Food - WineCountry.com

Top Super Bowl Foods & Wine Pairings

Devin Parr — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 19:00:13 +0000

Sure, the Super Bowl is all about the big game and whether or not your team will reign supreme. But we’re convinced it’s also about the food and drinks. Super Bowl Sunday is the ultimate excuse to lay out a lavish spread of your favorite party-ready snacks and treats and indulge in an all-day eating, drinking, and cheering (or yelling) at your TV fest.

While beer has stereotypically been the go-to beverage of choice for sporting events, the sheer range of classic and creative Super Bowl food ideas out there really lends itself to some brilliant wine pairings.

In celebration of Super Bowl LVII – and hungry and thirsty sports fans everywhere – we have compiled a fun guide to our favorite game day food and wine pairings for Super Bowl Sunday. So, this year, skip the keg and grab that corkscrew for your most delicious game day ever.

The Ultimate Super Bowl Food and Wine Guide

Loaded Nachos + Tempranillo

Who doesn’t love a giant pile of salty tortilla chips layered with mouth-watering toppings like salsa, queso, guacamole, beans, jalapenos, sour cream, and green onions? Game day nachos are a true Super Bowl staple. This year, step them up with the perfect nacho wine pairing – Tempranillo. This versatile Spanish grape makes many different styles of wine, from soft and fruity to rich and earthy, so it provides a beautiful backdrop for the kaleidoscopic flavors of loaded nachos.

Wines to try:
Robert Hall Cavern Select Tempranillo, Paso Robles, California, $50 Ramon Bilbao Crianza, Rioja, Spain, $19

Pulled Pork Sliders + Zinfandel

Nothing makes the stomach growl quite like the tantalizing aroma of pork shoulder braising in the slow cooker. Fork-tender, melt-in-your-mouth, and coated in a sweet, sticky, smoky BBQ sauce, it doesn’t get much better when it comes to next-level deliciousness. Pair pulled pork sliders with a big, velvety Zinfandel. Zins are packed with ripe and jammy berry fruit, soft tannins, and sweet notes of cola, mocha, and balsamic, which can play nicely off similar flavors in your favorite BBQ sauce.

Wines to try:
Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel, Sonoma, California, $40 Frank Family Vineyards Zinfandel, Napa Valley, California, $45

Fried Chicken + Bubbles

Sparkling wine and fried anything is one of life’s greatest food and wine pairings, and, as a Super Bowl duo, it’s no exception. Whether it’s panko-breaded tenders or a good ol’ bucket of the Colonel’s best, a glass of crisp, cold sparkling wine and some crispy, salty fried chicken is a finger-lickin’ match made in heaven.

Wines to try:
Mumm Napa Brut Prestige, Napa Valley, California, $24 Paula Kornell Brut Méthode Champenoise, California, $22

Coconut Shrimp + Sauvignon Blanc

Crispy, crunchy, sweet, and salty, coconut shrimp is the perfect bite-sized snack, and a delight to pair with wine. We love a juicy, high acid, New World Sauvignon Blanc for its mouth-watering freshness, riper fruit style, and full mouthfeel. Think: Sauvignon Blanc from Chile, California, or New Zealand. The bright fruit and heady aromatics will play nicely with the tropical coconut flavors, and the clean mouthfeel will provide a nice hit of tartness to wash it all down.

Wines to try:
Jessup Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California, $40 Grgich Hills Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California, $55

Buffalo Wings + Aromatic or Off-Dry White Wine

Just say the words “game day” and our noses immediately prickle with the tangy smell of buffalo wing sauce. This classic finger food is the MVP of most Super Bowl party spreads, but those crowd-pleasing flavors can be tricky to pair with wine, as they’re often zesty, spicy, salty, and fatty all in one. Whether you’re doing classic buffalo chicken wings, or going with the milder, but equally delicious buffalo chicken dip, you’ll want to find a wine that can stand up to the strong flavor profiles without competing with them. Try a fruity, slightly aromatic white wine like a Pinot Gris or an off-dry German Riesling.

Wines to try:
Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, Oregon, $18 Clean Slate 2020 Riesling, Mosel, Germany, $11

French Onion Dip + Chardonnay

Why eat a bowl of potato chips when you can eat a bowl of potato chips with a side of French onion dip? This creamy concoction, whether you’re making it with a pre-packaged mix or sweet, buttery, caramelized onions on the stovetop, takes an ordinary chip and turns it into magic. Add a glass of crisp, minerally Chardonnay – oaked or unoaked – to cleanse the palate from the fat and salt of the chips, while mingling with the creamy, buttery, slightly earthy notes of the dip.

Wines to try:
Jordan Russian River Valley Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California, $42 Moshin Chardonnay Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, $45

Pizza + Sangiovese

It doesn’t get much easier than ordering a few pizza pies, popping some bottles, and focusing your attention on more important game day concerns, like whether that was really an incomplete pass, and what’s going on with your Super Bowl squares. For an ultra-low-maintenance Super Bowl party, there’s no better pairing than a slice and a glass of juicy, sangiovese-based Chianti. The bright acidity, cherry fruit, and typically lower alcohol profile make this a perfect match for oozy, gooey, cheesy pizza, not to mention one of the most quaffable red wines out there. Bonus points if you slurp it from an everyday tumbler while pizza grease drips down your arm.

Wines to try:
Bottaia Sangiovese, Temecula Valley, California, $58 Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy, $25

Chili + Soft & Fruity Reds

No Super Bowl party would be complete without a pot of hearty chili. And, no self-respecting chili, whether traditional beef, white, or vegetarian, would come without a little spicy heat, so you will want to reach for a lighter-bodied, low-tannin wine for this food pairing, since high-alcohol, super robust wines are the enemy of spicy dishes. Soft, fruit-forward red wines like Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Grenache provide just enough body to stand up to the layers of flavor in chili, but are silky enough to offset the spice of even the hottest five-alarm recipe.

Wines to try:
The Paring Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, CA $25 Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha, Campo de Borja, Spain, $18

Slow Cooker Meatballs + Merlot

One of the easiest Super Bowl snacks is the slow cooker meatball. While many party hosts swear by this simple grape jelly meatball recipe (WineCountry verified – these are indeed delicious), nearly anything goes when it comes to these bite-sized crowd-pleasers. Whether you prefer your meatballs tossed in a tangy, sweet, or tomato-based sauce, a juicy, fruit-forward merlot with notes of savory herbs and spice should be the perfect pairing.

