What to Expect at DiRōNA’s 35th‑Anniversary Event in Napa Valley

Here’s a restaurant‑owner’s inside look at what awaits:

Immerse Yourself in Luxury & Lore

Stay at The Meritage Resort & Spa. A picturesque property surrounded by sun‑lit hills and vineyards, The Meritage offers elegantly appointed accommodations and thoughtful hospitality—an ideal backdrop for a gathering of industry leaders.

From the moment you arrive, expect seamless service, opulent surroundings, and the comfort befitting a DiRōNA community accustomed to refined standards.

A Curated Itinerary—Designed for Connection and Inspiration

Monday, September 8

• Evening – Welcome Reception
  Kick off the week with an exclusive tasting, hosted by Jean‑Charles Boisset, Wine Enthusiast’s 2024 Person of the Year. His Napa Valley portfolio will be on full display in a warm, intimate reception that sets the tone for three days of culinary camaraderie. 

Tuesday, September 9

• Breakfast at the resort’s Food & Wine Center sets a gently sophisticated start. 
• Morning – Fireside chat with DiRōNA Co‑Founders and Hall of Fame members Ted Balestreri and Chef Bert Cutino—a rare opportunity to hear from the visionaries of the DiRōNA legacy. 
• Lunch will be served with a chef‑curated luncheon that showcases Napa terroir. 
• Afternoon brings exclusive winery tours and private tastings at iconic Napa estates—perfect for gaining behind‑the‑scenes insight into wine craftsmanship. 
• Dinner invites you into intimate, small‑group dine‑arounds hosted by proprietors and winemakers—an exceptional avenue to deepen relationships and share ideas. 

Wednesday, September 10

• Breakfast at the resort’s Food & Wine Center again, reflectively simple yet uplifting. 
• Morning – “Winemaker for a Day”: Roll up your sleeves and blend your own custom wine at Raymond Vineyards, to take home—and reorder anytime—a hands‑on and inspirational experience. 
• Lunch hosted by CIA Copia chefs, featuring a PepsiCo “Citrus Springs” Lunch and Learn—expected to be both flavorful and forward‑thinking. 
• Afternoon – Caviar & Sparkling Wine Tasting at Chateau Buena Vista, where elevated flavors and effervescence merge in luxurious contrast. 
• Gala Dinner & Hall of Fame Induction: A signature finale—celebrate with fellow DiRōNA‐awarded restaurateurs while Rina Tonon of Café | Cortina (Farmington Hills, MI) is inducted into the Hall of Fame, presented by ECOLAB.

Event Partners & Winery Hosts

Expect immersive experiences with partners such as Jean‑Charles Boisset Collection, Ecolab, PepsiCo, plus participating wineries like Merrivale, Buena Vista, Raymond Vineyards, Promontory, Louis Martini, Grgich Hills, Inglenook, and Cakebread.

Each partner brings a unique lens—whether it’s winemaking, hospitality, or culinary innovation—helping elevate the DiRōNA gathering beyond typical conference fare.

What’s Included — and What’s Not

• Included: All food & beverage experiences; round‑trip transportation for scheduled excursions and group activities. 
• Not included: Hotel accommodations and airport transfers—attendees are responsible for booking those separately. 
• Dress Code: Business casual during daytime excursions; semi‑formal attire is requested for the Gala Dinner. 
• Allergy-Friendly: Just let Scott Breard know ahead of time via email (scott@dirona.com), and dietary concerns will be accommodated. 
• Tickets: Price is $2,2500 USD per person. All sales are final—so pack your enthusiasm and your appetite.

Why Attend? What’s in It for You

Forge Meaningful Connections

This intimate event gathers top restaurateurs and chefs—people who understand the pride, craft, and care behind every service. It’s a rare chance to exchange stories, strategies, and friendship in an inspiring setting.

Deepen Industry Insights

The guided tastings, “Winemaker for a Day,” and chef chats are more than fun—they’re knowledge exchanges. Return home with new ideas for menu development, wine pairings, guest engagement, or team training.

Strengthen Prestige

Being part of the 35th‑anniversary celebration reinforces the prestige of your DiRōNA distinction. Sharing a table with founders or Hall of Fame inductees isn’t just symbolic—it’s affirming. Plus, the event’s surroundings (high‑end tasting, vineyard lunches, curated dinners) reflect the elevated experience you offer nightly in your own restaurant.

Recharge Professionally and Creatively

Three days in Napa’s vineyard tranquility offer a creative reset. Whether you’re planning a new wine list, redesigning a dining room, or strategizing for the year ahead, stepping away can bring clarity and inspiration.

A Word on Legacy and Leadership

This anniversary isn’t merely a party—it symbolizes both tradition and forward momentum in fine dining. Scott and Kelly Breard, who have led DiRōNA since 2016, have invested deeply in community, digital engagement, and event creation—from Reunion Luncheons in Chicago to DiRōNA Weeks in culinary hubs like Napa and New Orleans. They’re invested in ensuring that DiRōNA remains more than an award—it’s a vibrant, supportive and evolving community.

Logistics Checklist for Attendees

Final Thoughts

As you look to attend DiRōNA’s 35th‑anniversary celebration, remember: it’s more than a trip—it’s a celebration of shared values, culinary excellence, and the enduring spirit of hospitality.

This gathering offers:

• Connection with peers, mentors, and industry icons; 
• Inspiration for your menu, wine list, and guest service; 
• Prestige in a setting that reflects DiRōNA’s elevated standards. 

You’re part of this because your restaurant exemplifies what DiRōNA stands for. Bring your passion, curiosity, and openness. Napa will do the rest.

Here’s to three days that honor your achievement—and help shape what comes next.