Winter in the Vineyard

Here at Rubino Estates, we maintain that natural beauty is not confined to a single season. Even in the depths of winter, when the vines are at their most bare and very little blooms, there is still life and beauty if one looks closely enough. The vines are resting after the labor of producing fruit, and gaining strength for yet another year of generous yields and fruitful blessings. Below, we have sought to capture the peculiarly shrouded beauty of this season. 

There is always life in the vineyard. This little mustard plant blooms with small flowers, bright and defiant, surrounded by the bareness of the vines. 

The blue skies of winter in the Livermore Valley shine with pureness and clarity upon this block of our beloved Chardonnay.

Acres upon acres without leaves or color may seem monotonous, but there is a peaceful and necessary rest to dormancy.  

Without dormancy, these vines would not grow or flourish. The gnarled bark here is evidence of new growth within. 

The search for beauty means looking high and low. The winter rains have caused a lush green bed to grow between each row.

A closer look reveals that the morning dew has bedecked the grass with diamond droplets, a simple sparkle preserved by the chill of the day. 

Another close look at this vine reveals their hard labor from the 2021 harvest season. Can you see the remains of clusters, long gone?

There is beauty in the simplicity of this season. There is a chill in the air and bareness on the vines, but there is still wonder in our eyes as we look upon the vineyard in anticipation of all that 2022 holds. 

Do you want to look at the vineyard, up close and personal? Do you want to learn more about the life cycle of our vines and the winemaking process, from stem to bottle? Click here to learn about our Duck Tour!

Random Acts of Wellness

If you’re already tired of winter weather or worried about the twists and turns we’ll experience in 2022, you’re not alone. As each day goes by, however, we’re learning to practice “random acts of wellness”—little actions that take only a few minutes but can brighten a day. For the things we can work on and the things that are outside of our control, these actions may help you to feel ready to face each day, week, month, and year. 

Get Outside and Move. 

The evidence in support of the physical and psychological benefits of this is overwhelming. Even if the sun isn’t shining or the chill is getting to you, it’s worth it. You don’t need to have a full workout on your front lawn (although that might be refreshing), just put on a coat, step outside, and breathe. Stretch a little, take a few steps or go around the block and enjoy the energizing power of fresh air and movement.  

Clean Something.

You don’t have to scrub and polish, just set a timer for 2-5 minutes and straighten something up. Research shows that cleaning is powerfully connected to improved mood and focus, so if you’re looking for a little act of wellness with good reward, this one is worth trying. Bonus points if you grab a friend, family, member, or coworker to join you and do the same.

Express Thankfulness. 

Next time you say “thank you” to someone, try to pause and dwell on your thankfulness. Gratefulness is closely connected with well-being. If you appreciate a sense of meaning or feel like you need a little boost, we recommend writing a thank you note to someone or write down a couple things you are thankful for. You don’t even need to send the note, although you may find another boost of joy in doing so!

Change your Scenery.

This is especially important for anyone feeling weighed down by a monotonous routine. Take your work or task to another room, or leave your work behind and spend 5 minutes with a cozy blanket. Try to find a room with natural light. Try putting on some music you enjoy. Sing along, even if it’s not great!

Try Something New.

Trying new things is a great way to make memories, stimulate creativity, and open the door to know yourself better! The gesture does not have to be grand. Try wearing something outside of your usual wardrobe, or find a recipe for something you’ve never cooked. If you usually drink white wine, try reds. If you usually walk for exercise, try biking.  Even if it doesn’t feel as comfortable as what’s familiar to you, it’s always worth trying!

Here at the Estate, walking through the vineyards or trying new varietals are some of our favorite quick mood-boosters. What are some random acts of wellness you want to bring into your 2022?

 

Taste the Love: Valentine's Portfiolo Tasting

Valentine's Day is a month away, how will you make it special? We pour painstaking care into every aspect of our wines, from stem to bottle. These meticulously farmed and crafted wines are a labor of love, and it is a delight to share them with an aura of awe and pleasure. 

We are calling all Love-birds, Sweet-hearts, and Wine-lovers! If you want to make Valentine’s Day truly unforgettable and undeniably special, then consider a Valentine’s Portfolio Tasting. For anyone who has a special someone and appreciates a good glass of wine, there’s nothing more perfect for you. 

During your tasting, you will be guided through the history of our Estate Vineyard, as well as a flight of wine offering the best of the best from both the Rubino Estates Landmark Collection and the Ruby Hill Jewel Collection. Alongside the flight, we offer luxurious food offerings to help you celebrate romance and delight! Sip and savor with other couples who love good wine and a good time. At the end of the event, each couple will receive a bottle of Sparkling Wine to take home. 