Wines to try:
Crosby Roamann Merlot, Napa Valley, California $75 ETTORE Merlot Zero, Mendocino County, California, $35

Filet Mignon Crostini + Cabernet Sauvignon

“With Super Bowl food, the tendency is to stick with pub-style food,” says certified sommelier and wine educator Brianne Cohen. “Why not flip the script and serve food (and wine!) to impress.” We can get behind getting a little fancy on game day! She recommends crostini topped with seared beef tenderloin and balsamic onion jam for an elevated Super Bowl snack. Highbrow finger food obviously calls for equally highbrow wine, so reach for a bottle of big, brooding, tannin-laden Cabernet Sauvignon, which will go heavenly with the steak, sweet-tart onions, and hopefully either a loss or a win.

Wines to try:
Kenwood Vineyards Jack London Dry Farmed Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Mountain, California, $44 Broadside Blackletter Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, California, $50

Still struggling with what to serve? Robert Ord, the Director of Winery Relations at Underground Cellar makes it easy: “Personally I try to keep the wine selections simple so that everyone can enjoy the game without having to switch wines. I generally go with one white wine and one red wine that can pair well with a variety of foods.” His suggestion? Sauvignon blanc and grenache for their ability to pair with a wide range of dishes, from chicken wings to guacamole to BBQ flavors.

Hungry for more? Be sure to check out our Super Bowl Pinterest Board for more delicious game day inspiration.

Images courtesy of Unsplash

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Cheese Lover’s Tour with West Marin Food & Farm Tours

WineCountry Staff — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 08:00:25 +0000

West Marin chef, gardener, and teacher, Elizabeth Ann Hill, holds an ingrained bond with the California region she calls home. It’s a familiar relationship, one that has gone back multiple generations, when her family used to travel by way of ferry and horse-drawn carriage from Berkeley to West Marin’s beautiful Tomales Bay to enjoy the summer months. The region is chock full of artisan food and organic farming, a larger animal population than human, and views that are out of this world. Elizabeth has a passion for the land, the people, and the products that are crafted here, and through this interest, an idea was born.

West Marin Food & Farm tours, which began in 2012, are packed with flavor, and really the only way you can fully understand is to experience one yourself. The dairy delightful Cheese Lover’s Tour is one of two available through Wine Country Experiences and we wanted to shed light on each delicious element. Boasting visits to three established West Marin creameries, Elizabeth gives exclusive access to private farms and a behind-the-scenes taste of the region’s artisan cheesemaking.

Cheese Lover’s Tour
Available Year-round, Wednesday through Friday, and Sunday
10:30am – 3:30pm
$195

Cowgirl Creamery at Tomales Bay Foods
The adventure begins in Point Reyes Station, where you’ll meet Elizabeth and new, cheese lovin’ friends (typically there’s between 4-7 people in a group) at the famed Cowgirl Creamery. The creamery was founded in 1994 by Sue Conley and Peggy Smith, two women who had been intertwined in the food scene for some years, as a bonus to the opening of Tomales Bay Foods in a renovated barn in this quaint, Marin town. The structure housed a small cheese-making room and cheese dreams were pursued. Over the course of the last 20+ years, Cowgirl Creamery has grown from a modest room and a bit of curiosity, to a heavily awarded creamery with four retail stores, two production locations, and sales being made in over 500 additional retailers.

While this location only produces their pundgent, triple cream variety, Red Hawk, visitors on West Marin Food & Farm Tours can get an inside look (and taste!) of all their renowned cheeses. As you enter the building, windows welcome viewers to take a peek into the original facility and watch as each step of the process is completed. The tour official begins with munching cheese-centric, baked delights care of Bovine Bakery and a lesson in past and present farming and food production in Marin from Elizabeth. As soon as the last crumb is nabbed, Elizabeth gets into the good stuff (the cheese, of course) and the group can try the full bounty of regularly produced aged and fresh cheeses, and a taste of their seasonal creation.

Insider Tip: Plan on arriving at Tomales Bay Foods early to explore the market and the many goods for sale. The company continues to stay true to their ethos of supporting the community and artisan cheesemaking, and offers over 200 additional cheeses from around the globe alongside their own.

Toluma Farms and Tomales Farmstead Creamery
Elizabeth will take the wheel as the whole gang hops into the West Marin Food & Farm Tours’ van for a picturesque drive through West Marin. Head up the eastern coast of Tomales Bay, where salty, steady waters host oyster farms and unbelievable views of rolling hills and the tree lined Point Reyes National Seashore park. After winding up the coast and heading inland just past the small town of Tomales, you’ll reach Toluma Farms, the home of the Tomales Farmstead Creamery.

The property is 160-acres, but the multiple barns, cheesemaking facility, and beautiful main home welcome you to the farm. Owners, David Jablons and Tamara Hicks, purchased the property in 2003 and worked with multiple agricultural agencies to restore the land in order to properly transition it back to a goat and sheep dairy. In 2012, they completed the final stage of the property’s transformation and started their onsite creamery.

Join the farm team for the day, and explore the in’s and out’s of this dynamic farm and creamery. Step into their milking barn, where you’ll learn how the animals are milked first hand. Then follow the journey, from milk to cheese, at the creamery building.

Your group will take a break to enjoy a picnic, curated by Elizabeth, on the wraparound porch of the modern farmhouse. Now’s the chance to try each one of the creamery’s cheeses, all with names from the Miwok, the indigenous Native Americans from the region. The cheeses are complemented by local breads, charcuterie, and olive oil, fruit, and even a sparkling, honey wine produced just down the road.

Insider Tip: Make sure you packed comfortable shoes that you’re willing to get potentially messy. The team at Toluma Farms gives you an in-depth tour, and this includes going in and out of the barns and pens where the animals live and are milked.

Double 8 Dairy
Say goodbye to your new animal friends with a full stomach, and join Elizabeth as you continue to explore the diverse region. The last stop is Double 8 Dairy, a water buffalo farm located in West Petaluma.

This small farm is the home to a growing herd of buffalo and Jersey cows. The farm is a pioneer, as it’s breeding water buffalo for milking for the first time in the United States. Melissa, who raises the animals, will introduce you to the ladies and their calves. You’ll get to say hello, meet these gentle giants, and probably receive a friendly lick in return. Their facilities house a milking barn with sixteen stations, in two sets of eight. Hence the name Double 8. The water buffalo are milked twice daily, so if timing works out, you’ll have a chance to see the full process — from their machinery and facilities, watching the buffalo be milked, to the final crème de la crème — a taste of their delicious wares.

