There’s nothing quite like enjoying a delicious glass of wine, paired with something that makes it even better.
Figuring out what food and wine to serve together might feel overwhelming, but learning about wine and food pairings can bring out flavors of the wine you’re drinking, enhance your favorite foods!
Here is a simple guide to Retreat 21 Wine Co. wines and ways to serve them alongside food to make the experience even better. (You can also check out our events page for guided tasting events, like our Valentine’s Day Wine Tasting Party, and more!)
White Wines
It is commonly known that white wines pair well with fish and white meats. The acids in white wines can bring out flavors and freshness in these dishes. But white wines go well with so much more than just fish!
Pinot Grigio
Considered a delicate white, Pinot Grigio is often recommended alongside light dishes like salads, fish and simple pastas.
Retreat 21 Wine Co. Pinot Grigio
Our Pinot Grigio is full-bodied and drier than you might expect, with hints of sweetness. The wine features initial notes of crisp apple, with beautiful aromatics of fresh melon layers with lime zest, apricot, peach, and floral notes. It finishes with a crisp, clean palate and a delicate balance of natural acidity.
Try it with:
- Roasted chicken
- Salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Ceviches
Sauvignon Blanc
The crisp finish of a Sauvignon Blanc means it generally pairs well with cheeses, shellfish and tart flavors.
Retreat 21 Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc
Our Sauvingon Blanc from Columbia Valley, Washington is a vibrant, flavorful wine showcasing aromatics of freshly squeezed lime juice, grapefruit, and lemongrass. It has secondary flavors of lemon zest, mandarin orange, and lingering floral notes. A light body and a crisp, refreshing finish lends itself well to food pairing.
Try it with:
- Buttery salmon and fat-rich fishes
- Hearty pasta dishes
- Cheese plates
Chardonnay
Chardonnay can be buttery, if it’s an oaked wine, or bright if the wine is unoaked. The buttery Chardonnays pair well with creamy dishes, while crisp Chardonnays stand out with lighter fare.
Retreat 21 Wine Co. Chardonnay
Our fullest bodied white, Retreat 21 Wine Co. Chardonnay features floral notes with orange blossom. This unoaked white wine has creaminess, but is not as buttery and oaky as a traditional Chardonnay. The palate is youthful with vibrant acidity and honeysuckle, cantaloupe, and lemon zest flavors. The finish is crisp and clean, leaving a balanced, refreshing impression on the palate.
Try it with:
- Grilled chicken
- Pork Chops
- Shellfish
Rosé
Rosé is for more than just sipping by itself! This delicious wine can pair well with unexpected foods from french fries to strawberry pie.
Retreat 21 Wine Co. Rosé
Our Rosé is not too dry. It’s honey-filled, and fruit-forward with a smooth, semi sweet finish. When drinking, you’ll get sweet aromas such as lychee, passionfruit, raspberry, strawberry, honeysuckle, and orange blossom. It’s a refreshing wine!
Try it with:
- Cheese boards
- Fruits
- Cake
“Drinking good wine with good food in good company
– Michael Broadbent
is one of life’s most civilized pleasures.”
Red Wines
You might already know that wines are often paired with red meat. That’s because the tannins in red wine soften meat protein and enhance flavor. Beyond those basics, red wine pairs well with many dishes.
Pinot Noir
Light and earthy, Pinot Noir is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods.
Retreat 21 Wine Co. Pinot Noir
A subtle flavor profile that will appeal to any wine lover, our Pinot Noir is a light bodied with cinnamon, spice forward cherry undernotes. Our lightest and driest read, it has an earthy taste, followed by dark cherries, red currants, and berry flavors.
Try it with:
- Cheese boards
- Summer salads
- Salmon
Cabernet Sauvignon
Complex with tannins, Cabernet generally pairs well with heavier dishes and fatty meats.
Retreat 21 Wine Co. Cabernet Sauvignon
Sharp, but lighter on tannins than a typical Cabernet, this wine has an aroma of cherry, brambly berry liqueur, and currants. You’ll also notice hints of cedar, minerals, sweet spice, and assertive tannins with a dark chocolate cocoa bite.
Try it with:
- Charcuterie boards
- Dark chocolate
- Hamburgers
Zinfandel
Zinfandels are characteristically bold and rich, and pair well with similar dishes like pâté or barbeque.
Retreat 21 Wine Co. Old Vine Zinfandel
Our Zinfandel is sweeter than typical with a medium body. It boasts a blend of spices, pepper, and jammy red berries. On the palate, you’ll experience black fruits, spices, and medium tannins with good acidity and a dark color. The mid-palate and finish offer a nice sweetness.
Try it with:
- Your favorite salty snack
- Turkey
- High cacao chocolate
Blends
When looking for foods that pair nicely with a wine blend, identifying some of the dominant flavors in the blend is a great place to start!
Retreat 21 Wine Co. Winemaker’s Blend
Our Winemaker’s Blend is very smooth with a full body. It is earthy and rich with hickory notes and characterized by blackberry, blueberry, boysenberry and vivid cherry. You’ll also get notes of allspice, licorice and clove. Medium acidity and great tannin make for a flavorful palate.
Try it with:
- Tacos
- Cheddar Cheeses
- Dark Chocolate
What matters most when pairing wine and food, is choosing a wine that you enjoy regardless of what others recommend!
Retreat 21 Wine Co. produces wines from some of the best grape growing regions in the U.S. – and we think each wine pairs perfectly with our patio! Stop by to try a flight May – October or get on our mailing list for events and updates throughout the year.