Tag Archives: Christmas Traditions
How to Store Wine at Home: A Guide to Keeping Your Favorite Wilson Creek Wines Fresh and Flavorful!
Posted on March 30, 2023 in Wine 101
Wine is a delicate beverage that requires proper storage to preserve its quality, taste, and aroma. If you’re a wine enthusiast, you know how important it is to store your wine correctly. We will discuss everything you need to know to properly store your favorite wines at home.
Is It Necessary to Have a Wine Refrigerator?
A wine refrigerator is not a necessity, but it can significantly improve the quality of your wine. A wine refrigerator allows you to store your wine at a consistent temperature and humidity level, which is crucial for preserving its flavor and aroma. It also protects the wine from light and vibrations, which can alter its taste and aroma. However, if you do not have a wine refrigerator, you can still store your wine in a cool, dark, and stable environment.
What is The perfect temperature to store white wine?
The perfect temperature to store white wine is between 45°F to 50°F (7°C to 10°C). This temperature range is ideal for preserving the delicate flavors and aromas of white wine. If you store white wine at a higher temperature, it may lose its acidity and freshness. On the other hand, if you store it at a lower temperature, it may lose its aroma and flavor. Therefore, it’s essential to keep white wine at the right temperature to ensure it stays fresh and delicious.
What is The perfect temperature to store red wine?
The perfect temperature to store red wine is between 55°F to 65°F (12°C to 18°C). This temperature range allows red wine to age properly, developing more complex flavors and aromas over time. If you store red wine in a place that is too cold, the flavors and aromas will be muted, and the wine may taste flat. On the other hand, if you store it at a higher temperature, it may age too quickly, leading to a loss of flavor and aroma.
Do the Bottles Have to be Stored in a Certain Position?
Yes, the position of the wine bottles can affect the quality of the wine. Wine bottles should be stored horizontally, so the wine is in contact with the cork. Storing wine horizontally helps keep the cork moist, which prevents it from drying out and allowing air to enter the bottle. If air enters the bottle, it can cause the wine to oxidize and spoil, leading to a sour or vinegar-like taste.
How Long Can You Store Wine?
The length of time you can store wine depends on the type of wine and how it is stored. Generally, most red wines can be stored for up to five years, while white wines should be consumed within two to three years. However, some wines can be stored for much longer, such as high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux blends, which can age for up to 20 years or more. It is important to note that not all wines are meant to be aged, and some are best consumed young.
Can wine expire?
Yes, wine can expire. The expiration of wine is determined by its age and storage conditions. If you store wine in a warm or humid environment, it may expire more quickly than if you store it in a cool, dark, and dry place. Once wine expires, it may have an off-taste and smell, making it undrinkable. When wine is exposed to oxygen, it can start to oxidize, leading to a loss of flavor and aroma. Additionally, if wine is stored in a warm or humid environment, it can spoil quickly. To prevent wine from going bad, store it in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Can wine freeze?
Yes, wine can freeze. When wine freezes, the water in the wine expands, which can cause the bottle to break. Additionally, freezing wine can alter its flavor and aroma. Therefore, it’s essential to keep wine at a consistent temperature above freezing to ensure it stays in its best condition.
How are European Wines Different from United States Wines When It Comes to Aging?
European wines and United States wines have different styles and characteristics when it comes to aging. In general, European wines are known for their ability to age well, while United States wines are typically meant to be consumed young. This is due to several factors, including the differences in climate, soil, and winemaking techniques.
European wines, particularly those from France and Italy, are typically made from grapes grown in cooler climates, resulting in higher acidity and tannin levels. These higher levels of acidity and tannins help the wine to age well, developing complex flavors and aromas over time. In addition, many European wines are aged in oak barrels, which can add further complexity to the wine.
In contrast, United States wines are often made from grapes grown in warmer climates, resulting in lower acidity and tannin levels. These wines are typically more fruit-forward and are meant to be consumed young, without the need for aging. However, there are exceptions, particularly with high-quality California Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux-style blends, which can age well for several years.
