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Black and Blue Cheese Burgers and Malbec

By Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards

Malbec, which is the favorite varietal of our Winemaker’s mother, is typically an easy drinking, jammy wine. Being a producer of heavy, tannic Cabernets, our Malbec is naturally bigger and bolder than the typical Malbec. The large body on this Bordeaux varietal makes it excellent for pairing with heavy cheeses and red meats. A favorite of our winemaker, blue cheese burgers make a seriously scrumptious suitor for our Malbec.

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black and blue cheese burgers

Black & Blue Cheese Burgers

Makes 3 burgers.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 lb. organic ground burger (I used 85% lean ground beef)
  • 1 ⅔ tbsp. worcestershire sauce, divided
  • 2 tbsp. minced garlic, divided
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ tbsp. whole grain dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp. olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, sliced into ⅓” rounds
  • 2 tbsp. red wine
  • 4 oz. baby bella mushrooms
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 3 oz. organic blue cheese crumbles
  • 3 ciabatta rolls (3 oz. each)
  • 6 pieces romaine lettuce leaves, cut into 5” pieces
  • 1 large tomato, sliced into ½” pieces
black and blue cheese burgers

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, worcestershire sauce, 1 ½ tbsp. minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands to work seasonings into beef and shape three burger patties. Smother patties with mustard.
  3. Heat grill on medium (about 350-400 degrees F).
  4. In the small skillet, sautee onion rounds until slightly browned. Add red wine and baby bella mushrooms. Sautee until wine has evaporated and mushrooms are soft. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, remaining worcestershire sauce, remaining minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste, to create a special sauce.
  6. On the heated grill, grill your patties for 2-3 minutes, flip them, grill for another 2-3 minutes. Repeat. Before the last few minutes of grilling, sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top of patties. Put cut ciabatta rolls face down on grill and remove at the same time as you remove the patties. 
  7. Plate your ciabatta rolls and drizzle with special sauce. Place patties, romaine slices, tomato slices, and a spoonful of sauteed onions and mushrooms on rolls.
  8. Serve blue cheese burgers with blistered shishito peppers and a glass of McGrail Malbec. Enjoy!
black and blue cheese burgers
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Please let us know if you make these yummy burgers! We’d love to hear from you.

Cheers and enjoy!

Gouda Balsamic Portobello Burgers & Patriot Cab

By Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards

Since portobello mushroom burgers always seem to be our go-to vegetarian pairing suggestions for our big, bold estate-grown Cabernets, I thought it was time I finally created a recipe to pair with our wines. I chose not to add a bun or any kind of bread to this burger, because like our Patriot Cab, I wanted this dish to be as savory and as flavorful as possible and I think sometimes starch can detract from that. While I am someone who generally prefers meat to a veggie alternative, this mushroom burger wasn’t just some alternative; it was incredible. I loved these big juicy, hearty gouda balsamic portobello burgers so much, I can’t wait until the next time I get to make them. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

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Gouda Balsamic Portobello Burgers

Bun-Less Balsamic Rosemary Gouda Portobello Mushroom Burgers 

Makes 4 servings.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 large portobello mushrooms (about 3 oz. each)
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar reduction
  • 2 ½ tbsp. olive oil, divided
  • ½ tbsp. worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp. black olive juice
  • 1 tbsp. fresh rosemary leaves
  • 1 tbsp. garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp. dried oregano leaves
  • ¾ tsp. black pepper
  • ½ tsp. sea salt
  • 1 medium yellow onion, cut into ¼” rounds
  • ¼ cup red wine, divided
  • 4 slices of gouda (about 1 oz. each)
  • 1 large organic heirloom tomato, sliced into ½” pieces
  • 5 oz. arugula
Gouda Balsamic Portobello Burgers

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat 1 tbsp. olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Rinse portobello mushrooms under cold water. Use a wet paper towel or clean dish towel to gently clean the tops of the mushrooms. Cut stems from bottom of mushrooms. Using a spoon, gently scoop the gills from the underside of the mushrooms in an outside-to-inside motion. Rinse mushrooms again. Place mushrooms on a paper towel and allow them to dry.
  3. In a gallon-sized Ziploc, combine balsamic vinegar reduction, 1 ½ tbsp. olive oil, worcestershire sauce, olive juice, rosemary leaves, garlic, oregano, pepper, and salt. Once mushrooms are dry, place them in marinade in Ziploc bag. Shake bag to coat mushrooms thoroughly. Allow mushrooms to marinate for about 30 minutes. 
  4. Heat grill on medium heat (until it reaches 350-400 degrees F).
  5. In the heated skillet, sautee onion rounds until browned. Add 2 tbsp. red wine. Continue cooking until wine has evaporated. Remove onions from heat and put aside.
  6. Remove mushrooms from marinade and place on grill. Grill mushrooms for about 3-4 minutes. Flip and add sliced gouda. Grill for another 3-4 minutes.
  7. While mushrooms are grilling, pour the marinade into your heated saucepan, add 2 tbsp. red wine, and simmer on medium heat until marinade has reduced and thickened slightly (about 5 minutes), stirring continuously.
  8. To plate your burgers, place a handful of arugula on each plate. Add grilled mushrooms and top with tomatoes and grilled onions. Drizzle with marinade reduction.
  9. Serve bunless portobello burgers with a glass or bottle of McGrail Patriot Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy!
Gouda Balsamic Portobello Burgers
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Please let us know if you make this delightful veggie pairing! We’d love to hear from you.

Cheers and enjoy!

Spicy Citrus Scallops & Sparkling OR Sauvignon Blanc

By Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards

Can’t choose between our Gracie Sparkling and Peyton Paige Sauvignon Blanc? That’s okay; neither can I. This dish works with both of these delightfully crisp, refreshing wines. Either combo is godsent on a hot day, which we’ve had plenty of lately. The soft, creamy texture of the scallops tones down the heat of the cayenne and jalapeño, and both are brightened by a splash of citrus. Each of these flavors combine to complement our Gracie and Peyton Paige wines with these spicy citrus scallops.

