August Mornings In the Vineyard

In the days and weeks leading up to harvest, the vineyards are at their most beautiful. One by one, our various varietals take on their mature color and ripen to perfection. With the glow of the sunrise melting away the fog, the early morning offers the best look at the beauty of the vineyard during this season. View the gallery below to see for yourself!

Our Sauvignon Blanc vines grow wildly throughout their season, as this varietal is known to do. We love the golden hue that this fruit takes on this time of year--an omen of the golden wine to come!

These clusters of Petite Sirah are hearty and hefty, ready to lend their bold flavor when it comes time to create our Reserve Petite Sirah wine. 

These Sangiovese grapes, along with their big protective leaves, are healthily enduring the high temperatures we have experienced in the Livermore Valley. 

In our Barbera block, the fruit takes its time to finish growing, changing color, and ripening. We know that good things come to those who wait, so we are in no hurry.

This section of our Sauvignon Blanc is both fruitful and picturesque, beautifully green yet anything but green!

On the ground is a rather sorry sight, but one that is invaluable. To increase the quality of our fruit, some clusters are cut off so that the vines can concentrate on fewer clusters-- a practice called "dropping fruit."

By dropping fruit, the clusters that remain on the vine will be fully nourished by the vine and deeper in flavor. In many varietals, the more fruit is dropped, the more intense the quality. 

When Chardonnay is nearly fully ripe, such as the clusters pictured above, the grapes resemble polished glass marbles. 

As sunlight spreads itself over each block of the estate vineyard, we are filled with thankfulness to see such a bountiful year and healthy vines. 

These clusters will be picked in a few weeks when they have reached perfect ripeness. In the meantime, the winemaker keeps a very close eye on their progress!

The sun has risen on yet another beautiful day in the estate vineyard. Onward into Harvest 2022!

Aug 26, 2022 at 5:23 AM Permalink

Unlikely Pairings: Wine and Potatoes

Today is August 19th, which means it’s National Potato Day! This versatile food lends itself to such a huge variety of delicious preparations that it is certainly worth celebrating. Of course, we like to have a glass of wine with our celebrations, so we’ve rounded up some of the best pairings for 7 of our favorite potato dishes. Let’s appreciate all that spuds can do!

Potato Salad - Grapeful Rosé

For the deliciously creamy zing of homemade potato salad, an unctuous but approachable Rose makes a great companion. Enjoy each fresh sip and savor the flavors of summertime. 

Herbed Roasted Potatoes - Cuvée Dray

From the rich profile to the lingering finish, our all-new 2020 Cuvée Dray is a reliable pairing for heartily seasoned dishes. We like roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs and pepper, served with grilled steak.

French Fries - Sparkling Wine

This is a playful pairing you won’t soon forget! Sparkling wine isn’t just for New Year’s or fancy parties. Try homemade french fries or enjoy some bubbly wine with your next takeout meal. 

Creamy Mashed Potatoes - Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 

Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food, and few wines are more classic than Cabernet Sauvignon. This pairing is especially perfect when served with a rich and savory gravy! 

Baked Potatoes - Peacock Patch Zinfandel

Make sure to add cheese, fresh green onions, a touch of sour cream, and a drizzle of barbecue sauce. Is your mouth watering too? Serve these beauties with our Zinfandel for a memorable match. 

Kettle Potato chips - Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

Easy to eat, easy to drink—this pairing makes you happy! Enjoy that inimitable salty crunch of your favorite potato chip and a luscious sip of our locally grown Sauvignon Blanc’s tropical and citrus notes.

Sweet Potato Casserole - Jewel Chardonnay

This isn’t just a day for russet or yukon potatoes, we’re putting some sweet potatoes in the mix too! Enjoy the perfect harmony of butter, marshmallow, and light nuttiness between our Jewel Chardonnay and classic sweet potato casserole.

Cheers to the hearty, humble potato and everything it has to offer! If you try any of these pairings, make sure to tag us on Instagram @rubyhillwines

Aug 19, 2022 at 6:25 AM Permalink

Announcing: Retro Night 2022

Discover the wines worth remembering at a night you won't forget. We are delighted to announce an event exclusively for members of Rubino Estates and Ruby Hill Wineries: Retro Night! 

Memories, love, and good wine only get better with time. That’s why we have a Library Collection! Many of our beloved wines from both Ruby Hill and Rubino Estates from years gone by have been saved in our cellar for special occasions. Now, it’s time to have a party: Retro Night! Below, we've listed a few of the wines that will make an appearance, available for both tasting and purchase, and what makes them special.

