Welcome to Occidental California, located in the heart of some of the world’s most beautiful surroundings and finest vineyards. We host events for neighbors and visitors, with a focus on the unique talent in our local community. Wine tasting events feature local growers and producers, accompanied by food pairing created by our in house chef.
Team
Katie Braude has decades of expertise producing events for non-profits as well as a career in catering for both large and intimate events. She perfected her skills with Michelin starred chefs in France and the Bay Area. Now retired from leadership in the non-profit education sector, Katie is enjoying educating people on food and wine.
Lesley Pickford comes from a family entrenched in the food and winemaking industries, and has organized local and national championship equestrian events, involving food, fun, vendors and volunteers, and horses of course!
Community Benefit
We are fortunate to be a part of the generous, supportive West County community and are pleased to donate a portion of the proceeds from each event to a local non-profit.
The beneficiary for 2025 is the Occidental Volunteer Fire Department. Our community is eternally grateful for their 100 + year history of responding to local emergencies when residents and visitors need them the most. This incredible legacy of work and preparedness has historically been powered by a volunteer fire fighting and emergency response technician force.