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Spicy Citrus Scallops
Spicy Citrus Scallops

Spicy Citrus Scallops & Cabbage Salad

Makes about 6 servings.

Spicy Citrus Scallops
INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 lb. frozen scallops
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 cups Napa cabbage, thinly shredded
  • 1 cup red cabbage, thinly shredded
  • 8 oz. mung bean sprouts
  • 2 green onions, sliced thinly
  • 1 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
  • 1/2 cup fresh-squeezed tangerine or clementine juice
  • 1/3 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice
  • 2 tsp. minced garlic
  • 1 jalapeño, seeds removed, minced, separated
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne powder, separated
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 3 blood oranges, peeled and sliced thinly
  • 2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and sliced thinly
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Soak frozen scallops in a large bowl of water overnight or for up to 24 hours to defrost and minimize fishiness.
  2. Heat olive oil in a griddle or frying pan on high (about 400 degrees F).
  3. In a large salad bowl, combine Napa cabbage, red cabbage, bean sprouts, and green onion. Mix well.
  4. In a small bowl, combine orange juice, tangerine juice, lime juice, minced garlic, 3/4 jalapeño, 1/8 tsp. cayenne, and salt and pepper to taste, to create the dressing.
  5. Use a paper towel to pat the scallops dry. Season with salt, pepper, and remaining jalapeño, and cayenne. Allow to sit at room temperature for twenty minutes.
  6. Sear the scallops in the pre-heated griddle for about 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Add small spoonfuls of dressing over scallops as they sear for added flavor.
  7. Dress the salad and plate it. Top with avocado, blood orange, and seared scallops.
Spicy Citrus Scallops
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I hope I’ve inspired you to make this delightful summertime dish to enjoy with one of our yummy chilled wines! Please let us know if you do end up enjoying this pairing at home. We’d love to hear from you!

Cheers and enjoy!

Summertime Grilled Fruit Spongecake & Sparkling

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 pairings that involve anything even semi-sweet. Berries and spongecake work well with our Gracie Sparkling Brut, because they both contain little sugar. The baked good aspect of the spongecake matches the hint of yeast in the bubbles. And berries with bubbles is always a good idea. I hope you enjoy this summertime grilled fruit spongecake treat that is as tasty as it is beautiful with our equally gorgeous Gracie Sparkling!

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Summertime Grilled Fruit Spongecake

Grilled Summertime Fruit Skewers, Berry Compote Spongecake, Dreamy Caramel, & Whipped Cream

Makes about 6 servings.

Summertime Grilled Fruit Spongecake

INGREDIENTS:

  • 6 bamboo skewers, at least 6” long
  • 2 1/2 cup fresh raspberries, washed and separated
  • 8 large strawberries, washed and separated
  • 2 tbsp. fresh-squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tbsp. fresh-squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tsp. fresh-ground ginger
  • 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
  • 5 apricots, washed
  • 6 (1 oz.) spongecakes
  • Caramel sauce
  • Whipped cream
  • Optional: edible flowers for a garnish
Summertime Grilled Fruit Spongecake
Summertime Grilled Fruit Spongecake

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Pre-heat grill on low.
  2. Place bamboo skewers in a shallow bowl full of water. Allow skewers to soak until you’re ready to use them (this prevents them from burning when grilling).
  3. In a small saucepan, add 1 1/2 cups raspberries, 3 large strawberries, orange juice, lime juice, fresh ginger, and two pinches of sugar to create the berry compote. Heat on medium. Use a large spoon to mash the fruit and stir ingredients together.
  4. Once fruit mixture begins bubbling, reduce heat to low. Continue to stir occasionally. Allow fruit to simmer for about 10 minutes.
  5. Remove fruit from heat. Let cool.
  6. In a shallow bowl, add remaining sugar. Cut apricots and the remaining strawberries in half. Remove pits from apricots. Dredge your halved strawberries and apricots face-down in sugar.
  7. Place sugared strawberries and apricots face up on a plate. Being careful not to remove sugar from fruit, use wet bamboo sticks to create skewers with alternating apricots and strawberries (I used 3 pieces per skewer). You’ll have a few pieces of fruit left over.
  8. On the grill, place each skewer face-down. Leave the grill open and grill each skewer for about 1-2 minutes, or until sugar has caramelized on fruit.
  9. Place each spongecake on a small plate. Spoon enough berry compote on the spongecake to fill the center of the cake. Top the cake with a drizzle of caramel sauce (optional), a few sprays of whipped cream, and a grilled fruit skewer. Garnish with the remaining fresh raspberries and edible flowers (optional).
  10. Serve with a glass or two of our chilled Gracie Sparkling Brut.
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I hope I’ve inspired you to make this pretty pairing at home! Please let us know if you try this one out. We’d love to hear from you!

Cheers and enjoy!

Independence Day Patriot Pairings

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 ranch in the Livermore hills, while sipping on some yummy, locally-sourced beverages. Since McGrail’s Patriot Cabernet is the quintessential Independence Day drink, I’ve got some delicious pairings for this wine that can be tossed on the grill this 4th of July! I hope you get to enjoy these Independence Day Patriot pairings!

Patriot Cabernet Sauvignon
Independence Day Patriot Pairings

When asked what makes this wine so special, Heather McGrail said, “Patriot Cabernet is a favorite at McGrail and a tribute to all of those that serve our country and communities. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon was first produced in 2009 and was a wine for a cause for the four Oakland Police Officers that lost their lives in the line of duty. Following our first vintage, we have continued to donate a portion of the proceeds to the families of lost heroes from police, fire, and military. Our Patriot Cabernet is produced using 100% new American oak and has beautiful aromas of dark cherry, berry, vanilla, and a hint of cocoa.” Personally, the Patriot is one of my favorite McGrail Cabs because of its rich, velvety mouthfeel and the delightful notes of vanilla, roasted coffee, and sweet campfire s’mores the wine derives from the new American oak it’s aged in. Below are some recipes to enjoy alongside this special Cabernet.

