Showing posts with label wine and food pairing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wine and food pairing. Show all posts

Friday, February 6, 2015

Vino in the Valley food and wine pairings announced.

Below are the food and wine pairings that passport holders will receive during our annual March passport event, now known as Vino in the Valley.

Just a reminder that food and wine pairings are SAMPLES only. They are just meant to be tastings, not a meal, so please expect them to be small.

Amore –
Week 1 – Beef Stroganoff with bow tie pasta paired with Cabaret Amore
Week 2 – Tortellini in a sundried tomato and basil sauce paired with Chambourcin
Week 3 – Chicken Marsala medallions served over wild rice paired with Vidal
Week 4 – Chicken medallions and pasta Florentine, roasted red peppers artichokes and mushrooms in a light garlic wine sauce paired with Chardonnay

Big Creek – the Pocono-based winery will offer Potage Crecy as its pairing for the first three weekends. On the final weekend they will feature Lisa’s red velvet cake.
For dry wine lovers, Seyval or Marechal Foch are recommended pairings. For sweet wine devotees, Dulcinea is the suggested match.

Blue Mountain –
3/7 – Italian Pulled pork sliders by Giovanni Gourmet Italian Catering paired with Cabernet Sauvignon. Spice cake paired with Mountain Spice.
3/8 – Italian Pulled pork sliders paired by Giovanni Gourmet Italian Catering paired with Cabernet Sauvignon. Spice cake paired with Mountain Spice.
3/14 – Chicken and pasta with lemon sauce by Fenstermaker Catering paired with Chardonnay Reserve. Dark chocolate by Sweet Finesse paired with Victoria’s Passion. Rothschild Farms sampling from 11 am – 2:30 p.m.
3/15 – Chicken and pasta with lemon sauce by Fenstermaker Catering paired with Chardonnay Reserve. White chocolate fondue paired with Late Harvest Vidal Blanc.
3/21 – Bowtie pasta w/Alfredo pancetta, peas and sundried tomato by Giovanni Gourmet Italian Catering paired with naked Chardonnay. Dark chocolate by Sweet Finesse paired with Victoria’s Passion.
3/22 – Bowtie pasta w/Alfredo pancetta, peas and sundried tomato by Giovanni Gourmet Italian Catering paired with naked Chardonnay. White chocolate fondue paired with Late Harvest Vidal Blanc.
3/28 and 29 – Beef Bourguignon paired with Cabernet Sauvignon. Chocolate cake paired with Victoria’s Passion or Merlot.

Clover Hill –
Weeks 1 and 2:
Aleppo pepper taco with shaved cabbage and vinaigrette paired with Vidal Blanc.
Spiced apple crepe with whipped topping paired with Vignoles.
Weeks 3 and 4:
Sweet Thai turkey marinated skewer paired with Riesling.
Bumble-berry pie w/oat topping paired with DeChaunac.
The winery will also have a vegan option available upon request.

Franklin Hill – Signature dishes prepared by Social Still in South Side Bethlehem:
Week 1: Three bean chili paired with Evanswood.
Week 2: Penne pasta with a lemon white wine sauce paired with Chardonnay.
Week 3: Butternut squash soup topped with toasted curried pumpkin seeds and maple syrup paired with Chardonnay. *Souper Bowl VI “Best Vegetarian Soup” Winner at SteelStacks.
Week 4: Farfalle pasta with beef ragu paired with Evanswood.

Galen Glen – will offer Voodoo ravioli handmade by Fasta & Ravioli Co. (a PA Preferred company from State College). Fasta’s  signature ravioli brings together andouille sausage, shrimp, grits, and smoked Gouda.
The featured wine will be Riesling, dry or half-dry, a perfect match with the rich meld of flavors in the ravioli.

