It's always a pleasure to talk to good friend Carolyn Wente, President of Wente Vineyards in Livermore Valley.  If you've never visited Livermore, add it to your must see wine destinations!

You can't talk about Livemore and the Wente's with out talking about food!  Carolyn's second food and lifestyle book is The Casual Vineyard Table, written in concert with Kimball Jones, executive chef at Wente. 

How do we incorporate the good life into everyday life? By capping off each day with a flavorful meal accompanied by a robust glass of wine. THE CASUAL VINEYARD TABLE, the second cookbook collaboration between Carolyn Wente, president, and Kimball Jones, executive chef, of Wente Vineyards, features dishes that can be prepared daily for friends and family. Although the concepts for the recipes are simple, the flavors are complex, including Heirloom Tomato Soup with Poached Salmon, Rack of Lamb with Pomegranate Glaze, and Apple Tart with Riesling Ice Cream. Complementing the restaurant-based recipes of their first book, SHARING THE VINEYARD TABLE, these recipes feature wine recommendations and a prep and cooking time of about an hour—because at Carolyn and Kimball’s table, good food and fine wine are part of everyday living.

CAROLYN WENTE is the president of Wente Vineyards, California’s oldest family-owned and continuously family-operated winery. She learned the wine business from her father and grandfather. Born and raised in Livermore, California, she lives there with her husband and son.

KIMBALL JONES has been the executive chef of Wente Vineyards since 1989. A graduate of the California Culinary Academy, he lives in Oakland, California, with his wife and two sons.