wine

How to Celebrate Spring Sustainably: Food and Wine Pairing Edition

Of all the seasons, I probably look forward to spring the most. After a long, cold winter spring feels like an impossible dream that might as well be years away. But invariably, when I hear the server say “today we have an asparagus special,” there I am - ready, waiting, with an open mouth for springs abundance. Because while spring brings with it some of my favorite seasonal produce, it also ushers in the years best wine pairings. 

If you subscribe to the notion of “what grows together, goes together,” you know exactly what I mean. And if you don’t, let me explain. This concept, born out of the great wine regions of the world, explains that the wines of particular regions tend to pair best with the native foods. Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Goat Cheese, Chianti and Wild Boar Ragu, Comte and Bordeaux. Here in California, where we grow not only an abundance of produce but also a wide variety of wine-grapes, it’s no surprise that the old “What Grows Together Goes Together” adage rings especially true. But with such an array of choices, it often feels like spring is our true “moment to shine,” and your opportunity to take advantage of all the state has to offer. Which means not only are you eating and drinking deliciously, you’re also doing it sustainably by shopping locally and in season. 

Best of all, with California being the leader in sustainable winegrowing, you can easily keep spring “green” by shopping for California Certified Sustainable wines. These wines not only represent some of the best California has to offer when it comes to environmentally farming processes, but also ensures that vineyards and wineries are doing their part when it comes to the social equity of their employees and community. Look for the California Certified Sustainable Logo on the bottle in store, or check out the full list of certified vineyards, wineries, and wines here.

So how can you best take advantage of springs bounty and all the delicious wines that go with it? Here are a few of my favorite spring wine and food pairings.

Fresh California Goat Cheese & Asparagus with Sauvignon Blanc

With it’s notoriously bitter profile, asparagus is a favorite of chefs and public enemy number one for sommeliers. Because while asparagus may have a limited pool of pair-able partners, it’s no match for our sun-kissed California Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity of the grape and citrus profile gives the asparagus that always welcome squeeze of lemon, while the ripeness of those flavors helps to keep the bitterness at bay without overwhelming. Plus, asparagus pairs beautifully with Sauvignon Blanc’s other favorite food - fresh goat cheese. This classic pairing, born out of the Loire Valley in France, doesn’t seem like an obvious choice at first glance. But trust me when I say it’s magic. The high acidity of both the goat cheese and the Sauvignon Blanc are perfectly complimentary, but what I love the most is how the creaminess of the cheese works so well with some of those more tropical flavors of the wine. 

I suggest bringing them together with this Bruschetta with Warm Goat Cheese, Roasted Asparagus, and Pistachio Pesto recipe from Discover California Wines which is the perfect vegetarian-friendly brunch dish.  And you can be extra-sustainable by not only grabbing a California Sauvignon Blanc to pair, but also by looking for one of many great California cheese purveyors we have to choose from.

Avocados and Viognier

Unlike it’s spring counterpart asparagus, avocados actually work with many different white wines - it all depends on the preparation. My favorite avocados, much like I’m sure is this case with you favorite, are the creamiest ones that only require the gentle touch of a spoon to coerce from its shell to my mouth. And while often that is the trajectory of an avocado’s life in my household, I do from time to time like to play around with how it’s prepared. The key here is texture, and I fully intend on highlighting that no matter the preparation. Viognier is one of my favorite ways to do that with it’s slightly oily and viscous mouthfeel, lush fruit, and fresh acidity to make it almost like you’re adding a little olive oil and lemon juice to the equation. You can find Viognier all over the state with expressions leaning more lean and bright coming from Mendocino, Amador, and Anderson Valley to down in the land of Rhone Varieties in Paso Robles where they really lean into the richness of the grape. The choice is yours.

Swirl that Viognier, and choose from any of these delicious recipes from California Grown. One of my favorites is this deceptively simple Salmon Avocado Stack which will undoubtedly make you feel like you’ve turned your home into a Michelin-starred restaurant without the heavy lifting. 

