MEMBERS ONLY

Join us for an elegant, black-tie evening that begins with a sparkling wine reception and continues with an epicurean feast to remember in the iconic Refectory of William Randolph Hearst’s former estate.

Mr. Hearst and architect Julia Morgan named the dining room after the word for a monastery’s dining hall. Its high windows, bright silk banners, and gleaming silver candlesticks convey the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, but the mustard and ketchup bottles show that Mr. Hearst liked to keep things informal at his ranch.

This, however, will be a rare opportunity drenched in history, absolute luxury, and a level of formality not often experienced on the North Coast. No more than 75 guests will delight in this year’s Holiday Feast, a festively elegant evening.

The evening begins with a luxury coach ride to the hilltop Castle that is the ultimate Christmas decoration, and proceeds through a sparkling wine reception followed by gourmet food and fine wine. Music of the era and the season will fill the enormous house and accompany guests throughout the evening.

Past menus have included passed hors d’oeuvres of lobster, albacore, foie gras and oysters, and courses of cold smoked king salmon on a potato crisp, crispy duck confit with mushrooms and goat cheese, braised beef short rib with mascarpone polenta and gremolata, and a dessert of molten-center chocolate soufflé cake with espresso ice cream sandwich and bourbon-chocolate truffle. This year will serve equally impressive, yet perhaps more modern luxe foods.

Note: Members only. First come, first-served. 75 guest maximum.

$1500 before Oct 31; $1750 after Nov 1

Become a member of The Foundation at Hearst Castle for $500, or just over $40/month. Some memberships include reservations for this event. Click here to learn more.