Insider Tip: Typically on a tour of Double 8, you’ll have a chance to try one of their delicious, dairy products. This could be fresh cheese or some of their mouth-watering, seasonally-flavored gelato. But if it’s a really good day, you may have a chance to interact with the dairy’s generous cheesemaker, who may share warm ricotta, flavorful buffalo mozzarella, and give you a bit more insight into the creamery’s production.

Book your own West Marin Food & Farm Tours through WineCountry.com/Experiences, and explore the full list of current offerings.

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WineCountry Recipe: Homemade, Wine Ice Cream

WineCountry Staff — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 08:00:10 +0000

While wine is conventionally enjoyed as a beverage, either on its own or as part of a meal, it can also be used as an ingredient in a variety of recipes. Professional chefs use it to prepare thick sauces, add it to meat, pasta dishes, and also incorporate it into desserts.

Unlike professional chefs though, you don’t need years of cooking experience or training to make this wine flavored ice cream. All that is required is a high quality wine, a few simple ingredients, and use of some common kitchen utensils.

Ingredients

This recipe makes use of fresh berries, so any sweet, fruity wine will work well. You’ll need one cup of your chosen variety. Because we are preparing ice cream, you will want to use cold wine. You can either chill the wine in an ice bucket beforehand or grab a bottle straight from your wine cooler (as a side note, check out these dual-zone freezers if you’re on the lookout for a cooler capable of storing a variety of wines at different temperatures).

You will also need one cup of sugar, two cups of cold, heavy whipping cream, two tablespoons of cornstarch, three tablespoons of dry milk powder, one teaspoon of salt, one cup of slightly pureed mixed berries, and the scrapings from two vanilla pods (or a few drops of vanilla essence).

Method

Add the whipping cream to a large mixing bowl and whip it for about a minute or until it is fluffy. A hand mixer would be ideal for this but you can easily use an egg whisk.

Once whipped, add in the rest of the ingredients and combine well until you are left with a uniform mixture. Pour this mixture into a freezer safe container and place it into your freezer overnight.

And that’s it! By morning the mixture will have frozen to the consistency of ice cream. Be warned, this ice cream is highly addictive, so if you plan on sharing it with friends and family, you might want to prepare a secret batch for yourself! Recipe and blog by Veronica Shah of healthsomeness.com

The post WineCountry Recipe: Homemade, Wine Ice Cream first appeared on WineCountry.com.

Products to Trick Out Your Wine Country Picnic

WineCountry Staff — Mon, 15 May 2017 08:00:12 +0000

Summertime is upon us and one of the best ways to enjoy this time of year is take your meal al fresco. A picnic is one of the oldest and simplest ways to enjoy a beautiful day. We’re fans of “glamping” here at WineCountry and there’s no reason not to have that same attitude towards a picnic. The experience is easily improved with the right equipment. If you’d like to go all-out on your next outdoor dining adventure, here are a few pieces of gear to consider purchasing. Looking for more elevated experiences? We encourage you to check out our WineCountry Experiences page for out of the box, upgrade WineCountry adventure opportunities.

Von Shef Wicker Picnic Basket Set

A perfect embodiment of a classic picnic basket, this wicker basket from Von Shef comes equipped with almost everything you’ll need for a good meal outdoors for four, save for the meal itself. Cotton lining protects the ceramic plates, flatware, salt and pepper shakers and wine glasses from being jostled around too much, while the matching picnic blanket features waterproof PEVA backing to stop wet grass from soaking through.

Ferlin Picnic Backpack Set

It may not have the same traditional look, but this picnic backpack carries just as much as a basket while leaving your hands free for other activities, like hiking to a proper picnic location. In addition to plates and silverware, the pack also comes with a detachable wine holder/cooler, a bottle opener, a cutting board and a paring knife for slicing cheese and fruits.

UE Roll Bluetooth Speaker

It isn’t the cheapest of bluetooth speakers, but it may well be the most convenient. The UE Roll speaker is lightweight and roughly the size of a rotund pancake, easily and safely attached via bungee cord onto a belt or pack so you can play music from a bluetooth-enabled device while walking. Since it’s waterproof and boasts a battery life lasting up to nine hours, you’ll have plenty of music for your next excursion.

Vina Wine Travel Carrier

It’s easy enough to pack a lightweight salad and snacks into a small pack, but hefty glass wine bottles are a different matter entirely. This Vina carrier securely holds two wine bottles, with some extra space leftover, in an insulated, partially waterproof tote bag that includes a corkscrew in case you forget yours at home.

Flying Colors Folding Pocket Knife/Corkscrew

A standard pocket knife isn’t well-suited to slicing cheese for a picnic, but this dual pocket-knife and corkscrew is ideal for just such an occasion. Prepare your meal and uncork a bottle of your favorite red with added and convenience and style, courtesy of this wood-trimmed affair from Flying Colors.

Vino2Go Acryllc Tumbler with Lid

A stemmed glass is an important part of the wine aesthetic, but if you’re worried about breaking glass on your next picnic, these plastic tumblers provide a kitschy and fun alternative. Because of the shape of the inner surface, it’s difficult to tell from afar that the glass is actually just a hearty travel container with a colorful top to prevent spills and keep bugs from landing in your drink. The thick double-insulated design also helps a chilled white wine stay cooler for longer.

Extra Large Picnic Blanket with Waterproof Backing

This 60 by 80-inch picnic blanket easily condenses down to the size of a purse, 10 inches in length, with a handle fitted to the top for easy transportation. One side is covered with waterproof backing in case you decide to set up atop wet grass, while the topside is nothing but soft and comfy polar fleece.

Travel Cheese Set with Cutting Board

Obviously, nothing quite compliments good wine like good cheese. This set makes it easy to slice the heartiest of cheeses without fear of them falling onto an ant-encrusted blanket, with enough space leftover for other pairings like quince or pepper jelly. The cutting board slides open to store the cutlery so it’s relatively simple to pack a proper cheese tray in a cramped backpack or other carrier.

Bamboo In-Ground Wine Table

It isn’t easy leaning over to ground level to eat lunch without making some kind of a mess. This simple but crucial picnic accessory offers a convenient way to create a sit-down table. Stick the wooden stake in wherever there’s grass for a 13-inch-long surface complete with gaps on either edge to hold roughly any size of wine glass.

Bicycle Mounted Wine Carrier

This wine carrier is sturdy and perfect for picnicking at the end of the bike ride, or even bringing wine to a party without a worry about driving home. The design pins around the top tube of any bicycle and hangs comfortably in the sturdy real full-grained leather straps.

