Five Ways to Celebrate the Holidays California Wine Country Style

Blue Cheese and Walnut Stuffed California Figs

Figs, blue cheese and walnuts soar in this wine-friendly appetizer that’s perfect for the holidays. Invite a few friends for a video call, and assemble this super simple hors d’oeuvre with juicy California figs, creamy blue cheese, toasted walnuts and a drizzle of honey. It’s an easy app that’s ready in five minutes, max.

Enjoy with California Cabernet Sauvignon, which pairs well with blue cheese or a California Chardonnay, which has an oakiness that will bring out the nutty, creamy characteristics of the cheese.

Recipe and image courtesy of CA Grown.

A Duo of Holiday Spreads

We love a good spread, and so will you, especially when they’re this easy to whip up. They’ll be ready in no time and you’ll be ready for your virtual holiday gathering. Enjoy these wine-friendly spreads individually or as a colorful duo with a basket of flatbread crackers, crostini or pita crisps.

Pair these holiday spreads with California sparkling wine or California sparkling rosé. The creaminess of the spreads will be balanced by the acidity of the wine.

Holiday Cheese Board

Nothing says “holidays” like the perfect cheese board (with the perfect wine pairings). Up your cheese board game with these expert suggestions for pairings with some of California’s most popular wines.

Not sure what cheeses pairs well with your favorite California Chardonnay, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon? Now you know.

Deviled Egg Trio

Take your small gathering to the next level with a crowd favorite: deviled eggs. And we’ve got you covered with three times the fun, with this trio of flavors. Deviled eggs disappear fast at holiday gatherings, especially when they’re dressed up with smoked trout or caviar or made extra devilish with harissa.

Pair any of these with a celebratory California sparkling wine or the ever-versatile choice — rosé.

Roasted Whole Turkey with Wild Rice and Kale Stuffing

No matter which holidays you celebrate, a turkey is a classic choice for a main course. Perfectly roasted and juicy, this maple-glazed turkey is served with a savory sweet combo of wild rice with hearty greens, pecans and dried cranberries.

Pair with California Chardonnay, which has full bodied richness and acidity that balances beautifully with turkey. Or try a fruit-forward California Zinfandel, which pairs well with both dark and light turkey cuts.

Rigatoni with Pork Rib Sugo

Make your holiday main a fun one! Baby back ribs make a succulent, rustic pasta sauce. The sauce (sugo in Italian) reheats well so you can make it a day ahead. That means less time in the kitchen and more time with family and friends.

Either a California Cabernet Sauvignon or a Zinfandel are great pairings for this rustic and robust tomato-based sauce. Both wines have a lot of body and stand up to the richness of the meat.

Winter Beet and Citrus Salad with Dates and Almonds

We’re all about keeping it local and this recipe features many California grown products that are in season during the winter months like beets, citrus, dates and almonds. Sweet, tart, crunchy, tangy — this colorful salad has it all. Its contrasting textures and surprising flavors keep you coming back for another refreshing bite.

A lush California Chardonnay is a good match for this tangy salad while a California Sparkling wine is versatile enough to enjoy with almost anything, especially a holiday meal.

Roasted Butternut Squash and Fennel Soup with Fried Sage

Another way to keep your holidays sustainable is to watch your waste. Keeping your portions small and saving leftovers is easy with a simple soup. Butternut squash and fennel make a compelling duo. The licorice-like fennel adds an herbal dimension and keeps the puree from being too sweet. Serve in small portions at your holiday table.

The fruity notes in a California Merlot will bring out the sweetness in the roasted butternut squash for an unforgettable pairing.

Cheese and Salumi Board

Gather your fellow fans, friends and family around this abundant Cheese and Salumi Board. Whether for game day or other celebrations, everyone loves a little cheese and salumi. The best part about this is it’s customizable – add what you love; omit what you don’t. It’s yours to compose.

Despite their delicacy, a California rosé or California sparkling wine can handle the riot of flavors on a cheese board, from savory to sweet, as well as cut through the fat of the cheeses.

Grass-Fed Burger with Avocado and Chipotle Mayonnaise

Game day and burgers go hand and hand, so why not take it to the next level with these Grass-Fed Burgers with Avocado and Chipotle Mayonnaise? Buttery avocados make any sandwich better, and they put this burger over the top. Add some spicy chipotle mayonnaise to ensure that this is a luscious, moist, flavor-packed experience.

Burgers love red wine and a sturdy California Cabernet Sauvignon or California Syrah are a perfect match.