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Pedernales Cellars

Let's Talk over Drinks

 

Julie Kuhlken
 
February 7, 2020 | Julie Kuhlken

How to host a blind wine tasting party with friends

Hosting a blind wine tasting party

If you are feeling like you’re in an entertaining rut with your friends, we recommend shaking up the normal routine of cheese, wine, and charcuterie for a blind tasting among friends. Blind tastings are a great way to initiate a thoughtful discussion about the wines you enjoy and trying wines without knowing what they are challenges everyone to take time to appreciate and evaluate each sip with intention. 

So, what is a blind tasting?. In a blind tasting, you conceal information (ie: the label and bottle) that may influence the tasters’ opinion on the wine itself. While tasting each wine, everyone writes down notes about color, aromas, flavors, and any other details they notice.  With this style of tasting, you may be surprised by what you learn about your own tastes as well as your friends’ preferences too. Here are our top three tips for hosting a successful blind tasting party with your friends. 

1. Gather the supplies. 

Notebooks or cards for tasting notes and pens are a must. This is how you and your guests can keep track of your thoughts and initial impressions of each wine for later review. Stock plenty of clean and polished glasses, ensure there are enough spittoons around the table and have some snacks available.

Determine how you will mask your bottles - paper bags, foil, gift wrap, anything goes so long as you and your guests will be unable to determine the wine by looking at the bottle. Remove foil capsules and be sure that you mask the bottle shape if it’s a giveaway.  Have different corks or bottle stoppers available that won’t give away the identity of each wine. Last but not least, pick the wine list then separate the reds and whites - mask, number, and prep them for service.

If you and your friends are new to wine descriptors you may consider printing out a few resources such as the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) systematic approach to tasting or the Court of Master Sommeliers deductive tasting grid to help guide the process.

Court of Master Sommeliers Wine Tasting Grid

2. Determine your food and wine menu.

This is where you can let those charcuterie board building skills shine. You may not think you need food for a wine tasting, but it’s a very good idea to have food when you are going to be drinking a higher ABV beverage like wine. Not all of your guests will be spitting out their tastes of wine, so having food will help to absorb some of the alcohol.

Salty foods have an interesting effect on the palate acting almost like a reset button. Bear in mind that the food you select should not overpower the wines, but rather serve to keep your guests satisfied. Be sure to select a variety of starchy, cheesy, briney, fresh fruit and veggies for color and texture. Finally, add a few salty items that will pair well with an array of wines and satisfy diverse palates. 

When selecting the wines for your blind tasting, we recommend having something among them that is common like the varietal or the appellation of origin. Or if you want to take a deep dive into a region or producer, go “vertical” and see if you and your guests list the wines in the blind tasting in order of vintage year from oldest to youngest.

Our wine club manager recommends trying either a white or red wine lineup. Try a Pedernales Cellars white wine varietal blind tasting selection of:

See if your guests can figure out which white varietal is in the glass. Or, if you have guests with advanced tasting skills try something more difficult like this Tempranillo based lineup:

3. Consider your setting.

When tasting wine, your setting can influence your perception quite a bit. It may seem obvious, but when closely evaluating a wine, more light helps guests to examine the color of their wines.

When hosting a blind tasting at home resist the urge to burn your favorite candles, incense, or wear heavy perfumes as all of these have a significant impact on the olfactory experience. “Nosing” a glass of wine is a fantastic way to narrow down the potential varietal, region, or vintage year so be sure not to compromise your guests’ ability to appreciate the aromatic nuances of their wine. 

As the host, it is also your job to keep the blind tasting moving in an efficient and somewhat organized fashion. This can become difficult when you’re among friends (especially as you sample many wines) so do not get too uptight about it if your blind tasting party evolves - just be prepared to tactfully refocus everyone if it becomes necessary.  If you are really worried about it, consider narrowing the menu to only three wines so there is more room for chatting between each tasting.

Remember rule number one of a wine tasting party. Have Fun!

When hosting a blind wine tasting party with friends, always remember the goal is to have fun and enjoy good wine and your company! Take the time to savor the experience, appreciate the wine, and get to know a little more about your friends’ tastes in the process.

