Pairing Wine with Seasonal Vegetables
As spring rolls in, bringing a bounty of fresh veggies, it’s time to jazz up our plates by pairing wine with seasonal vegetables. Let’s kick things up a notch by pairing them with wines from St. Francis Winery & Vineyards. Known for our exceptional selections, we’re about to take our spring feasting to the next level. Get ready for ten perfect wine pairings that’ll have you savoring the best of the spring season vegetables with every bite and sip!
1. Sauvignon Blanc
You cannot go wrong by pairing spring vegetables with a bright and zesty Sauvignon Blanc. This wine’s crisp acidity and vibrant citrus flavors perfectly complement the delicate freshness of spring garden veggies like asparagus, snap peas, and green beans. Serve alongside a chilled spring salad drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing and harmonious pairing.
2. Chardonnay
For a more indulgent pairing plant-based pairing, seek a Chardonnay. With its rich texture and luscious flavors of ripe apple, butterscotch, and vanilla, this popular varietal lends itself to grilled spring vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. The wine’s creamy finish enhances the smoky char of the vegetables, creating a luxurious dining experience.
3. Rosé
Embrace the spirit of spring with Rosé, a vibrant and refreshing wine bursting with notes of strawberry and watermelon. This versatile wine complements a wide range of spring vegetable dishes, from fresh tomato bruschetta to grilled artichokes with lemon aioli. Its crisp acidity and fruit-forward profile make it an ideal companion for alfresco dining.
4. Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir offers an excellent light-bodied red wine option that pairs elegantly with spring vegetable risottos and pasta dishes. With its delicate flavors of red berries and spice, this wine harmonizes beautifully with the earthy sweetness of mushrooms, peas, and cherry tomatoes, creating a balanced and satisfying pairing.
5. Merlot
For heartier spring fare, consider a Merlot. With its velvety texture and notes of blackberry and plum, this varietal pairs wonderfully with roasted root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and beets. The wine’s smooth tannins and lingering finish complement the caramelized flavors of the vegetables, making each bite a delight.
6. Cabernet Sauvignon
Bold and full-bodied, Cabernet Sauvignon is the elegant choice to pair with grilled spring vegetables and hearty dishes like stuffed bell peppers or vegetable kebabs. Its bold flavors of black cherry and dark chocolate enrich the dining experience, while its robust texture revitalizes the palate with every sip.
7. Rhone Whites (Sonoma-Style)
Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne are a very versatile group of floral varieties not commonly found in regions like Sonoma County. These medium bodied white wines boast melon, tropical pineapple, gooseberry, and honeysuckle flavors, intertwined with hints of fresh vanilla bean. These wines pair beautifully with grilled vegetables, spicy chilis, and crisp salads dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.
8. Zinfandel
To truly complement the vibrant flavors of spring, try a Zinfandel, a wine known for its fruit-forward approach and spicy undertones. Pair this wine with grilled spring vegetables marinated in a tangy barbecue sauce or served with a smoky romesco dip. The wine’s robust character and lively acidity complement the bold flavors of the dish, creating a memorable dining experience.
9. Syrah
End your spring feast on a high note with a Syrah, a wine with flavors of dark fruit, black pepper, and smoky oak. Pair this wine with ratatouille seasoned with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, allowing the wine’s bold flavors to complement the savory notes of the dish. Finish with a flourish and savor the lingering finish of both wine and food.
10. Red Blends
Start your spring culinary journey off with a red blend from Sonoma County. These food-friendly wines offer enticing aromas of dark berries with a touch of wild herbs and a hint of toast layered with flavors of raspberry, dark cherry, roasted plum, black olive and savory spices. Most red blends would lend themselves to being paired with grilled portobello mushrooms, roasted eggplant, or caramelized onions. These earthy and robust vegetables will complement the wine’s depth and enhance its complexity.
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards offers a selection of exceptional wines that pair with seasonal foods, the possibilities for pairing wine with seasonal vegetables are endless. Whether you prefer crisp whites, elegant reds, or bold blends, there is a wine to suit every palate and enhance every dish. Savor the joys of spring with these exquisite wine and food pairings from Sonoma County.
Where Good Grows
Experience an acclaimed Sonoma wine and food pairing firsthand. Make your reservation today and discover the magic of Sonoma Valley’s premier culinary destination, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards. Different experiences, distinctive styles, with exquisite pairings: indulge in an elegant fine-dining Wine & Food Pairing or bask in the natural ambiance of our outdoor vineyard portico with a farm-to-table Estate Pairing experience.
No matter which culinary experience you choose, you’ll get to savor pairing wine with seasonal vegetables and sustainable food sourced locally. Here at St. Francis Winery, we’ve dedicated two acres of our estate to cultivating fresh, seasonal produce through The Culinary Farm at St. Francis Winery. This farm supports our thriving culinary program and has recently been honored with the prestigious ‘Snail of Approval’ by Slow Food Sonoma County! This recognition speaks to our commitment to clean and regenerative farming practices, as well as our dedication to growing varieties that preserve the rich culture and history of Sonoma County and American agriculture.
