Savoring the Season: Pairing Wines with Harvest-Fresh Ingredients
As the evenings grow crisp and the leaves begin to turn, the annual harvest season ushers in a bounty of culinary delight. At the Wine Garden Inn, we relish the opportunity to showcase the flavorful fruits, vegetables, and herbs from our own organic gardens, pairing them with our estate-grown wines for an unparalleled dining experience.
Seasonal Produce
The change of seasons brings with it a shift in the available produce, and our chefs eagerly anticipate the arrival of autumn’s bounty. Crisp apples, earthy root vegetables, and hearty greens take center stage, complementing the rich, comforting flavors we crave as the weather cools. From the last of the summer tomatoes to the first flush of winter kale, each ingredient adds its own unique twist to our harvest-inspired dishes.
One of the standout produce items this time of year is the remarkable wild asparagus, sometimes called “Bath Asparagus” or “Spiked Star of Bethlehem.” This delicate, mildly flavored vegetable is a distant cousin to the common green variety, with a more delicate and less vegetal taste. When lightly sautéed in extra virgin olive oil with a hint of garlic, the wild asparagus pairs beautifully with a variety of white wines, from dry, mineral-driven Muscadet to the lively freshness of a Sauvignon Blanc.
Autumn Flavors
As the harvest progresses, the flavors of the season become increasingly bold and nuanced. Ripe, juicy tomatoes give way to the earthy sweetness of root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beets. Robust greens like kale and Swiss chard add depth and texture to our culinary creations, while the tart, tangy notes of rhubarb and quince bring a touch of brightness to balance the autumnal richness.
Incorporating these seasonal ingredients into our menus allows us to celebrate the unique character of each harvest. A simple sauté of wild asparagus topped with a creamy burrata cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil showcases the pure, unadulterated flavors of the produce. Heartier dishes, like a braised short rib served atop a bed of roasted root vegetables, harness the comforting, umami-driven notes of the season.
Harvest Celebrations
As the grapes are carefully tended and the fields are cleared, the Wine Garden Inn is abuzz with activity. We welcome guests to join us in celebrating the bounty of the harvest through a series of special events and experiences.
Our renowned Harvest Dinner, held under the twinkling lights of our outdoor garden, is a perennial favorite. Guests are treated to a multi-course menu crafted by our talented culinary team, each dish expertly paired with our estate-grown wines. The evening is a symphony of flavors, as the seasonal produce shines alongside the nuanced, terroir-driven character of our vintages.
For those who prefer a more intimate setting, our Cozy Harvest Brunch offers a chance to savor the flavors of the season in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Guests can delight in the likes of a wild mushroom and leek frittata, accompanied by a glass of our crisp, refreshing Chenin Blanc. The combination of harvest-fresh ingredients and our estate-grown wines creates a harmonious dining experience that celebrates the best of the season.
Varietal Selections
At the Wine Garden Inn, we take great pride in our extensive wine cellar, which showcases the diversity of our estate-grown varietals. As the seasons change, we carefully curate our selections to complement the evolving flavors of our harvest-inspired cuisine.
For the crisp, vibrant notes of wild asparagus, our Sauvignon Blanc shines with its bright acidity and herbaceous undertones. The Chardonnay, on the other hand, offers a richer, more opulent profile that pairs beautifully with the creamy indulgence of dishes featuring burrata or other soft cheeses.
As the temperatures drop and heartier fare takes center stage, our Cabernet Sauvignon and robust Syrah showcase their power and complexity, complementing the depth of flavor in dishes like our braised short ribs. The Pinot Noir, with its elegant, food-friendly structure, is a natural pairing for the earthy sweetness of roasted root vegetables or the tart, tangy notes of rhubarb.
Flavor Profiles
When it comes to pairing our estate-grown wines with the bounty of the harvest, we look for harmonious flavor profiles that enhance and elevate the dining experience. The bright, herbaceous character of our Sauvignon Blanc, for example, helps to cut through the richness of a creamy wild asparagus dish, while the medium-bodied Chardonnay provides a lush, velvety complement to the creaminess of a burrata-topped salad.
For heartier autumnal fare, we turn to our bolder red varietals. The Cabernet Sauvignon, with its firm tannins and notes of dark fruit, stands up beautifully to the robust, umami-driven flavors of a braised short rib. The Syrah, on the other hand, with its peppery spice and jammy fruit profile, finds a natural partner in the earthy sweetness of roasted root vegetables.
Seasonal Harmony
By carefully curating our wine selections to match the evolving flavors of the harvest, we strive to create a seamless, harmonious dining experience for our guests. The interplay between the estate-grown produce and the nuanced character of our wines allows each element to shine, resulting in a symphony of flavors that truly celebrates the best of the season.
Whether you’re enjoying a crisp, refreshing white alongside a vibrant wild asparagus salad or savoring the velvety richness of a robust red with a hearty root vegetable stew, the Wine Garden Inn invites you to indulge in the flavors of the harvest, paired to perfection with our estate-grown wines.
Harvest-Inspired Recipes
One of our favorite autumn dishes is a simple yet elegant sauté of wild asparagus, topped with creamy burrata cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The delicate, mild flavor of the wild asparagus is the perfect canvas for the rich, creamy notes of the burrata, while the olive oil adds a luxurious mouthfeel and a touch of peppery spice.
For a heartier autumnal offering, our braised short rib with roasted root vegetables is a true celebration of the season’s bounty. The succulent, fork-tender beef is complemented by the earthy sweetness of carrots, parsnips, and beets, all simmered in a robust red wine reduction that enhances the umami-driven flavors.
Outdoor Gatherings
As the harvest season unfolds, the Wine Garden Inn transforms into a hub of celebration and conviviality. Our outdoor spaces, adorned with twinkling lights and vibrant autumn foliage, become the backdrop for our renowned Harvest Dinner, where guests can savor the flavors of the season under the stars.
For a more intimate gathering, our Cozy Harvest Brunch offers a chance to indulge in a leisurely meal showcasing the best of the harvest, paired with our estate-grown wines. Guests can nestle into plush seating, sipping on a glass of crisp Chenin Blanc as they tuck into a hearty wild mushroom and leek frittata, surrounded by the warm, inviting ambiance of our beautifully appointed dining room.
Whether you’re joining us for a grand Harvest Dinner or a cozy brunch celebration, the Wine Garden Inn invites you to savor the flavors of the season and experience the harmonious pairing of our estate-grown produce and wines.