Time Posted: Feb 7, 2020 at 10:45 AM Permalink to How to host a blind wine tasting party with friends Permalink
Julie Kuhlken
 
December 19, 2019 | Julie Kuhlken

How to Pair Wild Game and Wine with Your Holiday Feast

 

Chef Josh Koewers at Pedernales Cellars

In a year like 2019, when the Thanksgiving holiday happens in the last days of November, it may be enticing to change up the standard menu for Christmas dinner. Since the holidays are a time for celebrating it’s the perfect time of year to experiment with more exotic, gamey dishes – and the wines that pair well with them. Believe it or not, that’s the history behind twelve days of Christmas. The holiday season used to be celebrated with twelve nights of dining, drinking, and gathering over decadent spreads of dishes that are so over the top, they’re always reserved for one time of the year. We’re pleased to share a few ideas for the holiday season that pay homage to holiday feasts of the past with a modern twist – and wine pairings inspired by our own chef Josh Koewers.

Holiday Charcuterie and Cheese 

Paired with the 2017 Viognier Reserve

You can serve classic crowd pleasers when you incorporate game into the appetizer. If you have a guest or two that are not keen on the intensity of wild meats then there will be a selection of cheese, crackers, confections, and nuts to keep everyone happy – just pay attention to how you separate the elements of your charcuterie platter. When you consider what to feature think about enhancing the ‘usual’ with a special venison sausage or a bison Bresaola for a holiday twist on the classic party fare.

How to Re-Create Pedernales Cellars’ Charcuterie & Cheese Board

Create a spread with chorizo and salami to re-create the charcuterie you know from our tasting room. Or, substitute venison sausage and bison Bresaola for a special twist on the classic.

Serve your cured meats with Brie, Parmesan, smoked gouda, dill havarti, cheddar, almonds, cranberries, apricots, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary. Pair with a Texas Viognier as it is a nice full-bodied white wine with enough acidity and sweetness to please many different palates - with notes of Vanilla and spice the 2017 Viognier Reserve is an excellent choice.

Bacon Wrapped Quail 

Featured at the October 2019 Fall Feast

Paired with 2017 GSM Melange

“I love this recipe because it’s inspired by my own mentor’s favorite dish. She instilled in me a deep appreciation for wild game recipes and quail was one of her go-tos…It helps that after fishing season is over, my buddies love to hunt quail and share the fresh meat with me.” - Chef Josh Koewers

With its bright fruit flavors and medium tannins, the 2017 GSM Melange pairs fabulously with a decadent bacon wrapped quail. The red wine has the intensity needed to match up to the strong flavor of the meat, and the salt and fat of the bacon keep the tiny bird from drying out while cooking locking in natural juices and flavors at the same time.

Bacon Wrapped Quail Recipe - Food and Wine Pairing

Herb Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Featured at the October 2019 Fall Feast

Paired with 2016 Kuhlken Vineyards Reserve

“I like this because it isn’t another chicken recipe, but it is still light and incredibly versatile. I like the different texture, complexity and flavors...” – Chef Josh Koewers

This recipe can be done with a wild boar backstrap or a venison tenderloin (or a good quality pork loin as presented this fall). A recipe this decadent with the creamy middle and savory texture of tender meat is a pairing that goes nicely with the complex flavors found in our estate wine, 2016 Kuhlken Vineyards Reserve.

Herb Stuffed Tenderloin Recipe - Food and Wine Pairing from Pedernales Cellars


Though Chef Josh’s quail recipe from our 2019 Fall Feast is what inspired us to compile these recommendations, learning about traditional Christmas holiday dishes and the roots behind the iconic holiday meal was an added bonus. So, in the spirit of the season we hope you’ll try one of these recipes – or at least one of the wines. Merry Christmas!  

Time Posted: Dec 19, 2019 at 1:00 PM Permalink to How to Pair Wild Game and Wine with Your Holiday Feast Permalink
Julie Kuhlken
 
November 21, 2019 | Julie Kuhlken

Why Glögg Wine is a Holiday Tradition

Many are familiar with the holiday tradition of mulled wine, served warm with spices. Quite simply, a nice mulled wine is like “Christmas in a bottle” and that’s why we love it so much – the smell alone evokes memories of holidays shared with loved ones. After making Glögg a part of our own family traditions for years, we brought home a few samples home from Sweden for David to study as we prepared to release our own under the Pedernales Cellars label. The rest is history.

