A nationwide tour that unites live-fire cooking, family farms, and local chefs in diverse destinations, Heritage Fire made its annual stop in Napa Valley, Sunday, August 18. Hosted at Charles Krug Winery on a beautiful sunny day, culinary enthusiasts gathered for an unforgettable afternoon of excellent food and wine. Guests wandered the property of Napa Valley’s oldest winery, sampling a diverse array of dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients, prepared by more than 25 top chefs.
Beyond exceptional food crafted by top chefs, Heritage Fire also offers a unique opportunity to engage with local wineries and taste wines that complement the culinary offerings. Among those participating this year was Franciscan Estate, a cornerstone of the wine country established in 1972 by Napa Valley wine legends Justin Meyers and Raymond Duncan. A sponsor of this year’s event, Franciscan is known for blending traditional Californian winemaking techniques with a modern taste, resulting in bold and flavorful wines that “let the fruit speak for itself.” More than a winery, it is a testament to the dedication of those who have shaped its legacy.
Franciscan Estate hosted chef Jordan Andino at its Heritage Fire activation, who mingled with guests as they enjoyed generous pours of the winery’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The New York City-based chef, restauranteur, and TV personality has been working with the Franciscan team to develop food pairings, including a Filipino Kalbi with Kimchi Coleslaw that pairs superbly with the winery’s 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon. A Toronto native with Filipino roots, Andino is known for bringing a unique blend of cultural influences to his dishes, along with his upbeat, infectious personality (and unabashed love for his Auggie, Gnocchi, who makes frequent appearances on his Instagram). Andino gained experience working at acclaimed restaurants—including a stint at The French Laundry—but his culinary expertise extends beyond the kitchen. He has made regular appearances as a judge on hit shows such as “Chopped,” “Rachael Ray,” “The Today Show,” and “Beat Bobby Flay.”
For more information on Heritage Fire’s upcoming stops, as well as updates on next year’s event in Napa Valley, visit HeritageFireTour.com.
Images by Nikki Ritcher