Food

This recipe takes a while to make but will leave you with enough to freeze for another night. Plus, it’s delicious so well worth the effort! It’s outstanding with this meaty Pinot Noir. 1 medium rabbit, cut into pieces ¼ cup olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 cup mushrooms, chopped (I use chanterelles, but porcinis

This turkey brine makes the most delicious golden brown bird you’ve ever had, and it’s perfect for a wine country Thanksgiving! Sur La Table has brining bags that make the process so much easier and a cinch to clean up. And you gotta love the classic pairing of Pinot Noir and turkey! • 7 quarts

This side dish is not only delicious, but it’s so pretty served in the orange cups. A tiny bit of truffle oil goes a long way. This is also delicious with a slightly oaked and toasty white, like the Estate Chardonnay. • 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed • 3 tbsp. white wine •

This recipe is a bit time consuming, but well worth it on those cold winter weekends. The tender beef stew has an earthy, rustic combination of flavors which melds well with our rich and fruity Reserve Pinot Noir. Be sure to serve this with plenty of fresh, crusty bread to soak up the juices! 2

This new take on a classic dish is absolutely packed with spices. The unique Asian flair gives our Estate Pinot a new twist as layers of flavors stimulate the senses. Use a heavy skillet for this dish, and be sure to sip a glass while you’re stirring! • 1 tsp. olive oil • ½ cup

One of our staff members, Megan McDermott, brought this delicious cake to a staff meeting recently. Though desserts can be difficult to pair with wines, this was a mouth-watering combination with our Estate Pinot Noir! And since Santa Maria is so famous for its strawberries we couldn’t help but be thrilled. • 1 ½ cups

This rub is delicious on grilled pork chops, but also on other meats like flank steak. Serve with a dollup of chutney or tomato jam and you’ll thank us. • 4 bone-in pork chops • 4 tsp. olive oil • 1 tsp. garlic powder • 2 tsp. ground cumin • 1 tsp. chile powder •

Beef is the flavor of the month here at Riverbench, where a bunch of us just got together and bought a local grass fed steer and divvied up some excellent meat! Flank steak is perfect for summertime, because it marinates and then you can just throw it on the grill. This recipe tenderizes the meat

The name shrimp paste might not sound like the most appetizing thing in the world, but trust me, these little sandwiches are addicting. This old Southern recipe is perfect for baby showers, teas, or just slathered on toast. • 1 ½ lbs. shrimp • 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning • 1

Cold and rainy weather calls for comfort food, and nothing is more comforting than warm pj’s, homey shepherd’s pie, and a glass of earthy Mesa Pinot Noir. I like potatoes with the skins on, but if you prefer them without, simply peel them before cooking. • 2 lb. ground beef • 1 onion, chopped •