It's hard to believe, but 2010 ushers in the 24th year of exceptional winemaker dinners at Inn at the Tides in Bodega Bay, Calif.

     Bodega Bay is in Sonoma County, a short drive from "wine country." Yet it's really a world apart - except when the inn's Winemaker Dinner Series is taking place.

     Perhaps it's the proximity to the wineries featured in the series, but no other winemaker dinners anywhere offer such impeccable wine-and-food pairings. The inn's chef works directly with the winery proprietors and/or winemakers to make sure that each course features a perfect pairing.

     Take a look at the menu for this Friday's dinner, featuring the wines of A. Rafanelli...

Day Boat Scallops
wrapped in prosciutto
fennel marmalade
blood oranges
saffron sauce
2007 A. Rafanelli Zinfandel

Papardelle
with Porcini mushrooms
Reggiano-Parmigiano
2006 A. Rafanelli Merlot

Roasted New York Strip Loin
green peppercorn sauce
Yukon Gold-garlic mashed potatoes
2006 A. Rafanelli Cabernet Sauvignon

Bitter Chocolate Cheesecake
2004 A. Rafanelli Terrace Select Cabernet Sauvignon

     Rarely would you find scallops paired with Zinfandel, but given the preparation planned for the first course this Friday, it makes perfect sense.

     And cheesecake with Cabernet Sauvignon? Yes, if the cheesecake's dominant flavor is bittersweet chocolate.

     Other upcoming Inn at the Tides winemaker dinners include:

     * February 19 -- Ferrari-Carano

     * March 12 -- Murphy-Goode

     * March 19 -- Chateau Montelena

     * April 23 -- Grgich Hills Cellar

     * May 21 -- D'Argenzio Winery

     * June 18 -- Hartford Family Winery

     You can check out the food-and-wine pairings for the various dinners by following this link:

http://www.innatthetides.com/bpdocuments/2010-Winemakers-Series.pdf