ALPS Mountaineering Weekender Seat

Sitting on the ground may be rustic, but it’s not very good for your back. Whether for a picnic or a lengthy camping trip, the weekender seat creates a lightweight, easily packable outdoor seat anywhere, just so long as there’s earth. In addition to comfort and back support, the seat also offers a mesh pocket for storage and straps to adjust the reclining position.

One picnic need not be the same as the next, so these products come in handy for making every outdoor excursion a unique experience. But no matter what you bring, the most important part of a picnic is remembering to relax and enjoy your surroundings.

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How To Pair Wine With Summer BBQ

WineCountry Staff — Fri, 12 May 2017 08:00:17 +0000

Barbecuing is a year-round event in California, however, nothing says summertime more than firing up the grill, donning your canvas apron, and whipping up a full menu of food fit for outdoor dining. Due to the bold flavors and myriad options of meat, dressings and side dishes, choosing that perfect wine can elevate your simple yard-based culinary skills to a whole new level. Here is our essential guide to pairing wine with all of your favorite BBQ elements.

The Meats

Let’s go ahead and assume all of your favorite carnivorous options are going on the grill or served in a way that’s fit for an outdoor party; potentially strong-flavored and ready to be devoured as soon as possible.

•Beef: As the quintessential red meat BBQ, you’re going to want to stick to wine with higher tannins. This compliments the fattiness of the protein and balances the heavy richness. If you’re preparing steak, definitely stick to a full-flavored red like a Napa Cabernet, but for something like a hamburger you can play more with what pairs well depending on your toppings and fixings.

Insider’s Tip: Napa’s own Louis M. Martini’s silky smooth Cabernet Sauvignon is what we would pick up for a perfectly cooked steak or even a slow-cooked shredded beef sandwich.

•Pork: This is a meat that tends to get a lot of seasoning, especially on the spicy side, which will balance nicely with a drier red. On the flip side, some chefs tend to flavor pork with a sweeter palate in mind to highlight the natural sugars in the meat. If this is the case, steer towards a low-tannin red or white wine with a punch of fruit and acidity to match.

Insider’s Tip: Inglenook’s 2015 Blancaneaux offers a palate of crisp flavors of tropical fruits. Notes of pineapple, guava, and passion fruit always go well with pork.

•Chicken: For the most part, the leaner the meat you’re barbecuing the lighter the wine can be. Since chicken is the go-to lean meat, you’re going to want a white wine. Nothing beats Chardonnay with perfectly cooked chicken from the grill. If you’re thinking about fried chicken then pick up a rose which will complement the greasier, but more savory style.

Insider’s Tip: With hints of vanilla oak and stone fruit, you’ll find that Bennett Lane’s Los Carneros San Giacomo Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay will bring out the herbal side of your chicken dish.

•Lamb: This is a more intricate tasting meat and should definitely be thought of in terms of sauce (see below). For the most part, because of this profile, it can be fairly versatile with pairing. A medium-bodied red is a safe bet if you’re leaning heavily into spices, like a Syrah or Malbec. Or you can pick up a classic California Cabernet Sauvignon for a perfect compliment to big flavors.

Insider’s Tip: With layers of mint and raspberry, a Cabernet Sauvignon is a bright selection for the complex subtleties of an elevated lamb dish.

•Fish: Enjoying a warm summer day, or sticking to dietary restrictions, fish is a fabulous option for the grill. For snapper and salmon, Pinot Noir is a fantastic option for grilled fish. Hints of oak work fabulously with the taste of fresh fish, so if you’re going to go white, lean towards a California Chardonnay. Other seafood (oysters or grilled shrimp anyone?) pairs very well with a Riesling or a Sauvignon Blanc.

Insider’s Tip: A nice medium-bodied Pinot from Domaine Carneros will add a delicate savory finish to grilled fish and be a light addition to an intentionally un-heavy meal.

The Sauce

The meat is a great place to start pairing, but it can end up in the spit bucket if you haven’t thought through to the end product on the plate. Knowing what you’re dipping those proteins in is a major factor in choosing the perfect wine for the meal.

•Spicy BBQ: Some of the hottest barbecue sauces, even though they’re delicious, can make choosing a wine hard. In this case, choose a semidry California Riesling or a chilled white Zinfandel. Plus it might take the bite off those five-alarm chicken wings.

•Tangy Sauces: If the base of your sauce has molasses, brown sugar, or Asian influences like Hoisin or Korean BBQ, then be sure to pair with fruity wines like a jam-packed Shiraz or a Sonoma Syrah.

•Green Sauces: More of the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean spices, sauces that feature mint, garlic rosemary or chimichurri can be a treat on BBQ favorites like kebabs or steak. Aim for a medium-tannin red with a smooth, fruity finish like a Malbec or other Spanish varietals.

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Unexpected U.S. Wine Countries

WineCountry Staff — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 09:00:14 +0000

Wine country might be closer to your front door than you realize. There are blossoming wine countries all over the country from the southwest to the midwest to the southeast. Several of these areas were thriving wine countries until Prohibition hit and are now enjoying a rebirth.

Arizona

When you think of Arizona, you probably think of the Grand Canyon or Phoenix not wine country. But the warm days and cool evenings in some high elevation areas of Arizona create the perfect environment for growing wine grapes. Vineyards planted on rocky terrain are great for winemaking because they produce grapes with concentrated and complex flavor.

Willcox is located in the southeastern part of the state between Tucson and the New Mexico border. The region’s climate and soil resembles the well-known wine countries of the Rhone Valley in France and Mendoza in Argentina. The area is known for producing red wine, white wine, sweet wine and dessert wine and nearly three-quarters of the wine grapes in Arizona are from Willcox.

The Sonoita region near Tucson is home to the largest concentration of vineyards and wineries in Arizona so there are plenty of spots to visit. The state’s only official American Viticultural Area, the area is known for growing white, red and blush wine grapes and the soil is similar to the Burgundy area of France.

The Verde Valley is tucked away south of the Grand Canyon, southwest of Flagstaff and far away from the Willcox and Sonoita wine countries. The sunshine, heat and rocky soils help produce wine groups full of flavor. A 714 square mile region produces a wide variety of wines including Syrah and Zinfandel.

Insider Tip: The Verde Valley Wine Trail features seven wineries and eight tasting rooms along its path. We recommend trying all of them!

New Mexico

The Spanish colonists in New Mexico needed wine and the first wine grapes in the state were planted in 1629 by a Franciscan priest and a monk, making it the oldest wine country in the U.S. Monks from Spain may no longer need the wine for their daily masses but the state is proud to still produce wine. Today there are more than 40 family-owned vineyards and wineries across the state, according to the New Mexico Wine and Grape Growers Association.