What is the history behind Glögg wine?

You may not realize it, but the practice of making mulled wine did not begin as a holiday tradition. It actually originated with the Romans who warmed their wines in the winter to ward off sickness. Then Europeans began adding spices to support their immune systems during cold and flu season. It wasn’t until the late 1800’s that Cognac-Glögg became associated with Christmas, a tradition that continues to this day.

Glogg wine on display at Pedernales Cellars in Texas

Why does Pedernales Cellars make a Swedish style Glögg?

In addition to paying homage to our Swedish Osterberg family roots, I also lived in Sweden for several years. I always loved that at Christmas time, wherever you went, you would be greeted with warm Glögg in little glass mugs filled with almonds and raisins. Everything about that custom compliments the spirit of the giving season so nicely. Glögg is also the only wine that pairs with cinnamon buns which are also prevalent in Sweden. 

Considering family heritage, I tend to prefer the Swedish style mulled wine to the German-style Glühwein. Glühwein is primarily spiced with cinnamon, but traditional Swedish-style Glögg offers much more complexity with cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg in the mix. 

Hand labeling Glogg wine at Pedernales Cellars

How long as Glögg been a tradition at Pedernales Cellars?

We made our first Glögg in 2009, and it was an instant hit! This year marks our tenth year and we are proud to be one of the first to make a traditional style mulled wine from Texas.

Because the nose is complex and features so many of the holiday smells that our guests know and love the wine has developed its own cult following. We begin getting requests for it as early as September.

Gloggfest at Pedernales Cellars

What does Glögg taste like?

Guests are often surprised by the flavor profile and how much it really is “Christmas in a bottle.” Even wine writers, who are often very skeptical at first, warm to it (no pun intended!) once they taste it.

For our tasting room team, we have something fun to offer our guests that is out of the ordinary and often unexpected. Glögg is an experience that our guests can also take home to share with friends and family over the holidays, and at $20 per bottle, it is also a great gift-giving idea.

The bottles sell out soon after our holiday Glöggfest. This year (2019) we will celebrate Glöggfest on December 14th in our estate tasting room. 

Mug of Swedish Glogg

Above photo credit: Heather Baird

How to prepare Glögg 

Family recipes vary greatly, but all include wine that is slowly warmed with spices, sugar, and sometimes additional spirits like brandy. We usually warm our Glögg in a slow cooker set on high. While warming the wine you'll need to add some sugar (1/4 - 1/2 cup per bottle of wine) depending on your taste. You can also add dark raisins for flavor. Ladle the wine into mugs, and serve hot with toasted almonds and dark raisins to garnish, add citrus if desired.

Pairs well with cinnamon buns or gingerbread. 

Time Posted: Nov 21, 2019 at 12:18 PM Permalink to Why Glögg Wine is a Holiday Tradition Permalink
Julie Kuhlken
 
September 21, 2019 | Julie Kuhlken

Introducing the Pedernales Cellars Signature Series Collection

Pedernales Cellars is fortunate to work with the best wine growers in the state of Texas. The best grapes deserve to be featured in limited production wines. We are proud to release our next two Signature Series Collection wines. These wines, created by the Pedernales Cellars winemaking team are one and two barrel lots of single varietal, single vineyard wines that highlight the most extraordinary blocks from the vintage. They are extremely limited, and we are super excited to share them with you.

At our Fall Wine Club Party, we will preview the 2016 La Pradera Tannat with the Winemaker.  This will be one of the only times you will be able to taste and pre-order this wine.   

2016 La Pradera Tannat, Texas High Plains

This wine is the first varietal Tannat that we have ever released and was planted for us by the folks at La Pradera Vineyards in Brownfield, TX. It is a relatively new grape to our cellar. We planned to use this variety as a blending component for the rich flavors, tannin, and color it can contribute to a wine. However, after tasting this lot in the cellar, we decided this vintage absolutely had to stand alone.

La Pradera Vineyards and is managed by a Texas winegrowing legend, Andy Timmons. This 120-acre vineyard used to be home to a raucous nightclub, now the winegrowing operations headquarters a tranquil and serene change of pace (except during harvest season). 

