I joined 100 wine experts from across the country in early January to judge the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. (If you missed the last issue you can see the winners at www.winejudging.com)

The 3 day event in Cloverdale, California included a "judges dinner" at Coppola Winery. ( Yes, it's owned by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola) It was a night to remember. We arrived and were handed a glass of the softly sweet fizzy Sophia sparkling wine. Outdoors, the winery looks like a movie set, sprawling and well groomed. Locals visit during the sunny Sonoma afternoons to enjoy its one-of-a-kind outdoor swimming area complete with cabanas and chairs.

Indoors, the winery is filled with movie memorabilia from Coppola's films (Martin Sheen's jacket from Apocalypse Now) along with Italian family treasures. We were led on a creative and delicious "tasting" of some of the wineries latest vintages and newest labels (Two Arrowheads). Winemakers were set up at stations throughout the winery, where we sampled an appetizer to complement the wine.(Arancini and Diamond Claret=divine!) Our culinary adventure took us up the stairs and down, winding thru the large but well appointed winery and made it feel more like we were visiting family, not a business.

Dinner was served in the HUGE barrel room at long, long tables. Food was served "family style"- with a bevy of exotic salads, meats, pastas, breads and desserts all brought to the table for sharing. Not an easy task considering there were 200 people to serve. The service was excellent and the food extraordinary.(Am still craving the farro salad with squid and roasted broccolini with lemon.) Francis and his wife Eleanor were at the dinner and made a point to welcome each of us. Truly gracious hosts.

Coppola wines come in all price points and styles. Here are some sampled that evening, including a few new labels that are not yet on the market.

2014 Diamond Sauvignon Blanc-crisp, dry, lovely notes of white grapefruit

2012 Diamond Claret-dry red with earthy aromas and chewy black fruit tannins

2012 Francis Ford Coppola Reserve Chardonnay-oaky, buttery, creamy dry white

2012 Francis Ford Coppola Reserve Pinot Noir-full bodied dry red with notes of truffle and current.

2013 Sofia RED-blend of grenache and syrah; easy going with inviting notes of soft spice and red fruit.

2013 Sofia WHITE-blend of riesling and chardonnay; honeysuckle nose and off dry flavors of apples and pears.

2013 Two Arrowheads White-( NEW LABEL-not yet on market) blend of roussanne and viognier; exotic nose, creamy mouth feel.

2013 Two Arrowheads Cabernet Sauvignon-NEW LABEL-not yet on market) big, bold, dry red; black cherry, mocha, and cedar.