The Magic of Merlot

        November 7th is International Merlot Day! If you think you would rather forego Merlot, we hope you’ll reconsider. Here at Ruby Hill Winery, we believe in crafting unique, approachable wines that marry the styles and flavors of classic wines, while creating innovative combinations you can’t get anywhere else.  The wines shown above encompass a wide range of styles, profiles, and price, and yet they share one thing in common. A single, unsung varietal plays a supporting role: the everyday hero of this story is Merlot. 

        When you enjoy our current vintages of Grapeful Red, Cuvée Dray, Reserve Mirage, Patchwork, Reserve Cabernet, Jewel Cabernet or Odyssey, you enjoy some percentage of Merlot—a percentage that is there for a reason. Why does this varietal play a part in so many of our wines?

Merlot & Its Blends

        Merlot is an early-ripener with a soft flesh, and is very commonly found alongside the classic late-ripening, fiercely tannic Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is the most widely planted varietal in France, where it is oven blended with Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and other varietals to add both body and softness. France’s legendary Bordeaux blends are divided into two designations, right bank and left bank. A left bank Bordeaux is generally Cabernet Sauvignon-forward, while a right bank Bordeaux is Merlot-forward. In Italy, Merlot is used for softness in some Sangioveses and other traditional high-acid Italian varietals. 

Merlot in Pop Culture

        In the US, the story of Merlot has been heavily influenced by pop culture. Merlot saw a wild rise in popularity after 60 Minutes reported on the French Paradox—the observation that heart disease is low in France, even though cheese and red wine make up a large proportion of the average diet. As a traditional French wine, this boosted Merlot’s public appeal. The film Sideways, released in 2004, featured a Pinot Noir snob who famously rejected Merlot in all of its forms. This film has been subsequently credited with an undeserved decline in the popularity of Merlot!

Merlot in California

        When Merlot came to California, it was often bottled alone as a single varietal wine. Though this is not uncommon now, Winemakers are more likely to reach back to the Merlot’s roots as a blending wine. Merlot adds delicious full-bodied softness as well as a toothsome fruitiness wherever it is featured. When used in slightly higher percentages, such as in our premium Odyssey red wine, Merlot also adds a detectable delicate aroma and freshness.

        Single varietal wines and red blends are a collaboration of flavors, aromas, textures, and more. At its core, Merlot works well as a refined and delicate supporting actor, working in the background so that other varietals can put on their best show. At the same time, giving Merlot a chance to take on the spotlight makes unforgettable wines. We encourage you: don’t forget about the little hero Merlot!

Shop our blends and single varietals with Merlot support:

Cuvée Dray · Reserve Mirage · Grapeful Red · Patchwork · Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon · Jewel Cabernet Sauvignon · Odyssey

Want to learn more about our estate-grown Merlot and the Odyssey red wine? Consider booking our Odyssey Experience! Click here for more info, or reach out to us at 925-931-9463 or info@rubyhillwinery.net

Odyssey Experience: A New Luxury Tasting

We are delighted to unveil an all-new wine tasting experience at Ruby Hill Winery. In this encounter, you will enter the world of Odyssey, our most premiere and exclusive wine, and enjoy a wine tasting in the heart of the estate vineyard, under expansive historic oak trees. Read on to learn more!

About Odyssey

An icon in the making, the Odyssey Red Wine is a premium blend, crafted in the style of a right-bank Bordeaux wine. Odyssey celebrates the rich history and winemaking legacy of the Ruby Hill Winery’s estate vineyard, from 1885 to present day and beyond. Each vintage honors a historic chapter in our story and has very limited production so we can protect the quality and luster of each and every bottle. As of 2024, we have released the first two chapters and anticipate new and delicious editions each year. 

Odyssey Experience

After meeting your ambassador in the tasting room for a Sparkling Wine toast, you will board our all-new, customized shuttle. Designed for this experience, this welcoming vehicle shuttles our guests to the Harvest Table in comfort and style.

The Odyssey Experience tasting takes place in the heart of the vineyard, where all of our wines get their start. Handcrafted for our guests’ enjoyment, the Harvest Table is nestled under old oak trees, bordered by vines, creating a picturesque sanctuary. This place of beauty and peace in the estate vineyard is ideal for a luxury tasting experience. 

