deck the holiday sangria

This is a great drink to pre-mix before a holiday get together. You can make it up to a day in advance, but if you need to make it the same day let it chill for at least 4 hours prior to serving.

• simple syrup (made with 1 cup sugar & 1 cup water cooked until completely dissolved & slightly reduced)
• orange peel from 1 orange
• juice from 1 orange 
• 2 cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger

1) Make simple syrup. 2) Add remaing ingredients above. 3) Bring to a slight boil and then reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes. 4) Remove the orange peel, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. 5) Add a bottle of red wine (fruity Pinot Noir or Merlot). 6) Mix thoroughly and add to a pitcher with chopped pears and apples and whole blackberries. 7) Cover to chill (minimum 4 hours, up to 1 day prior). Cheers!

Perfect for the season - Mulled wine

When the holiday parties and entertaining starts, nothing smells better or warms the soul more than mulled wine. Traditional mulled wine is a warmed wine that has been sweetened with sugar, citrus and spices. This simple recipe would be perfect for the start of the holiday season - made ahead of time to get the inspiring aroma throughout the festivities.

What you need:

Two bottles of red wine
3 oranges sliced in rounds and then halved

1 lemon sliced in rounds and then halved
1/2 cup brandy
10 cloves
1 to 1 1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
5 cinnamon sticks
3 tsp grated ginger

Combine wine, citrus, vanilla, brandy & sugar in a large pot on medium heat. Do not boil and stir often to ensure the ingredients dissolve. Once dissolved, add the spices (preferably tied in a cheesecloth bag) and cook on low for 30-45 minutes. Serve in mugs and enjoy!

you can't fully enjoy burrata without it

We were working late and decided to whip up a little Burrata and Prosciutto appetizer with English Peas and Parmigiano-Reggiano. It was, well, superb, but only becuase it was complimented perfectly with a little italian Pinot Bianco.

Bottles labeled Pinot Blanc or Pinot Bianco in Italy offer fruity aromas, often of apple, citrus fruit, and floral characteristics. Bottles that are varietally pure, although more difficult to find, provide stronger floral characteristics and stone fruits. Regardless of their exact composition, most wines under the label 'Pinot Blanc' are rather high in acidity and are vinified in tank, though more prestigious examples are fermented in large, 100% used oak barrels. Pinot blanc wines are usually made for immediate consumption and seldom meant for cellaring. So drink your Pinot Bianco now, not later!

If you would like the recipe or some pairing ideas for this incredibly flavorful appetizer, please post your interest and we'll write a follow up post for you.

Pairing Wine with Brie

Most often made from raw or pasteurized, whole or skim cow's milk, Brie is French in origin. It's characterized by its soft, creamy texture and a thin, edible rind. Flavor-wise, Brie is somewhat buttery and slightly sweet. Be sure to eat at the peak of ripeness to take advantage of its best flavors.

Wine Recommendations

Champagne and Sparkling Wines: Authentic versions of Champagne are made in Champagne, France, but other areas make it as well. Try Veuve Clicquot Champagne from France, Freixenet Cava from Spain, or Domaine Carneros Brut from California.