Read, Drink, and Be Merry!

These days, there’s something to celebrate every day—but we’re not complaining! We love to appreciate the little things and take some time to celebrate the things we love. April 12th is known as national “Drop Everything and Read” Day or “D.E.A.R.” Day, so we’ve decided to pair some classic novels with delicious wines. This one is for all of our wine-loving bookworms!

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen with Reserve Petite Sirah

We’ve paired this Jane Austen classic with our award-winning Reserve Petite Sirah. The smooth sips will accompany you perfectly through the Bennet Family’s drama, with bold flavors pairing up with bold characters. In the end, this comedy of manners is all about finding love, which is exactly how we feel when we open a bottle of our Petite Sirah. 
 

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee with Jewel Petit Verdot

This story is a masterpiece designed to make the reader think. Enjoy this complex and poignant book that interfaces with justice, bias, and compassion alongside the complex bouquet and rounded structure of our Petit Verdot. Both the book and the wine are beautiful in their intricacy, linger on in your mind, and will remain enjoyable for years to come. 
 

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald with Sparkling Wine

Of course, we’ll be popping open a bottle of sparkling for this book! There’s nothing quite like a bottle of sparkling to turn a reading nook into a tiny world of luxury. Let the bubbles transport you to the glittering grandeur of Gatsby’s mansion or to the poshness of the Plaza Hotel. Either way, it’s bright and lovely, a perfect match for the glitz of 1920s Long Island.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis with Reserve Chardonnay

With this combination, you can feel the beauty of a harmonious ensemble! Enjoy a symphony of pleasant flavors alongside a cast of colorful characters. While there isn’t too much secret magic behind the rich body of our Chardonnay, it’s always perfect with a flourish of whimsical adventure. 

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll with Armonia Lot #10

Much like Alice’s adventures, our Club-exclusive Armonia Lot #10 stands out as a unique and perhaps unexpected blend. Our Armonia brings together not only multiple varietals, but also multiple vintages into its harmonious blend. The rich layering of the wine stands up perfectly with the surreal and even nonsensical events of the story.
 

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas with Peacock Patch Zinfandel

This colorful story, dense with adventure, fortune, and revenge is a rich companion for a generous glass of Peacock Patch Zin. These Zinfandel grapes are grown in a gravely block of the vineyard which causes the flavor to concentrate, in turn creating a superb wine. The Count’s story is much the same, allowing his story's rocky start to lead to wealth and strength. 
 

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain with Riverbed Red

Though the namesake riverbed of this Club-exclusive blend has long since been dry, we still love a glass of this wine as we join Huck Finn and Jim on the Mississippi. Lively fruit notes of wild blueberry match the liveliness of Huckleberry himself, and both the wine and the story finish delightfully.

If classic novels aren’t your style, choose whatever you like! Choose the genre you want, your favorite chair or sofa, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy a touch of escapism. If you have plans for D.E.A.R. Day, we'd love to be a part of them! Let us know @rubyhillwines.

Apr 9, 2021 at 12:01 AM Permalink

Easter Brunch with Ruby Hill Wines

No matter how you celebrate Easter, it's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the arrival of the season. Personally, we're hoping the Easter Bunny will leave some bottles of wine alongside his chocolate eggs this year, perhaps some Rosé or bubbly to get us in the mood for spring. No matter how you observe this holiday, it's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the arrival of this season and time with your family. If you're curious about the best pairings for classic Easter dishes, fear not! We've hunted down the best pairings for some of our favorite spring specialties to make your Easter brunch, lunch or dinner the best it can be. 

Classic Deviled Eggs 
• Sparkling Wine

While this combination might seem like a no-brainer for hors d'oeuvres, it's important to get it right. The sulfur in eggs may take over the palate unless the wine is just right. The richness and saltiness of the deviled eggs is beautifully complimented by the acidity and brightness of the sparkling wine, making you and your guests reach for more. Make sure your Sparkling is well chilled, and enjoy! 