Cherries and Pinot Noir

Sometimes wines want to be contrasted, and other times complimented. With Pinot Noir, I’m partial to the compliment and with six different varieties of California cherries coming into season from April through June, it won’t be hard to do. Despite the fact that Pinot Noir is one of the most terroir-specific grapes on the planet, there’s one thing you can always expect to find in the glass pretty much no matter where you farm it - cherries. All up and down the coast of California you can find exquisite examples of Pinot Noir ranging from juicy and succulent like in the Russian River Valley to more salty and umami in Santa Barbara. 

The grape produces a light-bodied red wine that’s easy to pair with lot’s of dishes, but since Pinot Noir also happens to love being paired with pork I’m partial to this Cocoa-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Salsa from Aida Mollenkamp at Salt & Wind.

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Girls Trip in Napa Valley: The Perfect Itinerary

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Group size, budget, vibes, and of course - great wine! All considerations that have to be made when planning a girls trip or bachelorette party in Napa Valley.

As always, there are some things to know before visiting Napa Valley all of which can be found here in this blog post.

If i’m being honest, my first choice would not be Napa for a Bachelorette - Paso Robles, Sonoma, and Santa Barbara would be higher on my list for affordability and overall group friendliness. But I know for a lot of you theres no place like Napa and I respect that. I live here - I agree. Its pretty amazing.

So with considerations for all of the above here is my complete itinerary for a Napa Valley Girls Trip / Bachelorette Party:

Check-In: Andaz Hotel

You’re going to check into the Andaz Hotel in Downtown Napa. This is a newer boutique hotel from the Hyatt collection with a fun rooftop, a great location, and relatively reasonable prices. Plus being a part of Hyatt, those who have points can cash them in! Downtown Napa is a vibrant happening scene with tons to do within walking distance. Most of the younger locals live here so the vibe tends to be a little more fun while still giving you that Napa feel. While getting to the vineyards will require a drive, your nightlife and dining options are plentiful and will allow for groups to get a little individual time should someone need a little break. This is also really the only place you’re going to find things open past 8 or 9. With few exceptions everything closes quite early in Napa Valley. One other area to consider, especially if you wanted to go the Airbnb route is Calistoga. It’s more of a laid back vibe there with less to do, but from an affordability standpoint can be significantly less than places like St. Helena and Yountville.

Now you could go for an Airbnb/VRBO situation, however there’s not a ton in Napa Valley because of zoning restrictions so recommending one in particular would be challenging. That said, I would highly recommend booking a place on the valley floor, not the mountain - it can be a harrowing drive and it can add quite a bit of drive time even though it doesn’t look THAT far. Also beware of places listed south of downtown Napa closer to or even in Vallejo/American Canyon. While both are still technically in Napa county, like being in the mountains it’s going to tack on some serious drive time and truthfully, not always the safest. And lastly, if you’re visiting Napa stay in Napa. Sonoma is further than you think and you’ll spend half your trip car sick from riding over the mountain.

Friday Dinner: AVOW Rooftop

Friday night you’ll stay downtown and head to AVOW for a light, casual dinner on the rooftop. Traffic can be brutal getting into Napa on a Friday so my advice is to keep things flexible so people can join as they arrive into town. This is one of the only rooftops in the valley and while they don’t take reservations for the rooftop, you could make one for the dining room if you choose.

Friday Optional Wine Tasting: Mayacamas Downtown Tasting Room

If you do happen to be one of the early birds into Napa that day, pop into the Mayacamas Downtown Tasting room just down the street for a quick wine flight. Their vineyards are perched high atop Mt. Veeder and the wines are legendary classics. Some of the most stunning wine being made in Napa Valley and wildly age-able.

