Autumn Harvest
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, the bountiful autumn harvest provides a remarkable canvas for crafting heartwarming culinary delights. At the Wine Garden Inn, we embrace this seasonal abundance with open arms, finding inspiration in the vibrant colors and robust flavors of autumn’s offerings.
One such hero ingredient that takes center stage is the humble celery root (or celeriac, as it’s more officially known). This unassuming root vegetable may not win any beauty pageants, but what it lacks in aesthetics, it more than makes up for in flavor and versatility. As described in the book Vegetables by James Petersen, the exterior of celery root may appear “convoluted” and “stringy,” resembling “something out of a 1950’s horror movie.” But upon closer inspection, the flesh is “sweet, succulent, and substantial, like a potato.”
Our dear friend Basia, a culinary maven with a deep appreciation for fresh, homegrown produce, introduced us to the wonders of celery root years ago. Growing up in Poland, Basia developed an affinity for this versatile root from a young age, learning to incorporate it into a variety of dishes, both savory and sweet. When she shared her enthusiasm for celery root with us, it wasn’t long before we, too, became enamored with its unique flavor profile and endless culinary possibilities.
Winter Bounty
As the seasons shift and the landscape transforms, the winter months bring forth a new wave of produce ripe for exploration. At the Wine Garden Inn, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of hearty root vegetables, leafy greens, and citrus fruits – all of which serve as the foundation for our comforting and nourishing culinary creations.
One such winter staple that has become a beloved fixture in our kitchen is the humble potato. While often overlooked in the age of low-carb diets, the humble spud is a true powerhouse of nutrients and flavor. When roasted to perfection, potatoes develop a crisp exterior and a fluffy, creamy interior, making them the perfect accompaniment to a host of winter dishes. We love to pair them with our homemade sausages, sautéed kale, and a generous drizzle of herb-infused olive oil for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Another winter favorite that graces our table is the mighty kale. This nutrient-dense green flourishes during the colder months, thriving in the crisp air and shorter days. We eagerly await the arrival of our friend Basia’s “dinosaur kale” each autumn, which she generously shares from her bountiful garden. This robust variety lends itself beautifully to a range of preparations, from hearty kale and lentil stews to fresh kale salads topped with roasted beets and goat cheese.
Spring Delights
As the world awakens from its winter slumber, the arrival of spring ushers in a delightful array of vibrant produce that captures our culinary imagination. At the Wine Garden Inn, we find ourselves giddy with excitement as we witness the first tender asparagus spears, the fragrant rhubarb, and the cheerful peas emerging from the earth.
One of our favorite spring delicacies is the humble radish. These colorful roots add a delightful crunch and peppery bite to a variety of dishes, from simple radish and butter toasts to spring vegetable salads. We love to serve them alongside our house-cured gravlax, allowing the piquant radish to perfectly complement the rich, velvety salmon.
Another spring treasure that we eagerly await each year is the arrival of rhubarb. With its striking pink hues and tart, almost tangy flavor, rhubarb lends itself beautifully to both sweet and savory preparations. We love to incorporate it into our homemade rhubarb compote, which we then serve atop our fluffy buttermilk pancakes or alongside our famous roasted chicken.
Summer’s Abundance
As the sun climbs high in the sky and the days grow longer, the summer months bring forth a vibrant and diverse array of produce that fills our senses with delight. At the Wine Garden Inn, we find ourselves captivated by the kaleidoscope of colors and the burst of flavors that summer’s bounty provides.
One summer staple that holds a special place in our hearts is the humble tomato. Whether it’s the juicy heirloom varieties from our garden or the vibrant cherry tomatoes from the local market, we eagerly await their arrival each year. We love to showcase these luscious gems in our caprese salads, tomato and basil bruschetta, and, of course, our signature wine-infused tomato soup.
Another summer favorite that graces our table is the ever-versatile zucchini. This ubiquitous squash lends itself beautifully to a wide range of culinary applications, from grilled zucchini boats stuffed with quinoa and feta to delicate zucchini noodle salads tossed with pesto and toasted pine nuts. We also love to incorporate zucchini into our baking, creating moist and flavorful zucchini bread and zucchini fritters that are the perfect accompaniment to our summer meals.
