Secret Pop Ups at Bowman Cellars in Graton

A relaxed vibe, great food and great wine at Bowman Cellars is the true Sonoma County experience


Bowman Cellars’ pop-up dinners are one of Wine Country’s best-kept secrets.

In fact, it’s among those rare unspoiled frivolities that I really wish I could keep to myself. Each month, Alex and Katie Bowman invite cool-kid chefs to run a one-night restaurant from their Graton winery.

No, you don’t have to sit with a bunch of people you don’t know and attempt small talk. Just grab a table (preferably outside) and order from the menu. Obviously, they’ll be pouring their own wines, but that’s a plus because they’re tres food-friendly.

Napa Chef Samuel Kaminsky of Privi Napa catering is a young gun we’re especially fond of. At his last dinner, pastrami-cured egg yolks atop lamb tartare stole the show. For the less meaty, Chef Matteo Silverman of Chalk Hill Cookery creates excellent plant-based dinners, along with various surprise guests like Goat Catering from Goatlandia (don’t worry, they rescue goats not eat them). 

The dinners usually sell out, so make reservations online to secure a spot. You can also visit the winery for snacks and wine on the patio just about any time. 9010 Graton Rd., Graton, 707-827-3391.

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