The Odyssey Experience features an exclusive flight of wines you can’t get anywhere else. Your ambassador walks you through each of the varietals that play a part in the Odyssey Red Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, providing an opportunity to taste each of these varietals on their own. The menu culminates in a phenomenal vertical tasting of the vintages of Odyssey. Alongside these sumptuous libations, this experience offers ample charcuterie so you may enjoy delicious savories with each wine. 

How to Book

Bookings for the Odyssey Experience are available now! This offering is available for groups of 6-12 people, and it must be booked at least a week in advance. For members of Ruby Hill or Rubino Estates Winery, tickets for this experience are $60, and for non-members, tickets are $75 per person. When you book, you may select a start time anytime between 11:30 am and 2:30 pm.

All bookings can be made through the Ruby Hill Tasting Room at 925-931-9463 or info@rubyhillwinery.net

Book now and be among the very first guests and members to enjoy the luxurious Odyssey Experience! 

 

Cozy October Wine Pairings

The fall weather is finally settling into the Livermore Valley, and we welcome it with open arms! We are starting off this season with two mixed cases: one with red wines and one with white wines. For this blog, we consulted our winemaker’s notes to give you the essence of what’s in each bottle of the lovingly-crafted, estate grown wines inside each case. Plus, to really get into the spirit of this time of year, we are pairing each wine with a comforting recipe.

Mixed White Wine Case

Sparkling Wine with Truffle Mac & Cheese

A pairing powerhouse, this Sparkling Wine has notes of green apple and lemon zest, but the bubbles are the main attraction. Elegant alongside any dish, we selected this wine to pair with Truffle Mac and Cheese, because classy comfort food is a high priority. 

Reserve Sauvignon Blanc with Lemony White Bean Soup

This wine brings sunshine, even when skies are gray. A medium body boasts perfect acidity, with notes of pink grapefruit and crème anglaise. This fall, we recommend enjoying this with a Lemony White Bean Soup, which is like a hug in a bowl. 

Reserve Chardonnay with Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

A classic Chardonnay with floral allure, citrus and stone fruit essences, and toasted oak influences, this unctuous wine is perfect for fall. We recommend this Creamy Pumpkin Pasta recipe, with a silky and delicious sauce made with the luscious flavors of pumpkin, mascarpone, and parmesan. Plus, for anyone thinking ahead, Chardonnay is a perfect wine for pairing with Turkey!

Grapeful Rosé with Walnut & Rosemary Crusted Salmon

Refreshing acidity with light floral and red fruit notes make this wine reminiscent of summer, but the Sangiovese fruit gives this dry Rosé enough body to be delightful all year. This Walnut & Rosemary Crusted Salmon recipe is a perfect autumnal take on seafood, and we’d serve this with roasted broccoli and potatoes for a hearty meal. 

Mixed Red Wine Case

Sangiovese with Margherita Chicken

A bombastic aroma leads to strawberry and floral notes on the palate. This light red wine is perfect for weeknights and absolutely shines alongside Italian dishes! Balanced acidity also makes this wine an ideal companion for a range of comfort food. We recommend this Margherita Asparagus Stuffed Chicken.

Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon with Beef Wellington

This vintage is layered with harmonious fruit and oak notes, with a touch of spice and vanilla. Cabernet and steak are the perfect match, and with a wine this good we’re recommending the tenderloin. To elevate the comforting vibes even more, try a Classic Beef Wellington.

Reserve Petite Sirah with Eggplant Parmesan

Our Petite Sirah is rich and deep, with notes of dark fruit, cocoa, and tea leaf. To us, Petite Sirah is the essence of autumn, providing a cozy blanket of tannin and touches of warming spices. Enjoy this full-bodied wine alongside this recipe for All-American Eggplant Parmesan. 

Cielo Viola with Lamb Kofta

Crafted for our wine club members, this blend brings together the best of Petite Sirah and Zinfandel, with plush notes of chocolate, wild berry, and plum sorbet. We suggest a delightful Lamb Kofta to compliment the approachable complexity of this beloved blend. 

Take your opportunity to enjoy these mouthwatering wines this fall and shop the case sale now! 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 fall and holiday season of great food and stellar sipping.

