The Walker Residence

Sheila & Willy Walker
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Will Phelps, Director of Marketing

Founded in 1973, Joseph Phelps Vineyards is a family-owned and operated wine estate with vineyards and wineries in Napa Valley and on the western Sonoma Coast. The winery is known for its unwavering commitment to quality. Their flagship wine, Insignia, originally produced in 1974 as California’s first proprietary red Bordeaux-style blend, is one of the world’s most iconic wines.

Executive Chef Chris Lusk,
Pontchartrain Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana

A Johnson & Wales graduate, Chris Lusk has had a rich and varied career—from training at an Irish hotel to cooking Tex-Mex at Star Canyon in Dallas to creating Italian cuisine with Mario Batali. In 2009, he was named one of Esquire magazine’s “Four Breakout Chefs to Watch,” and in 2011, Chef Lusk was invited to cook at the James Beard House and was recognized again by Esquire for “Best Dessert of 2011.”

Joseph Phelps Vineyards
The Walkers’ gorgeous contemporary home commands expansive and unparalleled views of Baldy and Sun Valley. Designed by Marmol Radziner Associates, the house is a modern classic. Walls of glass open to terraced patios for a perfect mix of indoor and outdoor living. As the sun sets, you will marvel at the surrounding natural beauty and relish the anticipation of a Vintner Dinner like no other. The guest chef, Chris Lusk, is a Texas native known for his creativity and fresh approach. He has a unique style and is a master of Southern cooking, bringing a playful, abstract take on the region’s classic cuisine to the evening’s special menu. While you savor Chris’s magical creations, Will Phelps will be pouring limited-release Joseph Phelps wines of undisputed excellence, including their coveted Insignia red blend, along with Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, for your tasting pleasure. All of these elements will come together to make this event a true sensation.
Back to Vintner Dinners