On March 28, 2026, we had the pleasure of participating in the 13th annual bASH, hosted by Appellation St. Helena at the beautiful Culinary Institute of America Greystone. With more than 200 guests in attendance and 22 wineries represented, it was an evening that celebrated the very best of St. Helena – wine, food, and the spirit of collaboration.

We’re proud to share that Taplin Cellars earned 3rd place in the Professional Category, a recognition that means a great deal to our team.

Our Pairing: Terra 9 Cabernet Sauvignon

For this year’s competition, we poured our 2023 Terra 9 Cabernet Sauvignon, paired with an inventive dish titled Smoked Maitake at Midnight, created by CIA students Shamar McDaniel, Theresa Thomas, and Nicholas Graves.

The pairing came together beautifully. The earthy, smoky character of the maitake mushroom highlighted the depth and structure of the Cabernet, creating a layered and memorable experience. It was exciting to see how thoughtfully the students interpreted the wine and brought their own creativity to the table.

A Celebration of Collaboration

One of the things we love most about bASH is the opportunity to collaborate with the talented students of the CIA. Each year, they bring fresh ideas, technical skill, and a sense of playfulness that pushes all of us to think differently about wine and food pairing.

The event was judged by an esteemed panel, including Daniel Kedan, Catherine Reble, Amy Holland, along with respected sommeliers like Christopher Sawyer and Traci Dutton. Guests also had the chance to taste and vote for their favorite pairings, adding to the lively, interactive atmosphere of the evening.

Grateful to Be Among Great Company

To be recognized alongside so many outstanding wineries in our community is truly an honor. Events like bASH remind us why we love what we do – bringing people together over a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, creativity, and great wine.

We’re incredibly grateful to the students we worked with, the organizers, and everyone who joined us for such a memorable night. And of course, we’ll be raising a glass of Terra 9 to celebrate!