Every so often, we like to take a look at what types of food wineries are serving at their tasting rooms to accompany their wines.
After all, winery owners have a vested interest in making their wines look good. That means the food pairings they select must be enjoyable.
Of course, the menus may change as the vintages change — which means there are always new pairings to discover.
In California’s North Coast wine country, a number of estates take food-and-wine pairing seriously. That means they make great destinations for foodies.
In alphabetical order, here are four such wineries:
- Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery — The Estate Luncheon experience begins with a driving tour around the estate. Guests then arrive at the Pavilion, a magnificent conservatory offering panoramic views of the Chalk Hill valley. There, a decadent meal is expertly paired with Chalk Hill wines, along with many fresh foods from the culinary garden, prepared by the estate chef.
Monday through Friday. 707-933-3314.
- Jordan Vineyard & Winery — The Estate Tour and Tasting includes a guided wine tour of Jordan’s breathtaking vineyards, scenic vistas, chef’s garden and more. Guests ride in style to remote destinations where they explore Sonoma County wine and food in the countryside where they’re grown, enjoying tastings of current release Russian River Valley Chardonnay and Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, special vintage selections, Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil and an array of food pairing delicacies from Jordan’s chef.
Thursday through Monday, May through October, weather permitting. 800-654-1213.
- Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates & Gardens — Three culinary experiences are available on a regular basis: 1. Reserve Wine and Food Pairing; 2. Wine and Cheese Pairing; 3. Wine and Chocolate Pairing.
707-576-3810.
- Lambert Bridge Winery — Available by reservation for groups of 10 or fewer, Food & Wine Pairings includes a flight of exclusive wines presented with gourmet food pairings specially prepared by Chef Bruce Riezenman. Guests may reserve a table in the candle-lit barrel room or an intimate stone-walled private VIP room.
707-431-4675.
