The second “Dinner in the Garden” features wines from husband and wife team, James and Danielle Frost of Pack String Wines in El Dorado County, California.

They work with three vineyard sites in El Dorado County that grow Roussane, Zinfandel, Barbera, and Sangiovese. Originally from Placerville and Camino, I met them while we were all living in McMinnville, Oregon. We became fast friends. Going on weekend adventures with our friend group to the coast, having potluck dinners once a month, and then our last meal together as a group on the floor of their house before they moved back to California in 2020.

Since moving back they bought land, started their wine label, built a house, and bought a vineyard management company. They are currently working on fencing the to-be vineyard site in Apple Hill on their property. So many things happening! James has worked in vineyard management for years and Danielle works as a scientist in a lab doing something I still don’t quite understand. They are both incredibly smart, talented and strong willed. You kind of have to be in agriculture.

They named their wine label Pack String Wines after their family members, including themselves, that take a string of mules into the wilderness for work and play. They’ve told me stories of the campfire meals and specialty drinks they have while the enjoying the outdoors. All these special moments shared with family away from busy lives left back in the city. Did I mention that they draw their own labels too? All inspired by family photos from pack mule trips.

Although they won’t be here for the dinner this time, I will be purchasing wine and having it shipped before the weather warms up too much.

This dinner will be taking place at my personal home in Chapel Hill, where I have been steadily rebuilding my farm from the ground up after leaving Oregon last summer.

The evening will start before sunset, where guests will be welcomed with a glass of Pack String’s Sangiovese rose and snacks while they explore the grounds and see all the projects that are continuing to grow. Guests can go visit with the ducks, see the “Secret Garden” area where the bees live, and wildflower patches planted with native flowers for the bees to snack on. Oh, and don’t forget about the newest addition, the chickens. Maybe I will even let you name one.

We will then gather around tables located next to the flower beds to enjoy a meal. Some of the beds will have the first flowers of the season in bloom, others planted with the second succession of crops, and maybe still some cover crops to prepare for the next plantings.

I will be preparing a menu for dinner that pairs specifically to James & Danielle’s wines. I hope that this meal will inspire you to buy some of their wines that are available and support their dream too. You can purchase wines here. As they say - buy wines to plant vines!

The most important part of this evening for me is giving my friends and supporters a chance to see first hand what it is that I am doing. To see how each piece of this farm works together in symbiosis to create harmony. It’s not just about flowers, it is about building a strong foundation in which to build upon. Starting with building soil health, feeding the pollinators, and giving back more than you take.

I would be honored to have your support and welcome you to my home.

Seats for the dinner are gifts for donors. A donation of $115 will come with one seat at the table.

Seating is highly limited and is first-come, first-serve.