Mayo Family Winery Reserve Room — Attraction in California

My husband I were here yesterday.

From the moment you step into the Mayo Reserve Room( small but cozy), the experience is nothing short of spectacular. Executive Chef John sets the tone with his warm and professional greeting, immediately making you feel like a valued guest. His enthusiasm and passion for food and wine elevate the entire tasting journey.

The tasting and pairing event is thoughtfully curated, blending exquisite wines with perfectly paired dishes. Chef John’s explanations of the wines and their complementary food pairings are both educational and engaging. His deep knowledge and ability to describe flavors and aromas in a relatable way make the experience enjoyable for both wine novices and aficionados alike.

Each pairing highlights the artistry behind the selection, showcasing how the flavors of the wine enhance the culinary creations and vice versa. Whether it's the delicate balance of a brut and white wine with a light watermelon salad to creamy dish or the robust depth of a red paired with a savory entree, every combination is an exploration of taste.

The ambiance of the Mayo Reserve Room complements the experience, providing a cozy yet refined setting that encourages you to savor every moment. The attentive Chef John ensures that every need is met, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the flavors and stories behind each pairing.

Overall, the Mayo Reserve Room tasting and pairing is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the fine art of food and wine pairing. The impeccable hospitality, exceptional pairings, and Chef John’s expertise create a memorable experience that lingers long after the final sip.

And of course, all the wines that we tasted come home with us plus several extra bottles for the family in...

This review is long overdue - Chef John really rolled out the red carpet for me and my fiancé to celebrate our engagement! When I initially inquired about reservations at the Reserve room on labor day, I was concerned that due to it being a holiday they would be closing early. However, Chef John generously stayed open for a late lunch to accommodate our schedule (we were driving in from out of town and unable to make the earlier time slots advertised). Boy am I glad I asked! The food was exceptional and both my fiancé and I agreed on par with what we had enjoyed for dinner at a Michelin starred restaurant just a few days prior, and at a quarter the price! The service was phenomenal, and the 7 dishes we tried each were paired with perfect wine pairings! Chef John even inquired about my fiancé's favorite type of wine when I made the reservation, and had brought over Riesling from the winery even though it was not on the pairing menu. (The winery is at a separate location a few miles away, so this had to be done in advance and was so incredibly thoughtful.) The next time we visit Sonoma, we will definitely be enjoying another lunch at the Mayo...

If one is seeking a truly better food and wine experience, what Mayo Winery and their chef (Sam) have done is take the California tasting experience to the next level. At he reserve room, rather than just tasting wines with breadsticks.. chef Sam develops an appetizer size dish paired specifically for each of the generous tasting pours, and he does a great job of this. It is the pairing of food and wine that brings out the best of each, and that is exactly what Sam is doing here. Enough food to make a light meal, the experience far exceeds a conventional tasting. I'd say this a don't miss experience. Sam is also quite collegial and adds considerably to the experience. Highly...