 

Making the Most of Autumn

We have passed the equinox and fall has officially begun here in the Livermore Valley. Autumn is spreading its picturesque colors across the estate vineyard with vibrant hues of red and gold, which wakes up our appetite for cozy cuisine and particularly luscious wine pairings. In this blog, we are capturing the essence of the harvest season by selecting a few favorite fall treats to recommend and a wine to enjoy alongside it. 

Favorite Fall Recipes & Wine Pairings

        One standout dish to try this fall is roasted butternut squash soup. We recommend featuring locally sourced squash blended with aromatic spices and topped with a swirl of cream (we like this one). This comforting dish kicks off soup season with satisfaction and pairs beautifully with a glass of white wine like our Jewel Chardonnay, with light notes of cream and butterscotch that complement the sweetness of the squash.

        Another autumn-inspired dish we can’t get enough of is brown butter gnocchi with sage--or anything with brown butter and herbs, for that matter! Try making a sage & brown butter sauce (like this recipe here) to pour over squash, veggies, ravioli, and more. It’s delicious year round, but it always tastes better in fall. We recommend a Sangiovese for its high acid and approachable flavor as a complement. 

        We appreciate hearty and savory dishes that play with the sweet flavors of the season, like pork chops with apples and bacon. (We suggest this recipe from Food and Wine). Warm your home and your appetite with this easy one-pan meal that brings all the flavors you could wish for. This dish is divine alongside a bottle of Peacock Patch Zinfandel. 

        As you create comforting dishes, take advantage of the season. Fall is the perfect time to explore local farmers' markets, where you'll find a treasure trove of fresh, seasonal produce. Look for crisp apples, sweet pears, wholesome cabbages, and hearty squash that are ideal for cozy fall recipes. We also like to stock up on warming spices, especially for sweet treats like pumpkin pie and pecan snickerdoodles. 

        We believe that no autumn experience is complete without spending some time at a picturesque winery. Visit us at the Ruby Hill Tasting room where you can enjoy our estate-grown wines with a stunning background of vineyards blanketed in fall foliage. If you want to celebrate the spookiness of the season, members can join us for our annual Halloween Party!

Get your tickets now and come boogie with us on October 25th. 

        Whether you’re indulging in farm-fresh dishes or sipping local wines, we hope you’ll take time to celebrate the beauty of autumn in one of California’s most vibrant valleys. Cheers to the flavors and fun of fall!

 

The Story of Odyssey

The roots of our estate vineyard reach back to the first vines planted on this land in 1885. Established in 1887, Ruby Hill Winery has persevered through more than a century of historic events, changing proprietorships, years of plenty, and years of little. To honor our history and the legacy of winemaking on our estate, we crafted Odyssey, a limited-production premium wine, rich with story. 

An odyssey is “a long and eventful or adventurous journey or experience” which perfectly captures the many excitements throughout our estate’s story. Each vintage of Odyssey honors an individual chapter of this chronology. Our Odyssey is a red wine blend, crafted with a balance similar to right-bank Bordeaux wines. Starting with the premiere vintage, 2020, each vintage of this wine represents a new chapter in our story. Read on to get a peek at these chapters and to learn more about the launch of Odyssey Chapter 2, the 2021 vintage, which will be hosted on September 21st!

2020 Odyssey

Chapter 1 - In the Beginning

Debuted in 2023, the premiere vintage of Odyssey celebrates our early roots. In 1885, the first vineyards were planted on our estate into rich red-clay soil, from which we earn the name "Ruby Hill." Developing this 450-acre property in the Pleasanton Township ignited a story that continues on our property today. Our Odyssey exists to honor and carry on this tradition. 

2021 Odyssey

Chapter 2 - Brick By Brick

The star of this Release, the 2021 vintage celebrates the second chapter of our estate's story. Founder John Crellin completed construction of the original Ruby Hill Winery building and distillery in 1887. Crellin’s winery was regarded as a state-of-the-art facility at the time, producing wines that were considered among California’s best.

Members: Acquire your Ticket to Join us for the Release Party of our 2021 Odyssey Red Wine!
Saturday September 21st, 7:00-9:00 at the Ruby Hill Winery Tasting Room.

Celebrate the history and legacy of our estate as we debut the 2021 vintage of our Odyssey Red Wine, a premium small-lot wine that emulates a right-bank Bordeaux. Space is limited, so secure your ticket today!

