Happy Valentine’s Day from The Grapevine! Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two, Galentine’s dinner, or just some delicious suggestions for your meals this week, we’ve asked wineries on each side of the nation to share their favorite special occasion pairings.
Starting in the South, we have Serrano Winery, located in Hye Texas. The Serrano brand was created by a husband and wife team who started their wine journey in Paso Robles, California, and have followed their dream to Texas. From pruning to bottling, Sarah and Brice are proudly part of each step of the winemaking process.
Courses: French Onion Soup, Lamb Chops, Dark Chocolate Caramel Bites
The Oak fermented aged Roussanne will bring out the buttery, rich flavors of French Onion Soup.
A classic pairing, the 2019 “Stones,” a 100% Cabernet Franc is recommended with Lamb Chops.
Finish off the night with dark chocolate caramel bites, complemented best by the 2019 “Bones,” a 90% Petit Verdot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cairdeas (Cardis) Winery is a family-owned and operated business. This tight-knight crew produces Rhone Valley inspired wines from the Lake Chelan Valley in Manson, Washington. Started in 2009 by Lacey and Charlie Lybecker, a visit to the winery will show you first-hand how they truly value the meaning of Cairdeas; friendship, goodwill and alliance.
Courses: Spaghetti and Clams, Chocolate Cake
Nellie Mae, a Viognier/Roussanne blend, and spaghetti and clams are the perfect match. “We use a splash of Nellie Mae in the sauce to bring it all together.” This popular blend has been sold out since summer, but you’re in luck! The 2022 vintage bottling starts this week.
Check out the 2020 Tri, a red blend of Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache. “We are currently pairing up our 2020 Tri with a Fig, Orange, and Clove truffle on our red wine and chocolate tasting flight. That would make an amazing dessert by itself, but a chocolate cake with those flavors would be divine.”
Heading over to the East Coast, Ingleside Vineyards is one of Virginia’s oldest and largest wineries. Opening in 1890 the Flemer Family first operated the Estate as a Dairy Farm, evolving over the years and opening as Ingleside Vineyards in 1980 after realizing the prime wine grape growing conditions of the land. Take a taste to find out why their wine continues to earn top honors from the state, nation and internationally.
Courses: Lobster Bisque, Filet Mignon, Lava Cake with Ice Cream
Get Started with the 2020 Chardonnay Reserve and lobster bisque. The buttery notes of this silver medal winner at the VA Governor’s Cup Competition will complement the rich flavors of the lobster bisque. This Oak-fermented Chardonnay has a floral aroma followed by hints of citrus and butter. This wine is exclusively sold in the tasting room or the Ingleside online store.
Follow the lobster bisque with Filet Mignon. The 2019 Petit Verdot Reserve will nicely accompany this hearty red meat. This Petit Verdot is the winner of a double gold medal at the 2022 San Francisco International Competition. Pick up a couple extra bottles of this limited-production wine, which will age gracefully for many years.
Finish the night with the rich flavors of chocolate molten lava cake accompanied by the 2019 Right Bank. This Merlot-based blend is versatile in it’s food pairings, but smooth enough to be the dessert of the night on its own. Another award-winner, the Right Bank holds the silver medal from the 2023 VA Governor’s Cup Competition.