Our Valentine's Portfolio Tastings will be offered on February 11, and 12 at 11:30am and 2:00pm. If you and your significant other are interested in this event, please book through our Tock site. For members, the ticket price is $80 per couple (two people), and for all other guests the price is $90 per couple.

Will you be our Valentine?

5 Healthy Food and Wine Pairings

It’s officially 2022! If you’ve held tight to your New Year’s Resolution so far, we have great news: we’ve made it to the end of week one, only 51 to go. This week, we’re standing with everyone who has been working to eat more fresh and wholesome food this year. Below, we have some of the best pairings for delicious healthy recipes. A glass of wine will treat you fine—it’s time to pursue the joy of balance!

Fumé Blanc and Roasted Beet Salad

Beyond their rich color and distinct earthy flavor, beets are a nutritional powerhouse. They help the human body function better at most levels, even making workouts more effective! This salad pairs beets with shallots and other delicious flavors so you can enjoy life and eat beets at the same time. Enjoy with a nice light sip of Fumé Blanc.
Recipe from Food Network

Landmark Sangiovese and Stuffed Bell Peppers

Bell peppers know no other wine better than Sangiovese, so if you are enjoying this hearty and healthy recipe, feel free to pour a cherry-red glass for yourself. This recipe features bell peppers as well as zucchini and cracked freekeh, an ancient grain that will bulk up your meal without weighing you down!  
Recipe from The Wanderlust Kitchen

Salute Red and Veggie Burgers 

If you’re following a plant-based diet, you don’t have to say goodbye to burgers. This recipe yields a hearty, protein-rich patty that can be dressed up however you like. The acidity and approachability of our Salute Red blend will compliment each bite perfectly! If you opt for an Impossible Burger as a substitute, you can lean into an even deeper red such as our Night Owl Barbera. 
Recipe From Sally's Baking Addiction

Chardonnay and Flounder with Corn Relish 

If you’re looking for a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, then look to the ocean! This recipe has all of the luxury and refinement of your favorite seaside fine dining, while still supporting your goals of health and wellness! When enjoyed alongside a glass of our creamy yet light Riserva Chardonnay you won’t even crave a cheat day. 
Recipe from Food & Wine

Amuleto and Chicken Under a Brick

With this recipe, you can make a juicy bird with crispy skin without a fuss—all you need is a foil-wrapped brick. There’s no need for extra sauces or other rich enhancements to make this a delicious meal, especially when served alongside a caesar salad and our Club Member-Exclusive Amuleto.
Recipe from Eat This, Not That

Best of 2021 in Photos

Here, on the last day of 2021, we are taking a moment to reflect on our favorite snapshots of the Estate from the last year. These 12 months have had their ups and downs, as with every year, but the beauty of the Estate is constant. Below, we have assembled a simple encapsulation of the last 12 months. 

January - Dormant, Simple, and Bare
 

February - Quiet, Expectant, and Romantic
 

March - Miraculous, Hopeful, and Budding
 

April - Vitality, Growth, and Freshness
 

May - Warmth, Clarity, and Promise
 

June - Youth, Sunshine, and Summer
 

July - Verasion, Heat, and Preparation
 

August - Bright, Ripened, and Vibrant
 

September - Bounty, Peace, and Anticipation
 

October - Harvest, Autumn, and Spookiness
 

November - Colorful, Calm, and Thankful
 

December - Festive, Sparkling, and Celebratory

Here's to 2022!

A Christmas Feast in Italy

This Christmas Eve, we are celebrating the Italian influences that make Rubino Estates unique. In Italy, traditions range based on region and family history, but they nearly all involve good food! What many Americans would refer to as “Christmas Dinner” takes place on the 24th rather than the 25th, and generally involves meals made from scratch with only the finest and freshest ingredients available. To celebrate that rich and delicious tradition, we’ve rounded up a few traditional Italian Christmastime recipes that you can enjoy today, tomorrow, or all year long! 

 

Antipasti Chopped Salad by Rachael Ray

If you enjoy a light salad with your meals, then we suggest this toothsome celebration of antipasti, with cured meat, cheese, and olive—all delightful things you don’t want to miss out on! Suggested pairing: Salute Rosé.
 

 

Pasta con le Sarde by Savoring Italy

In Sicily especially, Christmas dishes are made with seafood. This traditional pasta dish incorporates the briny richness of sardines into the delight of Italy’s quintessential spaghetti. Suggested pairing: Fumé Blanc.
 

