeled after a rambling Italian village, the winery conjures up the boyhood home of its namesake, Mario Andretti, the finest race car driver of all time. Founded in 1996 by Mario Andretti and his longtime friend, Joe Antonini, former Chairman & CEO of Kmart Corporation, Andretti Winery is dedicated to celebrating the Italian lifestyle. Andretti wines are crafted from estate vineyard fruit and select vineyards from California's finest appellations. Specifically chosen for their excellence and distinction, each wine released meets the highest standards of the Winery's vision and mission: to consistently offer unique character and exceptional quality. Andretti Winery is a portfolio company of Bacchus Capital Management. For more information, visit www.andrettiwinery.com

SOURCE Andretti Winery