By Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards Since it’s ruined plans for almost everything there was to look forward to in 2020, I refuse to allow COVID to spoil get-togethers; meaning, I don’t let the fact that I can’t physically be with my friends and family get me down. Zoom happy hours were all the rage […]
Virtual Trivia Night via McGrail Vineyards Read More »
By Mark Clarin of McGrail Vineyards Because of the local fires in August, I decided to try to understand the potential for smoke taint in our vineyards. After researching the potential for smoke taint, we followed the recommendations from ETS Laboratories. ETS is the West Coast’s most respected wine lab and since they are based
The Potential for Smoke Taint in 2020 Read More »
By Mark Clarin of McGrail Vineyards 2020 has been an interesting year. The growing season has been ideal, beginning with decent rainfall in the winter. We had a warm spring with good conditions during bloom and fruit set. The summer was warm until about the end of August, when the temperatures climbed into the triple
October Harvest Updates 2020 Read More »
By Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards What’s not to love about this classic Bavarian dish with a delicious Cab? This easy German red cabbage recipe and award-winning Cab are a no-brainer! There are just eight simple ingredients and three steps to whipping up this delectable fare that can be served cold or hot. Easy German
Easy German Red Cabbage & McGrail Cab Reserve Read More »
By Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards Easy Beefy Baby Bella Bites Makes about 9 servings (with 2 mushrooms per serving). INGREDIENTS: 2 tbsp. olive oil, divided 1/2 small yellow onion, minced 1/2 tbsp. minced garlic 1/3 lb. ground organic grass fed beef burger 2 tsp. herbs de Provence, divided salt and pepper to taste 8
Easy Beefy Baby Bella Bites & McGrail Merlot Read More »
By Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards Irish Beef and Potato Stew Makes about 12 servings. INGREDIENTS: 3 tbsp. olive oil, divided 2 1/2 lbs. choice beef roast, cut into 1.5″ cubes 2 tbsp. minced garlic, divided salt and pepper to taste 1/4 cup flour 2 large sprigs of rosemary 3 slices bacon, chopped 1 1/2
Irish Beef and Potato Stew and McGrail Cabernet Read More »
By Mark Clarin and Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards Autumn is just around the corner, but in the vineyard a new season has already begun! Harvest has started here at McGrail Vineyards and we want to share this new chapter with you. We asked Winemaker Mark Clarin to share his thoughts on our 2020 vintage
A New Season: Harvest 2020 Read More »
By Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards It’s summertime, which means most people are drinking crisp, chilled white wines. Accordingly, I’ve been coming up with more recipes for white wine pairings. This pairing suggestion came from Heather McGrail, who loves to recommend healthier versions to classic meals. Using just a bit of butter, a lean protein
Prawns In Lemon White Wine Sauce & Chardonnay Read More »
By Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards If you’re anything like me, you live for the amazing fruits and veggies that come around during summer, but still, the quarantine hasn’t been great for your summer bod. Not being able to go to the gym and being stuck at home with a stocked fridge and an overflowing
Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole & Chardonnay Read More »
By Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards It’s the time of the year when your friends, neighbors, and coworkers all seem to have an overabundance of some sort of delicious, fresh produce from their home garden. This past week I had pluots, figs, tomatoes, and zucchini shared with me. Since stone fruit is so good in
Pluot Blackberry Amaretto Pie & McGrail Malbec Read More »