 

Shrimp and Scallop Risotto by Food and Wine

Another take on a special-occasion seafood, this mouthwatering risotto is certain to be a crowd pleaser. Creamy and salty with just a touch of earthiness, this recipe is balanced and delicious. Suggested pairing: Riserva Chardonnay.
 

 

Saltimbocca alla Romana by Jamie Oliver

This delectable dish can be made with a variety of proteins, but veal is the meat of choice at the Christmas table. The name of this dish translates to “jump in the mouth,” a testament to the unbeatable flavor! Suggested pairing: Landmark Collection Barbera.

 

Nonna’s Ricotta Cake by Cooking with Nonna

Simple, fresh, and undeniably delicious, this dessert is the Italian sweet you didn’t know you needed. Enjoy the rich and lightly sweet profile with a perfect zing of citrus and discover just how cravable it is! Suggested pairing: Brut Sparkling Wine (on sale NOW).

 

Orange Pistachio Biscotti by Sea Salt Savorings

This biscotti is the best epilogue for a deliciously rich meal. When you need a snack after opening gifts, this twice-baked marriage of cookie and bread is perfect with a traditional espresso or sweet wine. Suggested Pairing: Infinitum Dessert Wine. 

 

As they say in Italy, Buon Natale!
Happy Holidays from the Rubino Estates Famiglia.

 

A Quick Guide to Pairing Sparkling

This December has filled us with festive joy. Between the Christmas lights and the music on the radio, we’re surrounded by good cheer and a special kind of beauty. This week, we’re taking a look at the best pairings for Sparkling Brut Wine, our favorite wine for celebrating! Enjoy the festive effervescence with notes of pear, fresh pineapple, green apple, and a light flourish of coconut on the finish. Best of all, it’s on sale! 

Sparkling Wine is a holiday must-have, and here at Rubino Estates, we love to welcome our guests and members with a splash of sparkles. If you need that special something to bring your holiday meals to the next level, pop open a bottle of bubbly with appetizers, dinner, or dessert. Part of the beauty of this wine is its versatility: it pairs deliciously with almost everything! Even so, there are some special pairings that will bring the blissful harmonies of flavor that special occasions deserve. We’ve assembled a quick guide below!

 

Charcuterie

Fresh Burrata

Dried Blueberries

Cured Smoked Lardo

Aged Gruyère


 

 

 

Proteins

Oysters

Wild Caught Snapper

Fried Chicken

Seitan Curry
 

 

 

 

Desserts

Raspberry Panna Cotta

Spiced Pear Galette

Strawberry Shortcake

Almond Shortbread Cookies

 

 

Happy Holidays, friends! This is the season for Sparkling so get yours now while the sale is on!

All You Want For Christmas is Here!

We've decked the halls here at the Rubino Estates tasting room, and we love to see the festive spirit all around! If you want to do some holiday shopping, now is the time. What can be worse than a frenzied gift shopping spree on the 24th or a package delayed until January? We can help you with all your shopping, from quickly shipping your favorite wines to your favorite people, to picking out just the right gift to make someone smile. This week, we talked to our retail manager JoAnn about the hottest gifts in the tasting room this year. Take a look at what we have!

 

 

If you love practical or funny gifts, take a look at our novelty tea towels. We offer a range of colors, styles and sayings, but they sell out fast! Embellished with goofy or cute designs, you can take your pick of the best fit for your recipient. 

 

 

 

 

JoAnn has also set up a gorgeous display of one of this season's other bestsellers: tiny trees! Whether you want to add a dose of whimsy to your holiday decor or gift to a friend who loves color, these trees are affordable and adorable.

 

 

 

 

For a timeless gift for your favorite host (especially if that host is yourself) look no further than our serving boards, especially this raw granite piece with a matching cheese knife! It's time to crown the charcuterie queen this Christmas. 

 

 

 

 

Nestled throughout the tasting room boutique, you might have the pleasure of spotting one of our little festive felt creatures! Perfect for animal lovers and decor-lovers alike, these add a natural dose of adorable to all sorts of wintertime decor. Just look at this cozy reindeer!

 

 

 

 

Last but not least is the burning question: what about the wine? We have great news: in addition to all of our wines being available for purchase (making you the best kind of friend to have), we have hats to keep your bottles cozy and festive. Enjoy a range of patterns and styles so your bottles never feel underdressed at your holiday dinners!

 

 

What are you waiting for? It's time to get out there and be a gift-giver extraordinaire!

