Wood Family Vineyards Release Party and Gourmet Cheese Pairings
Attended a large and fun event Sunday in Livermore Valley at Wood Family Vineyards release party. The event was to release their 2022 iconic “Against the Grain” Bourbon Barrel Aged Red Wine and highlighting other wines with artisan cheese pairings. Livermore Cheese Monger from The Cheese Parlor teamed up with Wood Family Vineyards having chosen gourmet cheeses to perfectly complement four Wood Family Wines.
Picture of Rhonda Wood Photo ©Michael Kelly
We attended the second session with several friends and met many new ones! As guests arrived at the front door, they were poured a glass of the 2023 “Para Mas Amigas” Chardonnay as they strolled and mingled with other guests. The wine and cheese pairings were set up in the working portion of the winery.
To acclimate the palate, a round red wine was offered being their 2022 Malbec to start the procession of wine and cheese pairings.
First up on the pairings was their wonderful 2022 Cabernet Franc paired with Sweet Annie Aged Sheep Milk Gouda (a crowd favorite). The cheese offered a nutty, caramel sweetness in each bite. It possessed a firm texture and melted effortlessly on the palate.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The next station was the smooth and delicious 2022 Petit Verdot which seemed to have won over our small group of friends. The cheese possessed a creamy texture with a tangy flavor profile showcasing goat’s milk. Herbal and floral notes abounded of the wine and paired exquisitely with the Gouda cheese.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
One of the most unique and thought-provoking pairings was the 2022 Petite Sirah with Coopers Hill Onion and Chive Cheddar.
Photo from Wood Family Vineyards
Inspired by the Cooper’s Hill Rolling Tradition, the sharp cheddar combines caramelized onion and fresh chive. The ultra creamy texture, combined with the robust flavor was nothing short of spectacular. For more on Cooper’s Hill event click: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wky4Ok5Ua5E?feature=share
The last tasting was the “Against the Grain” Bourbon Barreled Aged Red Wine. This was paired with Challerhocker Cow’s Milk Alpine Cheese.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The cheese comes from the Swiss Alps near Zurich and is semi-hard and known for its complex, earthy flavor and nutty notes. Aged in traditional wooden caves and once on the palate is creamy and shows caramel and hints of various spices.
Photo from Wood Family Vineyards
The cheese is easily known due to its unique picture on the rind. The cheese maker put pictures of his grandchildren on it.
Picture of Harrison Wood Photo ©Michael Kelly
The event appealed to many folks from a casual wine tasting to a thought provoking and intense exploration of the cheese and wine pairing. Well done Wood Family Vineyards!
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://woodfamilyvineyards.com/
For stories on each of the wines go to https://californiawinesandwineries.com and view on a laptop computer. On the right-hand side of the page put in the varietal in the search engine.