Cheesy Baked Asparagus 
• Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 

Asparagus can pose a challenge for wine pairings, but the presence of the cheese in this preparation is a game-changer. Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect compliment for this marriage of cheese and asparagus, since the unique flavor profile of the Sauvignon Blanc stands up to the asparagus remarkably well, and the creaminess of the cheese is complemented delightfully by the balanced acid of the wine. 

Spring Blossom Fruit Salad
• Grapeful Rosé

Enjoy the wealth of peach, plum, and apricot notes in this aromatic Rosé alongside your favorite fruit salad. We recommend experimenting with farmers-market fresh spring fruits or early summer stone fruit. Fresh mint or a light dressing with a hint of honey and citrus can elevate your fruit salad. This fresh and inviting dish is (almost) as good as dessert, and it's the perfect way to properly savor the arrival of spring. 

Maple Glazed Ham
• Jewel Zinfandel

This festive dish is the perfect marriage of sweet, salty, and savory. This harmony of flavors is complemented by the food-friendly acidity and notes of jammy sweetness and mixed spice in our Jewel Zinfandel. The glaze on this ham caramelizes perfectly, integrating flavors for perfect harmony with our carefully crafted Zin. This wine is fresh on the palate, robust in flavor, and beautiful in color. In short: it's perfect for celebrations. 

Carrot Cake
• Reserve Chardonnay

On Easter Sunday, there's no finale quite like a delicious carrot cake with decadent vanilla cream cheese frosting. As long as it isn't carried off by the Easter Bunny himself, this cake is set to impress. Allow the spices of the cake and the creamy tang of the frosting to meld with the smooth richness of our flavorful, critically-acclaimed Chardonnay, and drift off into springtime euphoria—and perhaps a food coma too!

Happy Easter from all of us here at Ruby Hill Winery! 
If we've helped inspire your Easter menu, we'd love to know! Tag us @Rubyhillwines.

Apr 2, 2021 at 12:44 AM Permalink

Golden Wine from a Wild Vine

Here at Ruby Hill Winery, Sauvignon Blanc is a family favorite. Its crisp, floral, fruity notes are perfect for celebrating the arrival of spring, but we have no trouble enjoying it all year long. We think that Sauvignon Blanc is a fascinating varietal, so we've rounded up some facts you might not know about this delectable white!

Sauvignon Blanc vines grow with determination

Hailing from the Bordeaux region of France, this vine earned the title "sauvignon" from the French word sauvage which can be translated as "wild, untamed, or feral." This name came from the vigor with which the vines grow, requiring careful maintenance to keep them in line. Literally translated, Sauvignon Blanc is "the wild white." Here at Ruby Hill, it goes by the nickname "Sauv Blanc" or sometimes even "Sauvvy-B."

Sauvignon Blanc is the mother of a classic

According to genetic analysis performed by researchers at UC Davis, Sauvignon Blanc vines played an important role in the creation of the most popular varietal in the world. Their findings showed that sometime in the 1600s, a Sauvignon Blanc cross-pollinated with a Cabernet Franc vine, producing the very first vine of Cabernet Sauvignon. It's likely this cross-breeding was by chance, but it was an accident of the best kind in our book!

Sauvingon Blanc is different around the world

This beloved wild white is grown all around the world, including France, Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, Romania, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Chile, South Africa, and Australia (to name a few). With over 275,000 acres planted worldwide, it is the 8th-most grown wine grape in the world. Because of the delicate complexities of Sauv Blanc, there are region-specific characteristics that vary from country to country. When grown in colder areas, the wine will usually have more flavors of lime or green apple, while the wine of warmer regions may have notes of ripe passionfruit and peaches.

Tasting Sauvignon Blanc can expand your vocabulary

Well, sort of! Sauvingon Blanc was the first wine to be regularly described in terms of a unique chemical compound. Some of the flavors that are completely unique to Sauvignon Blanc are owed to substances called methoxypyrazines. This component of the wine is what causes the hallmark notes of Sauvignon Blanc, often described as herbaceous, grassy, or as having notes of gooseberry or even asparagus. 

