In Wine Country

Windsor Restaurants

2009-12-05T09:45:00.000-08:00

Update on Restaurant Mirepoix (275 Windsor River Road) has been reconfigured into a more upscale tasting-menu concept, but chef-owner Matthew Bousquet says he hasn't forgotten the fans of his casual classic French dishes.

He and his wife, Bryan Bousquet, who is also the wine director, are opening Bistro M in late December, in the former Langley's on the Green space (610 McClelland Drive, Windsor) just around the corner from Mirepoix.

Familiar dishes at lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch will include boeuf bourguignon, cassoulet and selections from the oyster bar.

Look for a familiar face in the kitchen, too. Former Mirepoix chef Ben Davies has returned, after departing two years ago for sous-chef positions with the Restaurant at Meadowood and Murray Circle at Cavallo Point.

Our Local Chefs

2009-12-02T08:41:00.000-08:00

Don't know how many of you had the opportunity to go to Scopa while you were here, but here's a review from the SF Chronicle giving them three stars!
Scopa Review

Hope you can visit the next time you're here.

Something about our Rates

2009-12-02T08:30:00.001-08:00

Due to an overwhelming demand this past year and higher than anticipated costs during the hottest months of the year, we have decided to raise our rates during the months of June, July, August and September to $780.00/night with a three night minimum. The weekly rate will be $4,680.00/week with the seventh night free. We will honor our rates for June, July, August and September 2010 at $680/night, three night minimum, and weekly rate of $4,080.00 with the seventh night free if booked before February 28, 2010.

Getting ready for the beginng of the holidays

2009-11-28T08:23:00.000-08:00

Halloween came and went with a little rain and a return visit from previous guests. As promised Joanne was back but this time with her six other friends. They came to celebrate birthdays to talk about and some to just whisper about or just ignore all together. Girls will be girls and these seven had a wonderful time. There’s talk about another visit next year. Oh my!

It’s so wonderful to meet you, our guests. We hope we meet all your expectations and more during your visit. Our most recent group celebrated their Dad’s birthday, went out to Bodgea Bay, and ate lots of oysters and needless to say, the weather was very cooperative. Our neighbors, Vince and Lise, gave them a private tour of their winery Montemaggiore.
We’re looking forward Thanksgiving and meeting our guests who will be staying at Casa Privata. Speaking of Thanksgiving, it’s time to get out of your rut and try a new recipe. Our local chefs have shared some of their favorites and I’m sure most of you have been to at least one of these restaurants. Get them all here with this link from Bite Club Eats. Here's my turkey. Better start the diet now.

Fall

2009-10-30T07:28:00.000-07:00

Ah, such a beautiful time of year here in wine country…nice and crisp. It’s been a very busy year here in our little part of paradise, Healdsburg Wine Country. As you know we started this venture this year and have been overwhelmed with the response we have received from you, our wonderful guests!

October brought a freak rain storm and we scrambled to harvest our grapes. We selectively picked the best and were happy with the harvest. If it’s like our the previous harvests, it should be a winner! Speaking of winning, we, as amateur wine makers, have received a Silver medal from California State Fair, Silver from the Sonoma Harvest Fair and a Bronze from the Petaluma Fair. Nice accomplishments. We’re also in the process of obtaining our license to sell our wine, which, as you can guess, is a long process as it is on the State and Federal level…will keep you posted and let you know when it happens!
New updates include a new redwood communal table in the “cove area” of the patio.
Next year is already starting to book…Barrel Tasting Weekend 1 and Barrel Tasting Weekend 2 weekends are booked. In April we’re welcoming back Steve and Julie who attended last year’s Passport Weekend. What a great event with over 45 Dry Creek Valley wineries participating. And after a hard day of tasting, I can’t think of a better place to relax than in Casa Privata’s “grotto spa”.
We’re also open to you, our guests, to share photos of your trip while you were here. And, if you don’t mind, we’d like to post them on our website.
That’s all for now. Like to receive comments and anything you would like to share with us. Visit our Casa Privata wewebsite for updates.