Known for its vibrant portfolio of cool-climate wines and indulgent experiences, Sonoma County’s Ram’s Gate Winery has debuted a new menu highlighting the local elements for its Equinox Experience. Curated by Winemaker Joe Nielsen and Executive Chef Michael Diaz De Leon, this delicious two-hour experience includes a five-course wine and food pairing highlighting seasonal ingredients from local farms, thoughtfully paired with small lot wines from the Ram’s Gate cellar.
The vision behind Ram’s Gate’s elevated culinary program is driven by Founder and Proprietor Jeff O’Neill’s deep-rooted passion for food, wine, and the meaningful connections they inspire. “Cooking has always been an integral part of our family,” says O’Neill. “Bringing people together around the table is what we love most, and pairing great food with great wine makes those moments unforgettable.”
With a desire to push boundaries and elevate the guest experience, O’Neill sought to collaborate with a Michelin Star chef, underscoring his commitment to excellence in every detail at Ram’s Gate.
That vision takes shape through the creativity and expertise of Executive Chef Michael Diaz De Leon, who joined Ram’s Gate for a culinary residency in March 2025. Drawing on his deep respect for regional ingredients and global technique, Chef Diaz De Leon works in close collaboration with Winemaker Joe Nielsen to craft thoughtful pairings that bring the wines to life.
The new menu blends modern California cuisine with Latin and Mediterranean influences, ranging from a bright and briny prawn crudo with stone-fruit aguachile paired with the 2017 Blanc de Noirs, to a decadent dry-aged duck breast with plum barbecue sauce, complemented by the 2021 Estate and Cellar Note Pinot Noirs. Each dish is designed to harmonize with the distinct personality of the wines in the glass.
“This menu is a love letter to the season,” says Chef Diaz De Leon. “We’ve highlighted ingredients like wild mushrooms, black truffle, and stone fruits at their peak, then built each dish around the unique character of each Ram’s Gate wine. It’s about creating moments of discovery where the food and wine elevate each other in unexpected ways.”
The Equinox Experience is offered Thursday through Monday, at 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. for $185 per person/$125 per member.