All Aboard the Love Bus!

Valentine's day is a time to celebrate love of all kinds. Whether you enjoy rich gestures of romance or the comfortable love of a lifelong friendship, we're ready to delight in the love that we have together! To celebrate "love month" we are offering a very special experience for anyone who is curious about our Mello Cielo Vineyard Experience bus tour and wants to appreciate good wine and good times with their favorite person.

We're calling all wine-loving couples to fall in love all over again On our Valentine's Bus Tour! Enjoy an elevated experience, available only this time of the year. All you need to do to make this Valentine's Day one to remember is add a little flourish of adventure! You'll board the "Love Bus" and enjoy a jaunt around our gorgeous Estate, including a stop with incredible views in our Peacock Patch vineyard block—don't forget your camera. You'll also enjoy a seated wine tasting complete with decadent food offerings in our historic water tower.

After the tour, don't forget to bring home your complimentary bottle of Sparkling Wine, a little something from us to help you remember the day and give love the celebration it deserves!

The Love Bus will be pulling into the Ruby Hill station to offer this experience at 11:15 and 2:00pm on February 11th and 12th. If there's a special wino in your life, then come aboard to celebrate Valentine's Day. Dates and availability for this event are limited, so we recommend booking now. Click here to purchase a ticket or see availability. Each ticket admits one couple (2 people). 

Time to love the one (and the wine) you're with! 

 

Wine Holidays in 2022

As the first week of the year comes to an end, many of us are bustling about, preparing for all that 2022 has to offer. We always look forward to the wines we'll consume as the year goes by. We like to mark our calendars with our favorite "Wine Holidays" because we are always ready to celebrate. All you need is a planner and your favorite bottles.

January

There's no widely recognized wine days in January, so it's time to celebrate on your own schedule!

February

1st - Furmint Day
18th - Global Drink Wine Day
26th - Open that Bottle Night

March

3rd - Mulled Wine Day
13th - Riesling Day

April

14th - Tannant Day
17th - World Malbec Day
27th - World Marselan Day

May

6th - International Sauvignon Blanc Day
9th - World Moscato Day
17th - Pinot Grigio Day
26th - International Chardonnay Day
25th - National Wine Day

June

13th - Rosé Day
20th - Drink Chenin Blanc Day
21st - World Lambrusco Day

July

First Week - Sparkling Wine Week
28th - Shiraz (Syrah) Day

August

4th - International White Wine Day
18th - International Pinot Noir Day
28th - National Red Wine Day
30th - International Cabernet Day

September

10th - International Port Wine Day
16th - International Grenache Day

October

14th - Pinotage Day
27th - Carignan Day
28th - Champagne Day

November

1st - International Xinomavro Day
7th - International Merlot Day
10th - International Tempranillo Day
16th - National Zinfandel Day
17th - Beaujolais Nouveau Day
24th - International Carménère Day

December

4th - Cabernet Franc Day
5th - Anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition
16th - Pinot Meunier Day
20th - Sangria Day

Which of these days will you celebrate?

New Year's Bubbles: 3 Ways

As you get ready welcome 2022, why not take a note out of Gatsby's book and party like it's 1922? This week, we're listing a few drink that will help you ring in the new year with just the right amount of bubble and glitz!

The Daisy Buchanan Cocktail

Enjoy a dainty, lighthearted cocktail to start things off! In true Gatsby fashion, this zesty and lightly herbaceous cocktail is named after his beautiful muse, Daisy. Easy to make and full of vibrantly fresh flavor, this refreshing recipe is perfect for serving to a crowd.

The Grape Gatsby Cocktail

If you want a cocktail that is unique, refined, and worth the work, then this is the right choice for you. This gorgeous, elevated version of an aperol spritz combines Aperol, red vermouth, verjus, grapefruit juice, grapefruit bitters and a splash of champagne for the most delicate and luxurious sips you'll have all evening.