From the Rubino Estates Library :

2015 Nebbiolo ~ Riserva Collection
Limited Production, Italian Classic, Light yet Flavorful

2014 Amuleto ~ Famiglia Collection
Member Exclusive, Good Luck Blend, Bright Red Fruit

2015 Pinot Noir ~ Landmark Collection
Vibrant, Festive, Elegantly Romantic 

2017 Proprietary Red ~ Landmark Collection
Stellar, Mysterious, Rounded and Silky

From the Ruby Hill Library:

Armonia Lot #10 ~ Gem Collection
Aged Beautifully, Berries and Dreamy Layered Flavors

2017 Cielo Viola ~ Gem Collection
Ruby Hill Family Favorite, Elegant Complexity

2015 Petite Sirah ~ Jewel Collection
Bold and Rich, Bordeaux Beauty, Distinguished

2013 Petite Sirah ~ Jewel Collection
Profound,  Unctuous, Smoothly Creamy

These wines have been quietly waiting for their moment to shine. At Retro Night, it's your chance to enjoy these patient beauties in all their elegance and charm! Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 17th from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM and get ready to enjoy timeless classics from both Ruby Hill and Rubino Estates wineries. Retro Night will feature special pricing on these exclusive Library wines, as well as a build-your-own Library wine 6 pack or case special, a Magnum Mania sale, and more. Many of these wines are limited production, so tickets are limited to two tickets per wine club membership and are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis.

From our cellar to yours, Cheers!

Aug 11, 2022 at 6:57 AM Permalink

The Summer Mello Cielo Flight

One of the most iconic and beloved activities at Ruby Hill is our Mello Cielo Vineyard Experience, a private bus tour through our scenic vineyard estate. This excursion includes a flight of wine showcasing our Estate's quality and legacy, and we've just released a new menu! Where are we going? Let's board the bus and see where this adventure takes us!

Tasting Room

We like to welcome everyone to the tasting room with a golden splash of our bubbly Ruby Hill Sparkling Wine! Crisp, refreshing, and fun, each sip enhances the festive excitement of the tour and gets everyone started off right. 

The Peacock Patch

Yes, it's a real place! Enjoy sipping our Peacock Patch Zin in its namesake vineyard block. You might even spot the ostentatious birds for which the block is named! This spot is great for seeing the vines up close and drinking in a view of the Livermore Valley.

Through The Vineyard

Your adventure continues past the acres of vines that change with the seasons. Right now, they are vibrant green, with huge clusters of ripening grapes as harvest rapidly approaches. See if you can spot which vines become your favorite wines!

Production Facility

This location is the ultimate peek behind the scene. If you want to be in the room where it happens, then this is your chance. Get an exclusive taste of a future wine, right from the barrel, and take a look at where the Ruby Hill magic is made!

The Water Tower

Nestled in our vineyards near the winemaker's home, the water tower is a little oasis. Waiting inside are 3 more wines and delicious bites for your whole group! Our Summer menu includes Chardonnay, Patchwork, and Jewel Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Tasting Room

You've made it back! To celebrate this adventure, we like to finish with a taste of our Solera dessert wine. This special port-style wine is the cherry on top of a fantastic day. Cheers to memories that last forever!

This tour is available for groups of 8-14 people and must be reserved in advance. If you are interested in booking a Mello Cielo Vineyard Experience, please reach out to us at info@rubyhillwinery.net and we look forward to having you! For more details, click here. 

Aug 5, 2022 at 5:57 AM Permalink

Veraison Begins at Ruby Hill

Veraison is a color change process wherein our grapes turn into their mature colors. It’s a special season, and one of the prettiest things about the vineyard in July.

When the clusters begin to take on color, the countdown to harvest officially begins. Veraison is a signal to the winemaker that the grapes have finished their growing stage and are now ripening. 

The morning light captures beauty up close to these clusters. Veraison and sunlight often go hand-in-hand, with clusters that get more sun getting their color sooner. 

Some of our vines are taking their time, and that’s okay! These Cabernet Sauvignon vines are moving at their own pace, with just a few blushing berries for now. 

This time of year, vibrant contrast emerges all over the vineyard, as hues of violet, gold, bright green, and earthy red, and more. We love to see it!

A natural mosaic grows on the vines, as white wine grapes go from green to more transparent. Meanwhile, shades of violet and fuchsia emerge in the red wine blocks!  

These Sangiovese clusters are showing off their gorgeous side. We are incredibly excited to see what these look like come harvest time.  

Like the Chardonnay grape shown above, the white wine grapes are ripening and becoming more golden, transparent, and even juicy!

These Petite Sirah clusters are full to bursting with plump potential! veraison looks good on these vines. 

We hope you have enjoyed this look at the colors of veraison in the Ruby Hill estate vineyard!

