American Express Membership Rewards - Amex Pairings: Dave Matthews and Chef John Besh at Mondavi Winery

Well, this outdid the Wynn/Encore deal from last year in justifying my annual fee for the year. I know this probably isn't for everyone, but I've been a Dave Matthews Band fan since the mid-1990s, and my wife is a huge fan also.

When I got the email with details about the event I was sitting in the back of a meeting, and when I noticed that the seats were going on sale about 30 minutes later I almost fell out of my chair trying to get back to my office fast enough to call. Got through right at 3:00pm and booked us two seats.

Like I said, this may not be everyone's thing, but compared to some of the other events I have seen come through Amex (~$5,000 for a tasting of 1959 vintage wines in New York), the price tag for this seemed more than reasonable.

So, out of curiosity, are there going to be any other FTers among the 100 present that night?

So jealous. So so jealous. Also been a fan since mid-90s; Warehouse member from Day 1, etc.

:(

Wish I could have gone... didn't act fast enough. Not willing to pay a premium on ebay.

Damn... all of Besh's restaurants are awesome!

Dave Matthews? :confused: ;)

I will be there.. My wife and I are coming from South Florida. Even though we did Napa this summer, this is a once and a lifetime experience....

Can you guys post a link or the details of the offer?

personal invitations? cost?

It was an AMEX By Invitaiton Only event. $500 per person. It sold out within minutes.

Pairings: Food + Wine + Music – Dave Matthews and Chef John Besh, the Perfect Pairing

Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville, CA
11/13
$500*

Event of interest in Oakville, CA: American Express, Dave Matthews and John Besh invite you to the historic Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley for a once-in-a-lifetime event. Join acclaimed musician Dave Matthews for a rare solo performance along with celebrated New Orleans-based Chef and music enthusiast, John Besh, for a curated collaboration as they share with you their passion for music and fine food. The evening will feature an epicurean feast inspired by Chef Besh’s new cookbook, My New Orleans. Following the dinner, Dave will perform an intimate acoustic performance. Much of Dave Matthews Band’s latest studio album, Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King, was recorded in New Orleans and heavily inspired by the band’s time spent in the Crescent City.

Cardmembers will enjoy a spectacular multi-course dinner, featuring a menu co-created by Chef Besh and Dave Matthews, set in an intimate dining room, with Robert Mondavi wines perfectly paired to each course.

*In celebration of, and as a tribute to the city and people of New Orleans, Dave’s Foundation, the Horton Fund, which is a part of the Charlottesville Albemarle Community Foundation, will donate the ticket proceeds to various charities.

Limited availability. Tables of 10 available for purchase (10 ticket limit per Cardmember).¹

To purchase: Call 800-321-7787

...sold out within minutes.


And some of the tickets are available in the secondary market.

And some of the tickets are available in the secondary market.

LOL, that's a euphemism if I've ever heard one. :)

As this is a benefit you might have bought the tickets directly from the charity at the same price - while still enjoying the tax deduction. Dave does a lot of benefits so it's worth checking.

If anyone is even considering tickets on the secondary market, I would be especially skeptical. We received an envelope with a few more details about the event, but there are no actual tickets. The information states that the original purchasing card and proof of identity must be shown for admittance.

So, how was it? Setlist looks good: http://dmbalmanac.com/setscans/453056750.jpg