Acclaimed for their red wine varietals, La Pradera is situated at 3,300 feet in elevation, has Amarillo fine sandy loam soil over clay which are a great combination to consistently produce some of the best wines in the state as featured in Texas Highways Magazine and Texas Monthly Magazine. Their Tannat is no exception.   

The 2016 La Pradera Tannat has loads of character and intensity with scents of bramble, tar, dark chocolate, blackberry jam, eucalyptus, dried currants, dried cherries. Pleasant minerality underlies lush flavors of blackberry jam, cocoa, earth, and fresh green herbs. This Tannat has a pleasant finish with a hint of eucalyptus, and ample tannins that make it age worthy through 2023.

This wine especially complements smoked or cured meats, sausages, and game. We hope you’ll enjoy this wine as much as we have. It is the first harvest from this block, and we are looking forward to many more to come.

 

2017 Farmhouse Vineyards Cinsault, Texas High Plains

Since we opened our tasting room in 2008, we are well known for our wines made with Rhône varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. But more recently, we have worked with growers such as Farmhouse Vineyards to expand our range of Rhône varieties to enhance both the red and rosé wines. Cinsault is one such addition, and this expressive 2017 vintage gives our club members a chance to experience Cinsault on its own. We think wine club members will understand why this variety has earned a place in our cellar as a blending component once they experience its bright fruit flavors.

Operated by the Seaton and Furgeson brother/sister team, Farmhouse Vineyards is comprised of four vineyards on sites covering 112 acres in the High Plains AVA in West Texas. The vineyards situated at 3,330 feet in elevation see hot days and cool nights. The climate is similar to the hot, windy weather in the Southern Rhone Valley and Chateauneuf du Pape where the Cinsault grape thrives. The variety withstands dry conditions and grows well in the loamy soils of the High Plains.

We bottled the 2017 with about 9 months of barrel aging in neutral oak allowing the expressiveness of this light-bodied wine to really shine. It has bright notes of fresh strawberries, cranberries, fresh tobacco, and basil. It will fill your mouth with just-picked summer strawberries and a long finish with soft tannins.

Our 2017 Farmhouse Vineyards Cinsault is a great aperitif and is easy and lovely to drink on its own. It pairs beautifully with soft goat cheeses, blueberry salads, trout or salmon seasoned with dill.

With its lighter skins and soft perfume Cinsault is particularly suitable for fruity, early-drinking reds. This wine is being released now with the hopes you’ll enjoy it young and get the full expression of fruit flavors. Drink up and don’t worry about cellaring!

Join us at our Fall Wine Club Parties to preview the outstanding 2016 La Pradera Tannat.

 

Time Posted: Sep 21, 2019 at 3:59 PM Permalink to Introducing the Pedernales Cellars Signature Series Collection Permalink
Julie Kuhlken
 
July 15, 2019 | Julie Kuhlken

Our Estate Vineyard is Steeped in Family Tradition

Pedernales Cellars is fortunate to have an amazing estate vineyard located close to our winery. Kuhlken Vineyards is the heart of the family-owned winery. My brother, and Pedernales Cellars winemaker, David Kuhlken, and I relish the family history that has gone into cultivating vineyards and thoroughly enjoy our roles in helping the vineyard to evolve over the past two decades.  

Our parents, Larry and Jeanine Kuhlken, planted a 5 acre the vineyard in 1995 originally on a 55 acre property adjacent to State Highway 16 in Fredericksburg in the Bell Mountain AVA (American Viticultural Area) in the Texas Hill Country. We have since expanded the vineyard to 17 acres with the totally property now at 295 acres. Our parents had a dream to return to their agricultural roots, having both grown up on farms for part of their respective childhoods.

Kuhlken Vineyards is situated on rolling hills with excellent soil and enjoys cooler evenings, making it one of the most ideal locations in the state for grape growing. At this site, we grow Albariño, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Tempranillo, and Touriga Nacional, and small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, for our award-winning vineyard designated wines. Each grape variety is in various stages of ripening, and we are quickly approaching harvest. The Pedernales Cellars team will soon be incredibly busy in the vineyard bringing in the grapes for the 2019 vintage.

