Newsletter | 6.11.2025

Gather, Graze, & Pour: How We Summer at Priest Ranch

When the long days of summer stretch before us and golden light passes through every vineyard row, there’s no better time to open your doors, set a generous table, and let the season shine. At Priest Ranch, we believe that entertaining isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. It’s about gathering with friends over vibrant food, sharing stories with a glass of wine, and finding yourself embracing the simple joys of good company and enjoying wine, food, and the arts.

Whether you’re planning a backyard dinner party, a picnic in your favorite local park, or a casual Friday evening with neighbors, we’ve curated the ultimate summer entertaining guide. From effortless wine pairings to signature recipes and inspired hosting tips, this is your go-to guide for making the most of every warm-weather gathering, with a glass of your favorite Priest Ranch wine never far from reach!

Set the Scene: Effortless Summer Hosting Tips

Before we dive into the flavors of the season, let’s talk ambiance. At Priest Ranch, entertaining is about embracing the raw beauty of the land and letting nature be your backdrop. Much like our portfolio of terroir-driven wines, we let the land speak for itself.

  1. Bring the Outside In (or Take the Table Out):
    If you’re gathering at home, keep things simple but intentional. Use rustic wooden boards for serving, linen napkins in muted earth tones, and bowls of seasonal fruit or sprigs of fresh herbs as centerpieces. Better yet, take the table outdoors—beneath string lights, beside a garden, or even on a picnic blanket under the stars.
  2. Let the Wine Set the Mood:
    The wines you choose tell a story—and they set the tone for your event. Want something bright and refreshing? Start with a chilled glass of Priest Ranch Rosé of Syrah or our Grenache Blanc. Looking to lean into bold conversations and flavor? Let our Coach Gun or Peacemaker take the lead.
  3. Build a “Ground to Glass” Menu:
    Celebrate the season by building your menu around the freshest local ingredients you can find. Think tomatoes just off the vine, herbs snipped from the garden, or stone fruit from your farmer’s market haul. Our wines are born of the land, and they shine when paired with dishes that speak the same language of terroir.

The Star of the Table: Summer Vegetable Salad with Truffle Fromage Blanc & Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette

Inspired by the bounty of our Estate and handcrafted by Chef Dan Solomon of The Kitchen at Priest Ranch, this summer salad is the definition of garden-to-glass elegance. It’s the kind of dish that invites people to pause, admire, and then dive in with delight. Download the recipe here!

The Perfect Pairing: Which Wines to Pour

This salad is a dance of crisp textures, creamy richness, and bright citrus—an ideal partner for several Priest Ranch wines. Here are our top pairing picks:

  1. Priest Ranch 2023 Sauvignon Blanc
    Clean, vibrant, and brimming with citrus and stone fruit, our Sauvignon Blanc is a natural match. Its acidity echoes the vinaigrette’s and cuts through the truffle fromage blanc with refreshing precision.
  2. Priest Ranch 2024 Grenache Blanc
    If you’re in the mood for something with a little more roundness, the Grenache Blanc offers a fuller body while still maintaining balance and lift. It plays beautifully with the salad’s herbaceous notes and creaminess.
  3. Priest Ranch 2024 Rosé
    Our Estate Rosé, dry and floral with a mineral finish, brings a playful energy to the table. This pairing feels like a sunny picnic in a glass—lighthearted, elevated, and effortless.

More Pairing Ideas for a Summer-Ready Menu

If you’re planning a multi-course meal or grazing board to accompany the salad, here are a few ideas that keep the summer theme going strong, each paired with a standout Priest Ranch wine.

 

Grilled Stone Fruit & Burrata Crostini

Top toasted baguette slices with creamy burrata and charred peaches or nectarines. Dress them up and finish with a drizzle of honey and crushed pistachios.

Wine Pairing: Priest Ranch Rosé – the acidity and bright pink fruit flavors cut the richness of the burrata and complement the fruit’s caramelized edges.

 

Smoked Tri-Tip with Chimichurri

Juicy, smoky beef meets bright herbaceous green sauce for a dish that’s both rustic and refined.

Wine Pairing: Priest Ranch Coach Gun – with its bold structure and layered depth, this red blend enhances grilled meats beautifully.

 

Lavender Honey Goat Cheese with Toasted Walnuts

A simple yet luxurious addition to a cheese board. Serve with crackers or sliced apples.

Wine Pairing: Priest Ranch Peacemaker – a red blend that balances fruit and spice, it complements both the tang of goat cheese and the warmth of toasted nuts.

 

Entertaining with Intention

Every great gathering has a heartbeat. It’s not just the wine or the food—it’s the way everything comes together to create a moment that feels grounded, generous, and full of life. Here’s how to keep that intention at the forefront of your summer hosting:

  1. Curate a Signature Pour:
    Let a Priest Ranch wine be the evening’s centerpiece—your “house pour” for the night. Build your menu around it, introduce it with a short story, maybe your most recent visit to our tasting room in Yountville, or maybe even our Estate, and let it anchor your guests’ experience.
  2. Create Connection Points:
    Scatter tasting notes or pairing cards on the table, invite guests to guess flavor profiles, or plan a mini blind tasting. These lighthearted, interactive touches make wine approachable and fun—even for beginners.
  3. Celebrate the Local:
    Whether you’re in Napa or Nebraska, every region has something special to offer. Source your ingredients from local farms or markets. Choose cheeses from nearby creameries. Mention the origins—it brings the meal closer to home.

Come Visit Us This Summer

Of course, the best way to experience the full magic of Priest Ranch is to visit us in person. Stop by The Kitchen at Priest Ranch for seasonal dishes crafted with fresh ingredients and a view that stretches across the valley. Or join us for a Thursday Night Live where we truly bring together wine, food, and the arts in the heart of Napa Valley. Check out the lineup of talented Bay Area artists here and follow us on Instagram to sneak a peek at KPR’s weekly specials!

Final Pour

Summer doesn’t ask for extravagance—it invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and savor. Whether you’re gathering with friends over a garden-inspired meal or enjoying a quiet moment with a chilled glass of Rosé at sunset, let Priest Ranch be your companion in creating experiences that feel authentic, adventurous, and beautifully rooted in the season.

Because around here, entertaining isn’t just about what’s on the plate or in the glass. It’s about the stories we tell, the connections we foster, and the memories we make—from the ground to the glass.

 

Come sip with us soon.
Cheers from all of us at Priest Ranch!