The Murieta Inn x Runquist Winery Dinner Event in Rancho Murieta
Myself and my friend Ashley were invited out to Rancho Murieta to try a new dining and winery excursion experience. It was a dinner and wine tasting collaboration between The Murieta Inn and Runquist Winery. Our afternoon consisted of a guided bus ride out to Runquist Winery in California’s Amador wine country, complete with a tour of the winery and tastings.
Afterwards we headed back to The Murieta Inn for a chef-prepared dinner which had wine pairings from Runquist Winery. While this all may seem lovely and everything you would expect, we did have some unexpected surprises (hint – rattlesnake for dinner!).
The Runquist Winery Tour
All attendees gathered at the Murieta Inn at 1:30pm to board a bus heading out to the Runquist Winery. After the scenic drive through the Amador County rolling hillsides, we arrived at the Winery. The team at Runquist Winery led us through the entire production process, and even allowed us the opportunity to get some hands on experience with mixing the wine with wooden paddles.
After walking around the grounds, we settled into the tasting room for a very comprehensive tasting with 7 different wines (way more than your average tasting!). We heard the stories behind the production of each wine, including where the grapes came from and the step-by-step process from vineyard to bottle. They also served light charcuterie snacks in between pours.
Our wine tasting menu included:
- 2024 Estate Verdelho
- 2023 Chardonnay
- 2023 Barbera
- 2023 Charbono
- 2023 Petit Verdot
- 2023 Estate Zinfandel
- 2023 Syrah
My favorite of all the wines was surprisingly the 2023 Chardonnay, which is very unusual for me. California Chardonnays tend to be very oaky and buttery, which is not my preference. But I am happy to report that Jeff Runquist’s Chardonnay was much more fruity, bright and crisp, which is very drinkable for me.
After our tasting, we headed back to the Murieta Inn in the bus. I’d like to note that it’s very convenient and safe to have transportation pre-arranged after such a generous wine tasting with 7 pours. No need to worry about driving yourself.
The Chef Prepared Dinner
After we arrived back at the Murieta Inn, we joined our fellow tour group to the cafe for some light bites before our dinner. We had charcuterie and finger foods while we all chatted and compared notes on our favorite wines from the tasting.
At 5:30pm it was time to indulge in a chef prepared 5-course dinner. I hadn’t yet seen the menu, and it really did come as a surprise to see what our menu included.
Our dinner menu included:
- Amuse Bouche – Rabbit & Rattlesnake Sausage served with Crisp Plantain, Black Radish and Plantain Puree
- 1st Course – Paired with Verdelho, Spanish Octopus served with Romesco Sauce and Charred Sourdough
- 2nd Course – Paired with Chardonnay, Maple Leaf Duck Breast served with Gold Beet Dauphinoise, Apple and Smoked Cipollini Onion
- 3rd Course – Paired with Barbera, North American Elk Loin served with Puttanesca and Fried Polenta
- 4th Course – Paired with Zinfandel, Dark Chocolate Bonbon filled with Raspberry compote, Chantilly Cream and Chocolate Sponge
*Note – I believe the menu will be changing for every upcoming dinner, so please use this as an example on what type of dinning experience to expect.
Booking Your Own Winery Tour and Dinner
The Murieta Inn is planning on running these next year (2026) from March – August. It will be the same format of having the winery doing Thursday pourings and educations during the month and ending with the Winemaker Dinner and Tour.
Pricing will be anywhere from $80-$120 depending on the winery. They are going to focus on Amador County Wineries mostly, but specifically they are looking into Rombauer, La Mesa, Andis, Scott Harvey, Runquist and Iron Hub. As of September 2025, they are still in the process of booking dates on calendar together, so nothing is set in stone yet. To purchase tickets, please check the Murieta Inn Events Calendar for upcoming events.
The Perfect Day Trip From Sacramento
This dining and winery excursion is the perfect day trip from Sacramento, offering a chance to escape the city without a long drive. In less than an hour, you can find yourself in the rolling hills of Amador wine country, enjoying a guided winery tour, curated tastings, and a chef-prepared dinner paired with award-winning wines.