Sparkling Wine, Elevated

We love to keep our Sparkling Wine simple, but on New Year's Eve, it's fun to jazz it up. Today is the last day of our sale, so enjoy more for less! Fill your flute with the most dazzling bubbles just by adding a sugar cube, or add some fruity flair with a touch of blackberry or raspberry syrup!

The happiest of new years to you all!

The 12 Days of Ruby Hill

Today, on December 24th, we're remaking the old classic "12 Days of Christmas," Ruby Hill Style! It goes something like this:

On the 12th Day of Christmas, Ruby Hill gave to me:

The 12 bottles of wine that make a perfect case! The capacity of a standard bottle is just over 1.5 pints, so one full case of wine contains just under 2 gallons of wine. 

On the 11th Day of Christmas, Ruby Hill gave to me:

The 11 different varietals that are grown on the Estate: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Barbera, Merlot, Sangiovese, and Petit Verdot!

On the 10th Day of Christmas, Ruby Hill gave to me:

The $10 donated to Valley Humane Society for every bottle of Cuvée Dray sold. We have had the honor of raising over $15,000 so far to support VHS's work. 

On the 9th Day of Christmas, Ruby Hill gave to me:

The 9th of February, the birthday of our tasting room! We opened the doors in 2008, nearly 14 years ago, and we are more excited for the future than ever. 

On the 8th Day of Christmas, Ruby Hill gave to me:

The 8 consecutive years of incredible ratings on our Jewel Cabernet Sauvignon. From our 2011 vintage to present day, the Jewel Cab has been awarded 90 points or above from Wine Enthusiast. 

On the 7th Day of Christmas, Ruby Hill gave to me:

The 7 days each week that our Tasting Room is open. We offer more operating hours than nearly every other tasting room in the Livermore valley, so you can taste on your schedule!

On the 6th Day of Christmas, Ruby Hill gave to me:

The 6 bottles that you need to score free shipping! In recognition of all our friends who cannot visit in person, we want it to be easy to share the Ruby Hill love around.

On the 5th Day of Christmas, Ruby Hill gave to me:

The 5 wines in our Wine Club-Exclusive collection: the Intesa, Armonia, Patchwork, Cielo Viola, and Riverbed Red. Have you tried them all?

On the 4th Day of Christmas, Ruby Hill gave to me:

The 4 allotments we release each year! Our Jewel, Diamond, and Ruby Releases are enjoyed in January, April, July, and October annually. 

On the 3rd Day of Christmas, Ruby Hill gave to me:

The 3 primary types of oak we use in our winemaking process. We savor the unique flourishes offered by our French, Hungarian, and American oak barrels. 

On the 2nd Day of Christmas, Ruby Hill gave to me:

The 2 bottles worth of wine in every Magnum bottle! In addition to being impressive, this format has even better maturation potential and higher quality wine than standard bottles. 

On the 1st Day of Christmas, Ruby Hill gave to me:

The 1 beloved winery you've come to enjoy! We are honored to have such wonderful members and guests, and we eagerly anticipate many more happy years of serving Ruby Hill Wines to our favorite people.

No matter how or when you celebrate, we hope you feel merry this season! Cheers from all of us in the Ruby Hill family. 

Grapeful Ganache: A Simple Recipe

It's the holiday season, which means it's time to enjoy our favorite rich recipes and try out some new ones! This recipe makes a delicious all-purpose ganache, which can be used for just about anything. Try it on fruit, cakes, brownies, shortbread, piped into cupcakes, or even on hard cheese. We loved using our Grapeful Red to make the ganache, but any of our red wines would suit this recipe—if you like to drink it, then you'll enjoy ganache made with it. One of our favorite things about this recipe is finishing the rest of the bottle of wine, of course!