We’re incredibly enthusiastic for harvest and want to share that excitement with you. We have two excellent ways for you to celebrate the Texas Wine Grape Harvest:

2019 Pedernales Cellars Harvest Photo Contest

Here is your opportunity to experience harvest and share it with the world. Now through August 22, 2019, we invite you to capture and share the hard work, passion and beauty of this unique time during the wine cycle in our Harvest Photo Contest.

  • To enter the 2019 Pedernales Cellars Harvest Photo Contest, simply shoot a photo of any Texas wine-grape vineyard during harvest, tag your shots with @PedernalesCellars and hashtag #PedernalesHarvest19 and share them on Facebook or Instagram. We encourage you to tag other fantastic Texas wineries as well.
  • Follow along via #PedernalesHarvest19 as the contest is also a great way for you to get unique insights into the winemaking process right from the start and an appreciation of the hard work, commitment and passion that goes into every bottle.
  • The winner will receive tickets to Grape Stomp, and a Wine & Food Pairing event on September 15, along with Pedernales Cellars logo Riedel glasses.

2019 Kuhlken Vineyard Harvest Tour

On Saturday, August 3, beginning at 9:00 we invite you to take a little road trip to see the harvest firsthand at our estate vineyards in Fredericksburg. This tour begins at Pedernales Cellars at 9:00 a.m. and includes transportation to and from Kuhlken Vineyard, a picnic lunch, and a tour of our winery.

For more information, please visit: /events/2019-Harvest-Vineyard-Tour 

Time Posted: Jul 15, 2019 at 8:45 AM Permalink to Our Estate Vineyard is Steeped in Family Tradition Permalink
Julie Kuhlken
 
May 13, 2019 | Julie Kuhlken

You’ll be Over the Moon About Our New Rosé Wine

No good wine is complete without a good story. In our case, our newest rosé wine was inspired by a tale of love.

Pedernales Cellars is a family-owned winery, and we are extremely proud of that fact! Larry and Jeanine Kuhlken, founders of Kuhlken Vineyards and the matriarch and patriarch of our family, have been married for a grand total of 50 years. They met while working for NASA on the Apollo 11 mission and have been together ever since. As they are a stellar (see what we did there?) example of love and loyalty, we decided to dedicate our latest wine release to them: the “Over the Moon” rosé. We wanted this wine to symbolize both their commitment to each other and the foundation of their inspirational relationship.

There’s even more to be “over the moon” about; the stunning flavors of this Rhone-style blend include mouth-watering strawberry, vibrant cherry, and chalky minerality. Made with 100% Texas-grown grapes, it makes an incredible addition to every summer dish, from grilled vegetables to lighter meats and charcuterie. This beautiful rosé is a winery exclusive, and you can now pick up a bottle at either of our tasting rooms!

Join Our Rosé Food and Wine Pairing Experience

To celebrate the release of this wine in the middle of rosé wine season, we are hosting our Rosé Food and Wine Pairing Experience on Sunday, May 19th, 2019 at 2:00 PM.  Join us to taste through a flight of several rosés from our library collection paired perfectly with small bites prepared by Chef Leo Aguirre of Fischer and Wieser. For tickets, please visit: /product/Rose--A-Food-and-Wine-Pairing-Experience

Time Posted: May 13, 2019 at 9:34 AM Permalink to You’ll be Over the Moon About Our New Rosé Wine Permalink
Julie Kuhlken
 
April 17, 2019 | Julie Kuhlken

Spend Your April with Pedernales Cellars

As the scorching Texas summer approaches, we are relishing in the last of the cool springtime breezes, sipping glasses of crisp rosé while snuggling on a rocking chair. Our picturesque Stonewall lawn is still bedecked with the Mother Nature's seasonal jewels: splashes of pink primroses and Indian paintbrushes, brown-eyed Susans and Mexican hats.

Yes, the Hill Country is celebrating its rebirth, and we are honoring this time with a few April events that will allow you enjoy the weather!

