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!