As the vibrant hues of summer fade into the warm, golden colors of fall, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the season through food and wine. There’s something truly special about the transition to autumn—a crispness in the air, heartier flavors, and a focus on bringing warmth and comfort into every meal. At The Dundee Hotel, we invite you to embrace the beauty of fall with a dish crafted by the talented chefs at Wooden Heart Kitchen, our on-site restaurant. Designed to pair beautifully with sparkling wine, this recipe is not only a culinary delight but also a celebration of the harvest season.
Getting into the Spirit of the Season with Food and Wine Pairings
Autumn is a time when our cravings begin to shift toward richer, more robust flavors, and nothing captures the spirit of the season like food and wine pairings. The fall harvest brings forth a bounty of fresh ingredients, from root vegetables to earthy greens, all of which beg to be paired with the right wine. Sparkling wine, with its effervescent charm, adds a refreshing lift to the deep, savory flavors that dominate autumnal dishes. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or simply looking to indulge in something special, pairing a carefully crafted meal with a crisp glass of bubbles is the ultimate way to savor the season.
Why Sparkling Wine and Vinaigrettes Make the Perfect Pair
When it comes to pairing sparkling wines with food, acidity is key. Vinaigrettes, with their bright, tangy profiles, complement the lively acidity of sparkling wine, creating a balanced harmony of flavors. The effervescence of the wine cuts through the richness of ingredients like toasted walnuts and chèvre cheese, while the vinaigrette adds a pop of brightness to every bite. This balance ensures that neither the dish nor the wine overpowers the other, making them perfect partners for a delightful fall meal.
Discover Wooden Heart Kitchen: A Farm-to-Table Experience
Wooden Heart Kitchen, located inside The Dundee Hotel, prides itself on offering a true farm-to-table dining experience. With a focus on local, organic ingredients, Wooden Heart creates dishes that highlight the very best of what Oregon Wine Country has to offer. Each menu item is thoughtfully crafted to showcase the seasonal bounty, with an emphasis on sustainability and flavor. Whether you’re a guest at the hotel or a local looking for a new favorite spot, Wooden Heart’s rustic yet refined dishes provide the perfect complement to your wine country getaway.
Recipe: Kale Salad with Blistered Grape Vinaigrette
This delicious Kale Salad with Blistered Grape Vinaigrette is a must-try for fall. With earthy kale, creamy chèvre cheese, and toasted walnuts, all brought together by a tangy grape vinaigrette, this dish pairs beautifully with a bottle of local sparkling wine. Here’s how to make it at home:
Salad Ingredients
– 1 bunch organic Italian kale
– Crumbled chèvre cheese
– Toasted walnuts
Blistered Grape Vinaigrette Ingredients
– 2 lbs red seedless grapes
– 2 tsp salt
– Cracked pepper
– Juice of 1 orange
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– Fresh parsley
– Neutral oil (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the grapes on a baking sheet and roast them until blistered and slightly caramelized, about 20 minutes.
- Once cooled, purée half of the cooked grapes in a food processor, then strain the mixture.
- Return the strained grape purée to the food processor and add salt, pepper, orange juice, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and fresh parsley.
- Slowly drizzle in the neutral oil, blending until the vinaigrette reaches your desired consistency.
- Toss your kale in the dressing and top the salad with crumbled chèvre cheese, toasted walnuts, and the remaining whole blistered grapes for added texture and flavor.
Enjoy Fall in Oregon Wine Country
After you’ve prepared this seasonal dish, why not enjoy it surrounded by the beauty of Oregon Wine Country? Fall is one of the most picturesque times to visit The Dundee Hotel, where you can indulge in the flavors of the season while sipping local wines and taking in the autumn landscape. Whether you’re here for a relaxing weekend escape or a culinary adventure, The Dundee offers the perfect home base for exploring everything the region has to offer. Book your stay with us today and experience the true taste of fall at Wooden Heart Kitchen.
Embrace the season, enjoy the flavors, and raise a glass to autumn in Wine Country!