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Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Cabbage Skewers

Makes about 6 servings, with two skewers per serving.

Having been aged in new oak for thirty months, our Patriot Cabernet can certainly come across as big and tannic for some palates. Pairing tannic wines with foods that contain fat is awesome for those who aren’t overly enthusiastic about that boldness, because the fat in the food combines with certain compounds in our saliva and creates a sort of layer of that fat that tones down the tannins in the wine. This is one of the reasons I love this pairing so much! But also, who doesn’t love bacon?

INGREDIENTS:
  • 12 bamboo skewers, at least 6″ long
  • 12 oz. red cabbage, cut into 12 equally sized squares
  • 1 lb. thick-sliced bacon (about 12 slices), uncooked
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Optional: micro greens for a garnish
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Place bamboo skewers in a shallow bowl, add water and soak skewers for at least 10 minutes to prevent them from burning while on the grill.
  2. Pre-heat your grill on medium-high, or about 400 degrees F.
  3. Take each piece of bacon and wrap it tightly around your red cabbage squares. Use your bamboo skewers to secure the bacon on the cabbage.
  4. Liberally sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder over both sides of each of your cabbage skewers.
  5. Set the cabbage skewers on the grill, reduce heat to low, or about 300 degrees F, and close the lid on the grill.
  6. Cook cabbage skewers on each of four sides for about three minutes (about 12 minutes in total), checking on cabbage about once a minute to ensure bacon fat doesn’t catch fire. Cooking time will vary depending on your grill and the size of each skewer. Skewers will be done when all bacon has been cooked through and cabbage has become soft.
  7. Serve bacon-wrapped cabbage over a bed of micro greens (optional) and with a glass of McGrail Patriot Cabernet Sauvignon!
Independence Day Patriot Pairings

Grilled Balsamic Parmesan Artichokes

Makes about 4 servings, with 2 artichoke quarters per serving.

Another food I love with our bold Cabernets is a sharp cheese. Freshly grated parmesan is one of those cheeses that can be so great with a big Cab and it can be even further complemented by some classic balsamic vinegar reduction. This hearty grilled artichoke is amazing with the parmesan and balsamic and a glass of the Patriot Cabernet.

INGREDIENTS:
  • Two large whole, organic artichokes
  • 1 tbsp. minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 1 1/2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar reduction
  • 2 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
DIRECTIONS:
  1. In a large pot or deep pan with a steam basket, bring one inch of water to a boil.
  2. Wash your artichokes well. Cut about 1/2″-1″ off the top of the artichoke and trim the stem to about 1 1/2″. Using a large, serrated knife, cut the artichokes into quarters. Use a spoon to scoop out the furry insides.
  3. Set each quarter into the steam basket and cover. Steam the artichokes for about 30 minutes.
  4. Pre-heat your grill to medium heat.
  5. Once artichokes have been steamed, sprinkle insides with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  6. Place each quarter face-down on the grill and grill for about two minutes on each side.
  7. Plate the quarters, face-up. Drizzle with balsamic reduction and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan.
  8. Enjoy with a glass of McGrail Patriot Cabernet!

Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes & Rosemary Rib Eye

Last, but certainly not least, our Patriot is perfect paired with classic steak and mashed potatoes. This is a tried and true, classic Cabernet pairing that couldn’t be more fitting for America’s day of Independence. Again, I’ve chosen to add parmesan to these potatoes, as it really complements the wine so well.

Makes about 4 servings.

Independence Day Patriot Pairings
INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 lb. rib eye
  • 2 tbsp. steak rub (I used 5 Mary’s)
  • 3 medium russet potatoes, washed and peeled
  • 1/2 cup skim milk
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan
  • 1 tbsp. minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • 4 sprigs rosemary
DIRECTIONS:
  1. In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil.
  2. Pre-heat your grill to high heat.
  3. Remove your steaks from the refrigerator and cut into four equal parts. Rub each steak piece liberally with your favorite steak rub. Cover and allow to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
  4. Cut your peeled potatoes into 2″ cubes. Boil your cubed potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until soft enough to mash.
  5. Use a potato masher to mash your boiled potatoes. Add milk, parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper and stir well.
  6. Season steaks with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then place on the grill. Grill steaks for about 3 minutes on each side, then repeat (for about 6 minutes total per side), or until steaks have reached desired done-ness. Place a sprig of rosemary on top of each steak after the last flip.
  7. Place steaks on a plate and cover. Allow to sit for about five minutes.
  8. In a bowl or small plate, place one large scoop of mashed potatoes and one cut of steak with a sprig of rosemary as a garnish.
  9. Enjoy steak and parmesan mashed potatoes with a glass of McGrail Patriot Cabernet Sauvignon.
Independence Day Patriot Pairings
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I hope I’ve inspired you to make some of these deliciously patriotic dishes for your Independence Day celebration! Please let us know if you do make any of these Independence Day Patriot pairings. We’d love to hear from you!

Cheers and enjoy!

Fast Food and McGrail Wine Pairings

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 to be the most favorable for many Americans, myself included. The reality that many people living in the United States have lost their jobs as the result of a global pandemic was our team’s inspiration for this series of fast food/takeout pairings that are as delightfully delicious as they are inexpensive.

The idea that good wine has to be paired with fancy food is, quite frankly, crap. Even the cheapest, greasiest fast food can be perfectly complemented by a great glass of vino. Please allow me to walk you through one of my favorite projects yet.

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FAQs, Answered

Did you eat all this fast food on your own?

I can imagine how someone might be concerned with my health after this project, as this is clearly a lot of fast food for one person to consume. Please rest assured this project took place over several weeks and I did not consume a single item featured here on my own, nor do I eat fast food regularly. I almost always brought the remaining bites to the winery to hear our team’s take on the pairings.

Did all the pairings work?

For transparency, I’ve included some pairings at the end that just didn’t work. Expecting a food item to pair with a wine is like playing an educated guessing game. You can use the rules of pairing to make your choices, but not all pairings will work out the way you might hope. Even when you’ve encountered a pairing failure, you’re left with a bottle of delicious wine and something greasy to eat. Things could be a lot worse.

