Share and Pair Sundays: A New Way to Celebrate Flavor and Friends

At Priest Ranch, we believe that great wine is best enjoyed with great company. That’s why we’re excited to introduce a new initiative, which is being organized by Come Together For Wine: Share and Pair Sundays! This is your chance to elevate your weekends through the magic of culinary pairing and the joy of shared experiences. 

While it is entirely up to you how you want to revel in each other’s company and celebrate the marriage of wine and food, our suggestion for this initiative is a “Blind Bottle Night.” Imagine an evening filled with laughter, friendly competition, and delectable bites, all while exploring your guests’ chosen wines or focusing on a Priest Ranch theme with our award-winning Napa Valley wines. Here’s how to host your very own Blind Bottle Night and make the most of your Share and Pair Sundays.

The Concept

Here’s the plan: invite your friends to bring their favorite bottles of wine to share. But here’s the twist—they won’t reveal what they’ve brought! As the host, you’ll prepare an array of simple pairings that will complement the wines beautifully. Think of a selection of dried fruits and nuts for simple flavor profiles, transitioning to more intricate appetizers if you so choose. We recommend browsing the incredible recipes of Executive Chef Dan Solomon from The Kitchen at Priest Ranch, which are crafted to complement not just our wines but also serve versatility for your guests’ selected bottles.

The Pairings

Start your evening with a light yet flavorful spread. Consider a mix of dried apricots, figs, and assorted nuts. These bites serve as a delightful introduction to the wines without overpowering them. This is a fun way to educate your palates with simple flavors while introducing more complex bites to challenge your palate further.

As the tasting continues, elevate the experience with items like:

– Charcuterie Boards: Featuring a selection of cured meats, cheeses, and olives that reflect our philosophy of pairing freshness with flavor. 

– Bruschetta with Heirloom Tomatoes and Basil: Fresh, vibrant, and perfect for complementing a glass of our Priest Ranch Sauvignon Blanc or discovering a pairing you wouldn’t usually go for, such as our soon-to-be-released Priest Ranch Zinfandel!

– Crispy Seasonal Veggie Chips: A crunchy counterpart for a more structured red, like Double Barrel or Malbec, highlighting its berry and spice notes.

– Heartier Bites: Consider including our KPR Smashburger in sliders or delicious mini Street Tacos (this recipe recommends tri-tip, but opt for whichever protein speaks to you) to discover bites with a little more complexity. These translate into larger meals when you are out to dinner and may be intimidated by the wine list.

The Tasting

As your guests arrive, set up a tasting area with each bottle presented in a discreet bag or paper bag to keep the labels hidden. Encourage everyone to take their time savoring each wine alongside your carefully curated bites. After a set number of tastings, let the guessing begin! Each guest can weigh in with their thoughts on the wines and their preferred pairings.

Not only will this be a fun guessing game, but it will also foster discussions about flavor profiles and the art of pairing. Everyone can share their favorite combinations, perhaps discovering new tastes and preferences along the way.

Celebrating Priest Ranch Wines and The Kitchen at Priest Ranch Foods

Encourage your guests to lean into the experience by selecting wines from our Priest Ranch portfolio. From velvety Cabernet Sauvignons to refreshing white wines that capture the best of Napa Valley, each bottle has its own story to tell. By choosing our wines, you’re not only enjoying a premium experience but also supporting our Estate-grown wines and our efforts towards sustainability.

Share and Pair Sundays are designed to bring people together in a relaxed, enjoyable setting. Whether you’re an experienced wine enthusiast or a casual sipper, Blind Bottle Night offers an easy entry point to learn more about wine pairings while creating lasting memories with friends and loved ones.

So, uncork a bottle, gather your friends, and let the sharing and pairing begin. Cheers to delicious flavors and the uncommon adventure together!