The synergy of artistry and intentionality came to life during the 3rd annual Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience, where Bricoleur Vineyards and Mazda joined forces to host an unforgettable dinner among the vineyards of Sonoma County.
The sensory dining experience embodied the Japanese concept of omotenashi, which goes far beyond providing good service to guests; it represents an entire mindset of selfless care and wholehearted dedication to making visitors feel comfortable and valued.
The dinner incorporated Chef Diego Oka’s myriad of influences into his inventive, signature international cuisine, including aspects of his Peruvian and Japanese heritage. Chef Oka worked closely with the Bricoleur Vineyards culinary team of Chef Thomas Bellec and Chef Todd Knoll to create exceptional dishes.
Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience (held May 16-19) is one of California Wine Country’s most exclusive annual events. It showcases the region’s makers – farmers, growers, winemakers and chefs – alongside globally recognized wines from the world’s most significant wine regions.
As its festival partner, Mazda curated weekend experiences that mirrored their philosophy, which included the dinner titled Artistry in Japanese Culinary Mastery at Bricoleur Vineyards, Crafted by Mazda.
“Mazda was and is the perfect partner for Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience because exceptional wine and food is all about craftsmanship and attention to detail and that is what Mazda is all about,” said Steve Dveris, founder and CEO of Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience. “In addition, one of the pillars of our event is sustainability and Mazda’s new line of plug-in hybrid vehicles fall squarely into that theme.”
Welcome Reception
Upon arrival at Bricoleur Vineyards, guests enjoyed sunset vineyard views, light bites and Isla Rose Brut Rosé.
The welcome bubbles paired well with the dinner’s theme of “Meaningful and Thoughtful Hospitality,” as Bricoleur Vineyards donates $5 from the purchase of each bottle to the V Foundation for cancer research, and the owners of Bricoleur Vineyards make a matching $60 donation for each case of the wine that’s purchased.
The fundraising is part of Bricoleur Vineyards’ Sip with Purpose campaign, which was established by Sarah Citron, Co-Founder & COO of Bricoleur Vineyards, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.
“The wine is named after my daughter. It’s close to our heart, as many of us are touched by cancer in some way. As a cancer thriver, research is something that our family is proud to be a part of,” said Citron.
In addition to sipping bubbles with a purpose, guests also had a chance to take home a bottle of Bricoleur Vineyards Pinot Noir or Viognier with the thoughtful inscription of their choice.
Lovers of cars also had the opportunity to check out the new Mazda 2025 CX-70, which will be released this spring.
Buckle up for an Amazing Dinner
From exquisite cuisine to specially curated wines, Bricoleur Vineyards and Mazda’s collaboration left guests in awe.
Some of my favorite dishes included:
Tiradito Lujoso | Kampachi, uni, chalaca, confit vegetables, leche de tigre, roasted rocoto
Duo of California Quail Consommé & Koji Marinated | Poured over pickled cherry and living cress
Crab Causa | California Dungeness crab, Jerusalem artichokes, potato, beets, huancaína sauce, and California Osetra caviar
Pot de Crème | White chocolate and candy cap mushroom Pot de Crème, pickled cherries, yuzu tapioca, soba and pistachio crisp
The pairings were a perfect recipe for an memorable night during the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience. But what made this event special was the thoughtful hospitality that embodied the Japanese concept of omotenashi, creating a meal that was more than just food – it was an art form.