In conclusion, properly storing wine at home is crucial for preserving its quality and flavor. By storing wine at the perfect temperature and in the correct position, you can help to ensure that it remains enjoyable for years to come. Additionally, understanding the different characteristics of European and United States wines can help you to determine how long to age your wine and when it is best to consume it.
Enhance your wine collection with the exquisite taste of Wilson Creek wines!
Best St. Patrick’s Day Wines
Posted on March 10, 2023 in Lifestyle
As we approach St. Patrick’s Day, many of us are looking forward to indulging in traditional Irish dishes and raising a glass to celebrate. While many of us may immediately think of beer when we think of St. Patrick’s Day, wine can also be an excellent choice for those looking to switch it up. If you’re looking for the perfect wines to accompany your St. Patrick’s Day feast, look no further. Here are our top St. Patrick’s Day wine recommendations:
Pinot Grigio
If you’re looking for a crisp, refreshing white wine to enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day, we recommend Wilson Creek’s 2020 Pinot Grigio, for lighter fare like Irish soda bread or potato soup. This wine has a crisp and refreshing taste with notes of pear, melon, honeysuckle, and a hint of oak. The bright acidity and crisp dryness of the Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the soup and complements the bread.
Petite Sirah
When it comes to pairing wine with hearty meat dishes like corned beef and cabbage, we suggest reaching for our 2019 Petite Sirah. This wine boasts a rich and full-bodied flavor profile with notes of dark fruit and chocolate, making it the perfect complement to savory meat dishes. The tannins in this wine will help cut through the richness of the meat and balance out the flavors of the dish.
Peach Bellini Sparkling Wine
For a festive twist on your St. Patrick’s Day celebration, we recommend our Peach Bellini flavored sparkling wine. This wine is perfect for toasting on St. Patrick’s Day and has a light, effervescent quality that makes it a refreshing choice. This wine has a sweet and fruity taste with a hint of peach, making it a perfect match for Irish cream desserts or fruit salads. The effervescence of the sparkling wine will also help cut through the richness of these dishes.
In addition to enjoying great food and wine on St. Patrick’s Day, there are also plenty of fun activities to pair with your wine. Try hosting a wine tasting party with friends, complete with blind tastings and food pairings. Alternatively, take a stroll through a local vineyard or winery and enjoy a guided tour and tasting. Finally, consider hosting a St. Patrick’s Day-themed party, complete with festive decorations, Irish-inspired cuisine, and plenty of wine.
Overall, wine is a great addition to any St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty meat dish or indulging in lighter fare, there’s a wine out there to enhance your dining experience. Come visit us at Wilson Creek Winery to pick up your perfect St. Patrick’s Day wines and raise a glass to the luck of the Irish. Sláinte!
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!
Most Romantic Wines for Valentine’s Day!
Posted on February 2, 2023 in Wine 101
A day for celebrating love is St. Valentine’s Day. Here in the U.S. St. Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th, and is often marked by flowers, chocolate, and little candy hearts. I say forget it, celebrate St. Vincent’s Day January 22 instead. I think it’s a better holiday for celebration. St. Vincent is the patron saint of wine and winemakers, just think of the celebratory possibilities.
So, who wants to trade in the small sugar-heart-shaped Valentine candy with “Be Mine” stamped on one side for a bottle of wine? Whether you’re toasting your ride-or-die Galentine, gathering your family around a cheese board, or cozying up for a date night with your sweetheart, we’ve got you covered.
Check out these perfect romantic wines and their pairings
Sparkling Wine
Instead of the normal boring Valentine’s lunch, choose a you get a four course-wine-paired meal. This meal can start with a tasty appetizer paired with a sparkling wine. Sparkling Rose is the quintessential Valentines’ Day wine. From its romantic color to crisp and festival flavors, it sets the mood. Crisp, elegant, and flavorful Wilson Creek sparkling Rose is refreshing and bursting with aromas and flavors reminiscent of strawberries and melons. Pair this wine with a variety of cheeses or spicy Asian dishes. Chocolate-covered strawberries are an obvious choice with the sparkling Rose but if you have a yearning for a rich, and decadent dessert, share a molten chocolate cake with raspberry sauce.