Each ticket includes admission for two people, a set of three bottles of the 2021 Odyssey in an elegant wooden box to take home, Grazing Station and Passed Hors d’oeuvres provided by Casa Real Event Center, barrel sampling of the component varietals, and tasting of the 2021 Odyssey.  

Event Details

The event will be held on Saturday, September 21st, 7:00-9:00 pm at the Ruby Hill Winery Tasting Room, located at 400 Vineyard Avenue, Pleasanton, CA, 94566.

Tickets to the Odyssey Release Party are $300 and include a boxed set of 3 bottles of Odyssey to take home. Additionally, tickets include admission for two people, Grazing Station and Passed Hors d’oeuvres provided by Casa Real Event Center, barrel sampling of the component varietals, and tasting of the 2021 Odyssey. 

 

Strawberry Crumble & Grapeful Rose

 

No matter where you’re at, August sunshine calls for fresh and exciting meals and your favorite light wines. This week, to commemorate our Wine of the Month, we’re making whole-grain strawberry crumble bars which complement our delectable 2022 Grapeful Rosé. This wholesome summery treat involves ripe summer strawberries, a few pantry staples, and comes together in no time. It also boasts a lovely comforting quality that gives just a hint of the autumn season to come. 

Strawberry Crumble Bars

INGREDIENTS

• Base & Crumble:
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ¾ cup white whole wheat flour
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Berry Filling:
• 2 cups small-diced strawberries
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, divided
• Vanilla Glaze (Optional):
• ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper so that the paper overhangs two sides like handles.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, ginger, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until it forms clumps and the dry ingredients are evenly moistened. Set aside 1/2 cup of the crumble mixture, then press the rest into an even layer in the bottom of the prepared pan. Press very firmly so the crust holds together (you can also use the back of a measuring cup to help press it into an even later).
3. Scatter half of the strawberries over the crust. Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the top, then sprinkle on the lemon juice and 1/2 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Scatter on the remaining berries, then the remaining 1/2 tablespoon sugar. Sprinkle the reserved crumbs evenly over the top. You will have some fruit showing through.
4. Bake the bars for 35 to 40 minutes, until the fruit is bubbly and the crumb topping smells toasty and looks golden. Place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely (you can speed this process along in the refrigerator).
5. While the bars cool, prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, briskly whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Feel free to add more milk if a thinner consistency is desired. Using the parchment-paper handles, lift the bars from the pan. Drizzle with glaze, slice, and serve.

Recipe from Well Plated by Erin

 

Now, grab an ice bucket and your favorite picnic blanket and head outside! Crafted from our Estate-grown Sangiovese grapes, Grapeful Rosé is stunning and the aromas and flavors are a delight. There's nothing more perfect for summertime than a sip of this alongside a sweet strawberry treat. Enjoy this pairing in your favorite spot in the shade on a warm day. Thinking of giving this recipe a try? Let us know @rubyhillwines!

 

The Crown Jewel Tasting Experience at Ruby Hill

If you love Jewel Cabernet, then you’re in good company. Consistently phenomenal, vintage after vintage, this wine is worth celebrating! To honor our Jewel Cabernet and commemorate our newly constructed Harvest Table, we are hosting a Crown Jewel Tasting Experience. Read on to learn more!

The details - 

On August 23rd, 24th, and 25th, we are offering a brand new tasting experience featuring an exclusive menu that you won't want to miss. Savor a truly luscious vertical tasting of our 2019, 2020, and 2021 vintages of Jewel Cabernet Sauvignon, along with our 2020 and 2021 vintages of our limited-edition Odyssey Red Wine.

The location - 

The Crown Jewel experience begins in the Ruby Hill Tasting room, but your wine ambassador will soon transport you to the Harvest Table in the heart of the vineyard. This beautiful handcrafted table near the familiar Ruby Hill water tower yearns to welcome you to the vineyard. Perfect for a picturesque wine tasting, it sits under a canopy of historic oak trees, nestled among Chardonnay vines, ready to host a luxurious estate experience. 

The wines - 

2021 Jewel Cabernet Sauvignon

88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, & 5% Merlot.
A luscious medley of rich fruit graces the aroma, with black cherry, plum, strawberry, and mixed berry. These fruits flow onto the palate, accented by allspice and vanilla nuances from oak aging. A velvety texture and weighty mouthfeel, with rich body and integrated acidity. The finish presents a smooth touch of tannin, supporting an excellent and satisfying structure. Enjoy now or let this vintage age!

