By Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards & Winery The versatility of sparkling wine always gets me super excited! It can go with pretty much anything and everything, but it’s also always delicious on its own or in a cocktail. Since we don’t currently have any sweet wines, it’s hard for me to come up with […]
Summertime Grilled Fruit Spongecake & Sparkling Read More »
By Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards If you don’t fire up the grill on our Day of Independence, are you even American? One of my family’s oldest traditions is our July 4th ritual of throwing steaks, burgers, hot dogs, veggies, and just about anything else grill-able over the massive fire pit grill at my family’s
Independence Day Patriot Pairings Read More »
By Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards With a global pandemic and a shelter-in-place order came economic recession and unprecedented job loss in the United States. As a result, what became a necessity for American people was comfort and frugality. Said need for comfort and frugality can be satiated in many forms, but food usually tends
Fast Food and McGrail Wine Pairings Read More »
Wondering what to make for dinner tonight? Simply choose your favorite McGrail wine and follow one of our recommended pairing recipes linked below! These are all wine and food pairing recipes we’ve created. A Jó Élet, “The Good Life,” Cabernet Sauvignon Austin James Cabernet Sauvignon C. Tarantino Cabernet Sauvignon Charlie Rae Chardonnay Colton’s Cabernet Sauvignon
All Wine and Food Pairing Recipes Read More »
By Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards Although all our wines are delicious on their own, a heavy, tannic Cabernet isn’t always the most appealing on any of the many 100°+ days we have here in the Livermore Valley. An easy way to enjoy a red wine on an unbearably hot summer day is to make
Red, White, & Rosé Summertime Sangria Read More »
By Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards & Winery Our Colton’s Cabernet is special. It’s set apart from our other Cabs because it’s an old-world-style Cab and the grapes come from our Lucky 8 Vineyard. What’s unique about this property is a gargantuan eucalyptus tree on the adjacent property, which lends these grapes serious herbal characteristics.
Herb Braised Short Ribs, Polenta, & Colton’s Cabernet Read More »
If you’ve ever been to Italy, or almost anywhere in Europe for that matter, you’ve probably at least seen an Aperol spritz or have maybe even enjoyed one yourself. If you haven’t, you’re probably wondering what the heck an Aperol spritz is. It’s the drink of summertime in Northern Italy and much of Austria. Plainly,
A Virtual Trip to Italy via Sparkling Citrus Aperitivos Read More »
By Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards Merlot, which is our Winemaker Mark Clarin’s favorite varietal, is the Bordeaux brother of Cabernet Sauvignon, but is often forgotten about and inexplicably doesn’t seem to have as great of a reputation as Cab. Since it’s Mark’s favorite varietal, Mark has made our Merlot liked he would make any
Tri Tip and 2015 McGrail Merlot, Picazo Vineyard Read More »
By Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards Grazing boards (a fancy name for large charcuterie boards) are one of the easiest culinary trends at the moment. Not only can anyone make them, they are gorgeous and delicious, and also all the rage on Instagram. They’re perfect in almost any setting–lounging around the pool, avoiding small talk
Simple Grazing Boards & Gracie Sparkling Brut Read More »
By Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards Garlic Balsamic Pork Tenderloin Makes about 8 servings. INGREDIENTS: 2 tsp. herbs de Provence Salt and pepper to taste 2 lbs. pork tenderloin 2 tbsp. honey mustard 2 tbsp. olive oil 2 1/2 tbsp. minced garlic 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup balsamic vinegar 2 tbsp. red wine 2
Garlic Balsamic Pork Tenderloin & 2016 McGrail Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Read More »