Chardonnay
Keep the day light but still indulgent with a creamy, lightly sweet depth, Chardonnay. Chardonnays are a great choice for drinking alongside smooth or rich dishes. They often pair naturally with a variety of shellfish because of their soft oak and creamy profile. Our Yes Dear Chardonnay is buttery with aromas of vanilla and sweet French oak, making it a great complement to the sweet flavors and firm texture of shrimp, lobster, and scallops. Craving striped bass, crab, raw oysters? These along with broth-based soup create a perfect pairing for Chardonnay. As the name states, remember to always say “Yes Dear”.
Red Wine
Red wine is perfect for setting a romantic mood for the perfect date night. Forget the chocolates instead receive a beautiful dessert sauterne. Who wants long stemmed red roses when you can celebrate with a long finished Petite Sirah? Loved for its deep color and full-bodied flavors of blueberry, chocolate, plum and black pepper. Petite Sirah has high tannins which means you’ll want to match it up with a richer, more fatty food to create a balance. Try big and bold foods such as roasted pork, beef, aged Gouda or stuffed peppers.
Dessert Wine
This week is the perfect excuse for eating sugary goodies and drinking wine! Choosing a special wine and perfectly paired treat can make your day truly unforgettable. Have a romantic night sitting next to the fireplace and sip slowly while nibbling on dark chocolate truffles – a winning combination! Wilson Creek Decadencia is a fortified dessert wine make from century-old Zinfandel with a touch of natural chocolate added. Serve in a chocolate cup for extra decadence!
Wine Cocktails
What about the perfect Valentine’s Day cocktail? Try a light white wine spritzer. Not only is this valentine’s drink easy to make but, with the addition of raspberries, it turns pink to match the holiday. Simply combine Riesling wine, sparkling water and Cointreau. Don’t forget to drop in some raspberries or strawberries. Looking for more unique ways to enjoy your wine, try one of our many wine cocktail recipes.
Romantic Custom Wine Labels
Consider adding a personalized touch by opting for a bottle of wine with a custom label. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can create a truly memorable and unforgettable gift by downloading your favorite photo and adding meaningful words to it. This thoughtful gesture is sure to be treasured for a long time.
Start Designing Your Own Label
Enjoy a Romantic Date
Why not plan a romantic day out and treat your special sweetheart to an unforgettable experience of wine tasting? Not only is it a great way to spend time together, but it also offers the opportunity to discover new wines. Plus, it makes for the perfect setting to relax, unwind, and create lasting memories together.
Whatever you decide to drink and eat on this special day, remember that the purpose is to experience new things with the ones you love. Experimenting with different wines is a great way to dive into a newfound hobby or a tradition between you and your partner. No matter how you are choosing to celebrate, wine and love go together, just like you and your sweetheart. Have a warm, happy Valentine’s Day!
Cherry Heart Pies
Posted on January 31, 2023 in Recipes
These Cherry Heart Pies are such a fun and easy Valentine’s Day Dessert for your sweetheart or to even pass out as Valentine’s! We’ve also paired these with some of our wines at the bottom so let’s get to it!
CHERRY HEART PIES
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 box Refrigerated Pie Crust
- 11 oz Cherry Pie Filling
- 1 Egg
- 1 tbsp Milk
- White Sparkling Sugar or Powdered Sugar
- Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Using a 3 to 4″ heart shaped cookie cutter, you should get 8-10 pies from 1 box of crusts.
- Cut as many shapes as you can get rerolling scraps as needed.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix together egg and milk to make an egg wash.
- Place half of the hearts on prepared pan(s).
- Use egg wash to wet the edges of the hearts.
- Place a small amount of the pie filling in the center of each.
- Make a small x cut in the center of the remaining half of the hearts.
- Place an x heart on top of each filled heart and press and crimp edges.
- Brush sealed pie with egg wash and dust with sparkling sugar.
- Bake for 14-16 minutes until crust is browned.
- Allow to cool.