Now for the Pairings…

Patriot Cabernet Sauvignon & Wendy’s Baconator

Fast Food & Wine

Like I mentioned before, I don’t eat fast food all that much, so when I asked for the Western bacon cheeseburger at the Wendy’s drive-thru, I could tell there was some confusion surrounding my order. I suppose I meant to pair this wine with Carl’s Jr.’s ~famous~ Western Bacon Cheeseburger, but luckily, Wendy’s Baconator barbecue cheeseburger stepped in and filled its shoes. This BBQ bacon cheeseburger-Cabernet combo is quite the catch. The burger has enough fat and flavor to not be overtaken by the tannins of this smooth, but bold wine. It doesn’t get more patriotic than this duo. I mean, seriously, what’s more American than a BBQ bacon cheeseburger from a fast food joint?

McGrail Family Chardonnay & KFC’s Famous Bowl

You’re probably wondering what the heck a Famous Bowl is comprised of. That’s fair. I didn’t know either. A Famous Bowl is a few scoops of KFC’s mashed potatoes, a spoonful of gravy, a healthy amount of corn, some shredded cheese, and little crispy pieces of chicken. The Chardonnay meshes well with both the seasonings in the chicken breading and the chicken itself, as well as with the buttery corn and the cheesiness on top. I was surprised at how effortlessly the Chardonnay and the Famous Bowl worked together.

Gracie Sparkling Brut & Jack in the Box Curly Fries

Fast Food & Wine

For some reason I feel like food from Jack in the Box is always just slightly greasier and crispier than food from other fast food places, not that it’s a bad thing. What I love about these curly fries is that the shape is super fun, but they’re also coated in some kind of magical seasoning that makes them tastier than the average fry. It’s not difficult to get behind this magically flavorful pairing.

McGrail Merlot, Picazo Vineyard & Wienerschnitzel’s Chili Beef Dog on a Pretzel Bun

Fast Food & Wine

The meatiness of the combination of the all-beef frank and delicious Wienerschnitzel chili stands up to the boldness of this big, Cabernet lover’s Merlot. Everything is better on a pretzel bun and a chili beef dog is no exception. Somehow the complete amalgamation of this fast and easy take on an American classic complements the acidity and tannins in this French-oak-aged wine. The combo is smooth and just friggin’ tasty.

A Jó Élet, “the Good Life,” Cabernet Sauvignon -OR- Sláinte Red Blend & McDonald’s Big Mac

Fast Food & Wine

There were two things that really surprised me about McDonald’s Big Mac. First, I couldn’t actually believe how perfectly fluffy the bun was with the little sesame seeds so neatly sprinkled on top. It was like something from a commercial. Secondly, I couldn’t believe that people actually willingly eat these things. It was the world’s okay-est hamburger. Nevertheless, it’s still a hamburger, which means it will probably pair well with a nice red wine. Luckily, our Good Life Cab and Sláinte Red Blend took care of the job and actually enhance the burger. If you’re a fan of the Big Mac, I’m sorry. Still, check this pairing out for yourself.

Kylie Ryan Rosé & KFC’s Popcorn Chicken with Finger Lickin’ Good Sauce

Fast Food & Wine

I know what you’re thinking. Any restaurant that dares use the phrase “finger lickin’ good” is majorly cringey. This pairing worked and it worked best with the unfortunately named sauce (not pictured), as it offered a bit of creaminess, a bit of spice, and a bit of acidity that balanced out those same flavors in this delicious wine. When I had our team try this pairing, they had a hard time figuring out just what the sauce was all about. Cris said it was like a honey mustard sauce and Joy said it was reminiscent of a thousand island dressing. With no description for the sauce on KFC’s website, the true identity of the foul-named sauce remains a mystery. What we do know about it is that it pairs well with our Rosé and I guess that’s all that really matters.

C. Tarantino Cabernet Sauvignon & Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza

Fast Food & Wine

One of the things I love most about our C. Tarantino Cabernet is its gorgeous acidity. A wine that is as smooth and drinkable as this Cab deserves to be paired with a dish that is just as lovely. Taco Bell’s Mexican pizza really fit the bill for me. The fried tortillas, creamy refried beans, T. Bell’s mild sauce, the melted cheese, and those teeny, tiny tomatoes create a perfect pairing that simply balances the gorgeous acidity in the wine.

McGrail Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve -OR- James Vincent Cabernet Sauvignon & Foster’s Freeze’s Texas Toast Cheeseburger

Fast Food & Wine

Prior to this project, I think it had been a decade or so since the last time I had been to Foster’s Freeze. In all honesty, I didn’t even remember them having anything other than ice cream, so this sandwich was a surprise in itself. I was excited to try this burger because Texas toast is always good. The burger alone wasn’t as great as I had hoped, but I was surprised at how well it paired with these wines. The sandwich was big, buttery and toasty, which allowed it to work with these Cabs. I couldn’t pick a favorite between the Cab Reserve and the James Vincent with the burger, so I’m recommending both. Each wine does a great job of making the sandwich taste better.

McGrail Family Chardonnay & McDonald’s Apple Pie

Fast Food & Wine

Did you know McDonald’s has an apple pie? Not many people do. This warm, gooey, classic American pastry pairs effortlessly with our crisp, fruit-forward Chardonnay. The cinnamon, apple, and sweet vanilla in the pie matches each of those same notes in the wine. It’s a match made in apple heaven.

Colton’s Cabernet -OR- McGrail Malbec & In N Out Double-Double Cheeseburger with Grilled Onions

Fast Food & Wine

I wasn’t really sure what wine would work best with California’s favorite burger, so I tried more than one. The mixture of creaminess of the spread sauce and the cheese with the acid in the tomato and grilled onions made me think a big, bold Cab might not be the perfect match for this choice cheeseburger. It turns out our old-world-style Colton’s Cabernet and our Malbec are proper companions for the burger, so I’ve recommended both to go alongside it.

