Recipes

For your Kwanzaa celebration or any other holiday you’re hosting, add this homemade Pimento Cheese to your appetizer board to impress and delight your guests. Pimento cheese is a southern classic and it’s especially delicious when paired with crostini, or for this recipe, French cheese puffs. Both the pimento cheese and the cheese puffs can be made days in advance and then assembled right before guests arrive for easy entertaining. For a celebration with fabulous flavor, serve with a glass of California Chardonnay or California sparkling wine. View recipe →

Cioppino was developed in the late 1800s by fishermen in the North Beach area of San Francisco. If a fisherman came back from a day at sea without any fish, he would walk down the port with a pot asking his fellow fisherman to “chip in” some of their haul. The most common way to cook up the resulting assortment of seafood was to a tomato-based stew - now known as Cioppino. Even today, the type of seafood used in cioppino often varies but it always features a tomato-based broth and spicy peppers - with lots of locally grown garlic and wine. California Chardonnay or California Dolcetto are perfect pairings for this iconic California dish. View recipe →

This tangy, round-shaped loaf we know as San Francisco sourdough bread, brushed with garlic butter, stuffed with cheese, then baked until toasty is the golden melty goodness you didn’t know you needed. Sourdough bread certainly wasn’t invented in San Francisco—that’s a credit to ancient cultures of Egypt—but it became closely associated with the city during the California Gold Rush era when it was a staple of miners’ diets. Today, loaves are often hollowed out, filled with creamy clam chowder, and served to visitors. Some say the foggy climate gives San Francisco’s sourdough bread a special bounce, and others say it’s a specific local strain of yeast that gives the characteristic flavor. That bounce and flavor are notes that pair perfectly with a California Chardonnay or Chenin Blanc. View recipe →

These ricotta toasts make a great snack for any occasion. Pair with California Chardonnay or California sparkling wine. View recipe →

This Mexican-inspired dish is made with melted Munster cheese, hot crumbled chorizo, and topped with green onion. Both savory and spicy, this appetizer is sure to be a party pleaser. Pair with a California Chardonnay or Rosé to help cut through the richness of the cheese. View recipe →

This simple vegetarian dish can be made with almost any veggie you have on hand! This recipe has crispy red cabbage, savory shitake mushrooms, and fluffy eggs. It’s loaded with fresh veggie goodness making it the perfect summertime meal. Pairs perfectly with chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Gris. View recipe →

Ripe tomatoes layered on a crisp golden pastry and topped with fresh basil create the ultimate savoury brunch dish. View recipe →

These veggie-packed fresh rolls are filled with creamy avocado, crunchy carrots, celery, red pepper, and basil. View recipe →

We’ve taken the traditional Southern Shrimp and Grits and made it California-style. This recipe is soft, buttery, and topped with large spicy shrimp. View recipe →

Fresh herbs, artichoke, and mushrooms make a fresh and flavorful dressing for a Springtime pasta. Chopped almonds add a delicious crunch and zesty lemon really brightens it up. View recipe →

This Chicken Dumpling Soup Recipe is the perfect dish for a cold winter night. It’s loaded with veggies, a delicious rich broth, and soft buttery dumplings that are sure to please any palate. View recipe →

When it’s movie night at your house, make sure the snacks belong on the highlight reel. With this trio of wine-friendly flavored popcorns, the treats may steal the show. Make one, two or all three if you’re feeling ambitious. Pair with California Chardonnay or California Pinot Noir. View recipe →

There is no right or wrong back to create a cheese board! Plan to have around 2 to 4 oz of cheese per guest and incorporate some of your favorite or seasonal variety of fruits, nuts, breads, crackers, pickled items, and dips. Your cheese board really reflects the season and what you feel your guests would enjoy. View recipe →

From cream cheese to smoked salmon to pickled vegetables, there are several different ways to jazz up any flavor of bagel. This easy recipe is the perfect choice for a leisurely breakfast or lunch and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. View recipe →

This brunch staple consists of perfectly poached eggs, toasted English muffins, creamy hollandaise sauce and topped with rich buttery lobster. Serve with a California Chardonnay or Sparkling for the ultimate brunchtime meal. View recipe →

Indulge your sweet tooth with these Canadian-inspired maple almond shortbread cookies. Local maple syrup sweetens these easy and buttery cookies while sliced almonds provide a delicious savoury crunch. View recipe →

Due to its proximity to Mexico, California is synonymous with tacos and these are a healthy twist on a classic. These Vegan Black Bean and Corn Tacos offer fresh and vibrant flavours and pair perfectly with a California white varietal. View recipe →

As summer ends and fall begins, this salad is sure to please with a taste of both seasons. The sweetness from the grilled pears matches the crispy, salty halloumi for a simple yet stunning light meal. View recipe →

Figs, blue cheese and walnuts soar in this wine-friendly appetizer. Invite a few friends to drop by, then 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. Pair with California Cabernet Sauvignon or California Chardonnay. Recipe and images courtesy of CA Grown. View recipe →

Chilled noodles and chilled wine are the ultimate combo for the Summertime! In this vibrant Asian-inspired recipe, rice noodles are tossed in a spicy creamy coconut sauce, zesty lime, fresh shrimp and topped with roasted peanuts. This sweet and savory dish is the perfect companion to a crisp California Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. View recipe →

Looking for a taste of Hawaii but craving that California flair? Try this easy Poke Bowl Recipe packed with sushi grade ahi-tuna, crisp edamame and creamy avocado. Pair this fresh summer dish with a California Chardonnay or Rosé for the ultimate palate pleaser. View recipe →

