We recently told you about some of the more unique food and wine pairings out there which got us thinking – “What are some unique pairings that we enjoy?”  We asked our team members around the winery, “Which varietal do you enjoy with an out-of-the-box food item?” What we got were definitely interesting and worthy of trying.

Paige, Wine Club Manager:

Sauvignon Blanc and Chicken Potstickers
Sauvignon Blanc isn’t for just for fish and oysters anymore. The citrusy lemon, tart apple and melon flavor will boost the flavor and highlight the savory and sweet in this dish.
Tre Leoni with Popcorn, seasoned with Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Pepper and Nutritional Yeast
This fun yet serious blend will pair perfectly with your next movie night snack. The soft tannins on the finish won’t over power the seasoning of the popcorn, but bring out all of the flavor.

Jason, Retail Experience Director:

Sauvignon Blanc with Jerk Chicken
With the spiciness of the jerk seasoning, whether it be dry-rub or wet marinated, the fruity sauvignon blanc will help balance the intense flavors of the jerk chicken. This light and airy wine pairs wonderfully with this Jamaican inspired dish.
Chardonnay with Chicken Pad Thai
Our chardonnay is the perfect mixture of lively tropical flavors and french oak all rolled into one. This rich and creamy white wine will surely enhance the Asian chili paste and soy sauce that goes into any chicken pad thai.
Pinot Noir with Sloppy Joes
The versatility of our pinot noir makes it the perfect pairing for sloppy joes. The strawberry, cranberry and sweet oak flavors will elevate the BBQ sauce of the sloppy joe for a well balanced meal.
Zinfandel with Korean BBQ Ribs
The tangy BBQ sauce of the ribs will be brought out by the oak and smoky finish of the zinfandel. Not only does this pairing fit well together, they also complement each other for a more rich flavor.

Curtis, Asst. Wine Club Manager:

Sauvignon Blanc with Easter Bunny Peeps
With two spring time favorites what could go wrong? The fruity flavors of this wine go perfectly with the sugary deliciousness of the Peeps. The creamy marshmallow will be brought out by the light and fruity lemon.

Adam, Tasting Room Sales and Hospitality:

Sauvignon Blanc with Ceviche and Salty Potato Chips
What goes better than salty and sweet? The sweet melon flavors of the sauvignon blanc contrast against the saltiness of the potato chips, but that’s what we love about it.
Syrah Rose with Peaches and Burrata, with Red Onions and Heirloom Tomatoes
For a light summer evening dish that will leave anyone satisfied, pair our syrah rose with peaches and burrata, with red onions and heirloom tomatoes. The juicy flavors of strawberry, cherry and pomegranate from the rose will bring out vibrant flavors from the peaches and tomatoes.
Pinot Noir with Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
The mild tannins of the pinot noir will highlight the savory and salty flavor of the sausage, but don’t forget about the hints of strawberry and cranberry that will bring a new flavor sensation to the dish.
Merlot with Hershey’s Chocolate Bar and Rold Gold Pretzels
Salty, sweet and fruity is what you are going to get with this delicious pairing. From the creamy chocolate bar to the fruity taste of the merlot you won’t be disappointed. The raspberry and cherry flavors of the wine leap into the chocolate to create the perfect match.

Arienne, Accountant:

Sauvignon Blanc with Triple Cream Brie
Who doesn’t love cheese and wine? When they are put together they are unstoppable. Our sauvignon blanc provides the creamy cheese with the sweet hint of lemon and melon. Giving this pairing a truly mouthwatering flavor.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with a Dark, Creamy Chocolate Bar
We are going back to the classics on this one. There is nothing better than silky cabernet sauvignon with black cherry and blackberry flavors paired with decadent dark chocolate. This pairing may be simple, but by no means is it boring.

Tom Leonardini II, family member and owner:

Sauvignon Blanc with Yellowtail Tuna “Island Style” and Japanese Taco Rice
What goes better with Yellowtail than hints of lemon and melon. This light and airy sauvignon blanc will pair beautifully with Island Style Yellowtail Tuna. The tuna and taco rice will help bring out the lemon undertones of the amazing wine.
Merlot with Poutine (french fries, cheese curds, brown gravy, braised short rib with a fried egg on top)
This merlot has an amazing core of ripe, jammy berry and currant fruit that is beautifully framed by toasty oak. It’s supple texture will attract the savory flavors that poutine has to offer.

Tom Leonardini Sr, family member and owner:

Malbec with Roasted cauliflower, olive oil, red wine vinegar, sliced onion, coriander seeds, curry powder, cumin seeds and paprika. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.
The sweetness of the Malbec pair perfectly with the curry powder and cumin seeds giving the sense of opposing flavors that still match well together. The black cherry flavors of the wine don’t overpower the dish, but still give it just enough sweetness for you to taste.

Kristen Leonardini, family member:

Syrah Rose with Chips, Guacamole, all served by the pool
You’re by the pool, it’s hot out, what do you need to make this day perfect? Well, we have the answer. A chilled glass of our sweet syrah rose along with the salty combination of chips and guacamole will have you in heaven. The hint of strawberry is just enough to compliment the savory flavor of the guacamole.

Todd, West Coast Sales Manager:

Sauvignon Blanc with Boston Clam Chowder
We all know that sauvignon blanc pairs amazingly with oysters and fish, so why not clam chowder? The light taste of lemon will elevate the creamy and rich flavor of the clam chowder without causing you to feel like you are eating too heavy of a meal.
Chardonnay with Todd’s own deep flash fried Abalone
A rich, creamy and complex chardonnay with lively acidity, tropical fruit flavors and french oak all beautifully integrated to enhance the flavor of the fried abalone’s mouth watering taste.
Leonardini Cabernet Sauvignon with San Francisco Cioppino
Leonardini Cabernet Sauvignon is loaded with bright, ripe fruit to help highlight the delicious flavors of the seafood and different spices that cioppino has to offer. The taste of the pureed tomatoes along with hot sauce is brought out by this full bodied cabernet sauvignon.

Jason Moulton, Winemaker:

Sauvignon Blanc with Moroccan Eggs
If you are looking for a delicious brunch dish then look no further. Our fruitful sauvignon blanc paired with moroccan eggs is just what you are looking for. The lemon and melon undertones will create the perfect refreshing break from the spice of the moroccan eggs.
Zinfandel with Pasta Alla Norma
We are bringing the delicious taste of Sicily and the bold taste of our zinfandel together to create a truly amazing pair. The smoky finish of this wine will highlight the creamy and savory flavor of this famous Sicilian dish.