At the Wine Garden Inn, we believe the journey from garden to glass is a story worth telling. As hospitality and wine experts, we’re thrilled to share our passion for crafting delectable, sustainable cocktails that celebrate the bounty of our on-site organic garden and surrounding local producers.
Estate-Grown Produce
Our lush, 2-acre estate garden is the heartbeat of the Wine Garden Inn, supplying us with a seasonal rotation of vibrant herbs, fragrant flowers, juicy fruits, and crisp vegetables. Under the watchful eye of our Biodynamic horticulturist, these ingredients are tended to with the utmost care, nourished by our compost-enriched soil and protected from pests using natural, eco-friendly methods.
Whether it’s the ruby-red strawberries bursting with summer sweetness, the citrusy lemon and lime zest that brightens every sip, or the aromatic lavender and rosemary that lend their floral notes, each element is hand-selected at the peak of freshness to ensure our cocktails are a true representation of the terroir.
Crafting Cocktails
In the capable hands of our award-winning mixologists, these estate-grown gems are transformed into captivating, one-of-a-kind libations. Using a range of artisanal spirits – from small-batch gins and vodkas to locally-distilled rums and whiskeys – we let the produce shine, applying delicate infusion techniques and gentle muddling to coax out their vibrant flavors.
Take, for instance, our signature Strawberry Lemon Gin Fizz. Inspired by the classic Ramos Gin Fizz, this frothy delight features fresh strawberries macerated with sugar, lemon juice, and a splash of orange blossom water, all whipped together with egg white and cream for a luxuriously creamy texture. Topped with dry sparkling rosé, it’s a harmonious balance of sweet, tart, and effervescent.
Cocktail Ingredients
Our cocktail menu is a constantly evolving canvas, with seasonal rotations that keep pace with what’s growing in the garden. A recent addition, the Lavender Bee’s Knees, showcases our estate-grown lavender steeped in gin, shaken with honey syrup and lemon juice for a floral, subtly sweet sipper. And for those craving a bit of spice, our Jalapeño Margarita celebrates the fiery kick of our homegrown peppers, muddled with fresh lime and agave.
Beyond the produce, we also celebrate the artistry of our local purveyors, incorporating small-batch bitters, craft mixers, and unique garnishes that elevate each cocktail. A sprig of rosemary, a twist of grapefruit, or a sprinkle of edible flowers – these finishing touches not only add visual appeal but also contribute nuanced, complementary flavors.
Cocktail Preparation
Infusion Techniques
Infusing spirits with the essence of our garden-fresh ingredients is a delicate dance, requiring patience and precision. Botanicals like lavender, lemon thyme, and juniper berries are carefully macerated in high-proof alcohol, allowing their aromatic oils to gently dissolve and infuse the spirit. For more delicate produce like berries and citrus, we prefer the cold-steeping method, which preserves the brightness of the flavors.
Muddling and Mixing
Once the infusions and syrups are ready, our bartenders apply the perfect touch of muddling to gently release the juices and essential oils of fruits, herbs, and spices. This hands-on approach ensures each cocktail is a harmonious blend of flavors, with no single element overpowering the others.
The final step involves precise mixing, whether that’s a vigorous shake to incorporate air and create a silky, frothy texture, or a gentle stir to preserve the clarity of a spirit-forward drink. We take great pride in the presentation of our cocktails as well, garnishing each one with a flourish of edible botanicals or a creative fruit twist.
Sustainable Sourcing
Local and Seasonal Ingredients
At the core of our cocktail program is a steadfast commitment to sustainable sourcing. Beyond our own garden, we’ve cultivated relationships with local farmers, vintners, and artisanal producers who share our passion for quality and environmental stewardship. Whether it’s the honey from the apiary down the road or the small-batch bitters crafted by a neighboring distillery, each ingredient is carefully selected to showcase the bounty of our region.
Seasonality is also a guiding principle, as we let nature dictate the rhythm of our cocktail menu. As the garden transitions from spring blooms to summer’s vibrant abundance and autumn’s harvest, our drink offerings evolve to highlight the best of what’s available. This not only ensures unparalleled freshness and flavor but also reduces our environmental impact by minimizing the need for out-of-season, air-freighted produce.
Organic and Biodynamic Farming
To further our commitment to sustainability, we’ve partnered with local organic and Biodynamic farms to source specialty ingredients that go beyond the conventional. Our Biodynamic vintner, for example, grows the cabernet sauvignon grapes that are distilled into the gin we use in many of our cocktails, ensuring a true field-to-glass experience.
This holistic, regenerative approach to agriculture not only benefits the environment but also imparts unique terroir-driven flavors that you simply can’t find anywhere else. By supporting these conscientious producers, we’re actively reducing our carbon footprint while elevating the taste profiles of our cocktails.
Flavor Profiles
Floral and Herbal Notes
From the delicate lavender and fragrant rosemary in our garden to the juniper-forward notes of our estate-distilled gin, floral and herbal elements play a starring role in our cocktail program. These botanicals lend a sense of place, evoking the lush, verdant surroundings of the Wine Garden Inn and creating a sensory experience that transports guests to our idyllic setting.
Citrus and Stone Fruit
Bright, zesty citrus and juicy stone fruits are another hallmark of our cocktails, perfectly complementing the rich, herbaceous notes. Whether it’s the tart punch of lemon and lime or the sweet, aromatic qualities of peach and apricot, these flavors help to balance the cocktails, cutting through the spirit’s intensity and providing a refreshing counterpoint.
Spices and Bitters
To add depth and complexity, we also incorporate a range of spices and bitters into our cocktail recipes. Warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger lend an intriguing layer of flavor, while aromatic bitters contribute subtle, herbal notes that elevate the overall drinking experience.
Cocktail Trends
Farm-to-Glass Movement
Our dedication to sustainability and hyper-local sourcing aligns seamlessly with the growing “farm-to-glass” movement sweeping the cocktail industry. Bartenders and mixologists around the world are increasingly recognizing the value of using fresh, seasonal produce and house-made infusions, syrups, and mixers to create drinks that are not only delicious but also environmentally conscious.
Artisanal Spirits
Alongside the rise of farm-to-glass, the craft distilling renaissance has also played a pivotal role in the cocktail landscape. Discerning drinkers are gravitating towards small-batch, artisanal spirits that showcase unique botanicals, terroir-driven flavors, and sustainable production methods – all of which perfectly complement our garden-inspired approach.
Cocktail Creativity
In an era of heightened cocktail culture, bartenders are being called upon to showcase their creativity and technical prowess. By leveraging the abundant, flavorful produce from our on-site garden and local purveyors, we’re able to craft cocktails that are not only visually stunning but also deeply nuanced in their flavor profiles. This allows us to push the boundaries of traditional cocktail recipes, inviting our guests to embark on a journey of discovery with each sip.
Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or simply looking to savor the flavors of the season, we invite you to visit the Wine Garden Inn and experience our farm-to-glass cocktail program for yourself. Let us transport you from garden to glass, one artisanal libation at a time.