Jul 29, 2022 at 6:56 AM Permalink

Tasting a Bottle of Gold

We are absolutely thrilled to introduce a new vintage of this golden favorite, our 2021 Sauvignon Blanc! In this vintage, you can enjoy all of the most delicious and refreshing fruit notes all summer long. Below, we’re breaking down some of the prominent tasting notes of this beauty. Crafted with an emphasis on tropical notes with a touch of old-world style, our Estate shows its signature sun-kissed California flair.  

Pineapple - Tropical Touch

Notes of the king of fruits dance on the plate, along with other tropical essences like ripe guava.  

Pomelo - Citrus Zing

The citrus tartness of this Sauvignon Blanc makes it both deliciously refreshing and ideal for pairing!

Blossom - Floral Flair

A meadowlike essence swirls in the aroma, reminiscent of wildflowers, honeysuckle, and apple blossoms.

Pear - Polished Sweetness

On the finish, the citrus melts away into lingering golden pear notes to please the palate. 

This Sauvignon blanc boasts a medium mouthfeel, especially rich for this varietal. The lush flavors come from the inimitable sunshine of the Livermore Valley, creating a Sauvignon Blanc that is not grassy or plain. Try it today!

Jul 22, 2022 at 5:21 AM Permalink

Summertime Food & Wine Pairings

Keep your pairings fresh, summery, and bright with this easy guide for Ruby Hill wines—you can even let your mood decide! With a little branching out, you’ll never have to worry about boring wine pairings and you just might discover a new favorite wine or signature dish. Cheers!

Feeling lighthearted?
Pair Sparkling Wine & Green Bean Tempura with Curry Mayonnaise

Feeling vibrant?
Pair Sauvignon Blanc & Grilled Zucchini Tacos

Feeling snappy?
Pair Reserve Chardonnay & Mexican Street Corn Salad with Chipotle Crema

From the Modern Proper & Spook Fork Bacon

Feeling lively?
Pair Grapeful Red & Grilled Sriracha Pork Chops 

Feeling artsy?
Pair Grapeful Rosė & Tomato and Avocado Bruschetta

Feeling inspired?
Pair Sangiovese & Margherita Asparagus Stuffed Chicken

From Real Simple, The Modern Proper, and The Girl on Bloor 

Feeling untroubled?
Pair 2017 Peacock Patch Zinfandel (Library Collection) & Dressed Up Baked Beans

Feeling optimistic?
Pair Armonia Lot #10 (Library Collection) & Lamb Kofta

Feeling impeccable?
Pair 2019 Patchwork & Soy-Ginger Pulled Pork Sandwiches

From the Modern Proper, Spook Fork Bacon, and Midwest Living

Many of the wines featured above are also featured in our mixed cases, which are available at an unbeatable price for a limited time. Whether you’re looking for a mix of White Wines or Red Wines, this sale is the perfect chance to get your cellar and wine fridge prepped for a summer of great food and stellar sipping! Click below to shop now.

Jul 15, 2022 at 8:07 AM Permalink

Barbecue Style Breakdown

It’s the season for outdoor eating, and there’s nothing quite like the savory bliss of fresh barbecue. Not all barbecue is the same, and knowing the difference is an important start to perfecting your preferences and methods! Who knows, it may also be time to branch out and try new styles on new cuts of meat. Barbecue can be everything from a rack of ribs slathered in thick, sweet sauce to a huge smoky brisket, so we are looking at these traditional barbecue styles, the sides you might find with them, and the wines that love them!

Memphis Barbecue:

This style specializes in succulent pork ribs or pulled pork. Memphis barbecue requires patience as meats are smoked and cooked slowly for optimum flavor. Sauces generally have tangy profile, which we love alongside our Grapeful Red. This signature red blend also works with classic Memphis barbecue sides like creamy slaw, hush puppies, and corn on the cob.  

Texas Barbecue:

The Old West roots of this state have blossomed into many signature beef and pork dishes, most notably Texas hot links, ribs, and brisket. Texas barbecue focuses less on sauces and more on technique, allowing the meats themselves to shine. Flavor is also infused through marinating or basting. Our not-yet-released 2019 Patchwork blend makes a mouthwatering match for Texas barbecue. Side dishes like Texas pinto beans, green beans, and creamed corn should be roped in too!  

Carolina Barbecue:

If you’re looking for a whole hog (or the best smoked pork shoulder you’ve ever had) then this style is for you. Carolina style barbecue has many regional specialties, but a few of the notable features include mustard or vinegar based sauces and rich, smoky flavors. Enjoy this stye with Cielo Viola, one of our member-exclusive red blends, and dig in with a supporting cast of side dishes like Carolina-style  red cabbage slaw, collard greens, or potato salad. 