Ingredients

• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
• ¾ cup Ruby Hill Grapeful Red
• 1 ½ Tbsp unsweetened dark cocoa powder
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 four oz bar semi-sweet baker's chocolate
• 1 four oz bar Ghirardelli dark chocolate
• 4 Tbsp cup salted butter, cubed and softened to room temperature
• ⅛ tsp large flake sea salt

Instructions

1. Roughly chop the chocolate bars until the pieces are about the size of chocolate chips. 
2. Whisk the heavy cream, wine, cocoa powder, and sugar together in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once simmering, allow it to simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove  the liquid from the heat, then stir in the chocolate, butter, and salt. Taste and salt additionally, according to preference. 
3. Allow the ganache to cool for a few minutes before using. The ganache will thicken as it cools, so use it sooner if a thinner consistency is desired. If you’d like to frost cakes or pipe it into cupcakes, we recommend that you let it chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. 
4. Cover and store leftover ganache in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. If you need to thin out the ganache again, gently reheat in the microwave on 50% power for about 30 seconds. 

Recipe inspired by Sally's Baking Addiction

Now that this recipe is in your repertoire, you have everything you need to bring all of your holiday desserts to the next level! Cheers! 

Holiday Movies with Ruby Hill Wines

'Tis the season for a night in with a glass of wine and a movie! We've rounded up some holiday classics along with pairing suggestions to get you into the festive relaxation zone. 

A Christmas Story
with Reserve Chardonnay

Sometimes Christmas is about getting what you really want. Sometimes, you want a Red Ryder BB gun, sometimes you want a leg lamp, and sometimes you just want a chilled glass of exquisite Chardonnay.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas
with Sauvignon Blanc 

All Whos beware: He's mean and green! Though Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine, the grapes themselves are a green worthy of the Grinch and his grin. 

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
with Cuvée Dray 

Our precious Dray won't be pulling a sleigh this Christmas, but he's still our little reindeer. This classic film is perfectly complimented by a Bordeaux blend. 

Love, Actually
with Armonia Lot #11

Stories intertwine and intermingle  with this heartwarming narrative the same way our Armonia (which means "harmony" brings together different varietals and vintages. 

It's a Wonderful Life
with Jewel Cabernet Sauvignon

A film celebrating its 75th year and described as "The most loved Christmas film of all time" deserves a glass of our critically acclaimed and absolutely classic Cabernet. 

Elf
with Solera Dessert Wine

Buddy the Elf identifies the food groups of Elves: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup. He'd approve of this luxuriously sweet port-style wine, perhaps alongside dark chocolate peppermint bark. 

The Muppet Christmas Carol 
with Grapeful Red

If you need a little bit of fun and whimsy, then you need this film alongside our tie-dyed Grapeful Red. In the hustle and bustle of the season, life's too short to take too seriously. 

Die Hard
with Reserve Petite Sirah

If you are someone who passionately insists that Die Hard is a Christmas film, we recommend our Reserve Petite Sirah, because strong opinions deserve bold flavors. 

Home Alone
with Sparkling Wine

While Kevin's family is off in France, sip on wine popularized by the Champagne region—and imagine just how Kevin could use an exploding sparkling bottle against some thugs!

Are we missing your favorite? Let us know! Tag us @rubyhillwines on Instagram or Facebook. 

Vineyard Beauty: Colors of Change

If you need evidence that change can be beautiful, look no further than the Estate Vineyard on the cusp of winter. The chill clings to the leaves as the leaves cling to the vines, a sure sign that harvest is over and the new season is on its way. Autumn does not leave here without a last hurrah, however. In the vineyard, each vine and block has put on a stunning show of color, arrayed in yellow, red, purple, and orange. This week, we are savoring the beauty of the seasons changing with this gallery. We hope you find beauty in these snapshots. 

On the horizon we see a season of bare branches and dormancy, sparkling with frosty charm and anticipation. Full steam ahead into this holiday season!

Write Yourself Thankful

It’s Thanksgiving next week! What is your favorite way to express your thanks? This week, we’re looking at the practice of writing thank-you notes. In just a few minutes, you can write a note that fills you with a feeling of joy and a thankful spirit--perfect for this season. Even more, the recipient may just need that encouragement and warmth brought into their day. It’s time to spread thankfulness around!

Why Write Thank You Notes?

