Meet the Sbragia Team: Hospitality Director & Estate Chef Heidi James
Heidi has been a member of the Sbragia team since December of 2015 where she’s started the thriving culinary program. One could gamble web based within caça niqueis classicos. At their Dry Creek Valley winery, she works daily on menu planning, preparing, and executing all of our on-site events, lunches, and private dinners. She is Sbragia’s events manager and has recently been promoted to the Director of Hospitality.
Heidi is native to Highland, New York and moved to Sonoma County in 2013 to work a harvest. Seeking knowledge and adventure, she uprooted her life to California which peaked her thirst for wine. She took her first course in wine studies while attending the Culinary Institute of America, falling in love with wine and all its history. In early 2015, Heidi completed certifications level two and three through the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET). Before her culinary and wine
training, restaurants and books were her best friends. She spent most of her early career working as a line cook, server, and pretty much any position imaginable in a restaurant!
Prior to Sbragia, Heidi worked for several Sonoma County wineries including Kendall Jackson and Williams Selyem. She looks back on her time at Sbragia, “It’s been so awesome watching our hospitality program grow and to see our food program develop.” This year, Heidi started a new branch of our food program with Sbragia catering. Sbragia is now offering in-house catering services for private events and weddings at the winery.
Heidi makes rustic, simple and delicious food, but she never sticks to one style. “Doing the same thing more than a few times becomes boring for me.” She relies on quality ingredients, fresh flavors, and proper seasoning. Her food is never over-the-top fancy, but simple and elegant cuisine. Heidi is excited about new events and private dinners at Sbragia this year! If you are visiting Sonoma County, let us plan a private lunch for you!