Sauvignon Blanc is a polished pairing 

The reliably crisp nature of Sauvignon Blanc is owed to the combination of its higher acidity and fairly low sugar content. Sauv Blanc is known as an enjoyable pairing for sushi which is notoriously difficult for wine pairings. It is hard to go wrong when pairing Sauvignon Blanc with soft ripened cheeses or white meats, especially if served in a creamy sauce. Green herbs like mint or basil form a pleasant flavor bridge between the dish and the herbaceous notes of the wine. If you're looking for a pairing for Ruby Hill Winery's Sauvignon Blanc, we think this wine shines when paired with Artichoke Crab Paella.

Did any of these surprise you? Tag us @rubyhillwinery

We think it's time to go pour a glass. Our Reserve Sauvingon Blanc is on sale for only a couple more days! Enjoy our fusion of old-world style and crisp tropical refreshment for only $20.

Mar 26, 2021 at 12:05 AM Permalink

Spring in Technicolor

With recent rains and the rapid arrival of spring in Northern California, our rolling hills and scenic valleys will soon be awash in color. We’re in love with the rainbow of wildflowers and native plants that spray color of every kind across the landscape. It’s the perfect time to find a walking trail and go luxuriate in the scenery of one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world—right here. March marks the beginning of Northern California's wildflower season, which continues as late as mid-July. If you keep an eye out, you’ll find flowers in every color of the rainbow in no time. Below, we’ve listed some of our favorite blooms common to this region. 

Red - Mahogany Calliopsis

This scarlet bloom is just one variety of Calliopsis, a hardy plant that grows well even in dry or rocky soils. Also known by the common name of "Tickseed," the flowers also come in a rich golden-yellow hue, sometimes boasting a burgundy center. Historically, the flowers of the Calliopsis have been used for both red and yellow dyes. These flowers are at home in wild meadows as well as gardens, where they often attract the attention of butterflies. 

Orange - California Poppy

The iconically vibrant petals of the California Poppy unfurl themselves on warm, sunny days and fold back up in the evening. According to some records, early Spanish explorers nicknamed California "the land of fire" because of the vivid meadows along the coastline. Declared the state flower in 1903, the California poppy grows prolifically throughout the state and into other regions. Other names for this flower include the "Flame Flower" and "Copa de Oro" which means "cup of gold." 
 

Yellow - Wild Mustard

This cheerful yellow blossom and its common cousin Black Mustard are easily spotted throughout Northern California, content to grow nearly anywhere from vineyards to the side of the highway. Yellow Mustard is native to Eurasia, rather than California, but it thrives in this climate. It is believed that Franciscan Padres introduced the plant when they scattered mustard seeds along the 600-mile Camino Real so it could be easily found by travellers. 
 

Green - Grape Vines

After spending the winter months dormant and bare, the green leaves and shoots that emerge in the vineyard with the warmer weather are a welcome sight. When the conditions are right and the growth is at its peak, some grape vines can grow more than an inch in length in a single day. The blossoms themselves grow in cluster formations and the blooms last only 8-10 days. This bloom occurs around mid-May, depending on the varietal and climate of the region. 
 

Blue - Baby's-Blue-Eyes

These darling herbal blossoms are among the most common of California's native wildflowers. Often seen growing in gorgeous contrast among poppies, these little flowers earn their name from their white centers which emulate an "eye." These charming flowers are surprisingly hardy, having been introduced and cultivated in less favorable climates including Alaska and England. Baby's-Blue-Eyes has also been recognized by ecologists as a valuable attractor and supporter of native bee populations. 
 

Purple - Silver Lupine

This highly adaptable wildflower can grow gorgeous spears of purple petals up to a foot long. The Silver Lupine's flowers can range in hue from violet to pale blue and the silvery leaves give it a soft, ethereal appearance. Bitter compounds in the plant also make it a good option for gardeners looking for deer-resistant foliage. Additionally, the endangered Mission Blue Butterfly requires Lupine for a portion of its life cycle, so it's a great plant for any fan of conservation and beautiful wildflowers. 

If you're interested in going out to go wildflower-watching,
click here to find information on when and where to find the best California blooms! 