Saturday Early Morning: Walk to Oxbow Public Market for breakfast/coffee

Saturday morning you’ll wake up and walk about 10 min over the bridge to Oxbow Public Market. There are tons of options including Ritual Coffee, the brand new Loveski “Jewish” Deli from 3 Michelin starred chef Christopher Kostow, The Model Bakery, and one of my personal favorites - The Fatted Calf.

Pro-tip: Fatted Calf does a Croque Monsieur that is lights out. Also, don’t miss the Model Bakery english muffin.

Saturday Late Morning: Oakville Grocery & Raymond Vineyards

From there you’ll head north to your first winery, but not before stopping by Oakville Grocery for some picnic supplies. Grab everything but the wine and then head to Raymond for your first Napa Valley wine tasting. This place is pretty crazy but they love having a great time!  You can keep it casual by doing a tasting in the grove or play winemaker for the day with one of their blending experiences.

Saturday Early Afternoon: Frank Family Wine Tasting and Picnic

After that, it’s up to Frank Family for a picnic. Frank makes everything from Champagne Method Sparkling to big yet balanced reds. Their vibe is super group friendly, laid back, and very female friendly. With a few different tasting options to choose from, you can do a full wine tasting and/or relax outside and do a picnic. If you only opt for a picnic you do need to buy a bottle from them and please, don’t bring your own or drink another wineries wine there :)

Saturday Late Afternoon: Yountville Shopping/Wine Tasting/Free Time

As you make your way down valley pop into Yountville. This cute, centrally located town is jam packed with tasting rooms, restaurants, cafe’s, and shopping. It’s a must-visit for any first timer and a great way to get recharge before heading to dinner down the street.

Saturday Evening: Dinner at Bottega

Dinner is at Bottega right on Washington street. This is a delicious, Italian restaurant and their Sophia Loren pasta cooked in Tomato water is everything. Groups are easily accommodated and despite being in the middle of Yountville, the prices are fair and the portions are decently sized.

Saturday Late Evening: Cadet or Bed!

Head back to downtown Napa and keep the party going at Cadet with Champagne and records, or call it a night because you have another big day tomorrow.

Sunday Early Morning: Walk to Oxbow Public Market for breakfast/coffee

Same morning routine at Oxbow and an opportunity to change up your order. Don’t forget to grab an English Muffin from Model Bakery before you leave Napa - it’s a favorite of Oprah and Ina Garten’s.

Sunday Late Morning: Schramsberg

It’s back up-valley to Calistoga for some Sunday bubbles at Napa Valley’s favorite sparkling wine producer, Schramsberg. The caves at this legendary winery are among the coolest in the region and with plenty of great photo ops around the property, you’ll have some great material to share on the ‘gram. The sparkling wines are made in the Champagne method and frequently served in the White House.

Pro-tip: buy a special bottle you all can enjoy while getting ready on the big day 👰‍♀️

Sunday Early Afternoon: Wine Tasting and Lunch at Brasswood

Head down valley a few miles to Brasswood for a little lunch and wine tasting experience. This place is super cute and a great way to recharge your batteries. in addition to their own wine made by winemaker Angelina Mondavi, they have a restaurant, clothing boutique and cafe on site. You can do an actual wine and food pairing experience, or keep it casual at the cafe with simpler offerings and a glass of wine. Bonus, since many winemakers use their winery as a custom crush pad, you’re likely to spot a few famous winemaking faces.

Sunday Late Afternoon: Ashes X Diamonds

Last stop of the day and final wine tasting is at Ashes and Diamonds for some of my favorite light whites, rose, and chilled reds. It’s a throwback vibe that has classic old school wines and some very instagrammable moments.

Sunday Evening: Dinner at C Casa

Freshen up at the hotel before heading to C Casa for some Mexican food and margaritas outside at C Casa in the Oxbow Public Market. They just opened this larger location and have some great group seating around fire pits on their patio. Like many places in Napa, its super allergen friendly and the entire menu is gluten free!