An Evening with Winemaker Brad Ford, Illahe Vineyards at Raleigh’s Historic The Mecca Restaurant

Date and Time

• Tuesday, Apr 7, 2026  6:30 pm

Location

Details

Step into a world where tradition, craftsmanship, and storytelling converge. On this intimate evening, DRINK welcomes Brad Ford, owner and winemaker of Illahe Vineyards, to guide guests through a curated journey of wine, food, and history.

Tickets are $110 (Tax & Gratuity included)

Illahe Vineyards, nestled in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, is a family winery built on generations of farming and a passion for authenticity. Brad Ford combines respect for tradition with creative, hands-on techniques: cultivating vines with horses, fermenting in clay amphorae, and crafting wines that capture the unique character of each vineyard and vintage. Each bottle tells a story — of the soil, the climate, and the dedication of those who nurture it.

Throughout the evening, Brad will introduce four exceptional wines, sharing the stories behind the vineyard, the vintage, and his approach to winemaking. These wines will be paired with a four-course menu prepared by Chef Jake Wolf and Chef Greg Poole, designed to complement and elevate the nuances of each pour.

The dinner takes place upstairs at Raleigh’s historic Mecca Restaurant, a nearly century-old institution founded in 1930 by Greek immigrants Nick and Helen Dombalis. From its beginnings as a humble luncheonette serving honest food at a fair price, The Mecca has become a gathering place for generations — a space defined by warmth, hospitality, and community. Its rich history provides the perfect backdrop for a night that celebrates craft, story, and connection.

Experience wine not just as a narrative — a reflection of land, legacy, and the people behind it.

4 Courses • 4 Wines • An Evening with Winemaker Brad Ford