The three main regions are in the southern, central and northern parts of the state. The Rio Grande valley in the southern region was a thriving wine country from the 17th century until the late 19th century when the Rio Grande began flooding. Wineries and vineyards have been popping up in the area for the past forty years and there are a number of wineries and tasting rooms in Las Cruces.

Insider tip: If you visit Las Cruces area, stop by the Rio Grande Vineyards and Winery (5321 NM-28, Las Cruces, NM) which has beautiful views of the mountains and great red and white wines. Co-owners Gordon and Sandi Steel traveled the wineries of the world while he was in the Air Force and his ancestors grew wine grapes in the area during the 1880s.

Iowa

There are 11 wineries along the Iowa Wine Trail from the Brick Arch Winery just east of Iowa City to the Winneshiek Wildberry Winery just south of the Minnesota border. There are more than 100 wineries and 300 vineyards in the state despite a midwestern climate that’s not very friendly to wine grapes with its hot summer days and sub-zero winter nights. Some of the wineries import grapes from abroad and other more climate-friendly states to produce wine.

The northeastern part of the state is home to the Upper Mississippi River Valley American Viticultural Area. Its hills and soil are good for grape growth and growers adapt to the cold by pulling the grapevines from their trellises before winter sets in.

Insider tip: Visit Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery (1441 Marak Road, Swisher, IA) which has won numerous awards for its wine and spirits. Between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, it’s convenient to visit and located in a picturesque rural area. Make sure you take home a bottle of their Reserve Red wine which won a gold medal at the 2011 Mid-American Wine Competition and should appeal to Merlot and Cabernet drinkers.

Michigan

It may be a surprise that Michigan is the fourth-largest grape growing state in the U.S. with 121 wineries. The wine, wine grape and grape juice industries in the up-and-coming wine country account for about $790 million in economic value and more than 5,000 jobs in Michigan, according to the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council. Many varietals are produced in the state from Pinot Noirs to Chardonnays to Pinot Grigios to Sauvignon Blancs.

Lake Michigan, along the state’s western border, surprisingly is very hospitable for wine-making and most of the state’s grapes grow within 25 miles of it. “Lake effect” snow covers the vines during the winter and the lake’s effect extends the growing season.

Insider Tip: We recommend Chateau Chantal (15900 Rue Devin, Traverse City, MI), a winery and inn in beautiful Traverse City. The charming, family-owned business is located on a 65-acre estate with cooking classes, wine seminars and wine dinners in addition to the bed and breakfast and tasting room. Make sure you try their Chardonnays (especially the Proprietor’s Reserve), Pinot Noirs and Malbec Rose.

Missouri

Wine was first produced in Missouri in the 1850s and it grew into a thriving wine hub until Prohibition halted the industry for decades. It started to make a comeback in the 1960s and today there are several wine countries in the state including Hermann, Augusta and Sainte Genevieve. There are some more wineries sprinkled around the state including in the Ozark Mountains and Highlands. The wine regions are very picturesque with many quaint bed and breakfasts, good restaurants and attractions in nearby towns.

Norton is the official state grape and it produces Norton wine, which is “every bit as lush and robust as Zinfandel,” according to Missouri Wine Country. There are many other varietals produced in the state including Merlot, Pinot Noir, Rose and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Insider tip: The Crown Valley Winery (23589 State Route WW, Sainte Genevieve, MO) is an exceptional place to visit set in the rolling countryside of the southeastern region and in close proximity to St. Louis. Make sure to try some of their Norton varietal, their rich Cabernet Sauvignon and their specialty Caramel Apple Sangria during the fall. Visit during the summer, spring or fall because the winery closes for the winter season reopens March 30.

North Carolina

Wine countries in North Carolina extend across the state from the mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. The three major wine-growing regions are the Yadkin Valley, Swan Creek and the Haw River Valley. It’s a fast-growing industry with over 100 wineries, a number that has quadrupled since 2001, according to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. North Carolina was producing wine during the colonial era and continued to be a major player in the industry until Prohibition.

The Yadkin Valley, home to about a third of the state’s wineries and vineyards, in the western part of the state has a similar viticultural climate to Burgundy, France which makes it a natural fit for wine-making. Some of the most popular varietals are Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot and Chardonnay. Muscadine grapes are native to the state’s coastal areas and thrive in that climate. Duplin Winery, the state’s oldest and largest, is the world’s biggest producer of Muscadine wine. A little-known and interesting fact: the most visited winery in the country is Biltmore Estate Winery, part of the historic Biltmore Estate built by the Vanderbilt family, in Asheville with more than a million visitors a year. Biltmore produces more than 150,000 cases of wine a year.

Insider tip: When visiting the Yadkin Valley, stop by the picturesque RayLen Vineyards and Winery (3577 US-158, Mocksville, NC). The tasting room offers red, white or sweet wine flights featuring 6-8 wines for a reasonable $7. They even offer yoga classes which look like fun. Specializing in European varietals, they produce Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and many more popular wines. We recommend trying their vibrant Deacon White Chardonnay which is named after Wake Forest University’s Demon Deacon mascot.

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10 Best Steakhouse Wine Lists Across the Country

blogger — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 09:00:03 +0000

For carnivores, nothing beats a sizzling steak and full-bodied cabernet sauvignon dining experience. Whether you crave your red meat well-charred, aged-to-perfection, melt-in-your-mouth tender, fatty as a rib-eye, as a plate of steak frites, or just a juicy hunk of hamburger, the most important element to elevate the experience is what’s in your glass.

Contrary to popular belief, a Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon isn’t the only full-bodied varietal to select with steak. Keep in mind options of Cabernet Franc, Rioja, Malbec, Old-Vine Zinfandel and Bordeaux. Choose a wine pairing based on details such as cut of beef, aging technique, and sauce.

It helps to look at a wine menu of varied New World and Old World selections, but you may end up confused about what pairs best with what menu item. In many steakhouses, you can summon an in-house sommelier to assist in the wine-pairing selection. With or without a sommelier, you can navigate the menu on your own at these ten steakhouses across the country that offer wine lists as robust and diversified as a cut of beef and its preparation.

Press Napa Valley
587 St Helena Hwy
St. Helena, CA 94574

Because Press is located in the heart of the Napa Valley, the menu was created exclusively to highlight the area’s wines. As Press said, “Our goal is to create a repository of knowledge on Napa Valley wines from the 1950s going forward, and we enjoy learning, together with our guests, how these older vintages mature.”