Fast Food & Wine

Austin James Cabernet Sauvignon & Taco Bell’s Beefy Fritos Burrito

Fast Food & Wine

As any of our staff will tell you, Taco Bell is a favorite at McGrail. It’s the cuisine we most commonly crave and are quick to devour on crazy Saturday afternoons at the winery. Like the regular bean and cheese burrito, a staple in the diet of most McGrailians, the Beefy Fritos Burrito also contains the creamy refried beans and cheese and yummy mild sauce. Unlike the regular burrito, this one contains salty, crunchy Fritos chips and the ever-tasty, but undistinguishable Taco Bell beef. The saltiness, boldness, and acid of this burrito tap into all the best parts of our Austin James Cabernet, making it a truly terrific Taco Bell pairing.

McGrail Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve & Habit Burger’s Garden Burger

Fast Food & Wine

I really wasn’t sure what wine would work with this burger, but I knew I wanted to include at least one vegan/vegetarian burger. The plant-based patty was surprisingly bold enough to stand up to our Cab Reserve. The burger was actually really good and I was glad to find that this pairing worked as well as it did.

Kylie Ryan Rosé & Popeyes Cajun Fries

Anyone who knows anything about Cajun food knows that it is generally well seasoned and sometimes a little bit spicy; these fries refuse to be left out of this generalization. Like Jack in the Box’s curly fries, these Cajun fries are seasoned to perfection. The flavorful crunch on the outside is met with soft, luscious potato goodness on the inside. The creamy vanilla and slight effervescence in the Rosé tame the bite from seasoning and complements the starch from the potato very nicely.

McGrail Family Chardonnay & KFC’s Mac & Cheese

Fast Food & Wine

I’m someone who really loves mac and cheese. It might actually be one of my favorite foods, so I had pretty high hopes for this stuff. By itself, KFC’s mac and cheese was just alright. I think my standards may be more heavily weighted on cheesiness than they are on creaminess, and this dish definitely had more of the latter. It could’ve even just had an off day. I don’t know. However, I’m glad to say it paired just right with our Charlie Rae Chardonnay, 100% of which goes through malolactic fermentation, making it super creamy and buttery. Each matches the other’s elite level of creaminess, which is why this works so well.

Shamus Patrick Red Blend -OR- Malbec & Jack in the Box Tacos

Other than the shredded lettuce and orange-colored oil that permeates through both the shell of the taco and the sleeve in which it comes, I don’t think anyone really knows what the heck is inside a Jack in the Box taco. I guess it doesn’t really matter what you’re eating when you’re devouring these greasy beasts at 2am after a night out. Perhaps this is the question that swiftly and steadily envelops my mind when I’m eating one of these beloved tacos sans four G&Ts. Anyway, it’s hard to hate on these tacos, even when you are stone-cold sober. Our Shamus Patrick Bordeaux style Red Blend is medium-bodied with beautiful acidity that complements whatever it is these tacos are made of. Our super drinkable Malbec works just as well, but is not pictured here. Yum.

Gracie Sparkling Brut & McDonald’s French Fries

McDonald’s has the best French fries. Don’t @ me. They’re crispy, crunchy, salty, and just perfectly greasy. The starch in the potatoes meshes well with the yeast in the method de champenoise Sparkling Brut. Though it’s simple and maybe boring to some, this pairing is easy, classic, and it just works.

Sláinte Red Blend -OR- A Jó Élet, “the Good Life,” Cabernet Sauvignon & Foster’s Freeze’s Chili Burger with Cheese

As I mentioned before, I don’t think I had been to Foster’s Freeze in ten years prior to this project, so I was excited to try try this burger. I chose this chili burger because I figured it would be a safe bet—I think it’s really difficult to make bad chili and because as long as a chili is mild, the acidity will always work with the acidity in a good red wine. And of course I had to add cheese, because you can’t have chili without cheese, or at least I can’t. Anyway, this burger was actually pretty darn tasty and it seemed to really pair best with both our Sláinte Red Blend and our A Jó Élet, “the Good Life,” Cabernet Sauvignon (not pictured).

Peyton Paige Sauvignon Blanc & Wienerschnitzel’s Jalapeño Poppers

One of the most common pairing rules says that crisp blush wines and white wines, like Sauvignon Blanc, can and should be paired with spicy foods. Ten percent of our Sauvignon Blanc was fermented in neutral oak barrels, which lends this wine a creamy mouthfeel; this helps to tone down the spiciness from the jalapeño and meets the creaminess of the mozzarella inside these fried poppers. This is just a really nice partnership.

James Vincent Cabernet Sauvignon -OR- McGrail Cabernet Sauvignon & Habit Burger’s Char Burger

I actually think this was the first time I’ve ever had a Habit Burger burger and I’ve got to say this flame-grilled burger was perfection. I think the fact the burger was charred gave it a certain toasty-ness that allowed it to stand up to our big, delicious Cabs. Again, I couldn’t choose which one worked better, so I’m going to suggest pairing it with either the James Vincent Cabernet or the McGrail Cabernet Reserve. This was a really just well-rounded, classic pairing.

Charlie Rae Chardonnay & Popeyes Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Remember a few months ago when these spicy chicken sandwiches were all the craze? Like, people would be queued up for hours just to get their hands on one of these babies. Honestly, it was probably worth it. These sandwiches are incredible. The buns are so soft, buttery, and toasty. The chicken is crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. The spicy mayonnaise and pickles tie the sandwich together and it all tastes even better with our delightfully buttery Charlie Rae Chardonnay. This might be one of my favorite pairings ever.

What Didn’t Work:

Sláinte Red Blend & a Wienerschnitzel Corn Dog

I chose to try this pairing because I had read somewhere that corn dogs can be paired with a Grenache or lighter-bodied red wine. Even though Sláinte is our most delicate red wine, the flavors ultimately just clashed. When I brought the leftovers to the winery, our Assistant Winemaker suggested pairing the corn dog with a Chardonnay, which was definitely a more suitable pairing. I can also imagine the corn dog being great with our Gracie Sparkling Brut.

