New Estate Chef Tim Vallery to Lead Development of Winery’s Growing Culinary Experiences
SANTA ROSA, Calif. (March 29, 2022) — Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery, longtime a hospitality pillar in Sonoma County, is set to bolster its culinary experiences with newly appointed Estate Chef Tim Vallery. Tapping into Vallery’s talent, the winery plans to usher in expanded and brand new culinary offerings throughout 2022.
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York, Vallery comes to Ferrari-Carano most recently from Coyote Sonoma Restaurant and Winery. His career spans 25 years and includes stints at Santa Rosa Golf and Country Club, The Hilton Hotel of Santa Rosa, and the Seafood Brasserie at Vineyard Creek Hotel among others; he also directed his own catering group – Peloton Culinary & Catering. Vallery’s move to Ferrari-Carano not only levels up the winery’s specialty food and wine experiences, it comes at a time when the winery as a whole is hitting the refresh button with an extensive remodel of its tasting room and outdoor spaces, slated for completion in early April 2022.
“We are thrilled to expand Ferrari-Carano’s culinary programming under Chef Vallery’s leadership,” says Sam Sayad, Estate Director for Ferrari-Carano Winery, one of 23 wineries in the Foley Family Wines portfolio. “We believe that Chef’s well-designed food and wine pairings will highlight our dedication to the gastronomic arts as a whole, bringing a new level of hospitality and elevated wine experiences to our guests.”
Since its inception, Ferrari-Carano has taken inspiration from its Italian heritage by practicing the art of pairing seasonal food with complimentary wine in celebration of la dolce vita. Vallery will further enhance these experiences by incorporating herbs and vegetables from the gardens in his culinary creations and curated pairings, including new experiences within the estate’s famed gardens and new Fontana outdoor pergola seating areas behind the villa. Guests will continue to have a choice of enhanced and elevated offerings at the winery (including its popular Sunday Wine and Brunch on the Sycamore Grove and Italian wood-fired oven pizzas offered in the summertime) as these freshly curated experiences make their debut.
James Molina joins Chef Vallery, adding his culinary talent to the team. Chef Vallery first worked with James at Coyote Sonoma. James is very passionate about the culinary field and is currently studying for his bachelor’s degree at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
“Growing up, my nonnie always cooked with the freshest ingredients available,” Vallery says. “I’m excited to carry on this commitment to seasonal and fresh ingredients at Ferrari-Carano and to build upon their stellar reputation for Italian hospitality alongside Chef Molina and my amazing team. Cooking with estate-grown food to pair with wine made from estate-grown grapes is a rare luxury for a Chef.”
About Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery
Nestled in picturesque Dry Creek Valley, Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery has been home to award-winning wines, exquisite gardens, and breathtaking vineyard views for more than 40 years. At the beautiful Italianate hospitality center, Villa Fiore, guests may stroll lush gardens and taste wines in the Villa Fiore Wine Shop, at the Enoteca bar in the underground cellar, outside on Il Terrazzo, or during Sunday Wine and Brunch on the Sycamore Grove that overlooks the estate’s vineyards. Spanning 1,200 acres across three counties, Ferrari-Carano’s 21 certified-sustainable estate vineyards provide the grapes that go into its esteemed wines. Ferrari-Carano is one of the region’s leaders, setting the bar for the highest standard in hospitality, wine quality, and sustainability. More information is available online at www.ferrari-carano.com