Pinnacle Ridge – the Kutztown winery is using the concept of a trip inspired by the culinary traditions of different wine-producing regions.
Weekend 1: March 7 and 8: Spain: “Ven con nosotros!”
A culinary adventure inspired by Spanish Cavas and that region’s abundance of fresh seafood, this weekend will feature Chef Adam Gluskin’s Spanish Shrimp and Rice dish – a tangy arrangement of saffron and citrus Spanish rice adorned with baby shrimp and fresh cilantro. It will be paired with a choice of one of their own sparkling wines, the Blanc de Blanc and the newly released Brut Rosé.
Weekend 2: March 14 and 15: France: “Magnez bien”
Mangez bien, French for “eat-well,” this weekend, will feature a mushroom Bourginion, prepared by Chef Dominick Smorto. This vegetarian take on the classic French beef stew is made with fresh herbs and wild mushrooms in a rich vegetable broth. They will pair this warm French dish with classic French varietals including the newly released 2014 Naked Chardonnay and 2012 Pinot Noir.
Weekend 3: March 21 and 22: Italy: “Salute”
A vegetarian approach will be taken to one of everyone’s favorite dish – lasagna – made with al dente pasta teamed with a creamy béchamel, and garnished with a basil chiffonade. It will be paired with the newly released 2013 Merlot and 2013 Quaff.
Weekend 4: March 28 and 29: Germany/Kutztown: “Ein Prosit!”
The winery will complete the event by featuring locally sourced bratwurst from nearby Dietrich’s Meats. It will be braised in a crisp and refreshing Dry Riesling and then pan seared to lock in the flavor and served with caramelized onions on a pretzel chip with some tangy, spicy mustard. They will serve it with classic German-inspired, newly released 2014 Rieslings to provide both a dry and semi-sweet option.

Tolino – will offer wines paired with four different samples of four courses of an Italian meal each weekend in March. The Bangor winery is partnering with J. DeFranco and Daughters catering to offer sample-sized portions.
March 7 and 8 – ricotta, Gorgonzola, honey and apple crostini paired with 2012 Pinot Grigio.
March 14 and 15 – red pasta fagioli soup with 2012 Papa’s Red
March 21 and 22 – chicken tetrazzini paired with 2013 Vidal Blanc
March 28 and 29 – dark chocolate cherry biscotti with 2013 Cabernet Franc.
 A make your own sangria bar will be available in the tank room where customers can choose the fruit and Tolino pours the wine. Each Saturday during Vino in the Valley they will be also offer live music from 1-3 p.m. highlighting artists who will be a part of its summer music series starting in May and running through October.

Vynecrest – will feature award-winning cheese from September Farms, a cheese maker from the Lancaster County area, every weekend in March.
Weeks 1 and 2 – September Farms smoked Gouda mac and cheese – the ultimate in comfort food. Experience the flavors of this signature dish with all of its smoky, creamy, cheesy texture paired with their estate-bottled 2013 Chambourcin.
Weeks 3 and 4 – September Farms hand-made lemon cheese tarts that are a sweet and tart lemon cheese cheesecake with a jolt of zest, paired along with their 2013 Blueberry wine.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Harvest 2014 winds down at Clover Hill


For 39 years, we have eagerly awaited harvest, the culmination of our work in the vineyard. During those 39 harvests we have witnessed all sorts of weather - rain, drought, hurricanes, thunderstorms, windstorms - but this year fickle Mother Nature has been kind.

The vineyards came through a very cold winter without any major issues. Spring and summer, though seeming cool, were actually normal with enough rain when needed and temperatures warm but not excessively hot.

The weather during harvest has been perfect - stretches of dry, sunny days with enough rain when needed. The vineyard predators, particularly the starlings, have been kept at bay thanks to netting all the red grapes.

The grape varieties still on the vines are the reds - Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Chambourcin. Soon the 2014 harvest will be history. In the meantime, here's hoping for a little more sunshine and warmth to bring it all together for the reds.

Harvest is a great time to visit Clover Hill. Enjoy a glass of wine outside on the patio... and watch us work. Additionally we have a number of fun specials and upcoming events during October. Keep reading for more details. Hope to see you at the winery. - Pat Skrip

Please note: If you are traveling to the winery in Breinigsville, Schantz Road will be partially closed until July 2015. Click here for available detours.