McGrail Malbec & Habit Burger’s Tri Tip Sandwich

I really wanted this one to work, but for some reason it just didn’t. I think this was not a compatible pairing because there was a creamy sort of sauce on the sandwich and a semi-sweet teriyaki sauce on the meat that didn’t agree with the Malbec. We also tried it with the Sláinte Red Blend and it was slightly better than with the Malbec, but I think some foods just aren’t good for pairing with wine. Still, I will say this was my first time trying this sandwich and it was SO GOOD. The ciabatta bread was buttered and crispy, the meat was super tender and moist, and the flavors of the entire sandwich combined perfectly. And, of course, the Malbec will forever be one of my favorites.

That’s All, Folks!

As always, please let us know if you try any of these pairings, if you come up with your own McGrail wine and fast food pairings. We’d love to hear from you!

Cheers and enjoy!

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All Wine and Food Pairing Recipes

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.

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Fast Food & Wine Pairings

A Jó Élet, “The Good Life,” Cabernet Sauvignon

Cast-Iron Skillet Chimichurri Rib Eye and “The Good Life” Cabernet Sauvignon
Gourmet Popcorn and Wine Pairings
A Jó Élet, “the Good Life,” Cabernet Sauvignon & Spiced Mexican Chocolate Almond Popcorn
Mini Beef Wellington & “the Good Life” Cabernet

Austin James Cabernet Sauvignon

BBQ Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs & Austin James
Herbs de Provence Seasoning for Austin James Wine and Food Pairing
Win Over Your Guests with These Super Bowl Appetizer & Wine Pairings
Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon Bites with Sriracha Horseradish Dipping Sauce and the 2016 Austin James Cabernet Sauvignon
Gourmet Popcorn and Wine Pairings
Austin James Cabernet Sauvignon & Smoked Paprika BBQ Bacon Popcorn

C. Tarantino Cabernet Sauvignon

Fresh Heirloom Tomato Gnocchi and C. Tarantino Cabernet Sauvignon
Win Over Your Guests with These Super Bowl Appetizer & Wine Pairings
Marinara & Ricotta Meatball Poppers on Toasted Garlic Bread with the 2016 C. Tarantino Cabernet Sauvignon
Gourmet Popcorn and Wine Pairings
C. Tarantino Cabernet Sauvignon & Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Popcorn
Jägerschnitzel and Jägersoße and C. Tarantino Cabernet

Charlie Rae Chardonnay

Pear Burrata Basil Flatbread & Charlie Rae Chardonnay
Bavarian Egg Noodles, Chicken Sausage, & Charlie Rae
Oscar-Worthy Wine & Hors d’oeuvre Pairings
2018 Charlie Rae Chardonnay and d’Anjou Pear White Balsamic and Butter Popcorn
Creamy Polenta and Spicy Shrimp with Charlie Rae Chardonnay
Gourmet Popcorn and Wine Pairings
Charlie Rae Chardonnay & Salted Caramel & Butterscotch Popcorn

Colton’s Cabernet Sauvignon

Herb Braised Short Ribs, Creamy Polenta, & 2018 Colton’s Cabernet
Gourmet Popcorn and Wine Pairings
Colton’s Cabernet & Herbs de Provence Asiago Popcorn

Gracie Sparkling Brut

Simple Grazing Boards & Gracie Sparkling Brut
Spicy Citrus Scallops & Sparkling OR Sauvignon Blanc
Summertime Grilled Fruit Spongecake & Sparkling
Gourmet Popcorn and Wine Pairings
Gracie Sparkling Brut & Orange Lavender Vanilla Honey Popcorn

James Vincent Cabernet Sauvignon

Blue Cheese Sauce, New York Steak, & James Vincent
Tri Tip Blue Cheese Salad & 2016 James Vincent Cabernet Sauvignon
Gourmet Popcorn and Wine Pairings
James Vincent Cabernet Sauvignon & Dark Chocolate Coconut Cashew Popcorn

Kylie Ryan Rosé

Spring-Inspired Citrus Salad & Rosé Pairing
Strawberry Basil Chicken & Kylie Ryan Rosé
Oscar-Worthy Wine & Hors d’oeuvre Pairings
2019 Kylie Ryan Rosé with Shrimp and Citrus Ceviche in Endive Spears
Gourmet Popcorn and Wine Pairings
Kylie Ryan Rosé & Classic Kettle Corn

Malbec, Lucky 8 Vineyard

Black Bean Burgers & Malbec
Pluot Blackberry Amaretto Pie & McGrail Malbec
Black and Blue Cheese Burgers and Malbec
Gourmet Popcorn and Wine Pairings
McGrail Malbec & Dark Chocolate Berry Popcorn

McGrail Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Garlic Balsamic Pork Tenderloin & 2016 McGrail Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Bistec Encebollado, Frijoles Cubanos, & 2015 McGrail Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Easy German Red Cabbage & McGrail Cab Reserve
Irish Beef and Potato Stew and McGrail Cabernet
Gourmet Popcorn and Wine Pairings
McGrail Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve & Black Pepper BellaVitano Popcorn

McGrail Clone 8 Cabernet Sauvignon

Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts & Clone 8 Cabernet
Gourmet Popcorn and Wine Pairings
McGrail Clone 8 Cabernet Sauvignon & Savory Sharp Cheddar Mustard Onion Thyme Popcorn

McGrail Clone 15 Cabernet Sauvignon

Gourmet Popcorn and Wine Pairings
McGrail Clone 15 Cabernet Sauvignon & Pomegranate Balsamic Aged Gouda Popcorn

McGrail Family Chardonnay

Hearty Gourmet Corn Chowder & Chardonnay
Prawns In Lemon White Wine Sauce & Chardonnay
Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole & Chardonnay
Win Over Your Guests with These Super Bowl Appetizer & Wine Pairings
Crispy Stuffed Parmesan Pesto Crimini Mushrooms Paired with the 2018 McGrail Family Chardonnay
Gourmet Popcorn and Wine Pairings
McGrail Family Chardonnay & Asian-Inspired Vegan “Chicken” Ramen Popcorn