Mar 19, 2021 at 12:00 AM Permalink

Luscious Stone Fruit Galette

       All month long, we're celebrating our refreshing and expressive Reserve Sauvignon Blanc. Delicious in cold and warm weather alike, this wine is pleasant from nose to palate. In addition to the taste, we love the pairing opportunities, but it's hard to decide between them all! Mouthwatering options include a fresh and comforting basil risotto, a scrumptious grilled vegetable pasta, or a flavorful artichoke crab paella. Lately, we've been craving something sweet, so we're celebrating the fruity, tropical nose, and the prominent notes of stone fruit in this wine by baking up a fresh fruit galette. 

       If you aren't familiar with galette, don't worry! It's a simple, classic dessert, similar to a pie but even easier to make. It comes together very quickly, especially if you have a pre-made pie crust, and due to its rustic look, every galette is a beautiful galette. Best of all, you can tweak the ingredients to your taste, and in our case, to pair perfectly with the Wine of the Month. Grab your favorite apron and a wine glass, it's time to make something delicious!

Stone Fruit Galette

Ingredients for pastry:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup finely ground white cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup ice water, divided

Ingredients for filling:

• 1 to 1.5 pounds of stone fruit (we used nectarines and black plums)
• 1/4 cup turbinado sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon apricot jam
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 large egg, beaten

Directions

1. For the pastry, we recommend using a food processor to combine the dough.
2. Pulse a few times to combine the dry ingredients in the work bowl of your food processor. 
3. Add the cubed cold butter and pulse about 7-10 times to combine. Don't worry too much about combining it finely, lumps of butter are perfect in a galette crust.
4. Slowly add in just enough water to make the dough hold together when pressed. Start with 2 tablespoons and increase if needed. 
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. 
6. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
7. To begin the fruit filling, cut your fruits in half, remove the pits, and cut the fruit into 1/4 inch-thick slices. The shorter cooking time for galette makes thinner slices necessary for the fruit to cook. 
8. Toss the fruit with the sugar, flour, spices, and salt.
9. Roll out the dough into a rough circle (it doesn't have to be perfect, just call it "rustic"), about 12 inches across.
10. Place the disk onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.  
11. Spread the apricot jam in a circle across the pastry, leaving a 2-inch border.
12. Carefully pile the fruit filling atop the jam, maintaining the border. 
13. Fold the edges of the crust over the fruit all the way around, overlapping the dough and pleating as you go. 
14. Once assembled, distribute the cubes of butter across the top of the fruit. Brush the beaten egg across the top of the crust and sprinkle with sparkling sugar. 
15. Bake in the middle rack of the oven for 30-35 minutes. The fruit should be cooked and bubbly and the crust golden-brown.
16. Transfer the galette, parchment and all, to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing. 

Recipe inspiration from the Kitchn

       By adjusting the amount of sugar and choice of seasonings, galettes can use nearly any fruit or even be enjoyed as a savory dish with vegetables and cheese. The filling is an ideal place to infuse other flavors; a little lemon zest, warm spices, and even fresh herbs are thoughtful additions. When it comes to making a delicious galette, you can explore your favorite flavor combinations and experiment as much as you'd like. If you'd prefer a savory galette recipe to pair with our Sauvigon Blanc, we recommend this Roasted Vegetable Galette from Diala's Kitchen!

If we've inspired you, please let us know on social media @rubyhillwines

Mar 12, 2021 at 12:00 PM Permalink

Smiles Too Wide to Hide

Amid the twists, turns, and surprises of the last year, it seems some days that there's a deficit of smiles in our daily interactions. Here at Ruby Hill, we always hope to brighten up your day. We've always said that smiles are the best accessory. Since we take the health and safety of our associates and visitors seriously, we've covered our faces—but we're still grinning. This week, we're bringing together science and experience to reflect on some reasons to smile, even behind our masks. While we're at it, we've caught some of our staff"s lovely smiles on camera. 