2020 Jewel Cabernet Sauvignon

92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, and 4% Merlot.
An aroma rich with marionberry, blackberry, and French plum is accented by swanky oak notes of cloves and vanilla. Seductive flavors evolve on the palate within a balanced velveteen mouthfeel. The finish is subtle but lengthy, laden with romantic vanilla and violet notes.

2019 Jewel Cabernet Sauvignon

85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% Petite Sirah, 5% Petit Verdot.
A gorgeously complex aroma opens with a mix of fruits, including mulberry, boysenberry, and the familiar blue fruit notes of our Estate Cabernet. The flavors match the aromas, bringing the dark fruit to the front. This vintage boasts age-worthy tannins and an approachable profile. The finish is smooth and clean, emphasizing the berry flavors, accented by a hint of oak toast.

2020 & 2021 Odyssey Red Wine

The Odyssey Red Wine is a premium blend, made in the style of a right-bank Bordeaux wine. Odyssey celebrates the rich history and winemaking legacy of the Ruby Hill Winery’s estate vineyard, from 1885 to present day and beyond. Each vintage honors a historic chapter in our story and has very limited production. 

As you are guided through this luxurious flight, the wines will be accompanied with assorted food offerings. Your wine ambassador will provide insight and information about these two wine programs and answer questions as you enjoy the tasting. 

The Crown Jewel Tasting Experience will be hosted on the following days and times:
Friday, August 23rd at 2:30pm
Saturday, August 24th at 12:00pm and 2:30pm
Sunday, August 25th at 12:00pm and 2:30pm

Tickets are sold individually—no group required. Come alone, bring a friend, or grab some loved ones! This experience is $75 per person, $65 per club member. There are only 10 tickets available per time slot available, so act fast. If purchasing online, please log in with your member credentials to take advantage of the discount.

Paris-Inspired Food & Wine

As the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Olympic Games commence in Paris, we are taking inspiration from the host country to build a delicious spread of appetizers. With a rich legacy of fine food and wine, France offers all the elegance and flavor you could want, whether you’re enjoying the games alone or hosting watch parties! Celebrate the national pride and elite athleticism of the olympics while savoring Paris-inspired pairings.

Pastries & Confections -

Get lost in all the flaky layers of a buttery croissant or a Pain Au Chocolat. We might reach for a buttery chardonnay, but if you want to enjoy these in proper parisian style, coffee is the perfect pairing. Consider making Gougères for something light yet savory (and addicting!). To take it in a sweeter direction, the picturesque Eclairs and Macarons of French bakeries deserve a spot in your lineup as well!

Good Bread & Good Spreads -

It’s that simple. We recommend that you select a perfectly crusty baguette from a local bakery, and don’t skimp on high-quality French butter. You won’t regret it! Add a light sprinkle of Fleur de sel to unlock all the nuanced flavor of these simple ingredients. For a more complex topping, a Provençal Black Olive Tapenade offers flavors we can’t get tired of, especially on toasted high-quality bread. 

French Cheeses - 

Any conversation about French cuisine is incomplete without the luxurious cheeses, loved all over the world. For your cheeseboard, offer a range of characteristics! We recommend Camembert or Brie for a soft cheese, both of which are especially good when baked and paired with a tart berry jam. Cheeses like Munster and Comté offer approachability and pair perfectly with just about everything. If you’re craving something with some funk or earthiness, go for a Roquefort or Chèvre. If you're focusing on cheese, then wine is non-negotiable. 

Select the wines you love -

Many of your favorite wine varietals find their roots in France. Some of these wines retain their old-world style, while others have taken on a unique Californian flair. Either way, these wines are ideal for occasions of all kinds and will pair well with the foods explored above! 

White Wines - 

It’s warm outside! We recommend reaching for a crisp and tropical Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing and buttery Chardonnay. 

Bordeaux Classics - 

The Bordeaux varietals are among the most famous. To honor these, open up a Reserve or Jewel Cabernet Sauvignon or a Jewel Petit Verdot.