McGrail Merlot, Picazo Vineyard

Easy Beefy Baby Bella Bites & McGrail Merlot
Tri Tip and 2015 McGrail Merlot, Picazo Vineyard
Gourmet Popcorn and Wine Pairings
McGrail Merlot & Truffle Sharp Cheddar Parmesan Popcorn

Patriot Cabernet Sauvignon

Independence Day Patriot Pairings
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Cabbage Skewers, Grilled Balsamic Parmesan Artichokes, & Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes & Rosemary Rib Eye & 2016 Patriot Cabernet
Gouda Balsamic Portobello Burgers & Patriot Cab
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Cabbage Skewers, Grilled Balsamic Parmesan Artichokes, & Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes & Rosemary Rib Eye & 2016 Patriot Cabernet
Cinco de Mayo Wine & Taco Pairings de “Guy Fieri”
Cheeseburger Tacos & 2016 Patriot Cabernet Sauvignon
Gourmet Popcorn and Wine Pairings
Patriot Cabernet Sauvignon & Brown Butter Dark Chocolate Toasted Hazelnut Popcorn

Peyton Paige Sauvignon Blanc

Spicy Asian-Inspired Pairings for 2019 Peyton Paige Sauvignon Blanc
Spicy Citrus Scallops & Sparkling OR Sauvignon Blanc
Cinco de Mayo Wine & Taco Pairings de “Guy Fieri”
Tequila Lime Tacos & 2019 Peyton Paige Sauvignon Blanc
Gourmet Popcorn and Wine Pairings
Peyton Paige Sauvignon Blanc & Hot Chili Lime Street Corn Popcorn

Shamus Patrick Red Blend

Mushroom Truffle Risotto & Shamus Patrick
Sweet & Savory Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork Sandwiches & Shamus Patrick Red Blend
Oscar-Worthy Wine & Hors d’oeuvre Pairings
2016 Shamus Patrick and Prosciutto Apple Balsamic Flatbread 
Gourmet Popcorn and Wine Pairings
Shamus Patrick Red Blend & Taco Popcorn

Sláinte Red Blend

Herb Focaccia & Linguica Flatbread & Sláinte Red Blend
Cinco de Mayo Wine & Taco Pairings de “Guy Fieri”
Sweet Slow-Cooked BBQ Chicken Mango-Apple Tacos & 2017 Slainte Red Blend
Gourmet Popcorn and Wine Pairings
Slainte Red Blend & Peanut Butter, Chocolate, & Potato Chip Popcorn

Timeless Cabernet Sauvignon

Grilled Beef Tagliata Over Arugula & Timeless Cab
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Herb Braised Short Ribs, Polenta, & Colton’s Cabernet

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. Though herbal notes were very strong in our first vintage of Colton’s Cab, each vintage following has been farmed more meticulously, reducing the amount of mint and eucalyptus we get from these grapes. Unlike our estate-grown Cabernets, it’s been aged for 18 months, rather than the 30 months our Cab Reserve, Patriot, Good Life, and James Vincent spend in oak, resulting in a wine that is less tannic and more approachable. Lastly, the clone of Cabernet Sauvignon, clone 30, is different from the clones 8 and 15 that are planted on our estate.

Still, the 2018 vintage of Colton’s Cabernet is unexpectedly big, but incredibly smooth, with muted herbal hints, making it perfect to pair with herb braised short ribs.

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Herb Braised Short Ribs

Herb Red Wine Braised Short Ribs and Creamy Polenta

Makes about 4 servings.

INGREDIENTS:

For the short ribs:

  • 3 lbs. bone-in beef short ribs
  • 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 large red onion
  • 1 1/2 tbsp. garlic, minced
  • 3 cups red wine
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 sprig fresh sagebrush
  • 1 sprig fresh mint
  • 2 bay laurel leaves
  • Optional: Extra sagebrush or rosemary sprigs to garnish

For the polenta:

  • 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal or polenta
  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Pepper to taste
Herb Braised Short Ribs

DIRECTIONS:

For the short ribs:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Remove all racks from oven except for one and place it in the lower third of oven.
  2. Brush short rubs with oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high. Add each short rib, leaving space between them. Sear each short rib, allowing them to really brown. Turn short ribs on each side, until all sides are browned, about fifteen minutes in total.
  4. Once short ribs have been seared, turn the heat to medium, add onion and garlic around short ribs, and cook until soft, about five minutes.
  5. Add red wine and bring to a simmer.
  6. Add herbs, cover, and place in oven. Braise short ribs in oven until meat is tender and falling off the bone, about two to two and a half hours.
  7. Allow meat to rest in covered pan for twenty minutes prior to serving.
  8. Rest the meat. When the meat is done, rest in a covered pan for 20 minutes before serving. Serve by gently tugging the chunks of meat away from the bone and spooning the saucy onions over top.
  9. Serve in a bowl or on plate with the creamy polenta, garnish with an extra herb sprig, and pair with our 2018 Colton’s Cabernet Sauvignon!
Herb Braised Short Ribs

For the polenta:

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring salt and 4 cups water to a boil. Slowly and steadily add polenta or cornmeal, whisking constantly. Continue to whisk 2 minutes after all polenta has been added. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, whisking occasionally. Remove from heat. Add butter, cheese, and one of the minced garlic cloves, then season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
  2. Serve in a bowl or on plate with the braised short ribs, garnish with an extra herb sprig, and pair with our 2018 Colton’s Cabernet Sauvignon!
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I hope I’ve inspired you to grab your Dutch oven and make this tasty pairing at home! Please let us know if you do make these short ribs and if you have any feedback. We’d love to hear from you!

Cheers and enjoy!