Blending carrots, chickpeas, and tahini produces a hummus with a captivating new taste. Cook the carrots first to heighten their sweetness, and then surround the fluffy spread with a garland of crunchy spring vegetables for dipping. Briefly blanching sugar snap peas and asparagus tips will brighten their color. View recipe →

Sweet, tart, crunchy, tangy—this colorful salad has it all. Its contrasting textures and surprising flavors keep you coming back for another refreshing bite. Serve the salad with store-bought roast chicken or grilled lamb chops. View recipe →

Up your cheese board game with these expert suggestions for pairings with some of California’s most popular wines. Not sure what cheeses play well with your favorite Chardonnay, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon? Now you know. View recipe →

California asparagus make this stir-fry especially colorful, fresh, and fit for spring. For a vegetarian version, substitute firm tofu for the shrimp. View recipe →

It’s long past time to bust the myth that artichokes don’t go with wine. This pasta dish is perfectly wine friendly thanks to an assist from pasta, sweet peas, and meaty prosciutto. Chill a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and prove it to yourself. If you can’t find fresh baby artichokes, substitute frozen artichoke hearts rather than marinated hearts. View recipe →

Unlike the bean- and cheese-laden tostadas served in many restaurants, these are featherlight and heart healthy. The salad-like topping helps stretch the costly crabmeat, and you’ll save money by buying a cooked crab and extracting the meat yourself. Packaged tostada shells come in a variety of sizes; use any size you like. View recipe →

Butternut squash and fennel make a compelling duo in soup. The licorice-like fennel adds an herbal dimension and keeps the puree from being too sweet. Serve in small portions at Thanksgiving or to launch any autumn meal. Or pair with a hearty salad and a cheese course for a simple dinner. View recipe →

Slice this frittata into thin wedges for a passed hors d’oeuvre or serve more generous portions with a tuft of salad as a first course. To dress it up for the holidays, top wedges with a dollop of crème fraîche and California sturgeon caviar. View recipe →

This savory, custardy bread pudding makes an irresistible side dish for roast chicken, but it may well become a new tradition at your Thanksgiving table. View recipe →

Make Mom’s day with these mini-pizzas and a glass of sparkling wine for Mother’s Day brunch. Store-bought pizza dough makes the project easy, but substitute your favorite homemade pizza dough if you prefer. View recipe →

A fruity cider and white wine steeped brine is key to this moist and flavorful turkey. Begin the brining process 2 days before roasting. View recipe →

A fresh version of a robust Italian puttanesca sauce, infused with lemon and basil, is a bright complement to buttery-rich salmon. View recipe →

Char-grilled chicken tops a Greek-style salad tossed with crispy pita chips and a bright lemon vinaigrette, creating a light and healthy salad you’ll be happy to call a meal. Pair with California Chardonnay or Sparkling Wine. View recipe →

This spicy, fragrant bowl is heaped with crisp vegetables and char-grilled skirt steak, perched on a bed of rice noodles finished with a piquant Vietnamese dressing and a shower of fresh herbs. Pair with California Chardonnay or Rosé. View recipe →

Braised and caramelized endive is subtly bittersweet—and a perfect partner for tender crispy-skinned salmon filets. Pair with California Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. View recipe →

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 or Zinfandel. View recipe →

This is creamy comfort food with a few surprising additions—and a crispy garlicky topping. Pair with California Chardonnay or Merlot. View recipe →

Sea bass is poached in coconut milk for this extra rich and velvety hearty chowder. Pair with California Chardonnay or Viognier. View recipe →

Parsley adds a bright lift of flavor to the smoky grilled eggplant in this Mediterranean-style salad. Pair with California Merlot or Chardonnay. View recipe →

This light, fresh dish is loaded with sweet, tart, and spicy flavors. Pair with California Chardonnay or Syrah. View recipe →

The briny taste of the sea, the earthy sweetness of saffron and the crunch of fried sage take center stage in this dish. View recipe →

Saffron adds intrigue to this flavorful, aromatic California seaside classic, served with roasted garlic and herbs on rustic bread. Pair with California Chardonnay or Pinot Gris. View recipe →

Three dipping sauces—spicy, savory and zesty—bring out the delicate natural flavors of Dungeness Crab. Pair with a California Chardonnay or Syrah. View recipe →

Curry and chiles infuse delicious hints of smoke and heat into the coconut milk of this poached, fresh salmon. View recipe →

Tender chicken breast with a delicate, rosemary-scented cream sauce served alongside a golden-toasted potato cake with Parmesan. View recipe →

Fiery hints of habanero and a squeeze of tart lime enliven the buttery, nutty flavors of the artichoke. Pair with California Pinot Gris or Chardonnay. View recipe →

A delightfully spicy chipotle complements the rich creamy nature of California oysters. Pair with California Chardonnay or Pinot Gris. View recipe →

Saffron adds intrigue to this flavorful, aromatic California seaside classic, served with roasted garlic and herbs on rustic bread. Pair with California Chardonnay or Pinot Gris. View recipe →

Three dipping sauces—spicy, savory and zesty—bring out the delicate natural flavors of Dungeness Crab. Pair with a California Chardonnay or Syrah. View recipe →

Flatbread gets the best of summer with sweet figs, caramelized onions and tangy blue cheese. View recipe →

The zing of fresh lemon, the tang of Pecorino and the spring taste of fresh fava combine deliciously in this classic California dish. Pair with a California Chardonnay or Zinfandel. View recipe →

Pair with a California Merlot or California Chardonnay. View recipe →

Juicy roasted turkey with a sweet and tangy filling makes this dish the perfect Thanksgiving meal to enjoy all year round. Pair with California Chardonnay or Rosé. View recipe →