Raise a glass to an unforgettable season of food and wine on the Mendocino Coast. The Inn at Newport Ranch is proud to present our 2025–2026 Winemaker Dinner Series—three intimate evenings pairing world-class wines with the inventive, hyper-local cuisine of Executive Chef Nick Wells. Chef Wells will design a seasonal, foraged-inspired menu thoughtfully paired to highlight the nuance and depth of each wine. Guided by California’s coastal bounty and the expertise of chef-forager Adam Lawrence, Chef Nick’s ingredient-driven approach brings the Mendocino coast to your plate.
Each of our winemaker events begin with cocktails and coastal views before moving into a multi-course, foraged-inspired dinner in our oceanfront Newport Room, perfectly paired with each featured winery’s most celebrated vintages.
With only 25 seats available per evening, these dinners offer rare, face-to-face conversations with the winemakers, insights into their craft, and a shared table where land, sea, and vine meet in harmony.
TIME · 6:00 PM cocktails/appetizers; 7:00 PM dinner
COST · $225 pp++
Join us October 4th for an unforgettable winemaker dinner with the celebrated winemaker Don Patz, known for crafting some of California’s most expressive single-vineyard Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Don will share stories behind each pour, offering a rare, intimate experience for wine lovers and collectors. Set in our oceanfront Newport Room with sweeping views of the Pacific.
Savor an evening with Wentworth Vineyards, a boutique Anderson Valley producer celebrated for its refined, site-driven Pinot Noirs. Proprietors Mark and Katie Wentworth will share the journey behind their handcrafted wines, offering a personal glimpse into their passion for small-lot, terroir-focused winemaking. Set in our oceanfront Newport Room with panoramic Pacific views, this exclusive evening promises a perfect union of exceptional wine, inspired cuisine, and captivating storytelling.
Experience the acclaimed wines of Peay Vineyards, the celebrated Sonoma Coast estate winery renowned for producing wines of elegance, purity, and place. Husband-and-wife team Nick Peay and Vanessa Wong, along with brother Andy Peay are the talents that have created Peay’s award winning, hard to procure wines. Andy will guide guests through a curated selection of their award-winning Pinot Noirs, Syrah’s, and Chardonnays, sharing insights into their sustainable farming practices and winemaking philosophy. Hosted in our oceanfront Newport Room with breathtaking views of the Pacific, this intimate dinner blends world- class wine, inspired cuisine, and an unforgettable setting.