Tri Tip and 2015 McGrail Merlot, Picazo Vineyard

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 of our Cabernets–big and delicious! This Merlot drinks like a Cab, but still has the Merlot characteristics that you can’t get from a Cabernet. Having been aged in a combination of new and experienced French oak, our Merlot has those rich, silky smooth tannins you’d expect from a gorgeous French oak barrel and is still big enough to stand up to a steak dinner. This wine tastes like luxury to me, but is still humble enough to be enjoyed on spring day, in both its price point and its drinkability.

I love our Merlot with a lean, but flavorful tri tip that can easily be thrown on the grill. Using a savory rub, work some spice and umami into your meat so the mouthfeel matches that of our Merlot. Enjoy it with an easy tomato, avocado, and corn salad, soft, buttery potatoes, and our 2015 McGrail Merlot for a full-on tasty summertime meal!

Easy Grilled Tri Tip

Makes about 8 servings.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 lbs. tri tip, silver skin removed
  • salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
  • 3 tbsp. meat rub of choice (I used Five Marys Spice Seasoning Rub)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Season tri tip with rub of choice and allow to sit for at least one hour. Work rub into meat.
  2. Heat grill on high. Liberally season tri tip with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Sear tri tip on each side for 6-8 minutes. Lower heat to low and flip meat over. Cook for 8-10 minutes on each side. Meat will be ready when the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat has reached 130 degrees F. Allow meat to rest for 10-20 minutes, then slice against the grain.
  4. Store remaining tri tip in an airtight container for up to one week after preparing.
  5. Enjoy with a bottle of 2015 McGrail Merlot, Picazo Vineyard!

Simple Grazing Boards & Gracie Sparkling Brut

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 at a party, or at home, just because you want a snack. Since I’ve been in charge of overseeing several McGrail winery events, I’ve also been the creator of nearly every cheeseboard or crudité platter our winery events have seen. That’s a lot of charcuterie for one girl to make! With this experience, I’d say I have a pretty good grasp on what it takes to make a respectable grazing board. I’ve come up with some easy-to-follow steps, which are listed below, to make your own Insta-worthy grazing board at home.

  1. Find a pretty plate, platter, board, or tray to use. It can be old or it can be new, but it should be pretty. Make sure it’s the right size. How many people will be enjoying your masterpiece? Make sure it’s clean. Wash it if you need to.
  2. Consider your main components–cheese, meat, fresh fruit, fresh veggies, nuts, crackers, olives, dried fruits, dips, jams, herbs, etc. Try to choose ingredients that are colorful. Rainbow carrots, mini heirloom tomatoes, sweet peppers, and various colorful fruits are some of my favorite munchies to use. When you choose ingredients that are naturally colorful, your board will be both more visually appealing and more nutritious.
  3. Also think about how your guests will be eating each component–with their hands, with a toothpick, etc. Will they need mini tongs to pick up each piece? Will they need somewhere to dispose of toothpicks or rinds? Will you be providing snack plates or napkins? Your guests will likely need something to cut the cheese wedges with. Make sure you have one knife available for each type of cheese that needs to be cut.
  4. Start by placing your larger pieces on the board first. Larger, stickier items, like cheese wedges should be placed around the outer edges of the board. This is helpful for keeping smaller snacks, like nuts or berries, from falling off the sides of your board. Dips, jams, and sauces in small bowls or saucers should also be placed on the board first, but should go in the center of the board to reduce risk of falling off. Hummus is always great to have with veggies.
  5. Separate similar colors and similar ingredients. Separating your colors will up the “wow” factor of your board, because it makes it appear more colorful. If you have red cherries and strawberries, put one on one side of the board and one on the opposite side of the board. Although certain components should be separated, do not just simply put a handful of each thing on the board. The placement should look organic, not careless. Some placements should be triangular, some should be long and skinny, and some should be funky.
  6. Make the board as full as possible. The more you have on the board, the prettier it will be! It will need to be fuller in the center and more sparse on the edges. You can use other fixings as support for smaller ingredients. Stack your blueberries as high as you can. It’s okay if they’re overflowing onto a cheese wedge.
  7. Get creative with your components. Each part doesn’t just have to be one ingredient. One thing I like to do is chop up apples, squeeze lemon over them, drizzle honey on top, and sprinkle a bit of blue cheese over the honey. Or, cut some mozzarella into small pieces, add a dollop of pesto or a basil leaf and a mini tomato, and stick a toothpick through it for a mini caprese salad.
  8. Cut up fruits or veggies that have seeds or pits or that would be cumbersome to eat whole. Bell peppers should be seeded and sliced into sticks, because just straight up eating a whole bell pepper would feel ridiculous and messy. Watermelons and oranges should be sliced, with the skins left on to make eating them easier. Don’t forget some fruits, like apples and pears should be squeezed with lemon once sliced and seeded to keep them from turning brown!
  9. Create patterns or artwork by manipulating certain ingredients. Salami can be folded into quarters and bunched together for a unique look. The tips of strawberries can be cut and worked to look like roses. Make it interesting to look at and to eat.
  10. Lastly, add some fun herbs or edible flowers as a garnish. This can contribute some serious pop to the board. A few sprigs of rosemary is a lovely and easy way to class up the board.
  11. Enjoy with some Gracie Sparkling Brut!

Though nearly every wine can be enjoyed with a grazing board, not every grazing board should be enjoyed with every wine. It’s a rule in the wine world that most food can be enjoyed with sparkling wine due to its versatility, which is why I have chosen to pair our Gracie Brut with an equally stunning grazing board.

Based on my experience, here are foods I recommend using on a grazing board to enjoy alongside Gracie:

  • Jarlsberg cheese
  • Asiago cheese
  • Mozarella, tomato, and pesto bites
  • Pita crackers
  • Bruschetta
  • Herb focaccia bread
  • Balsamic basil Triscuit crackers
  • Pistachios
  • Almonds
  • Cashews
  • Blackberries
  • Raspberries
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Honeycrisp apple
  • Granny smith apple
  • Dried apricots

I hope I’ve inspired you to create your own fun, summertime grazing boards at home! Please let us know if you do. We’d love to hear from you!

Cheers and enjoy!

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