At Pedernales Cellars, we know the value of family and are pleased to announce that we are hosting an annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt, this Sunday (April 21) at 1:30 PM. We will have three simultaneous, yet separate hunts for the following age groups: 2-4 years, 5-7 years, and 8-10 years. What’s more, we will be hiding one “special” egg for each age ranges’ hunt, and the child who finds it will receive a gift basket! Bring your little one to our scenic Stonewall location, and check in at our front podium before 1:30 PM to participate. This event will occur rain or shine, but we are hoping for sun so that you can snap a few Instagram-worthy photos of your child on our flower-covered front lawn.

The following weekend, we are calling all patrons of the arts to come visit us at the Hill Country Film Festival, April 26th-28th at Fritztown Cinema in Fredericksburg, Texas. Buy a badge and get access to exclusive screenings of local as well as international independent films. We are proud to say that we are an annual sponsor of this event and donate towards two of their awards. We will even be hosting a small farewell event at our Stonewall venue; badge holders can join us for a glass of wine, light snacks, a tour of the vineyard, and a panel discussion before heading home. 

Whether you're in the mood for family time or an artistic adventure, we will be there, glass of wine at the ready and a big Texas smile on our faces!

Time Posted: Apr 17, 2019 at 9:31 AM Permalink to Spend Your April with Pedernales Cellars Permalink
Julie Kuhlken
 
March 26, 2019 | Julie Kuhlken

A Family-Friendly Hill Country Day Trip

Kuhlken Family in the Estate VineyardThere is nothing better than the Texas hill Country in Spring. Vibrant bluebonnets and Indian primroses splash the roadsides with their cheerful hues. Bluebirds chirp cheerful sonnets to one another, gathering nest supplies and relishing in the balmy weather. Electric green tendrils of grapevines unfurl from their wintery casks in search of sunlight. It’s a glorious season in Texas that coaxes everyone outdoors into the warm air. Picnics, glasses of crisp rose, and frisbee games await. These occasions are always more special when they are shared with family.

As a mother myself, I relish family time. To carve out time in my busy schedule to connect with my girls, I have fashioned the perfect family-friendly Hill Country Day Trips that we all enjoy. Here are a few suggestions for your family day get-aways.

Kick off your trip with a proper lunch at the Hye Market next (it’s in, you guessed it, Hye, TX). A charmingly rustic building, the market serves deli sandwiches, fresh salads, naan bread pizzas, and more! They even have a tasting bar where you can sample several local wines and beers.

We love educational opportunities during family outings. One of our favorite places to visit is the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park in Stonewall, which is an excellent way to combine both hiking and learning. The LBJ Ranch just west of Johnson City is home to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s boyhood home. View exhibits about President Johnson’s life, take pictures of the park’s majestic longhorns, or talk a walk to Johnson Settlement on a trail that is less than a mile round-trip. What’s better than sneaking in a little history lesson while having quality family time?

If you love the beauty of wildflowers, take in the sea of brilliant poppies, bluebonnets and other flowers at Wildseed Farm in Fredericksburg. Or, drive the scenic Willow City Loop between the towns of Fredericksburg and Llano, off Highway 16. The gorgeous bucolic setting is loaded with bluebonnets blanketing the rolling hills.

And finally, after a day in the sun, it’s time for wine! Pack up the family and visit our estate vineyard in Stonewall. Schedule a winery tour for the whole group and marvel at our cavernous barrel room. Later, let the younger family members play tag, throw a football, or take a catnap on our expansive property while you sit back and take in the sweeping Hill Country views with a glass of award-winning wine. You can even bring snacks or indulge in a cheese board, basking in the sunlight.

Join us on the patio each Saturday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm for live music. For a special treat, strap on a bib and dig in to our Crawfish Boil on Saturday, March 30.

We are proud residents of the Texas Hill Country and would love you to experience a piece of heaven with your family.

Time Posted: Mar 26, 2019 at 9:00 AM Permalink to A Family-Friendly Hill Country Day Trip Permalink
Julie Kuhlken
 
February 8, 2019 | Julie Kuhlken

Vino for Your Valentine

Ah, the month of love. The seemingly endless hunt for that unforgettably romantic gesture or trinket continues...What will you choose this year to amaze your Valentine? We invite you to look past the teddy bears and choose something that’s bound to bring you and your partner closer….wine.Tempranillo for Valentine's Day

We have just the right thing for lovers who want to stay in for the evening, and for those who want to venture out.

