Sonoma County
Livermore Valley
Santa Barbara
Tour of California Pairings
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California is vast, boasting more microclimates than some countries. This is good news for food and wine aficionados, as it’s the terroir that makes wines from a region unique. A tour of California reveals vivid, yet wildly different varietals, often located less than a hundred miles from one another. Explore each region and the grape it’s known for, with a suggested food pairing to host your own “Tour of California” beef + wine tasting party.
Sous Vide Sliders
Monterey County enjoys little rain but plenty of coastal fog, the ideal climate for producing some of California’s best Merlots. Merlots are the fruit-forward, medium-bodied champions, so it’s no surprise it pairs well with flavorful, juicy Sous Vide Sliders.
Napa Valley
Lodi
Smell is a crucial part of taste. Start your wine tasting experience by slowly swirling the wine to coat the inside of your glass, releasings its aroma, then take a big sniff.
Temecula
Monterey County
Temecula
Santa Barbara
Lodi
Monterey County
Livermore Valley
Sonoma County
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Get the Recipe
Get the Recipe
Get the Recipe
Get the Recipe
Get the Recipe
Pair with Merlot
Asian Steak and Avocado Appetizer
Pair with Syrah
Temecula is producing some of California’s best Syrah. A grape known for producing fruit-forward, approachable wine, Syrah is an ideal counterpoint to Asian cuisine, which highlights the salty-sweet combo of rice wine and soy in the delectable Asian Steak and Avocado Appetizer.
Beef Meatballs with Red Wine BBQ Sauce
Pair with Pinot Noir
Sonoma is known for its Pinot Noirs. Cool costal layers travel into the valleys nightly and dissipate by midday, giving this delicate varietal optimal moisture and sun. Pairing Pinot Noirs requires robust flavors that can accept complementing accents, making this Red Wine BBQ sauce the ideal accomplice.
Inside-Out Grilled Steak Salad
Pair with Sauvignon Blanc
Like its beachy locale, Santa Barbara Sauvignon Blancs are relaxed, light, and fun. The Inside-Out Grilled Steak Salad — where cold lettuce wraps hug seasoned strip steak — is an ideal pairing for a wine that offers floral aromatics on the nose and tropical fruit on the palate.
Taco Croissants
Pair with Cabernet Sauvignon
You need something bold to stand up to Taco Croissants, which combine delicious melty cheese, seasoned meat, and a flaky outer crust. Napa Valley Cabernets are just the ticket. Structured and full-bodied, a Napa Cabernet is the perfect balance-point to the flavor-packed bite of a Taco Croissant.
Buffalo Cheeseburger Dip
Pair with Zinfandels
Lodi Zinfandels are intense. This makes them the perfect partner to Buffalo Cheeseburger Dip, a decadent, zesty, spicy affair. Lodi Zinfandels are known for their peppery nose, strawberry notes, and long finish, perfect for cutting through layers of queso and buffalo sauce.
Steak Crostini
Pair with Chardonnay
The Livermore Valley is the epicenter of California Chardonnay. Arid summers and wet winters produce a varietal that’s less buttery but still bold. Garnished with goat cheese and horseradish sauce, a Steak Crostini needs the vanilla and green-fruit citrus cut of Livermore Chardonnay.
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Napa Valley
Monterey County
Temecula
Sonoma County
Santa Barbara
Napa Valley
Lodi
Livermore Valley
Get the Recipe
Inhale the Bouquet
Tip 1
After sipping, let the wine wash over your palate. Observe the flavors. If you choose to swallow the wine, know that alcohol dulls your senses; thus, the more you’ve tasted, the harder it becomes to truly taste.
Consuming
Tip 2
Sommeliers are not born, they’re taught. If you don't recognize the flavors you're enjoying, ask a friend for their thoughts. People who love wine love to talk about wine too!
Ask Questions
Tip 3
A great wine tasting always pairs the wine with food to complement the wine. After tasting, take a bite of the food pairing and observe the flavors from both the wine and dish.
Take a Bite
Tip 4
Smell is a crucial part of taste. Start your wine tasting experience by slowly swirling the wine to coat the inside of your glass, releasings its aroma, then take a big sniff.
Inhale the Bouquet
Tip 1
After sipping, let the wine wash over your palate. Observe the flavors. If you choose to swallow the wine, know that alcohol dulls your senses; thus, the more you’ve tasted, the harder it becomes to truly taste.
Consuming
Tip 2
Sommeliers are not born, they’re taught. If you don't recognize the flavors you're enjoying, ask a friend for their thoughts. People who love wine love to talk about wine too!
Ask Questions
Tip 3
A great wine tasting always pairs the wine with food to complement the wine. After tasting, take a bite of the food pairing and observe the flavors from both the wine and dish.
Take a Bite
Tip 4
Learn more ways to celebrate your holidays with beef at CalBeef.org
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