IRONSTONE'S SILENT MOVIE NIGHT
Charlie Chaplin collection
A Review by Eva Dunn
Ironstone Vineyards is a destination venue that hosts several prestigious events throughout the year including the summer evening concerts in the Amphitheater, with seating under the stars, grassy knolls that welcome blankets and low-back chairs, and a variety of offerings for pre-concert snacks and libations. Gourmet dinners are also available. But this evening we were looking forward to one of Ironstone Vineyard's popular Silent Movie Buffet Dinner nights. Photo: the Music Room at Ironstone Vineyards by Eva Dunn
Ironstone's Alhambra Music Room houses the restored theater pipe organ that was once in the Alhambra Theater in downtown Sacramento, CA. I remember when that theater was dismantled and the entire city was saddened by the loss. With a side garden of manicured trees and shady seating, the theater was a grand old lady where I first saw Ben Hur in high school. I remember seeing the grand pipe organ there in all its glory next to deep red velvet curtains and gold tiebacks, gilt and gold throughout the theater. The Theater Organ is just as awesome today in the magnificent Alhambra Music Room at Ironstone Vineyards, Murphys, CA. Its deep melodious tones delivers a surprising array of tunes.
A Gold Rush Era formal ballroom, the Music Room houses the MGM Studio Lions at one end and at the other stands the impressive Theatre pipe organ. Behind a glass wall are the golden pipes, all sizes that provide the amazing singular sounds for the Silent Movies series. Sounds like breaking glass, a horse whinny, car horns, birds, or the blowing wind, enhancing the film, amazing that they emanate from an organ.
Sitting at the white-clothed round table enjoying a fine wine and sumptuous Italian buffet, coupled with the nostalgic black and white silent movies with live accompaniment by the Alhambra Theatre Pipe Organ, courtesy organist Dave Moreno, this was an evening to remember. Dave is personable, with a fun attitude and a ton of interesting folklore surrounding the silent movies and actors highlighted that night. A social hour preceded the silent movie with an Italian buffet--simply delicious pasta, a hearty, mixed green salad, savory Garlic bread, and a main entree, the food is top caliber. Courtesy Photo: the Music Room at Ironstone Vineyards
One of our favorite wines to share at these dinners is Ironstone's 2010 Obsession Symphony, an outstanding crisp, delicate white wine. Sometimes your table accommodates your own guests while at other times you share the table with people you have never met which makes it so much fun. Hot popcorn and giant chocolate chip cookies truly made it an old-time movie night. And bottomless popcorn? That excited the kid in all of us! Hot coffee was also available. A tiny black metal Movie Projector decorated each table.
Hearing the pipe organ with its amazing types of sounds while enjoying the black and white film of yesterday amid the whir of the film projector in the darkened room was so comfortable. Although this evening attendance was comprised of mostly adults, two children in the audience were completely enthralled with Silent Movie night's sounds and old-time film. The film, Charlie Chaplin collection, was delightful, and we were carried along on its tale of love, comedic errors, and intrigue. We loved all three showings. Organist and narrator shared interesting anecdotes.
Ironstone Vineyards continues to delight with a winery that surrounds itself with the natural beauty of trees, a bevy of flowers blooming in every season amid the magnificent setting of its surroundings in the Sierra Foothills. Come early to see the serene lake with beautiful black swans on its glassy surface, and lakeside gardens, the picnic tables tucked in under the canopy of trees, and benches positioned throughout the lawns beckoned us to stop and enjoy. We always look forward to Ironstone's events not only for the beauty but also for its unsurpassed staff hospitality.
No matter what event you attend this year at this spectacular venue, do take time to enjoy the Tasting Room, and the Delicatessen. The amazing, 42-foot stone fireplace and awesome oak bar are worth your time. Sipping a fine wine at the oak bar with new friends or with your guests is a great way to spend some time before an event. These are closed, however, during the Silent Movie Nights.
Visit the museum and jewelry shop where fine jewelry and art are housed seamlessly with gold rush treasure collections. The magnificent forty-four pound Crystalline Gold Leaf Specimen is the largest in the world! Thousands have taken their photo with this treasure as a backdrop, including us! This alone is worth the drive out to Ironstone Vineyards. White lights encircled around tree trucks make evenings magical, promising a memorable and delightful time. Visit Ironstone's website for the next Silent Movie Buffet Dinner; you won't want to miss it! A deal at $20.00 per person Plus tax and gratuity. Also check out their other upcoming events.
Ironstone Vineyards
1894 Six Mile Road
Murphys, CA 95247
209.728.1251
http://www.ironstonevineyards.com
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