Insider Tip: Begin your meal with a Domaine Carneros Rosé and end with a Grgich Hills ‘Violetta’ Late Harvest (Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer).

Alexander’s Steak House
448 Brannan Street
San Francisco, CA 94107

With locations in San Francisco, Cupertino, Pasadena, Taipei and Tokyo, the wine list at Alexander’s Steakhouse includes New World and Old World wines by the glass, half bottle and large formats. Their wine philosophy is to provide exciting and interesting wines while holding true to the idea of a classic American steakhouse. They search out artisan wineries that they feel offer the very best quality for the guests.

Insider Tip: Order by the glass or by half-bottles so you can select and share what works best for each course. You can’t go wrong with a 100-point Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, but you may also want to sip a Spanish Tempranillo.

The Capital Grille
Multiple locations

Wherever you are within the United States, there’s a good chance you’re in the vicinity of a Capital Grille restaurant. With over 350 wines, representing nearly every wine-growing region on earth, there are some beautiful selections. There are Old World and New World gems,as well as little-known labels on the brink of stardom. Their acclaimed dry aged steaks and fresh seafood deserve nothing less than an award-winning wine list. Before steaks meet the grill, they are meticulously dry aged on premises for more than 18 days. Then, each is hand-carved by their in-house butchers to exacting standards.

Insider Tip: A beautiful starter is their fresh, hours old mozzarella and tomato salad with an 18 yr age balsamic drizzle. Look for a Sancerre, Soave Classico or Sauvignon Blanc to pair.

Chicago Cut SteakHouse
300 N. LaSalle
Chicago IL 60654

Take two steak-house veterans, a dazzling space along the Chicago River, add a butcher and dry-aging room and you begin to see what Chicago Cut is about. This modern steak house with a unique menu has full throttle wine menu including the famous Miraval Rosé, a Brangelina label with more stability than the Pitt marriage. Try it with the foie gras starter.

Insider Tip: This restaurant is known to attract Fortune 500 CEO’s as well as celebrities from Woody Allen to Jay-Z.

Bern’s Steakhouse
1208 S Howard Ave
Tampa, FL 33606

Perfectly aged steaks. One of the largest wine collections in the world. An internationally famous dessert room. These elements have combined since 1956 to provide their guests with a unique culinary experience. Founder Bern Laxer had an incredible eye for wine buying. The cellar contains more than 6,800 different selections with more than half a million bottles. Bern’s Wine Cellar is the perennial recipient of the Wine Spectator Grand Award.

Insider Tip: While the lobby is something to be seen, the dessert room is something to be experienced. Here guests can enjoy a leisurely and intimate end to their dining evening by choosing from nearly 50 dessert choices to more than 1,000 dessert wines and spirits.

Forbes Mill Steak House
206 N. Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
200 Sycamore Valley Road West
Danville, CA 94526

In its two locations: Los Gatos and Danville, California, the wine menu focuses on local boutique wineries of small production, as well as an emphasis on Brunello di Montalcino and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. There’s a price range for everyone to enjoy wines by the glass, Coravin or bottle.

Insider Tip: Seek help from the sommelier/wine director to hear the story behind each boutique wine label.

Aureole Las Vegas By Charlie Palmer
3655 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas , NV 89109

What happens at Charlie Palmer’s Aureole restaurant stays in…your memory. Wine and dine your way around their tasting table experience with Chef Charlie Palmer and Executive Chef John Church’s menu focused around food’s three natural foundations: Root, Surf, and Ranch. The menu positions eight dishes covering all categories, listed from light to robust, with a strong emphasis on sharing, tasting and connecting. Go big and bet on a fantastic dining and wine experience here.

Insider Tip: The restaurant’s 3,000-selection list has been lauded with Wine Spectator’s Grand Award every year since 2000. The “wine angels” will fetch your chosen wine via a three story pulley and cable system.

The Angus Barn
9401 Glenwood Ave.
Raleigh, N.C.

The Angus Barn is an American steakhouse restaurant serving in-house aged steaks, fresh NC seafood, local grown vegetables and homemade desserts prepared by Iron Chef America winner, Walter J. Royal, and his staff. The Barn hosts an award winning wine cellar, the famous Wild Turkey Lounge, Meat Locker smoking lounge. The restaurant’s wine list features 1,600 selections with stand outs from California, Bordeaux and Burgundy, and has earned the Wine Spectator Grand Award every year since 1989.

Insider Tip: The wine cellar boasts its’ own private staff, kitchen, two large dining rooms each with its own full service bar and surrounded by one of the most amazing wine collections in the United States.

Pappas Brothers SteakHouse
3 Texas locations

With 2 locations in Houston and one in Dallas, its dry aged steaks make Pappas Brothers stand out among some of the best Texas steakhouses. All of their sommeliers are certified, and at least half of them have earned either Master or Advanced Certificates.

Insider Tip: With 3,900 world wine selections from top producers, this is another chance to use a sommelier to your advantage. You’ll even get help with the proper wine glass, as there are 10 stemware designs to match with your wine selection.

Ringside Steakhouse
2165 W. Burnside
Portland, OR 97210

Dining at RingSide Steakhouse is an experience, offering beef believers the very best in Northwest USDA Prime and Certified Angus Natural Beef. Steaks are aged a minimum of four weeks, hand carved on the premises, seasoned and grilled to perfection. They house one of Portland’s only on-site dry-aging rooms, and guests can select from an array of beef choices, chops, chicken and Pacific Northwest seafood.

Insider Tip: Their extensive wine list of more than 700 labels, including some of Northwest’s finest regional wines. Our wine list has been recognized with the “Best of Award of Excellence” Wine Spectator since 2001.

Charlene Peters is an influential world explorer and culinary/wine scholar who left her East Coast roots for the western pleasures of life in the Napa Valley. She can be reached by email: siptripper@gmail.com.

The post 10 Best Steakhouse Wine Lists Across the Country first appeared on WineCountry.com.

Winecountry Thanksgiving Food and Wine Pairing

WineCountry Staff — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 09:00:51 +0000

Thanksgiving is the best time of year for gathering together with family and friends to make some of the most fun and unforgettable memories. Everyone looks forward to a table of warm, delectable foods, tantalizing sweet treats, and more football than one day can handle. Since we’re in the business of sharing with you the best of wine country we thought we’d put together some of our favorite wine pairings!

