Category: Wine & Food

Grilling Greatness: Discovering the Ultimate BBQ Wine Pairings

Posted on June 14, 2024 in Wine & Food
Elevate Your BBQ Experience with Wilson Creek Wines
As the days get longer and the air fills with the aroma of smoldering charcoal and sunscreen, it can mean only one thing: barbecue season is here. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard gathering or attending a neighborhood cookout, pairing your favorite barbecue dishes with the perfect wine can elevate your culinary experience. Join us in exploring the art of pairing wine with BBQ food to enhance your summer dining!
Understanding BBQ Flavors
Before we delve into the world of wine pairing, let’s take a moment to appreciate the diverse flavors of barbecue. From tangy sauces and savory rubs to caramelized char and smoky undertones, BBQ offers a symphony of tastes and textures. Whether you’re indulging in succulent ribs, juicy burgers, or tender brisket, each dish brings its own unique blend of flavors that beg for the right wine companion.
Finding Harmony in Pairings
Pairing wine with barbecue is all about achieving balance. You want to find a wine that complements the richness of the food without overpowering it. Here are some classic BBQ dishes and the perfect Wilson Creek wines to match them:
  • Grilled Steak: For a classic steak off the grill, reach for a bold red wine like our 2019 Malbec. The soft tannins with notes of cedar and raspberry stand up well to the charred exterior and juicy interior of a perfectly grilled steak.
  • Barbecue Ribs: The sweetness and tanginess of barbecue sauce on ribs call for a special wine to balance the flavors. Our 2021 Syrah features luscious dark fruits, hints of black pepper, and a touch of smoky oak, perfectly complementing the richness of the ribs.
  • Pulled Pork: Pulled pork’s tender texture and smoky flavor pair wonderfully with a medium-bodied red wine such as our 2021 Reserve Merlot. With dark fruit flavors and subtle spice, this wine offers enough acidity to cut through the richness of the pork while enhancing its savory goodness.
  • Brisket: Whether your BBQ brisket leans towards a sweeter Kansas City style, a tangy Carolina style, or a spicy Texas style, our Cabernet Zinfandel can adapt due to its fruit-forward nature.
  • Grilled Chicken: For grilled chicken dishes, opt for a crisp and refreshing white wine like our famous White Cabernet. With bright acidity and aromas of peach and ripe strawberry, this wine provides a lovely contrast to the charred exterior of the chicken, making for a delightful pairing.
  • Vegetable Kabobs: Vegetarian barbecue options like vegetable kabobs deserve a wine that accentuates their vibrant flavors. Our crisp 2023 Pinot Grigio can complement the grilled vegetables without overpowering them. The delicate oak tannins and firm stone fruit on the back palate make this wine a refreshing and satisfying pairing for any vegetable medley.
Experimenting with Flavors
While these pairings serve as excellent starting points, don’t be afraid to experiment and trust your palate. BBQ is all about enjoying the moment and savoring the flavors of summer, so feel free to explore different wine varietals and flavor profiles to find the perfect match for your favorite barbecue dishes.
 
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying our new menu at Courtyard Bar & Grille, the right wine can elevate your dining experience and create unforgettable moments with friends and family. So fire up the grill, uncork your favorite bottle, and savor the magic of pairing wine with BBQ food. Cheers to a summer filled with delicious flavors and delightful gatherings!
 

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Thanksgiving Pie & Wine Pairings

Posted on November 7, 2023 in Wine & Food

Thanksgiving is already here! With so much to be thankful for, we wanted to take time to thank all of our Wine Club Members and Guests who enhance our lives everyday! You are the reason we love bringing you fine wine, delicious cuisine, and good times!

To celebrate you all and all the things we have to be thankful for, Wilson Creek put together a few wine pairings to go with your favorite Thanksgiving Pies! Because nothing says celebration like sweet treats and bubbly!

Apple Pie

Brut Sparkling

Pumpkin Pie

Almond Sparkling 

Pecan Pie

Angelica Cream Sherry

Key Lime Pie

Coconut Nui Sparkling or Golden Jubilee

Lemon Meringue

Rose Sparkling or VS White Cabernet

Cherry Pie

Sangria Sparkling or VS Cabernet-Zinfandel

Chocolate Cream Pie

Almond Sparkling or Decadencia Chocolate Port

Blueberry Pie

Sangria Sparkling or VS Cabernet-Zinfandel

Peach Cobbler

Brut Sparkling or Viognier
Once again, we are THANKFUL for you!

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10 Wine & Food Pairings to Impress your Guests