Smiles can come in all forms, shapes and sizes, and for every reason. We visited the tasting room this week to ask the staff what had made them smile lately. Riley, our club manager, mentioned her dog, a spirited boxer who's always ready to take attention and give a smile. Another staff member, Stacy, is an elementary school teacher and spoke of how her students make her smile with their enthusiasm for returning to school. Olivia, one of our tasting room helpers, mentioned that her friends make her smile with their humor and sincere support. The list could go on. Of course, few things make us smile quite like opening our favorite wines.
 

As it turns out, even if it feels hidden, masks can't stop authentic smiles. Just like you can hear someone's smile when talking on the phone, smiles can be heard behind the mask. If you ever feel disconnected from others, smile as you speak and listen for their smile. Smiling as you interact with someone can actually change your mood and perception, as well as theirs. This is great news because even small moments of social contact help improve physical and mental health, including boosting immunity and reducing stress. 

One element of the smile even stronger than the sound is the way that smiles are seen in your eyes. Humans are incredibly adept at reading the eyes of others. In fact, the eyes are one of few places where true emotions can't effectively be hidden. You may not realize that the little crinkle at the corners of your eyes is what a person needs today, and what you need too. Masks can filter out some fake smiles, but can’t hide the real ones that creep up and shine through the eyes. 

Smiles are like a little boost to both brain and body. Psychological research has found that social body language that seems to have little to do with smiling, like waving, is actually enhanced by the presence of a smile (even if the smile is obscured by a mask). Not only does your smile power-up your wave, it powers you up. Studies have found that engagement with others simply makes us feel better, whether we're introverted or extroverted. 
 

Thanks to a social brain quirk known as "mirror neurons," our smiles can trigger positive emotions in others and in ourselves—even if the smile was fake at first! If you want to smile, do it. We promise it’s not wasted.
We hope we can put a smile on your face if we haven't already. Feel free to visit us any day of the week! Wave hello, tell your favorite joke, or take a moment of gratitude to smile about someone you love. We'd love it if you shared your smiles with us, @rubyhillwines.

Mar 5, 2021 at 12:00 AM Permalink

Handpicked Items for a Perfect Picnic

February is almost over, and spring is in the air here in the Livermore valley. The gorgeous weather is whispering to us to come outside and drink in the sunshine and the beauty. We think the best way to answer that call is with a delicious picnic. Even if you don't live near an open meadow or park, this season might just call for an adventure to your backyard! With current health regulations, we're all growing more accustomed to dining al fresco, so we think it's high time to kick back on a checkered blanket and enjoy a glass of wine. Just in case the winter months have you out of practice, we've put together a list of ideas to help create a perfect picnic. 

Picnic Blanket 

A high-quality blanket or tablecloth is a must-have! Whether you choose classic checkers or your favorite pattern, make sure you've got the right one for the job. We recommend blankets with a water-repellent base that pack up nicely. If your picnic location has tables, a lightweight tablecloth is perfect for picnicking in style!

Picnic Basket 

Depending on your ideal picnic meal, the sky's the limit when it comes to the different picnic baskets available. We like a classic wooden-and-wicker basket with a hinged top, but we appreciate modern insulated baskets as well. The most important feature is the ability to hold all of its precious cargo! 

Bluetooth Speaker

With any dining experience, music offers a perfect touch of enhancement. No matter the mood you're going for, there's an album for that, from classical to classic rock. Whether you're feeling romantic, relaxed, or nostalgic, a good speaker will provide an ambience you'll love.

Reusable Picnic Dishes

We like to reduce waste in every way we can, and reusable dishes are better for the environment than disposable. If you want to limit the weight in your basket, we recommend lightweight & chic wooden plates, cutting boards, and flatware. 

Wine Accessories 

If you'd like to enjoy a bottle while you're out (and really, who doesn't), don't forget to bring the needed extras. We recommend at least some sturdy patio glassware and a trusty corkscrew. You can even invest in a wine and cheese caddy if you’d like to elevate the experience even further!

Ice Packs 

No one wants a spoiled potato salad, so make sure you have all you need to keep you perishable items safe and chilly! We recommend reusable ice packs that limit food waste and increase sustainability.