Flavor Profiles
At the Wine Garden Inn, we pride ourselves on crafting culinary masterpieces that not only nourish the body but also delight the senses. Our approach to cooking is rooted in the belief that the key to creating exceptional dishes lies in the thoughtful selection and harmonious pairing of high-quality, seasonal ingredients.
When it comes to flavor profiles, we embrace a delicate balance of sweet, savory, and acidic notes. For example, in our celery root and potato mash, we highlight the inherent sweetness of the celery root by gently sweetening it with a touch of maple syrup, while the thyme and sea salt lend a savory depth. The lemon juice then provides a bright, citrusy counterpoint, resulting in a harmonious and well-rounded dish.
Similarly, in our roasted zucchini with Moroccan spices, we leverage the natural sweetness of the zucchini and complement it with a blend of warm, aromatic spices, including cumin, coriander, and paprika. The lemon and parsley then add a refreshing, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Cooking Techniques
At the Wine Garden Inn, we believe that the key to unlocking the full potential of our seasonal produce lies in the mastery of various cooking techniques. From gentle sautéing and roasting to braising and pickling, we employ a wide range of methods to coax out the best flavors and textures from our ingredients.
One technique that we particularly enjoy is slow-roasting. By roasting our vegetables at a lower temperature for an extended period, we allow the natural sugars to caramelize and develop a deep, complex flavor profile. This approach is particularly well-suited for heartier, starchier vegetables, such as potatoes, root vegetables, and even celery root. The slow, gentle heat not only intensifies the sweetness but also results in a tender, creamy interior and a delightfully crisp exterior.
Another cooking method that we find indispensable is braising. This technique, whereby ingredients are simmered in a flavorful liquid, is especially well-suited for tougher cuts of meat and hardy greens, such as kale. By allowing the ingredients to gently cook over time, the flavors meld together, creating a rich, harmonious dish that is both nourishing and satisfying.
Recipe Inspiration
At the Wine Garden Inn, we find endless inspiration in the bountiful seasonal produce that graces our doorstep. From the crisp autumn harvests to the vibrant summer yields, each season offers a new canvas for us to explore and experiment with.
One of our favorite autumn dishes is our Pichlsteiner Stew, which features the beloved celery root as the star ingredient. We slow-braise the celery root, along with beef, carrots, and onions, in a rich, wine-infused broth until the flavors meld together in perfect harmony. Served with our homemade rye bread, this hearty stew is the quintessential comfort food for a chilly autumn day.
As the winter months approach, we turn to the humble potato as a source of inspiration. Our Roasted Potato and Kale Salad showcases the versatility of this humble root vegetable. We toss tender, herb-roasted potatoes with sautéed kale, toasted pumpkin seeds, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette, creating a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious.
When spring arrives, we eagerly await the emergence of our beloved rhubarb. We love to incorporate this tart treasure into our Rhubarb-Ginger Compote, which we then serve atop our fluffy buttermilk pancakes or alongside our roasted chicken. The combination of the sweet, fragrant rhubarb and the spicy ginger creates a delightful flavor profile that truly captures the essence of the season.
As the warm summer days unfold, we find ourselves drawn to the vibrant, juicy tomatoes that grace our garden and local markets. Our Heirloom Tomato Salad celebrates the beauty and flavor of these summer gems, featuring a mix of colorful heirloom varieties, fresh basil, creamy burrata, and a balsamic reduction that ties the dish together in perfect harmony.
Mindful Preparation
At the Wine Garden Inn, we believe that the act of cooking is not merely a means to an end, but rather a joyful and mindful experience in itself. We approach each meal with a sense of reverence and gratitude, honoring the hard work and dedication of the farmers, producers, and vintners who have brought these incredible ingredients to our doorstep.
When preparing our seasonal dishes, we take the time to carefully select and handle each ingredient, ensuring that we preserve their inherent flavors and nutritional qualities. We meticulously clean and trim our produce, paying close attention to every detail, and we handle our herbs and spices with the utmost care, allowing their aromas to fill the air and delight our senses.
As we move through the various stages of meal preparation, we consciously slow down, savoring each step and allowing ourselves to be fully present in the moment. Whether we are kneading dough for our homemade breads, simmering a rich broth for our winter stews, or delicately arranging a vibrant salad, we find a sense of zen and contentment in the process, knowing that the end result will be a true labor of love.
Shared Experiences
At the Wine Garden Inn, we believe that the joy of eating is best experienced when shared with others. We take great pride in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, where our guests can gather around the table and indulge in the bounty of the season together.
