Meet Michael Matson, Executive Chef at Vintage Valley Catering* in Healdsburg, California. Here in the Sonoma Wine Country he specializes in wine and food pairing for both private and public functions hosted in Sonoma County. His job entails tasting various Sonoma County wines and creating tantalizing pairings with the freshest Sonoma Wine Country produce available...it's a tough job but someone has to do it!

Michael has always had a passion for great food which led to his training at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco where he completed his studies in December of 1995. He worked his way through several restaurants in the area; including Catahoula in Calistoga under the famous Chef Jan Birnbaum (Epic Roasthouse) and Bistro Ralph under Ralph Tingle and finally Restaurant Charcuterie under Patrick Martin both in Healdsburg, California.

Chef Mike has an obvious passion for cooking and a love for animals, music and the outdoors. When asked about some of his interests, Matson said:

“I am concerned about all animals, especially fish and the environmental efforts that help protect them while maintaining all the beautiful lakes, rivers, etc. that we have in our country. My love of the outdoors is part of the reason that I became a chef, as well. Too many people are detached from where their food comes from and don’t know how to process raw products directly from nature or even the farm for that matter. I decided that I was not going to be one of those people who didn’t understand food, instead I had a vision how to create an incredible experience working with natures blessing’s. Music relaxes me and helps me maintain and enhance the creative part of being a chef.”

He and his wife, Melissa, and newborn baby boy, Eljiah live in a quiet peaceful area of Alexander Valley, outside of Healdsburg, in the northern part of Wine Country.

Menu Examples

• Appetizers menu
• Buffet menu
• Dinner menu
• To-go lunches