Bordeaux Blends - 

We take inspiration from the many delectable blends borne by the Bordeaux varietals. We recommend our Cuvee Dray, which is a Cabernet-forward Bordeaux-style blend. Alternatively, you can elevate your spread with the elegant and exclusive Odyssey Red Wine, a blend created in the style of right-bank bordeaux blends and celebrating the history of the Ruby Hill estate. 

Other French Varietals - 

We would be remiss to exclude other French varietals. There is still much to enjoy outside of Bordeaux! Enjoy a Petite Sirah from our Reserve or Jewel Collection, or open a Riverbed Red, our club-exclusive blend of Cabernet, Syrah, and Petite Sirah. 

We invite everyone to explore the food and drinks above to find their favorite combinations! Let us know your Bronze, Silver, and Gold @rubyhillwines on Instagram.

 

A July Sunrise in the Vineyard

Every year, July brings sunshine and heat into the vineyard. This week, we stepped into the vineyard in the picturesque morning hours to catch the beauty of this season as the sunrise spread across each block of the estate. Scroll along this gallery to join us!

These young Cabernet vines are thriving. Later on in the growing season, we will drop fruit from the vines and leave only a few clusters so the vines can concentrate the flavor and health of the clusters that remain. 

Across the estate, the fruit has set into healthy green clusters, which will continue growing before turning into their mature colors later on in the season.

Most of our blocks still have a full canopy of leaves. We will strategically remove leafy growth later in the season to aid ripening, but during our current heatwave, the fruit has shelter!

The vineyard is a place of peacefulness and serene movement. We captured this pinwheel of morning light bursting through one row, dappling sunshine across the soil. 

These healthy Zinfandel clusters have a beautiful vantage point on the estate, nestled in between owl boxes and the peacock patch.

It is always a delight to see vines as happy as this Cabernet Sauvignon, growing without hesitation. 

These juvenile Petite Sirah clusters are right at home in the sparkle of light in the morning haze. 

What’s a California vineyard without a deliciously reliable Cabernet Sauvignon? These gorgeous vines help make it possible. 

These robust Sangiovese vines are full of potential and promise for the harvest season. Sangio lovers, rejoice!

A closer look at the Sangiovese shows just how prolific and happy this varietal is in our vineyard. 

The golden glow of sunrise brings out the best in our vineyard, particularly in this season. Thank you for joining us for this virtual walk!

Want to see the beauty up close for yourself? Our popular MCVE Bus tour takes you behind hte scenes and into the vineyard. Learn more here. 

 

Sweet & Savory Hand Pies for Chardonnay

As the sun comes out, we’ve been reaching for Chardonnay. A California classic, this wine is made for enjoying on a golden day. Of course, we think that all wines deserve a delicious pairing for ultimate enjoyment. This week, we took inspiration from our favorite cold-weather baked goods, but made them summer-ready. Hand pies are perfectly portable, shareable, and delicious. Trust us, if you’re sipping on Chardonnay this summer, then you need to try out these sweet and savory goodies!

Wild Mushroom and Goat Cheese Mini Pies - Sprinkle Bakes

We can’t get enough of this savory combination. With all the right earthiness and comfort, you’ll find a symphony of flavor that still clicks with the fresh, unctuous nature of our Chardonnay. Though store-bought dough is fine, we recommend a homemade all-butter crust. You just can’t beat it!

Apple Cheddar Hand Pies - Baking the Goods

If you’re looking for something “as American as apple pie” then this recipe is for you. Though it’s a twist on a classic, it joins the time honored tradition of making something even more delicious by adding cheese. The rich apple filling settles into the cheesy crust for a new favorite sweet-and-savory treat. 

Peach Hand Pies - Food and Wine

Of course, no roster of pies is complete without something truly sweet. It’s impossible to resist the siren song of summer stone fruit, so we are leaning in with these peach hand pies. Easy to prep ahead of time, these show-stoppers deserve a spot in your dessert rotation. 

With all the right flavors and endless customization options, you can make the most of all the fresh produce from the Farmer’s Market and truly make them your own. Whether you select one of these recipes or you take it as inspiration to make your own, all of these pair beautifully with our elegant and enjoyable Reserve Collection Chardonnay. Keep a bottle chilled and ready, and thank us later! It’s on sale now as wine of the month, so you can shop and save. Click here!