Posted on June 8, 2023 in Wine & Food
As any wine lover knows, pairing the right wine with your meal can elevate the dining experience to a whole new level. But with so many different wines and cuisines to choose from, it can be overwhelming to figure out which combinations work best. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 10 wine and food pairings that are sure to impress your guests and make your next dinner party a success.
  1. Cabernet Sauvignon and Steak: This classic pairing is a match made in heaven. The bold flavors of a Cabernet Sauvignon complement the rich, meaty flavors of a juicy steak.
  2. Chardonnay and Lobster: The buttery texture and delicate flavor of lobster pairs perfectly with the subtle sweetness of a Chardonnay.
  3. Pinot Noir and Salmon: The light, fruity flavors of a Pinot Noir work well with the rich, oily flavors of salmon, making this a popular pairing for seafood lovers.
  4. Sauvignon Blanc and Goat Cheese: The crisp acidity of a Sauvignon Blanc balances out the tangy, creamy flavors of goat cheese, creating a harmonious pairing.
  5. Merlot and Pasta with Tomato Sauce: The soft tannins and fruity flavors of a Merlot complement the acidity of tomato sauce, making it a great pairing for pasta dishes.
  6. Syrah and BBQ: The smoky, bold flavors of BBQ are perfectly complemented by the full-bodied, spicy flavors of a Syrah.
  7. Sparkling Limoncello and Fruit Salad: The citrusy, effervescent flavors of Sparkling Limoncello pair perfectly with the fresh, juicy flavors of a fruit salad.  This pairing is light, refreshing, and perfect for a summer brunch or afternoon gathering.
  8. Malbec and Beef Tacos: The robust, full-bodied flavors of a Malbec pair perfectly with the rich, savory flavors of beef tacos.
  9. Sparkling Rosé and Charcuterie: The light, refreshing flavors of a Rosé complement the salty, savory flavors of cured meats, making it a great pairing for charcuterie boards.
  10. Viognier and Indian Curry: Viognier is a white wine that is known for its floral aromas, fruit flavors, and acidity. It pairs well with a variety of dishes and is especially popular with spicy foods. The fruity flavors and acidity of Viognier balance out the heat and spice of Indian curry, making it a great pairing for this popular dish. The floral aromas of Viognier also complement the complex flavors and aromas of the spices used in Indian cooking.
 
At Wilson Creek Winery, we believe that great wine and food pairings are all about finding the right balance of flavors. By using this guide as a starting point, you can create memorable dining experiences that will impress your guests and keep them coming back for more. So go ahead and get creative with your wine and food pairings – the possibilities are endless!
 
Discover Exceptional Wines at Wilson Creek Winery – Shop Online Now!

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The Big Game Pairings

Posted on February 10, 2023 in Wine & Food

 

Who is ready for some Football?!?

We definitely are, AND we have the Big Game Pairings to prove it!

Now, we know you all have been working so hard on the those New Year’s Resolutions and have been eating healthy, but let’s be honest with ourselves… we will ALL be benching those resolutions come Sunday! Super Bowl is the time to indulge in all of those delicious party foods and pair them with some of your favorite Wilson Creek Wines! So grab your favorite bottle, follow our pairing suggestions and watch the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs go head to head!

 

Along with the smorgasbord of food, don’t forget to treat yourself to a variety of wines too. Trust me the wine will not go to waste!

At kickoff, start with a mouth-watering plate of loaded nachos! The diverse flavors in these nachos will pair great with the soft and fruity flavors of our 2019 Tempranillo. If you’re more of an French Onion Dip person we have you covered! The sweet French oak aromas of our 2021 “Yes Dear” Chardonnay pair great with the caramelized onions in the dip. It wouldn’t be Super Bowl if there wasn’t a tray of buffalo wings out on the table! When it comes to something bold and spicy it is always a good idea to pair it with something light and on the sweeter side. That’s why we HIGHLY suggest pairing this fan favorite appetizer with a chilled glass of our White Cabernet.

During the game, the main dishes are usually passed around. As soon as those pulled pork sliders come out, pour yourself a glass of our 2020 Bourbon Barrel Zinfandel. The smokiness on the nose will compliment your favorite BBQ sauce. Another crowd pleaser is a piping hot pizza. This classic dish of melted cheese and various toppings calls for a red wine that will have you going back for another slice…and glass! We suggest pairing your favorite pizza with our 2020 GSM.

Towards the end of the game while you’re (hopefully) doing your victory dance don’t forget the dessert! You can’t go wrong with a classic platter of chocolate chip cookies. This is the perfect time to pop open a bottle of our award winning Almond Sparkling! The rich chocolate in the cookies pairs great with natural almond flavor of our most popular sparkling wine. Plus it’s time to celebrate another successful Super Bowl Sunday! 

Everyone have a safe and fun time!

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Christmas Cookie Wine Pairings

Posted on December 15, 2022 in Wine & Food

Our Top Christmas Cookie & Wine Pairing Recommendations

Traditions play a big role in making the holiday season so much fun! Here at Wilson Creek, we have a lot of fun with our traditional Wassail we enjoy every year. It’s definitely a crowd pleaser and very popular with our wine club family.

With Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve and many other reasons to gather with loved ones, having fun & fresh ideas are always a great compliment to those traditions.

Christmas Cookies are almost compulsory when it comes to the holiday season; one of America’s most popular traditions. Another very popular holiday tradition?… Wine, of course! So why not combine the two and make it that much more special!

Here are a few recipes that will delight your guest’s palates and warm their hearts.

SUGAR COOKIES with Chardonnay or Brut Sparkling Wine

GINGERBREAD COOKIES with Angelica Cream Sherry or 2020 Zinfandel

SNICKER DOODLE COOKIES with Plethora

BUTTER COOKIES COOKIES with Chardonnay or Coconut Sparkling Wine

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES with VS Cabernet-Zinfandel or ZSM

PEANUT BUTTER KISS COOKIES with Decadencia Chocolate Port or Almond Sparkling Wine

OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES with VS White Cabernet 

CHOCOLATE THUMBPRINT COOKIES with Double-Dog Red or Rosé Sparkling Wine

The great thing about traditions is that there is always room to make new ones. So while you’re enjoying the holidays with your loved ones, maybe try a few of these pairings and see if any are worthy of a new tradition.

We have a feeling you won’t be disappointed.

All of us at Wilson Creek Winery warmly wish you a Merry Christmas & a very Happy New Year!

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