French Sister City party says cheese

Posted on December 23, 2010 by Sonoma Valley Sun

Celebrating Sonoma’s French connection are, from left, Ivy Cardinaux, CHAMSON Board Member, Sherri Ferris, a member of the Aswan Sister City Committee board, and Nancy Hughes.

The event was held in honor and memory of Bernard Murith, former president of the association who was born in a French-speaking region of Switzerland.

“Bernard was always able to get us delicious raclette cheese, so we decided to create an event in his memory” said Joanne Sanders, who serves as co-president with her mother, Annick Bouldt.

The three-course meal was served with raclette machines which were used by guests to cook at their dining tables. The local wines selected to compliment the aromatic cheese were 2007 Nicholson Ranch Estate Pinot Noir and 2009 Dry Creek Vineyard Fumé Blanc.

Cured meats were donated by Ramona Nicholson, of Nicholson Ranch Winery.

Proceeds of the event go to the Henri Cardinaux Scholarship Fund and help support the expenses associated with sponsoring the Sonoma/Chambolle-Musigny youth exchange program.

Chambolle-Musigny, Sonoma’s first sister city, is located in the Burgundy region of France. The relationship is based on the shared wine industry-based economies. There have been dozens of official exchanges between the two cities both social and professional, Sanders said.

CHAMSON is a non-profit membership organization. Most members live in Sonoma Valley and gather throughout the year for educational lectures, excursions and social events based on France and French culture. Members share a passion for French culture, some speak the language or have lived in France.