WINE & DINE
Curated Food With Wine Pairings
I’ve always believed that the right wine can transform a meal. That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce a very special collaborator: Michael Vecchia, owner of Wine Hardware. Michael is bringing his expert pairing insights to our favorite recipes. I’m so excited to introduce this new layer of flavor to our site visitors.
Beef Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce
There’s a certain elegance to slow‑cooked short ribs — rich, tender, and deeply comforting. In this version, red wine, aromatics, and warm spice create a silky sauce while the ribs become irresistibly tender. It’s one of my favorite recipes, and absolutely worthy of a wine pairing.
2021 Mcgrail Vineyard James Vincent Cabernet Sauvignon $79.00
“This Livermore Valley Cabernet has full body, well-integrated tannins, and dark fruit notes such as crème de cassis and boysenberry creating an exquisite balance with the short rib’s rich flavor. Its bold structure stands up to the depth of the dish, providing a perfect compliment of tastes, textures and complexity.”
Shrimp & Scallops in a Creamy White Wine Sauce
This creamy white wine sauce really compliments the flavors of the shrimp, scallops and fresh corn. I was excited to bring this to Michael for a wine pairing recommendation!
2024 Priest Ranch Grenache Blanc $30.00
“Bright and crisp! The aroma is filled with citrus fruits and Asian pear, with a hint of honey. The palette sings with ripe white peach, lemon zest, apple pie and wet stone. The pleasing and long finish of this low acid medium bodied wine compliments the flavors of this creamy seafood dish.“
Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Au Jus
This Pork Tenderloin with Au Jus is both delicious and elegant — perfect for a romantic dinner for two with almost no effort. It practically begged for a wine pairing from Michael.
2023 Liquid Farm SBC Pinot Noir from Santa Rita Hills $59.00
“The entrance has ripe bing cherry characteristics with its light tannins, medium body and structure complement the pork and the wines earthiness works well with the au jus flavors without being overpowering resulting in a really nice balance.”
Smoked Trout & Pear Salad
This salad is vibrant, elegant, and full of bold, unexpected flavors. Smoky trout, sweet pears, blue cheese, and bright herbs come together beautifully. Michael paired it with the AXR Sauvignon Blanc — a wine he introduced me to and one that quickly became my favorite.
2023 AXR Sauvignon Blanc $39.00
“Smoked Trout…think Sauvignon Blanc…especially from the Napa Valley and AXR with their amazing winemaker Jean Hoefliger never fails! Aromas of white flower, melon and fig jam. This medium bodied wine has flavors of white peach, Meyer lemon and a hint of grapefruit. Fresh citrusy entrance lingering on a mineral finish. And the pear and blue cheese addition to the salad mixed with the perfect acidity of the wine dances on the palate!”
Ribeye Steak with Chimichurri
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself on a weekday, this Ribeye Steak with Chimichurri is the perfect choice. It’s the ultimate flavor bomb contrast: the rich, buttery indulgence of a well-marbled ribeye meeting the bright, herbaceous punch of a fresh Argentinian-style chimichurri sauce. Michael paired this with a beautiful AXR Proprietary Red Blend. See his comments below.
2021 AXR Proprietary Red Blend $49.00
“This savory meal is loaded with strong and rich flavors which requires a bold, medium to full bodied red wine for a perfect complement. Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec achieve this…preferably from the Napa Valley. I landed on the AXR Proprietary Red Blend 2021 Vintage (75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petite Verdot). This wine has flavors of blackcurrant, dark chocolate covered cherries with some vanilla, herbal and baking spice notes on the long finish. The hearty steak will breakdown the tannic acid in the wine enhancing its dark fruit flavors and the herbal/baking spice (with a hint of smokiness) notes will match the zest, garlic and herbs in the chimichurri. This match will take your dining experience to the next level! Bon appetite!”