Your mental health will thank you! Little notes of thanks are one of the fastest and most sustainable ways of lifting your mood. Gratitude has been found to increase patience which is especially helpful to anyone who finds the holidays a tad stressful. If that’s not enough, grateful people are more likely to take care of their health and enjoy their relationships. If you need to recharge and keep loving, sit down and write a note or two! We promise: it’s less awkward and more powerful than you think!

Who Do You Thank?

You guessed it: anyone! It can be big or small. This isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about taking a moment to say thank you to someone who needs to hear it. If that’s family members in your own home, long lost friends, your spouse, your coworkers, a barista at your favorite cafe, or a wine ambassador you love, write to them! Say thanks for their hospitality, for the way they listen to you, or how they always remember your name. If you can hand-deliver the note, you can even add a smile when you hand it off.

How Do You Do It?

Write on real paper. In a time of speedy digital communication, a physical note has power. For the note, you only need a few sentences. Greet the individual, write a few grateful comments about the way they have made you feel or how you treasure or appreciate them, then say thank you directly. Embrace sincerity and simplicity! Don’t forget to sign your note and send it on its way. 

 

We hope we have encouraged you to write some words of thanks this week.
We promise it’s worth it. We’re thankful for you all!
-The Ruby Hill Winery Family

Petite Sirah Cranberry Sauce

Thanksgiving is less than 2 weeks away, so we're putting on our aprons and pulling out our favorite recipes. It's time to get festive and a little bit boozy! The recipe below is as simple as can be and results in a cranberry sauce with the most delicious complexities, you'll never want it out of a can again. Infuse the sauce with the boldness of our Reserve Petite Sirah, and you've given it just enough of a boozy boost to add a layer of scrumptious flavor.

Petite Sirah Cranberry Sauce

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup of Reserve Petite Sirah
• 1 bag of cranberries
• 1 teaspoon of orange zest
• ¾ - 1cup of sugar
• ½ teaspoon of fresh thyme, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine wine, cranberries and ¾ cup of sugar in saucepan. Bring to a boil.
2. Add thyme and zest and reduce to simmer.
3. Simmer for about 10 minutes, cranberries will begin popping.
4. When thickened and jammy, remove from heat and taste. Add remaining ¼ cup of sugar if necessary.
5. Serve while warm.

Recipe from Talia Bunting

It's time to get "sauced" and bring all your favorite flavors to the dinner table this Thanksgiving! Of course, if there's another red wine you prefer, this recipe will take on the flavor with elegance. Give it a try with our gorgeous Peacock Patch Zin or our Reserve Cab, the Wine of the Month.  Let's get cooking. Cheers!

Quick Guide to Pairing with Cab

The beginning of November has filled us with festive joy. Between the rich colors of fall and the warm flavors of comfort food, we have so much to be thankful for. This week, we’re taking a look at the best pairings for November’s Wine of the Month: our award-winning Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich with notes of blue fruit, toasted oak, and vanilla and just the right amount of tannic grip, this wine is one for the cellar or the Thanksgiving dinner table. Best of all, it’s on sale! 

Cabernet Sauvignon is a timeless classic, perfectly enjoyable on its own yet deliciously enhanced by the right company, be it cheese, entrees, or dessert. If you are a Cab-lover like us, you probably have your favorite pairings. If so, feel free to ignore everything we say below! If you’re feeling curious or even adventurous however, try branching out into one of the options below—we promise they won’t disappoint. 

 

Charcuterie

Hard-aged savory Gouda

Clothbound aged cheddar

Italian Bresaola

Black Truffle Salami



 

 

Proteins

New York Strip Steak (serve medium rare)

Roast Leg of Lamb (serve medium)

Roasted Duck with complimentary glaze

Spice and herb rubbed tofu
 

 

 

 

Desserts

Hazelnut Cheesecake

Blackberry Cobbler

Brown Butter Pecan Cookies

Black Forest Cake

 

 

 

Happy November, friends! This is the season for Cab (we say that every season, but it’s true)
so get yours now while the sale is on!