One of our favorite ways to celebrate the changing seasons is by hosting seasonal supper clubs, where we invite our community to join us in a multi-course feast showcasing the very best of what Mother Nature has to offer. These gatherings are not just about the food, but rather the opportunity to connect, share stories, and forge new relationships over a shared love of delicious, wholesome cuisine.
Whether it’s a cozy winter potluck featuring our hearty celery root and potato mash or a summer garden party where we serve up platters of our vibrant heirloom tomato salad, we find immense joy in bringing people together around the table. In these moments, we are reminded of the power of food to nourish not just the body, but the soul as well.
Seasonal Celebrations
At the Wine Garden Inn, we believe that the changing of the seasons is a cause for celebration. Each shift in the calendar marks the arrival of new, exciting produce and the opportunity to create dishes that capture the very essence of the time.
One of our favorite seasonal celebrations is our annual Harvest Moon Supper, where we gather with our community to honor the bounty of the autumn harvest. We decorate our tables with gourds, dried flowers, and flickering candles, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere that sets the stage for a truly memorable feast. Our menu for the evening might feature our Pichlsteiner Stew, roasted root vegetable medleys, and pumpkin spice cakes – all made with the finest, freshest ingredients sourced from our local farms and gardens.
As the winter chill sets in, we eagerly anticipate our Winter Solstice Feast, where we gather to celebrate the return of the sun and the promise of brighter days ahead. Our menu for this occasion might include our Roasted Potato and Kale Salad, hearty lentil and sausage stew, and rhubarb-ginger compote** served over warm, fluffy pancakes. Throughout the evening, we share stories, sing carols, and raise a glass to the season, reveling in the joy of being together.
Nutritional Benefits
At the Wine Garden Inn, we firmly believe that the key to optimal health and wellbeing lies in the thoughtful selection and preparation of seasonal, whole-food ingredients. By embracing the bounty that each season has to offer, we are able to craft dishes that not only delight the palate but also nourish the body.
Our autumn celery root and potato mash, for example, is a veritable treasure trove of nutrients. Celery root is a rich source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, while potatoes provide a healthy dose of complex carbohydrates, vitamin B6, and antioxidants. The maple syrup in the dish offers a gentle sweetness, along with a boost of manganese and riboflavin.
Similarly, our winter kale salad is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Kale is renowned for its high concentrations of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. When paired with the roasted potatoes, pumpkin seeds, and lemon vinaigrette, this dish becomes a veritable nutrient-dense feast.
By embracing the seasonal produce that graces our doorstep, we are able to craft meals that not only satisfy our cravings but also support our overall health and wellbeing. Whether it’s the immune-boosting properties of our winter citrus or the gut-nourishing fiber found in our spring rhubarb, we take great pride in harnessing the inherent nutritional benefits of our ingredients to create dishes that truly nourish from the inside out.
Wine & Health
At the Wine Garden Inn, we firmly believe that the enjoyment of wine can be an integral part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Contrary to popular belief, moderate wine consumption has been shown to confer a variety of health benefits, from supporting cardiovascular health to promoting cognitive function.
One of the key reasons for wine’s positive health effects is the presence of polyphenols, a class of powerful antioxidants that are found in abundance in grapes and their byproducts. These polyphenols, such as resveratrol, have been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Furthermore, the moderate consumption of wine has been associated with improved gut health, thanks to the presence of beneficial bacteria that thrive in the presence of polyphenols. This, in turn, can lead to enhanced nutrient absorption, immune function, and overall wellbeing.
At the Wine Garden Inn, we take great pride in our thoughtful selection of wine varietals and our commitment to sustainable viticulture. By working closely with our vintners and growers, we ensure that our wines not only showcase the best of what our terroir has to offer but also uphold the highest standards of environmental stewardship.
Whether you’re enjoying a glass of our crisp, citrusy Riesling with your heirloom tomato salad or savoring a bold, full-bodied Cabernet with your Pichlsteiner Stew, you can rest assured that you’re not only indulging in a delightful culinary experience but also nourishing your body and supporting a more sustainable future.
Wine Education
At the Wine Garden Inn, we firmly believe that the appreciation of wine is not just about the flavor profiles and tasting notes; it’s about understanding the rich history, the intricate science, and the diverse cultural traditions that shape the world of viticulture.
That’s why we