San Francisco treat

WHO: Campton Place Restaurant's master sommelier Richard Dean, executive chef Srijith Gopinathan, and Dr. Su Hua Newton, who helped establish Newton Vineyards as one of the first wineries on Spring Mountain. Recognizing the area's potential as a prime viticultural region, she and co-founder Sir Peter Newton established Newton Vineyard in 1977.

WHAT: Intimate wine tasting and dinner at Taj Campton Place with winemaker Dr. Su Hua Newton.

Wines will include:
2007 Chardonnay "Unfiltered" Newton Vineyard Napa Valley
2007 Claret Red Label Newton Vineyard Napa Valley
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon "Unfiltered" Newton Vineyard Napa Valley
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Label Newton Vineyard Napa Valley

WHERE: Taj Campton Place
340 Stockton Street, just off Union Square
San Francisco, CA 94108
415-955-5574

WHEN: Tuesday, September 14th. The evening starts at 7 pm with a cool glass of sparkling wine and then proceeds to the Campton Place Suite for a mini-vertical tasting of Dr. Su Hua Newton's: Newton The Puzzle.

Every year, Newton crafts a single paramount wine that represents the finest expression of its Spring Mountain Estate. Much like finding the right pieces to a puzzle, the winemaker hand selects fruit from 112 separate vineyard blocks. To preserve the unique character of each parcel, the fruit remains isolated by vineyard block for natural fermentation and barrel aging. Working patiently and in harmony with nature, Newton produces an artful blend so profound and complex that it is known as The Puzzle.

At 8 pm, the evening proceeds to Campton Place Restaurant, where Chef Srijith Gopinathan will prepare a magical feast (menu below).

HOW: The cost of the event for Dr. Su Hua Newton is $130 (exclusive of tax per person (tax and gratuity excluded). Guests of Taj Campton Place's winemaker dinners can "take the elevator home" by booking an overnight stay at a special $150 "Vintner's Rate" for a deluxe guestroom.

For more info on Taj Campton Place's Wine Scene dinners and tasting seminars, visit www.camptonplacesf.com or contact master sommelier Richard Dean at Richard.Dean@tajhotels.com or 415-955-5574. For room reservations, visit www.tajhotels.com/camptonplace or call 415-781-5555.