2019 Annual Society Gathering

A cocktail hour and seated dinner, featuring dishes by Blackberry Farm executive chef Cassidee Dabney and wine from Bryant Estate Vineyard, opens the three-day retreat.

Stacey and Justin Bingler.

On Monday morning, guests join David DiBenedetto and food writer Matt Lee in Bramble Hall for a lively discussion of The Lee Bros.’ latest book, Hotbox.

Following the discussion, Mike Stewart of Wildrose Kennels leads guests through a sporting dog demonstration with his famed retrievers.

Proprietor Mary Celeste Beall with G&G co-founder and CEO Rebecca Darwin.

Julian Van Winkle III of Pappy Van Winkle offers guests a special tasting of the Van Winkle Special Reserve 12-Year and Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15-Year.

Guests take notes as executive chef Cassidee Dabney prepares a sauce for the evening’s crab and laurel-aged rice dish.

The final products of the Blackberry Farm culinary demonstration: caramelized chess pie and crab and laurel-aged rice.

Guests partake in sporting activities around Blackberry Farm such as fly-fishing, horseback riding, clay shooting, and hiking.

From left: Julian Van Winkle III, Lindsay Fleege, Sissy Van Winkle, and David DiBenedetto.

From left: Joe and Anne Russell and Carole and John Ferguson.

At Tuesday night’s finale dinner, each setting is complete with a custom illustrated place card by Markey Mossman of Hatch Cove Designs.

The fourth course of the evening: Elysian Fields farm lamb with creamer pea panisse, herb puree, crème fraîche, roasted cauliflower, and carrots.

As a memento of the weekend, Society members each receive a personalized leather luggage tag, custom-made by Moore & Giles.

The final evening concludes with a live set from The Watson Twins and Carl Broemel of My Morning Jacket.

Cheers to an amazing three days at Blackberry Farm!