Appetizer

Mumm Napa
8445 Silverado Trail
Rutherford, CA 94573
(707) 967-7700

Start your gathering off by greeting your guests with a delicious bubbly. Mumm Napa’s Brut Prestige Extended Tirage is a rich and lively sparkler with flavors of honey and fig, green apples and bread dough that are sure to please the palate. Ferrari Carano’s Apple, Mango and Crab Meat “Salsa” with Tortilla Chips is a perfect plate to set out while guests mingle before sitting down for dinner. Create a festive spread in the kitchen, pour a flute of bubbles and enjoy the sweetness of the fruits and the bubbles mix with the saltiness of the crabs and tortilla chips! Impress your guests with this themed, easy-to-make treat.

Insider Tip: Sparkling wine should be well chilled―30 minutes in ice water or 3 hours in the refrigerator should do the trick―and served in slender, flute-shaped glasses.

The First Course

Hall Wines
401 St Helena Hwy,
St Helena, CA 94574
(707) 967-2626

Pumpkin soup is always a traditional favorite to welcome the holiday meal. It is creamy, slightly sweet and aromatic. Hall Wine’s Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup adds a special touch to a cherished recipe. Pair with a medium-bodied dry or off-dry white. Hall Wine’s 2006 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc is a great option to complement the soup’s sweetness, but also round out its spicy elements.

Insider Tip: Sauvignon Blanc is an incredibly food-friendly wine: The bright acidity refreshes the palate, the citrus flavors can accompany a vast range of foods, it’s not overly heavy and has a varied though distinctive flavor profile. Because of its green flavors Sauvignon Blanc is also great match with green vegetables such as asparagus, artichoke, spinach and bell peppers, the likes of which are difficult to match with most other wines.

The Main Course and Sides

What is Thanksgiving without a delicious, juicy turkey to carve into? Who can serve turkey without cornbread dressing? And no holiday meal is complete without a flavorful green bean casserole and mashed potatoes to round out the table. Let’s start off with our the big guns. Thanks to our friends, the Temecula Winegrowers in Temecula Valley have shared with us a delicious Honey-Brined Tuscan Herb Turkey Paired with Chardonnay.

Robert Mondavi Winery
7801 St. Helena Highway
Oakville, CA, 94562
(888) 766-6328

An oaky Chardonnay is a popular option for holiday tables and it can be a great addition to rich and creamy dishes or fish. However, an unoaked Chardonnay would be a better bet for your turkey day cuisine, as each dish presents its own character of flavor and charm. The absence of oak will help to elevate your food, rather than overpower it. Robert Mondavi Winery’s 2014 Unoaked Chardonnay has festive aromas of orange peel and Anjou pear, with hints of white grapefruit, lemon zest and almonds on the palate.

Insider Tip: The most fundamental characteristic of chardonnay is that it should be served COLD! Chardonnay served at room temperature, while palatable, is far too bold.

Sides To Consider:
Cornbread Stuffing with Corn, Bacon and Herbs

Green Bean Casserole

Three Ways To Reinvent Your Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Chateau St. Jean
8555 Sonoma Highway
Kenwood CA. 95452
(707) 257-5784

Pair your main course with options that work well with the flavors in your food. Dinner tables are usually stocked with a red and white wine for guests to choose from. Pinot Noir is a great go-to red wine. It has great acidity, yet is low in tannins, making it a great match for the seasonings in your meats and side dishes. The cool climate 2014 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir from Chateau St. Jean suits well with cherry, strawberry and black tea flavors.

Insider Tip: Other great pairings for Pinot Noir- Salmon, duck, pork, mushrooms, artisanal cheese.

The Dessert

Spicy Vines
441 Healdsburg Ave,
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 927-1065

From cakes and pies to cookies and cupcakes, Thanksgiving is one of the best times of the year to indulge in your sweet tooth desires. No time like the present to whip up a piping hot pumpkin pie. Pumpkin Panna Cotta is a great spin on a classic favorite. A classic Zinfandel will make a fun pairing with this treat, try Spicy Vines Zin Master, 2013 Russian River Valley Zinfandel. This wine offers flavors of boysenberries, raspberries and blackberries and finishes with light pepper, chocolate and natural oak spices and is a perfect paring for this fantastic dessert.

Insider Tip: Know your crowd, tailor your wine selections to suit the preferences of your guests. Keep a bottle or two of those crowd favorites on hand and you’ll be sure to satisfy every guest.

Shundria Reed is the blogger of Southern Girl in a Wine World. She spends most of her time exploring the ins and outs of California wine life.

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The Best Cheese Shops Around Wine Country

blogger — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 08:00:04 +0000

There’s no shortage of opportunities to buy wine while exploring the nation’s best vineyards, but what about the beverage’s best friend, cheese? These cheese shops around the nation provide an impressive selection of delicious, often unusual dairy products within close proximity to popular wine tasting regions.

French Cheese in California

Image Source: Yelp

Fromagerie Sophie
1129 Garden St
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 503-0805

Born of an effort to bring a little Parisian atmosphere to the central California coast, Fromagerie Sophie boasts a wide selection of international cheeses in an intimate setting, with new arrivals and weekly picks always offering new reasons to stop in for a visit. Varieties of cured meats and crackers are also on hand to help create the perfect cheese plate. The staff are well-versed on wine pairings as well, and can often recommend a suitable cheese based on the local wineries you plan on visiting.

Insider tip: Don’t be shy about trying the cheese, as the staff will let you sample almost anything that isn’t wrapped for individual sale.

Monterey in Sonoma

Image Source: Yelp

Vella Cheese Co.
315 2nd St E
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 938-3232

Another one of many artisan shops scattered around Sonoma’s vibrant main square, Vella Cheese Co. emphasizes local sustainable production, using free-range cows from the local farm Mertens Dairy and a minimal amount of added salt. All their prizewinning cheeses are finished in Vella’s historic stone building, and most are delectable versions of familiar varieties like cheddar or Monterey jack (but infused with striking flavors like rosemary and habanero).

Insider tip: The products are all vacuum-sealed for sale and will last long enough to survive a flight or drive, so those visiting from out of state can still take their favorite cheeses home with them.

Sandwich Selection

Image Source: Yelp

Venissimo Cheese
2650 Via De La Valle
Del Mar, CA 92014
(858) 847-9616

A rare local chain focused solely on cheese, Venissimo lets customers create their own charcuterie boards after sampling their local and imported cheeses, as well as cured pork sliced fresh in the Spanish tradition. Their other delicious dairy-centric offerings include hot grilled cheeses and cheese cakes—not cheesecake, mind you, but gorgeous tiered arrangements of brie and other cheeses prepared for special occasions. Don’t miss their rare but generous happy hours on the third Thursday of each month from 3 to 6 p.m.

