PAIRING WINES WITH THANKSGIVING DURING THE END OF A PANDEMIC
The Harvest is over, wines are fermenting, and “thanks” is being expressed for a bountiful Harvest. Many Texas wineries are glad to be open during Texas Wine month as designated by the Texas Department of Agriculture. It is great to be evolving out of a pandemic and into regular life. The last two years have been especially challenging for many, but we are still Blessed! November is the month of feasts and celebrating with the giving of THANKS for what should be a bountiful year. What wines should you pair for your big FEAST? Most of our foods like turkey, hams, sausage, pot roast, and such on the Thanksgiving Table are probably grown in Texas. Local Texas wines would pair very well with these local Texas foods. Below are suggested wines from local Texas wineries to add to your celebration table for those special local foods:
• TURKEY –Becker Winery Viognier. Messina Hof Gewürztraminer. Pleasant Hill Blanc du Bois (dry). Windy Winery Chardonnay, Whitley Vineyards Grenache Rose. West Sandy Creek Winery Blanc du Bois.
• SUGAR-CURED HAM – Bernhardt Winery Schrock. Messina Hof Angel Riesling. Whitley Vineyards Rose’ of Sangiovese.
• WILD GAME BIRDS – Becker Iconoclast Cabernet Sauvignon; Bernhardt Winery Merlot,
• SAUSAGE – Bernhardt Winery Cabernet Sauvignon. Blue Epiphany Escape Plan
• POT ROAST – Messina Hof Paulo Meritage. Bernhardt Cabernet Sauvignon. Whitley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. Bending Branch Red Blend, Becker Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah Reserve.
• Chocolate Desserts – Bernhardt Winery PORT. Messina Hof Paulo Port. Blue Epiphany Escape Plan, Llano Estacado Tempranillo Reserve
Whatever your choice of food, remember that local foods always go best with local wines! Plan a road trip with friends and visit several of the wineries to buy these local wines. Please call ahead since our local wineries have limited capacity and limited hours for visitors. Locations and contacts for these wineries are outlined below in alphabetical order:
• Bernhardt Winery located at 9043 County Road 204 between Plantersville and Dobbin. (www.bernhardtwinery.com) or call (936) 894-9829.
• Blue Epiphany Winery at 400 Bryant Road in Conroe (www.Blue-Epiphany.com) or call (281) 967-9799
• Messina Hof Winery at 4545 Old Reliance Road in Bryan (www.messinahof.com) or call (800) 736-9463.
• Pleasant Hill Winery at 1441 Salem Road in Brenham (www.pleasanthillwinery.com) or call (979) 830-VINE.
• West Sandy Creek Vineyards at 1773 FM 1791 in Richards (www.wscwinery.com) or call (936) 436-9050.
• Whitley Vineyards at 401 College Street in Montgomery (www.WhitleyVineyards.com) or call (936) 449-8052
• Windy Winery located near the Brenham Airport at 4232 Clover Road (www.windywinery.com) or call (979) 836 3252
By the way, several of these wineries can also produce your own unique labeled wines based on your designs and logos. Imagine having your own label on that special bottle of wine on your Thanksgiving Table. If you plan ahead with these wineries, you can add that extra special flair to that celebration of a bountiful harvest! These special wines also make great Christmas gifts!
Upcoming Wine Events
The weather has been awesome paired with local wine events. Before that next major chill arrives, try these local wine events:
• Every Saturday and Sunday – Messina Hof hosts a vineyard/cellar tour and tasting at 1, 3, and 5 pm which provides a lot of the “behind the scenes” information on Messina Hof Winery, one of Texas oldest winery.
• November Saturdays and Sundays – Enjoy afternoon concerts on Saturdays and evening concerts on Sundays. For more information, go to www.BernhardtWinery.com.
• November 21st – Messina Hof Winery in Bryan hosts cooking classes with wine centered on a three course meal. This course focuses on “traditional holiday foods” and costs $69.95 plus tax and 20% gratuity. For more information call: (979) 778-4963 ext. 234
• December 11th – Winter Solstice Celebration at Bernhardt Winery