There are fewer things that are more intimate than sharing an exquisite bottle our with your loved one. A new release, this award-winning red is the answer to any question. Pick up a bottle for that special night, confident that magic is in store the moment the cork is pulled.

There’s always shared suspense when trying something new: What adventure awaits us? What flavors dare to seduce us?

Deep red, like a perfect Valentine rose, the rich Tempranillo begs you to take that first sip. Its velvety texture hits your lips. The wine is juicy, with a voluptuous body and tantalizing flavors of ripe Bing cherry, spicy clove, and sweet cinnamon. You look at your partner, eyes widening with surprise. It’s better than anything you could have ever hoped for. The flavors linger long after your sip, a delicious reminder that there’s more to come.

We invite you to take a sensory journey with your partner with a bottle of 2016 Pedernales Cellars Tempranillo Reserve this Valentine’s Day by pairing it with a delicious dinner for two. Tempranillo is incredibly delicious with all types of food because of its savory qualities, and, it pairs really well with grilled-meats.

Try it with a New York strip following this simple recipe:

  • Remove the steaks from the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking.
  • Heat the grill to high heat in the range of 550 to 700 degrees.
  • Brush both sides of the steak with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Grill for 3 minutes with the lid closed, and then turn it a half-turn on the same side to get those pretty criss-cross grill marks.
  • Flip the steaks to cook the other side for 3 to 4 more minutes until it reaches 125 degrees for a rare to medium-rare.
  • Let the steaks rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

If you prefer to go out for a glass of wine, we have two fun events for you and your Valentine.

Chocolate & Wine for Valentines

Join us to celebrate Valentine's Day on Thursday Feb 14, 2019 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at our tasting room located at 34 Main St., in Fredericksburg, TX. Purchase a delicious glass of wine, and we will have three complimentary chocolate samples to pair with it.

Jazz on the Lawn

To celebrate Valentine's weekend, join us for a complimentary live jazz session featuring Bruce Salmon with Coleman Berg on Saturday, Feb 16, 2019 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at the winery in Stonewall, TX.  Bring a picnic and blanket to enjoy wine and music with your Valentine. 

Time Posted: Feb 8, 2019 at 10:04 AM Permalink to Vino for Your Valentine Permalink
Julie Kuhlken
 
December 19, 2018 | Julie Kuhlken

Give the Gift of Wine Club

The frenzy of holiday shopping...You’re dreading it. Endless lines, disgruntled shoppers, and sheer mayhem. Even looking at the crowded parking lots depletes your energy, yet you are determined to find the perfect gifts for your list of loved ones.

Well, we have a solution for you, one that is unique and hassle-free: give that special someone the gift of a Pedernales Cellars Wine Club Membership. Read on to find out why this is the perfect present!

Reasons to Gift a Membership:

  1. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. A continuous subscription service will make someone think of you every time they receive a package. Plus, who wouldn’t want great Texas wine every quarter?
  2. It’s flexible: With three levels to choose from and the option to gift a mixed package or red wines only, you’ll be able to really customize your purchase to fit the needs of your recipient.
  3. It comes with incredible perks: There are advantages of joining every level, from discounts every time you come by to complimentary tastings and members-only events. And we bet that your recipient will gladly share his or her benefits!
  4. It supports a local, family-owned business: At Pedernales Cellars, we pride ourselves on being family-owned and operated, and we treat our Club members like an extension of this family. Allow us to spoil your loved one every time they walk through the door.
  5. It’s convenient: This gift is just a few clicks away. Simply fill out a few fields of info and you’ll be all set!

Obviously, your recipient must be 21+ years of age to receive this gift. Please visit /Wine-Clubs to review the list of memberships and choose one that is right for you! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to wineclub@pedernalescellars.com.

Would you prefer less of a commitment? You can also request a one-time shipment. Hurry, time’s running out! Visit /Wines to place your order. 

We are committed to helping you find the perfect gift; please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about our memberships. And now that you’ve saved time shopping, feel free to sit back, relax, and have a glass of our award-winning Texas wine!

Happy Holidays,

The Pedernales Family

Time Posted: Dec 19, 2018 at 12:13 PM Permalink to Give the Gift of Wine Club Permalink