Insider tip: If you plan on visiting more than once, the shop can create a profile for you to help keep track of which cheeses you’ve already tried, so you know which to get in the future.

Goat Cheese Galore

Image Source: Yelp

Briar Rose Creamery
19231 NE Fairview Dr
Dundee, OR 97115
(503) 538-4848

This remote cheese shop past where the pavement ends in the hills of Oregon specializes in both fresh and aged varieties of goat cheese, each one tangier and more tempting than the last. Stop by during their open hours on Friday or Saturday, and you’ll likely catch a glimpse of the cheese being made fresh in the back room while you enjoy a tasting of their seasonal offerings.

Insider tip: If you want something sweeter than their chevre, try the truffles, which are made from the same goat cheese, but are covered in decadent chocolate.

Meat and Cheese

Image Source: Yelp

Owens Meats
502 E 1st St
Cle Elum, WA 98922
(509) 674-2530

One of Washington State’s longest-running family businesses, Owens Meats has been luring in hungry customers with the tantalizing smell of fresh and smoked meats for more than 125 years. They apply their smoking technique to their delicious flagship cheddar as well. Opposite their house-prepared meats, you’ll find shelves of flavorful hot sauces, jams, salsa, pickled goods, and craft beers—all wonderful complements to the main event.

Insider tip: If you’re looking to combine the shop’s two tasty specialties, purchase the thicker cheese-stuffed pepperonis.

Cheese, Grilled and Otherwise

Image Source: Yelp

Gourmage
270 W San Antonio St
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone number (830) 214-6471

The only cheese shop in South Texas is far better than it needs to be, given the lack of competition. The cheeses offered are diverse imports from all over the U.S. and Europe, and can be purchased on their own, or ordered as part of a light lunch made from scratch, whether that means a Manchego grilled cheese, watermelon-feta salad, or black truffle mac-and-cheese. Their impressive roster of accompaniments includes fresh fruit, breads, specialty beer and wine, and handmade chocolates.

Insider tip: The shop has more than just food, as the walls are lined with wines for pairing and cheese accessories like fondue sticks and glassware all available for purchase.

Spices, Spreads, and More

Image Source: Yelp

The Cheese Shop
2366 Tinkling Spring Rd
Stuarts Draft, VA 24401
(540) 337-4224

The Cheese Shop is far more than its title might suggest: rather, it’s a grocery store that emphasizes unique dairy products, as well as other bulk items like spreads, spices, and cold cuts that aren’t available elsewhere—at least not for such reasonable prices. The endlessly helpful staff members help to make the Cheese Shop one of the best place to buy the delicious local products produced throughout the rural Appalachian communities nearby.

Insider tip: Be on the lookout for old-fashioned snacks and soft drinks you can’t find elsewhere these days, as well as handmade cheeses from Pennsylvania Dutch communities.

If anything can make a great bottle of wine better, it’s a delicious block of cheese. The next time you’re exploring a new region by its vineyard varietals, don’t miss the added culinary pleasures available in spades at these world-class cheese shops.

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Be My Dessert & Wine Valentine

WineCountry Staff — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 18:03:07 +0000

Romance is in the air and wine country is full of activities and ideas to make Valentine’s Day special. Markham Vineyards is putting a twist on the traditional dessert and wine pairings and has teamed up with Sift Dessert Bar (known for their cupcakes) for a one-of-a-kind wine tasting experience. Take advantage of new dessert and wine pairing tastings in time for Valentine’s Day!

Plan an intimate affair for 12 and indulge in wine-infused goodies from Sift Dessert Bar expertly paired with a selection of Markham wines. This is more than just your basic chocolate and wine pairing. Sample a chocolate cupcake infused with Markham Merlot, filled with blackberry jam and frosted with Markham Cabernet Sauvignon buttercream. Want something salty and sweet? Try a slice of bacon that’s been soaked in Petite Sirah, dusted with Cayenne pepper, baked, and then dipped in dark chocolate with white chocolate drizzle. With custom made desserts like these, it’s no wonder Markham Vineyards Event Coordinator said, “I have worked with Sift in the past and love their products. Once I sampled the desserts made with Markham wines, I was sold!”

There are three different wine and dessert pairing experiences to choose from; all decadent and divine.

Frost Shots Package
Taste how our wines transform when paired with just a bit of sugar! Enjoy our Cabernet Sauvignon frosting in a mini Sift shot glass and mini spoon, paired with a selection of four Markham wines.
Frost Shots Package $40 per person + tax

Cupcake & Wine Pairing Package
Experience chocolate cake infused with our Markham Merlot, filled with blackberry jam, and frosted with Markham Cabernet Sauvignon buttercream – paired with a selection of four Markham wines.
Mini Cupcake Package $45 per person + tax
Full Sized Cupcake Package $49 per person + tax

Ultimate Indulgence Dessert & Wine Pairing Package
Give in to temptation! Enjoy three desserts crafted with Markham wines plus a selection of four Markham wines to sample with the following special treats.
$55 per person + tax

Macaroon
Sample a macaroon made with white peach sangria, white peach ganache, and Sauvignon Blanc-infused strawberry sangria.

Mini Cupcake
Next, enjoy a mini cupcake made of Merlot-infused chocolate cake, filled with blackberry jam, and frosted with Cabernet Sauvignon buttercream.

Bacon!
Finally, devour a slice of bacon that’s been soaked in Petite Sirah, dusted with Cayenne pepper, baked, and then dipped in dark chocolate with white chocolate drizzle.

Having trouble selecting what dessert and wine package to choose? The staff favorite at Markham is the Ultimate Indulgence Experience. According to Christine, “They are all delicious! I personally love the Ultimate Indulgence Experience. This package allows guests to sample three different desserts to really awaken the taste buds. Guests are amazed at how a perfectly-paired wine can change the flavor of each bite! We want guests to remember this when choosing wines for their meals when they are back home.”

Tastings are held at Markham Vineyards in their historic stone stone cellar and include a seated tasting of four wines and are 30 to 45 minutes in length. Afterwards, guests are f ree to roam the art gallery, peruse the gifts in the visitor center or purchase bottles of wine to take home at our tasting bar.

Packages are offered year-round. Reservations are required at least one week prior to the preferred date and based on availability. Contact Event Coordinator Christine Miller, 707.302.2037 or cmiller@markhamvineyards.com.

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