White Wine Pairing: 2021 Roussanne
Red Wine Pairing: 2020 Family Reserve Zinfandel
Cotton Candy Rosé
Posted on January 17, 2023 in Recipes
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 bottle of St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur – chilled
- 1 bottle of Wilson Creek Rosé Sparkling – chilled
- Pink Cotton Candy
- Edible Gold Hearts
INSTRUCTIONS
- Pour half a bottle of St. Germain into your pitcher
- Add in your bottle of Wilson Creek Rosé Sparkling and stir well; Chill until ready to serve
- Then place your cotton candy on top of your champagne flutes
- When it’s time to enjoy take their cotton candy flute and pour the Rosé cocktail over the cotton candy to make a beautiful pink drink
- Sprinkle your edible gold hearts over the top for a beautiful pop of color and detail
Cheers To That!
New Year’s Sparkler
Posted on December 29, 2022 in Recipes
The countdown to the New Year is officially on! Sparkling Wine cocktails are, of course, perfect for Christmas and also make the ideal New Year’s Eve cocktail. May we suggest our New Year’s Sparkler? It’s the loveliest, tastiest sparkling cocktail for either holiday…or both!
- 1/2 bottle Berry-flavored vodka; chilled
- 1 Cup Pomegranate juice; chilled
- 1 bottle of Wilson Creek Rosé Sparkling; chilled
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In a punch bowl or large pitcher, combine all of the ingredients.
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Stir well.
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Serve and garnish with raspberries.
Christmosas
Posted on December 19, 2022 in Recipes
This Christmas Cocktail is inspired by Delish’s Christmosa with a Wilson Creek twist! A festive and refreshing cocktail for all of your upcoming festivities that only takes about 10 minutes to make and looks so pretty on your buffet table!
1 C. green grapes, halved
1 C. pomegranate seeds
1 C. red sparkling grape juice; chilled
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!
How to Use a Personalized Wine Bottle to Make A Memorable Gift
Posted on December 5, 2022 in Lifestyle
Whether it’s for a birthday, baby shower, or wedding, a personalized wine bottle is the perfect gift!
In a world of Amazon and Etsy, it can be hard to find a gift to give someone who already has it all. It is even more important to find a gift that shows how much you care about them during a milestone in their life. With a personalized wine bottle, you are giving them a gift they can enjoy and cherish forever as they display the bottle in their home!
At Wilson Creek Winery, we offer beautiful personalized wine bottles for special occasions, gift-giving, and more. Here’s everything you need to know when creating the perfect personalized wine gift:
How to decide which wine to personalize:
Before you begin customizing the label on the wine gift you’ll first need to choose the wine you think the recipient will enjoy. For the white wine drinkers, we offer a custom label on our “Yes Dear” Chardonnay. For the sparkling wine drinkers, we offer our custom labels on a wide selection of our sparkling. Lastly for the red wine drinkers, we offer a custom label on our Cabernet Sauvignon. The pricing of each of these bottles and the selection of sparkling wine is available here!
How to create a custom label:
Once you’ve chosen the perfect wine, the next step is to create the personalized wine bottle label. Our custom label maker on our website allows you to choose from a variety of templates that have have already been created.
To begin, you select the wine you want to customize, then choose single bottle or a case. Next, you will be taken to a page with all our label templates. Here we have labels for a birthday to an anniversary and everything in between. On these templates you can add your own text and on certain labels even upload your own picture! When you are customizing these labels, there are a variety of fonts, font colors, and font sizes for you to choose from. It was important for us to offer you options so that you can make this label your own! If you are looking for a label that differs from one of our templates, contact customlabels@wilsoncreekwinery.com and we will be able to assist you in creating your dream label!
How long will it take to receive this gift?
All labels are designed, and produced in house, and printed on a high quality, water-resistant label stock. Our turnaround time is approximately 3 business days from the time the order has been placed (not including shipping time.) If you are local to the winery, you may also choose to pick up your personalized wine bottle order. If you need a gift in a hurry, we do offer an expedited option to meet your time frame. Just give us a call and we will do our best to accommodate your request!
The next time that you find yourself stumped with trying to find the perfect gift, skip the mall and amazon! Instead, head over to our website and create the perfect personalized wine gift!
