Oak Smoke, Fresh Peaches, and Deep Summer Grooves at Durst Winery

There is a distinct magic to June mornings on the estate. If you take a stroll beneath the deep, cool shade of our grand oak trees just as the sun clears the horizon, you can feel the valley shifting. Step past the vineyard toward the gardens, and you’ll find the true markers of the season: our estate roses are in magnificent bloom, and the fruit trees are heavy with the promise of a spectacular summer.

Moments like this move quickly. A rose opens, a perfect afternoon passes by, a new memory is made.

That is why we created this space, a living window into everything unfolding across our home, from the cellar to the kitchen, and all the understated luxury in between. Pull up a chair, pour a glass, and step inside the estate with us this week.

From the Kitchen: Straight from the Soil

Chef is leaning heavily into the sun-ripened abundance of our local soil this week. Step onto the patio and you'll find a striking Local Black Watermelon Salad ($18). We are pairing the crisp, deep sweetness of local black watermelon with peppery arugula, rich feta, and the sharp, bright bite of honey-pickled red onion.

Combine it with our Sparkling Rosé for an ideal summer lunch.

If you are looking for something warm from the fire, our specialty pizza this week is a celebration of summer textures: Peach, Prosciutto & Burrata ($29). Built on a rich garlic herb confit oil base with fresh mozzarella, it’s topped with juicy peaches, savory prosciutto, and decadent burrata, then finished with fresh torn basil and a drizzle of white balsamic glaze. It pairs exquisitely with a chilled glass of our crisp estate white.

Upcoming Highlights: Turning Moments into Memories

Father’s Day Celebration | Friday, June 19th

We are gearing up to treat the men in our lives to something legendary. Chef is serving a Thick-Cut, Oak-Smoked Tri-Tip Sandwich, piled high on a toasted artisan roll with crispy fried onion rings, roasted-garlic aioli, and a brush of our house-made Apricot BBQ glaze, served with golden French fries. We’ll have the phenomenal Gary Bohanan and the Bad Habits providing the perfect live soundtrack for the day.

Our Pre-Fourth Bash | Friday, July 3rd

Mark your calendars for our big, family-friendly pre-Fourth of July celebration. We are keeping the atmosphere casual, patriotic, and beautifully relaxed with simple food, light activities, lawn games, grill specials, and a patriotic costume contest. Bring your favorite people—and yes, your four-legged family members, because the estate is completely pet-friendly for this bash! Music will be provided by the incredible Donovan Bryant.

The Rhythm of the Weekend

Every day at The Durst House holds a distinct energy, and this weekend's musical lineup is designed to match your exact mood:

• Friday Night (Durst After Dark): Escape the daytime heat from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with the smooth, soulful sounds of the Valley Groove Band. Grab a glass of red, watch the lanterns flicker on, and let the twilight take over.

• Sunday Afternoon (Sip Back Sunday): Unhurried luxury at its finest from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Find a shady spot under the grand oaks, open a bottle of chilled rosé, and let the acoustic notes of Taylor Nikkole stretch the afternoon out beautifully.

Spotlight on the Crew: Meet Tucker & Gracie

If you’ve spent any time on the property, you’ve likely already been greeted by the true masters of the house: our beloved winery dogs, Tucker and Gracie.

Together, they run a highly efficient hospitality operation out here. Tucker (pictured in his natural habitat) takes his official duties very seriously—which mostly consist of tracking down stray tennis balls, supervising Chef’s kitchen deliveries, and finding the absolute perfect patch of shade under the grand oaks for a mid-afternoon nap. Gracie, on the other hand, is our master of social relations, making sure every guest gets a warm welcome the moment they step onto the grounds.

Next time you're crossing the lawn or settling onto the porch with a glass of wine, keep an eye out for our dynamic duo. They are the very heart of the casual, welcoming lifestyle at the estate, and they’re always open to a quick hello, a gentle pat—and if you happen to be enjoying a side of fries with that Father's Day tri-tip soon, they might just become your best friends for the afternoon.

The Guest Book: We Build This House Together

This social club belongs to you, our friends and family. We want our blog to be a true dialogue, and we are always looking toward what we can build and create next.

We are dreaming up big things for the future—from the eventual addition of a heritage chicken coop for fresh morning eggs, to new interactive culinary and winemaking masterclasses.

What do you want to see next at The Durst House? What classes or garden additions spark your imagination?

Please sign The Guest Book by leaving a comment below to share your thoughts with us. We read every single response, and we love weaving your inspiration into the very fabric of the estate.

Until we raise a glass together,

The Durst House Team