Cleanup Essentials

It's always the best policy to leave your picnic spot better than you found it, whether it's a park or your yard. A rubbish bag, sanitary wipes, and a few tea towels can go a long way!

Favorite Snacks and Sides

If you're armed with a few resealable containers, the options for side dishes are endless. Pack anything from perfect pasta salad to rainbow coleslaw to make your picnic properly gourmet!

Something Sweet 

What’s a meal without dessert? Incomplete! For picnicking, we recommend fun cookies, like pecan sandies or strawberry lemonade cookies. If you want to try something new, look for a spin on classic French Travel Cakes, which are perfect for an everyday adventure!

Your Favorite Wine

With weather this beautiful, we're looking forward to opening some of our warm-weather favorites. Our Grapeful Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc are must-haves when the sun is out, as long as we've got an insulated wine cooler!

We hope we've inspired you to get out and enjoy the sunshine when you can!
If you bring Ruby Hill wines along with you, don't forget to tag us on social media, @rubyhillwines. 

Feb 26, 2021 at 12:00 AM Permalink

Celebrating National Cherry Pie Day

February 20th is National Cherry Pie day, and we're hoping it will be cheerful and cherry-full! Nestled between President's Day and George Washington's birthday, it's a perfect time to bake up a slice of classic American cuisine. According to tradition, this holiday is inspired by the legend of young George Washington cutting down his father's prized cherry tree. Folklore aside, we're excited to dive in to a generous slice of homemade pie to celebrate. We've selected a recipe with a bit of a twist on the classic, incorporating an almond crisp topping. The result is toasty and delicious. 

Almond Crumble Cherry Pie

Ingredients

1 9-inch unbaked pie crust
½ cup slivered almonds
½ cup light brown sugar
⅓ cup rolled oats
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter, cut into pieces
2 pounds cherries, pitted
½ lemon, juiced
⅓ cup white sugar, or more to taste
¼ cup cornstarch

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Roll out pie crust and lay into a 9-inch pie pan.
3. Combine almonds, brown sugar, oats, flour, and salt in a large bowl. Work butter into the almond mixture with your fingers, breaking up any large pieces, until incorporated completely. Cover and chill for 15 minutes.
4. Combine cherries, lemon juice, white sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until well coated and no dry lumps remain, 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Pour cherries and any accumulated juices into the prepared pie pan. Press down into the pan. Crumble oat mixture over the top. Place the pan on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until cherries are bubbling and the crust and crumble topping are browned, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Let cool completely.

Original recipe from All Recipes

Here's a few tips to make your celebration of this ruby-red pie the best it can be:

• Look for tart cherries, like Morello, Bing, or Montmorency
• Use a store-bought pie crust (the cherries are the star of the show anyway!)
• Top your pie with Vanilla Bean ice cream
• Do some tasting to figue out your favorite wine pairing. We recommend our Cielo Viola for its jammy, fruit-forward qualities and notes of sweet cherries. If you want to skip the pie and go straight for the wine, we'll never tell!

We'd love to see how your recipes turn out. Feel free to share if you've got a favroite wine to pair with your pie! If you celebrate this delicious holiday, make sure to tag us on social media @rubyhillwines and let us know! 

Feb 19, 2021 at 12:00 AM Permalink

Chocolate and Wine: Perfect Parings

"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." -Charles M. Schulz

Reserve Sauvignon Blanc and Citrus-Infused White Chocolate

The name of the game with Sauvignon Blanc is light, bright, and fruity. With a refreshing nose of stone fruit, guava, and passionfruit, our Reserve Sauvignon Blanc does not disappoint. The soft sweetness of white chocolate accented with lightly tart citrus is a perfect compliment, emphasizing the balanced acidity and classic expression of Sauvignon Blanc characteristics. 

Intesa and Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles

Intesa belongs to our collection of Wine Club exclusive wines. It is a blend of Barbera and Cabernet Sauvignon, which come together harmoniously with warm notes and rich fruit flavors laced throughout. When enjoyed alongside hazelnut truffles, this blend compliments the toasted nuttiness of the hazelnut while balancing the sweetness of the milk chocolate. 

Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Chocolate Covered Cherries 

Cherries of many kinds are suited for delectable wine pairings, but none quite as much as cherries coated in luscious semisweet chocolate. Our velvety Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has natural hints of cocoa and black fruit, creating the perfect bridge of flavor when enjoyed with fine chocolate covered cherries. 

Jewel Zinfandel and Caramel Filled Chocolate

There is nothing quite like the toasty sweetness of deluxe caramel. Once paired with our Jewel Zinfandel, however, there's no going back to enjoying that caramel delight on its own. The jammy berries, peppery nuance, and fresh acidity elevate the experience. Our Jewel Zinfandel has both sweetness and spice, making its duet with caramel chocolate nothing short of luxurious. 

Grapeful Rosé and Raspberry Dark Chocolate

The crisp acidity of Grapeful Rosé is enjoyable any day, in addition to being the perfect beverage for Valentine's day. The notes of stone fruit in our Grapeful Rosé are delightfully enhanced by sweet raspberry infused chocolate. We've selected intense dark chocolate for this pairing because Rosé shines superbly against the rich bitterness of dark chocolate.

Reserve Chardonnay and White Chocolate Strawberries 

If there were any lingering doubts, this duo will prove that wine and chocolate pairings aren't only for red wines and darker chocolate. Allow the delicate honeycomb and orange blossom notes of the wine to mingle with the natural sweetness bursting from a ripe strawberry bathed in luscious white chocolate. We promise this delight will taste like it is made to partner perfectly with our beautifully aromatic and buttery Reserve Chardonnay. 

Solera in Perpetuum and Salted Dark Chocolate

When it comes time to order dessert, we're most likely to choose the classic combination of excellent dark chocolate and a superior Port-style wine. We suggest premium dark chocolate, enhanced with a few flakes of fleur de sel. When paired with the unparalleled quality of our sweet Solera Dessert Wine, it will taste just like falling in love.

For a limited time, our Solera Dessert Wine is available for only $25 per bottle. Order yours now!

Feb 12, 2021 at 12:00 AM Permalink

Give Love, Give Wine

     It's almost Valentine's Day! No matter your relationship status, this holiday is a perfect time to spread some love. Whether you're giving to coworkers, friends, or a special someone, we think the best gift to give (and receive) is a beautiful bottle of wine! Since we're all about personal touch, we've come up with a few special ways to gift wrap any wine bottle. Most of our wrapping paper and gift bags are covered in reindeer and candy canes anyway!

     We love roses at Valentine's day, but we love rosé even more! To wrap our Grapeful Rosé, we created a paper sculpture out of some colorful tie dye stationery. You can use plain white paper, decorated stationery, or even paper with a custom written message. This elegant sculpture is simple, affordable, and classy. To download a printable template for this sculpture, click here. 

     This lovely, rustic gift (with a Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon hiding inside) was created from a reused paper grocery bag and a small bundle of strawflower blooms. To use the grocery bag, simply cut out the bottom, roll up the bottle, and cut off the excess as needed. Feel free to design the paper however you like! For the floral element, blooms like strawflowers are resillient and ideal for wrapping, but any fresh flowers would work. Tie the flowers around the neck of the bottle with some tulle and you've got the perfect personal touch! 

     It's still winter, but this bottle of Cielo Viola won't tremble in the cold! If you've done some closet cleaning lately and have any long sleeved garments making their way to the donate pile, try upcycling. The bell-sleeve of this knit sweater gives a hint of coziness and style!

     Lastly, choose a bottle that just begs to be shown off! Instead of wrapping up this Peacock Patch Zinfandel, we let its natural beauty do the work. This pearlesque peacock is eye-catching all on its own. For a little pizzaz, we've wrapped the neck of the bottle in a coordinated satin ribbon and accented with pale statice flowers. 

     No matter how beautiful the wrapping, the most exciting part of gifting wine is opening it up, especially if it means sharing with someone you love. We hope you have a wonderful Valentine's day!

Feb 5, 2021 at 12:00 AM Permalink