The combination of scenic countryside, local flavors, and the unique collaboration between wineries and The Murieta Inn makes it feel like a full getaway packed into a single afternoon and evening. It’s an ideal outing for couples, friends, or anyone looking to savor wine country charm while still being able to head home afterwards.
About The Murieta Inn and Spa
If you decide to add on an overnight stay to your experience, here’s some additional information about the The Murieta Inn & Spa hotel and amenities. When you book the wine tour and dinner, you will receive a 20% discount to book an overnight stay.
The Murieta Inn & Spa offers a variety of accommodations, including King and Queen rooms as well as spacious suites. Suites feature connecting parlors and can accommodate families or groups of 4–6 guests. Cribs and Pack-‘n-Plays are available on request, and roll-away beds can be added to King rooms. Canine pets are welcome with advance notice.
Guests can enjoy on-site dining at the two venues. The café provides casual fare and light bites, while The Gate serves as the main full-service restaurant for elevated meals and drinks.
Wellness is a key highlight, with a full-service spa offering massages, facials, and other treatments designed for relaxation and rejuvenation.
The hotel also features event spaces for weddings, meetings, and private gatherings. Guests can pair their stay with nearby experiences such as wine tasting, golf, and equestrian activities.
Additional guest services include free parking, a heated pool, and family-friendly atmosphere for parents traveling with children.
Additional Places to Explore Around Rancho Murieta
If you’re planning on making a weekend of your visit, consider exploring these nearby spots. There are plenty of charming spots and relaxing diversions nearby to round out your trip. Whether you’re into nature, local history, or just want somewhere calm to unwind, here are some favorites:
Nature & Outdoors
Amador Flower Farm
Amador Flower Farm is a charming 14-acre nursery in the heart of Amador wine country, best known for its dazzling collection of over a thousand daylily varieties. Visitors can wander through vibrant demonstration gardens, shop seasonal plants, and enjoy the peaceful country atmosphere. It’s a perfect stop for gardeners, photographers, or anyone looking to soak in the beauty of flowers while exploring nearby wineries.
Lake Calero
Just a short drive away, this reservoir offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying a lakeside picnic. Perfect if you want some water time without straying too far.
Biking & Trails in Rancho Murieta Community
The Murieta Inn & Spa provides complimentary bikes and there are several trails around the area. Exploring by bike is a peaceful way to see the local landscapes, ranches, vineyards, and rolling hills.
Murieta Equestrian Center
For horse-lovers or folks who enjoy watching local equestrian events, this is a nice local attraction. It adds a bit of rural flair and is part of what gives Rancho Murieta its character.
Deer Creek Hills Nature Preserve
Deer Creek Hills Preserve is a sprawling 4,500-acre working cattle ranch in Sloughhouse with blue oak woodlands, seasonal creeks, and grasslands; it offers hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and guided nature‐walks on select days with trails that showcase wide views of the Sacramento Valley and the High Sierra.
Relaxation, Local Amenities & Leisure
Golf at Rancho Murieta Country Club
For guests who enjoy golfing, the courses around Rancho Murieta give beautiful views and a chance to take in the landscape while staying active.
Local Shopping & Markets
There are local markets and shops if you want to pick up something unique—snacks, local produce, or a souvenir to remember the trip. Rancho Murieta Marketplace is one option nearby.
Final Thoughts
Our visit to Rancho Murieta turned out to be so much more than just a typical dinner and wine tasting. From the scenic drive and intimate tour at Runquist Winery to the thoughtfully paired chef-prepared meal back at The Murieta Inn, every detail felt curated to highlight the best of California’s Amador wine country.
What made the evening especially memorable, however, were the surprises that went beyond what we expected—like the adventurous additions on the menu. It was an experience that blended elegance, discovery, and a touch of the unexpected, making it a night we won’t soon forget. I highly recommend this event to any foodies!
