Petaluma, CA – December 2, 2020 – With so many winter holidays to celebrate – beginning with Winter Solstice and Hanukkah, followed by Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s – the winemakers of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance (PGWA) have chosen wines that pair perfectly with traditional recipes for each holiday, no matter which you plan to celebrate. Although Pinot Noir is the dominant grape variety grown in the Petaluma Gap American Viticultural Area (AVA), other grapes grown there include Chardonnay, Albariño, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot; there is no shortage of flavors to complement recipes from cultures around the world.
The Petaluma Gap area is known for its afternoon breezes that cascade over the ridgetops from Bodega Bay to San Pablo Bay, allowing for slower ripening and longer time on the vines to develop more complexity. “After nearly three years as an AVA, more of our winemakers are putting Petaluma Gap on the label and more of our wines are earning scores of 90+ points. These are wines that are worthy of special occasions, especially after a year like 2020,” said Erica Stancliff, President of the PGWA Board and winemaker for Trombetta Family Wines. “I’ll be pouring Trombetta Family Chardonnay on New Year’s Day, paired with Lemon Risotto and Seared Scallops.”
Petaluma Gap winemakers were asked to share their favorite winter holiday recipes to pair with their award-winning wines; included in the collection is everything from Gust Wines’ Chardonnay paired with Latkes for Hanukkah, Dutton-Goldfield’s Riesling paired with Mango Crab Cakes for Christmas, a white blend from Thirty-Seven Wines paired with Cheesy Corn & Grits for Kwanzaa, Cabernet Sauvignon from Adobe Road paired with Shiitake Mushroom & Pistachio Beef Bundles for New Year’s Eve and a Syrah made in Amphorae paired with a Bloody Mary Grilled Cheese for New Year’s Day . Each recipe includes a suggested wine pairing, along with winemaker notes and photos. Recipes & pairing information will be shared on PGWA’s social media channels beginning December 7th. The full collection of recipes is included in the appendix. Most of these wines are available for purchase on the wineries’ websites; see www.petalumagap.com/wineries for more information. The Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance also invites you to sign up for its monthly newsletter at www.petalumagap.com/join, featuring award-winning wines and the stories behind the winemakers of the Petaluma Gap.
Adobe Road 2017 Lichau Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, $85
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McEvoy Ranch 2014 Red Piano Syrah, $45
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Cline Family Cellars 2015 Furvus Rosso Syrah, Made in Amphorae, $65
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Pfendler Vineyards 2018 Petaluma Gap Chardonnay, $45
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Desire Lines 2018 Lichau Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, $49
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Ron Noble Wines 2018 Estate Pinot Noir, $68
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Dutton Goldfield 2018 Chileno Valley Vineyard Riesling, $30
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Thirty-Seven Wines 2017 Albariňo, $22
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Gust Wines 2017 Chardonnay, $45
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Thirty-Seven Wines 2018 Tolay Blanc White Blend, $18
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Jacuzzi Wines 2018 Sangiovese, $28
The 2018 vintage is sold out online, but the 2019, made by Winemaker Tom Gendall, is available.
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Thirty-Seven Wines 2016 Reserve Merlot, $46
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Keller Estate 2016 Rôtie, $58
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Trombetta Family Wines 2018 Gap’s Crown Chardonnay, $65
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About the Alliance
Founded in 2005, the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance (PGWA) exists to educate members of the wine trade and consumers about the Petaluma Gap AVA and to increase awareness of the region’s unique growing conditions and resulting wine quality. PGWA additionally supports member winegrowers and vintners within the region through ongoing programs and communications designed to help them maximize their success within the industry. The group’s membership is made up of grape growers, wineries, associate business members, sponsors and local community members with a passion for the region and its wine. Throughout the year, the group conducts educational events and tastings independently and through the Sonoma County Vintners.