Owner’s Selection for October 
Turtle Rock Red is a flagship wine for Clover Hill Winery. It is produced 100% from Chambourcin, the grape of the Lehigh Valley. The deep purple color, fresh berry flavors, a hint of sweetness and a touch of acidity are characteristics of this wine. This wine pairs nicely with grilled salmon & spicy chili. (Find recipes here.) Now only $12.15.

Wine and Food Pairing 
Boscov’s Fairgrounds Farmer's Market
October 16th - 18th

Stop in the Clover Hill Wine Shop at the Boscovs’ Fairgrounds Farmer's Market anytime during this week for a sampling of a Wicked Turtle made with our Turtle Rock Red. Recipes will be available.

Pumpkin Carving Contest
The Winery in Breinigsville
Entries must be received by October 17. Judging takes place October 18 and 19

How to enter: Carve a pumpkin and deliver it to the Winery in Breinigsville on October 15, 16 or 17 between 10 am - 5:30 pm. Must be 21 to enter.

The Judging: All pumpkins will be on display during Chambourcin Weekend, October 18 and 19 at the Winery in Breinigsville. Visitors at the Winery will be encouraged to vote for their favorite carved pumpkins with any spare change. The pumpkins’ change will be counted on Sunday, October 19 at 4 pm. Winners will be announced at 4:30 pm. All money raised will be donated to Angel 34; a national organization united in the fight against childhood cancer and dedicated to finding a cure.

The Winners:    

  • 1st Place ~ $200 Clover Hill gift card
  • 2nd Place ~ $75 Clover Hill gift card
  • 3rd Place ~ $50 Clover Hill gift card
  • All contestants will receive a free Clover Hill t-shirt for entering. 

Thursday, October 2, 2014

LOCAL WINERIES TO CELEBRATE THE OFFICIAL WINE GRAPE OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY DURING CHAMBOURCIN WEEKEND EVENT

The nine locally-owned and operated wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will introduce wine lovers to the region’s official wine grape during Chambourcin Weekend on Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19.  

Chambourcin is the only wine grape that is grown by all nine wineries. In the greater Lehigh Valley, there are more than 40 acres of Chambourcin that ferments into approximately 150,000 bottles of wine. Chambourcin is very versatile and the wineries craft it into several styles of wine including Nouveau, Rosé, Semi- Sweet, Sweet, Dry Barrel Aged, Sparkling and Port.

Each winery will feature its own activities such as wine tastings, live entertainment, vineyard tours, or food and wine pairings (see detailed list below). Event hours at all of the wineries are Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon – 5 p.m. Chambourcin Weekend is a free event, however some wineries charge for wine tastings.

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is a non-profit organization of wineries whose mission is to promote agri-tourism and to create a premiere wine destination and grape growing region while promoting Pennsylvania wines from the region. All of the member wineries have won numerous awards at state, national and international levels.

For more information on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail visit www.LehighValleyWineTrail.com.


CHAMBOURCIN WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS

Amore will pair beef ravioli with two styles of Chambourcin. Also, there will be family fun with hay rides to the pumpkin patch, a corn maze, puzzle woods, straw pit with swings, and an array of fall fruits, vegetables and decorations for sale.

Big Creek will offer a taste of Milli's Famous Chili.

Blue Mountain - Celebrate Chambourcin Weekend, the grape known as the "Jewel of the Lehigh Valley" starting with a Chili Contest at noon on October 18. Have lunch and judge the chilis while enjoying live acoustic entertainment with Adam Motto. Think your chili is the best? Call 610-298-3068 to enter your chili (details will be provided when you call).

On Sunday, October 19, enjoy Sunday Blues with Billy Patrick from 2-5 pm ($5 admission includes tasting. Reservations are preferred.). It's also the Open Gate County Farm Tour on Sunday. There will be crafts available for the children and guided tours with the winemaker from noon – 5 pm, every half-hour on the hour.

Clover Hill will feature hourly wine and food pairing seminars at noon, 1, 2, 3, and 4 pm both days. Join them in sampling an assortment of foods perfectly paired with our 2012 Chambourcin and Turtle Rock Red (100% Chambourcin). Reservations are required for groups of 12+. Seminars will last approximately 20 minutes and samples are included.