Kansas City Barbecue:

Slow cooked meat and thick sweet sauces characterize the Kansas City Style. The pinnacle of this style is the beautifully tender, smoky, savory-sweet magic of burnt ends. Are you hungry yet? We certainly are! A style this rich pairs perfectly with our Jewel Collection Zinfandel. Signature soul food side dishes like baked beans, fried okra, and mac n’ cheese will round it all out. 

Korean Barbecue:

A different delicious style, Korean barbecue is interactive and social! This style can involve all kinds of meat, but the signature is bulgogi, thin slices of sirloin that have been infused with flavor and tenderized in savory salty marinade. Often served with kimchi, rice, green onion salad (called pajeori) and rich sauce that combines sweet, savory, and spicy. We’re pairing our Peacock Patch Zinfandel with Korean style barbecue for the best flavor combination.

When in doubt, when it comes to pairing wine with any kind of barbecue, go for a Zinfandel. All of the suggested blends here feature Zin, which holds its own around big, smoky flavors and delicious meats!

Jul 8, 2022 at 4:50 AM Permalink

Wine of the Month: Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

         July is here, and we’re ready to celebrate! Our Wine of the Month for July is our Reserve Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is a favorite of our staff and members alike, full of bright, summery notes of fruit and citrus. Of course, summer and white wines go together like 4th of July and barbecue, so there’s no better time to open a bottle and enjoy each refreshingly crisp sip! 

        Every wine deserves a friend, so we have a few recipe ideas for irresistible pairing with our Sauvignon Blanc.

Creamy Garlic Prawns
recipe from Recipe Tin Eats 

A luscious yet light coating of creamy garlic over these plump jumbo prawns makes for a balanced and luxurious dish. You can use Sauvignon Blanc in the sauce itself, or use some other cooking wine and save the precious Sauv Blanc for Sipping! Either way, we encourage you to enjoy this pairing all summer long! 

Baked Fish Tacos
recipe from Plating Pixels 

​These easy tacos are another flavor-packed option that deserves a spot on your dinner table this summer. Fresh, bright, flavors compliment our Sauvignon Blanc and vice versa. As a bonus, this dish is healthier and just as flavorful as tacos with fried fish. Enjoy all of the natural benefits of wholesome ingredients, all alongside a locally made Sauvignon Blanc. What could be more perfect?

Cheesecake Berry Tart
recipe from Dessert First

Of course, we wouldn’t want to imagine life without dessert. This tart brings together a few of our favorite flavors and manages to be both rich and light. With all the creamy tang of cheesecake and the colorful natural sweetness of berries, this dessert is a natural companion for the brightness and flavor of our Estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc.  

Jul 1, 2022 at 4:24 AM Permalink

Bigger and Better: All About Magnum Wines

June 2022 is our month to celebrate magnum wine bottles, the grandiose double-bottle beauties that every cellar needs! Magnums are more than a bigger bottle, they offer delicious benefits unique to this format, enticing the senses and elevating your wine experience with flavor and flair. 

The Specs:

A magnum wine bottle is exactly double the volume of a standard bottle and can weigh in around 6 pounds. One standard bottle is 750 milliliters, while magnum bottles are 1.5 liters (1500 milliliters). If this is the case, why not just purchase 2 standard bottles? Simply put, magnums have more to offer than sheer lavish volume. 

The Quality:

The moment wine comes in contact with oxygen, a simple chemical process known as oxidation occurs. Every wine bottle has a minute quantity of air trapped inside due to the bottling process, but larger formats like magnums have less oxygen relative to the quantity of wine. This slows down oxidation, maintaining rich quality and aiding in proper maturation.  

The Future:

Magnums are ideally suited for aging for a future occasion. Steady maturation helps the wine reach its prime and stay there for years. Magnums also have the practical advantage of being more resistant to temperature fluctuations that could threaten wine quality because the higher volume takes longer to warm or cool.  

The Rarity:

Magnums themselves are a collectible item, especially from a local estate vineyard like Ruby Hill Winery. Only a few magnums of select vintages are ever produced, and each one is hand bottled by our winemaker’s team. Not only do they make excellent additions to private collections, they are also a great choice for generous gifts.

The Grandeur:

Bring out one of these beauties at an elegant wedding, milestone anniversary, or beautiful holiday celebration, and it fits right in! These impressive bottles hold their own and command just the right amount of attention with their opulent presence and luxurious quality. 

Don’t miss out on our special-priced magnums during Magnum Month! Call us at (925) 931-9463 to hear more about our deals and order now. Our Magnums can sell out fast so act now.  

If you want more, consider joining our Magnum Club. Enjoy all of the perks of being a Diamond Wine Club member, but receive an allotment of 2 magnums each quarter! You can learn more or sign up in the tasting room anytime.

Jun 24, 2022 at 7:12 AM Permalink