As the leaves turn gold and the air grows crisp, Fall is the perfect season to indulge in comfort foods and rich flavors. There’s nothing quite like curling up with a glass of wine and a selection of cheese as you savor the cozy essence of Autumn. The combination of wine and cheese is a timeless duo, and in the Fall, the richness of seasonal wines pair beautifully with aged, bold, and creamy cheeses. Here’s how to pair wine with cheese to elevate your fall gatherings or cozy nights in.

1. 2021 Cabernet Franc & Aged Cheddar

Our award winning Cab Franc, known for its full body, dark fruit notes, and hints of spice, is a wine that pairs beautifully with aged cheddar. As the days cool down, the rich, nutty flavors of cheddar bring out the bold tannins, making each sip smoother. The sharpness of cheddar also cuts through the tannins, creating a balanced tasting experience. For a Fall touch, add spiced nuts or fig jam to your cheese board.

Why It Works: The robust flavors of aged cheddar match the intensity of our Gold Medal Cab Franc, while the cheddar’s creamy texture complements its bold tannins.

2. 2021 Reserve Merlot & Brie

Merlot is a versatile Fall wine with its lighter body, earthy undertones, and hints of red berries. It pairs elegantly with soft, creamy cheeses like Brie. The earthiness of the 2021 Reserve Merlot mirrors the buttery and slightly tangy flavor of Brie, while the wine’s acidity helps to cut through the richness of the cheese. Serve with slices of apple or pear for a perfect autumn bite.

Why It Works: Brie’s creaminess tempers our Merlot’s acidity, while the wine’s fruity notes enhance the cheese’s subtle flavors.

3. 2022 Yes Dear Chardonnay & Gruyère

Our Chardonnay, being aged in French Oak, has a buttery, nutty profile that complements the nutty, slightly sweet flavors of Gruyère. Gruyère’s rich texture pairs well with the creamy butter texture of Chardonnay, especially as the weather starts to cool down and heavier white wines become more appealing. Try this pairing with a warm, homemade bread for a satisfying Fall snack.

Why It Works: The buttery and creamy qualities in both our 2022 Yes Dear Chardonnay and Gruyère create a harmonious pairing, perfect for a cozy night in.

4. 2020 Zinfandel & Gouda

Our 2020 Zinfandel, with its bold, jammy flavors and peppery finish, is a Fall favorite that pairs wonderfully with the deep, caramel notes of aged Gouda. The dark berries in the wine balances the savory, almost butterscotch-like flavors of Gouda. This pairing works particularly well in Fall due to Zinfandel’s warmth and spiciness, making it a delightful choice for cool evenings.

Why It Works: Our 2020 Zinfandel’s fruit-forward profile balances the salty, savory flavors of Gouda, while the cheese’s firm texture contrasts the 2020 Zinfandel’s bold finish.

5. 2020 Syrah & Blue Cheese

For those who love bold flavors, Syrah and blue cheese make a dynamic duo. Our 2020 Syrah’s well integrated tannins and rich, blackberry aromas can handle the intensity of blue cheese. The creamy, pungent notes of the cheese contrast with the wine’s velvety texture, and together, they create a balanced bite. Add some walnuts or honey for a sweet contrast that enhances both flavors.

Why It Works: The lush, velvety Syrah cuts through the strong, salty bite of blue cheese, while the wine’s fruitiness softens the cheese’s boldness.

6. White Cabernet & Goat Cheese

White Cabernet is a bright, fruity wine that pairs perfectly with the tangy, fresh taste of goat cheese. As the weather transitions, this pairing offers a refreshing break from the rich, heavier flavors that dominate fall. The crisp acidity of our White Cabernet balances the creamy, slightly tart profile of goat cheese. Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of dried cranberries to your goat cheese for a fall twist.

Why It Works: The high acidity of our White Cabernet complements the tanginess of goat cheese, while the wine’s fruity notes brighten the cheese’s creamy texture.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Fall Cheese Board

• Add seasonal fruits and nuts: Complement your wine and cheese pairings with fall favorites like figs, apples, pears, and spiced nuts.
• Incorporate spreads: Jams, chutneys, and honey can add a layer of complexity and enhance the flavors of both your wine and cheese.
• Serve at the right temperature: Allow cheese to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Red wines should be slightly cooler than room temperature, and white wines chilled but not too cold.

Pairing wine with cheese is an art, and in fall, the rich, warm flavors of the season allow for some truly delightful combinations. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, these wine and cheese pairings will help you savor the cozy, comforting flavors of Autumn. Cheers to a delicious Fall!

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.

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!

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!

Why Temecula Wineries Like Wilson Creek Are Good For Creating Rose

Grenache Grapes Grown in Temecula

There are two main families of Grenache.  There is the French-style Grenache and then the Tinto Grenache out of Spain.  Both really like the heat, which makes them great for growing in Temecula.  Currently, we have about 3-4 acres of the more traditional Grenache out of France and we just planted 5 acres of Tinto Grenache, which will provide a bit more color and richness and ultimately allow us to create a true varietal Grenache.  Grenache is a very versatile grape that can be used as a great blending grape or varietal; it adds a nice essence to each wine it is blended with.  It is also a very plentiful grape where we get a lot of yield and that makes it great for creating a lot of exciting wines.

One of the unique aspects of Grenache is that it can be grown in all sorts of climates, but it only truly ripens and gets mature in warmer climates.  So, when you see an expression of Grenache in Temecula it is outside of the usual expectation of places where Grenache is harvested.  Much of the Grenache we know is from places like Provence where it is harvested when it is younger because many of the wine-growing regions in the world are much further North and it doesn’t have the climate to reach full maturity.  This has a lot to do with old world and modern day refrigeration.  Old world there were only so many places where you could actually store the wine by digging into the side of a hill and then storing your barrels essentially underground to keep them under the 62-degree threshold necessary to store wine.  With modern refrigeration you are now able to grow and preserve wines in varying climates, which allow them to fully mature in growing regions like Temecula.