Franklin Hill - Enjoy the beautiful colors and fresh crisp air of fall at their outdoor mulled wine bar. Wrap your hands around a glass of simmered and spiced wine on their deck while warming up with a bowl of chili from The Widow’s Tavern in Stockertown.  As always, complimentary wine tastings will be available in the tasting room. Tours of the facility will be offered at noon and 2 pm both days.  

Galen Glen - Join Galen Glen us as they commemorate the wines fermented from the Chambourcin grape. Enjoy a complimentary pairing of the 2014 Chili Contest Winner, Todd Keller’s recipe, with your choice of Chambourcin or Cellar Red. The recipe will be available so customers can recreate this winning recipe at home. Do you make a great chili? Throw your hat into the ring of fire and ask for an application to enter our Second Annual Chili Cook Off to be held in January 2015.  Information will be available at the winery during Chambourcin Weekend.

Pinnacle Ridge will feature a rich portabella mushroom stew made with a Chambourcin-based stock with your choice of their award-winning 2012 Chambourcin OR their newly-released 2013 Sweet Seduction.

Tolino will have live music from 1 to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday by Tom Vicario. They will offer tours of the vineyard at 2 and 4 pm. They will pair their Chambourcin with cheese from Klein’s Farm in Easton and will also offer small plates of Klein’s cheeses and crackers for sale.
  
Vynecrest will pair their 2013 Chambourcin estate-grown wine with wild rice and chickpea salad. This healthy big grain and bean-filled salad is made by Hereford Country Store at the Macungie Farmers Market.

In addition, the wine of the month for October is First Blush (10% off). During October, they will be donating to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition $1 for every bottle of First Blush sold.


Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Five new wine releases greet spring at Vynecrest

New Releases
2013 Blueberry
2013 Autumn Gold
2013 Bear Naked Chardonnay
2013 First Blush
2013 DiVyne Red

March Specials 
* Wine of the Month - Chardonnay, additional 10% off
* 3 Pack of the Month - three semi-sweet Riesling for $30

*available at winery only, 3 pack cannot be combined with other offers

March - Lehigh Valley Wine Trail March Passport Program

There are a few passports available for sale at Blue Mountain Vineyards for the last two weekends of the March Passport Program. The winery will be open for tastings but all food pairings are exclusively for passport holders.

When you arrive for your food and wine pairing, head downstairs to they Vyneskeller to have your passport stamped and get your food pairing. And don't forget to collect your gift - a slate beverage coster with our winery logo on it.

Week 3 & 4 Pairing: Chipotle Pulled Pork Sliders with Provolone Cheese on slider rolls paired with Traminette White Wine.

Glass Half Empty
Cellar update, by Malachi Duffy

The 2013 wines are starting to roll out. We have bottled and released Bear Naked Chardonnay, Blueberry, Autumn Gold, First Blush & DiVyne Red. The next wines to be bottled are Vignoles and Traminette.

This past week we put together the final blends of our dry reds. Everything tastes great so far. We will need to put some finishing touches on them before they are able to be bottled and released.

Along with Chambourcin, Lemberger and Pinot Noir, we blended a new dry red. We are aging this to-be-named wine in American oak barrels. It will likely not be available until the fall at the earliest. It is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc (predominantly Merlot). We aren't going to call it Merlot because we don't want to be forced to have 75% Merlot in it every year (by law, a varietal wine must contain 75% of the variety on the label). The goal with this wine is to make the best red blend our vineyard can produce for that vintage. This is an exciting wine and I look forward to monitoring (tasting) its progression in the cellar.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Taste the first vintages of the recent harvest during Nouveau Weekend


The eight wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will debut the first vintages from the most recent harvest Saturday, November 17 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday, November 18 from noon – 5 p.m. during the annual Nouveau Weekend event. 

Wineries will feature food and wine pairings for visitors to sample. This is the last Wine Trail event for 2012.

March Madness 2012 passports will also go on sale this weekend at each winery. The limited-supply passports are $35 each.

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is a non-profit organization of wineries whose mission is to promote agri-tourism and to create a premiere wine destination and grape growing region while promoting Pennsylvania wines from the region. All of the member wineries have won numerous awards at state, national and international levels.