Rubino Estates Mulled Wine

December has come to the Livermore Valley, bringing a chill to the air and scaring the remaining leaves from their branches. There is a quiet beauty to this season, as nature prepares for frosts and dormancy. Meanwhile, we bustle about with holiday preparations and end-of-year tasks, fighting off the chill with cozy socks, favorite blankets, and warm mugs of the best Christmastime beverages imaginable. We love to spread the toasty-warm and holiday-spiced joy of a cup of Mulled Wine, so we've shared our famiglia recipe below. Every batch is a little bit different, so we've also included some of our favorite customization options so you'll make the most of every sip!

Rubino Estates Mulled Wine

Ingredients

• 1 bottle Rubino Estates Night Owl Barbera
• 1 1/2 cup Cold-Pressed Apple Cider
• 1/2 cup Pomegranate Juice
• 1/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar
• 1/2 cup Fresh Cranberries
• 1/3 cup Fresh Pomegranate Berries
• 1 Orange Zest
• 3 Cinnamon Sticks
• 3 Star Anise Pods
• 1 tsp Whole Cloves
• 1 pinch Ground Nutmeg

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and stir well. 
2. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. 
3. Allow the mulled wine to steep for at least 15 minutes or as long as desired.
4. Serve warm!

Customization Ideas

• If you would prefer to make your mulled wine in a crock pot, combine all ingredients and leave the pot on low for 2-3 hours. Serve warm. 
• Make this mulled wine your own or mix and match to find your favorite flavor. Try creative additions like a sliced honeycrisp apple, sliced fresh ginger, allspice berries (about 4), cardamom pods (about 5) or spike things up with 1/2 cup of orange liqueur or apple brandy. This recipe is yours!

We wish you warmth and good cheer this December.

If you want to enjoy our Night Owl Barbera in this recipe, on its own, or with your holiday meals, now is the perfect time to buy. Get a bottle for only $28 while it's the Wine of the Month!

Treasured Thanksgiving Traditions

The last Thursday of November is a special day for many people; a day to relax, enjoy family and food, and appreciate blessings. With thankful hearts, we treasure our tradition and heritage as the years go by. Today, we are pausing to dwell upon the classic Thanksgiving Day traditions that bring joy to the friends and families of Rubino Estates Winery. 

Eating Delicious Food ~ At the top of the menu, you’ll usually find Turkey! Below, however, is a beautiful cornucopia of other foods that vary from house to house; from signature favorites to inventive new dishes, every Thanksgiving feat is a different way to celebrate. Some of our favorites include mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing (or dressing), and pumpkin pie. Some of our staff even enjoy thanksgiving with a twist, with different dishes every year. 

Expressing Thankfulness ~ For some in our staff, it is customary to express thankfulness for something specific before, during, or after the Thanksgiving meal, while gathered around the table. You can be thankful for anything, be it scrumptious food, a new job, a good movie, recovery from an illness, or the color cerulean. According to medical and scientific journals, there is a very strong relationship between happiness and expressing gratitude for things big and small. 

Breaking the Wishbone ~ Though Thanksgiving itself is a relatively young holiday, breaking the wishbone finds its roots in ancient tradition--as far back as 800 BCE. Superstition around chicken wishbones began in an early civilization in Italy and was adopted by Roman culture, which then influenced cultures throughout the empire. Writings from England in the 1400’s mention the breaking of a goose wishbone in predicting weather. Eventually, breaking “wishbones” morphed into the luck-predicting tradition we have today. 

Turning on the TV ~ While some might partake in the noble tradition of taking a nap before or after the feast, for some it’s time to tune in to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which is now in its 95th year of ushering in the official start of the holiday season. Others have a football game (or three) to watch, another Thanksgiving Day hallmark since the 1920s. If you haven’t checked already, the games this year are Bears at Lions, Raiders at Cowboys, and Bills at Saints.

Taking a Walk or a Trot ~ Not all of us agree on this one, but for some of us, Thanksgiving Day isn’t complete without a little motion. Whether you take a nice walk around the block to fight a food coma or enjoy a brisk jog or run to celebrate the holiday, it’s an invigorating way to enjoy some fresh air (and enjoy some time away from relatives, if you need to!).

Spreading the Love ~ We also think that Thanksgiving is a beautiful time to appreciate what we have, and let our thankfulness guide us in generosity. For anyone who wants to share the love of this time of year, we encourage you to give resources, be it food staples, financial support, or your time to local programs like Tri-Valley Haven, Open Heart Kitchen, Shepherd’s Gate, or Alameda County Community Food Bank. 

 

We’re thankful for you!
-All of us at Rubino Estates