National Breadstick Day with Rubino Estates!

It's National...Breadstick Day? Who even knew there was such a thing! Bread and wine are natural partners in the food and wine world. And we know, from how much everyone loves to snack on the thin, crispy breadsticks at the tasting room, that there is something so irresistible about the snap of a thin breadstick while you sip on wine. We stumbled upon this simple breadstick recipe so that you can recreate your favorite tasting room snack at home. 

Grissini is a style of breadstick that originated in the Piemonte region of Italy. They were invented to provide the young, sickly Duke Vittorio Amedeo II of Savoy something gentle to eat. A baker from the town of Turin decided to take some bread dough and stretch it out into long thin strips before firing them in the oven. And thus we have the Grissini. 

The recipe calls for sesame seeds, but you can play around with other herbs. Consider using some of your favorite Italian seasonings like rosemary or thyme. Dip them in olive oil and enjoy with your favorite Rubino Estates wine!

Thin 'n' Crunchy Italian Breadsticks (Grissini) from King Arthur Bread

Ingredients

Dough

• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon Pizza Dough Flavor (optional, but tasty)
• 1 tablespoon King Arthur Easy-Roll Dough Improver, Baker's Special Dry Milk, or nonfat dry milk
• 3 cups (396g) King Arthur Italian-Style Flour, 
• 3/4 cup (170g) lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons (25g) olive oil

Topping

• 1 egg white, beaten with 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1/3 cup (47g) sesame seeds, or a mixture of your favorite seeds

Directions

• Mix and knead the dough ingredients — by hand, mixer, or bread machine set on the dough cycle — to make a soft, supple dough. Add one to two additional tablespoons of water if you are in a drier climate.
• Divide the dough in half, cover with lightly greased plastic wrap, and let it rest and relax for 15 minutes (or for up to an hour or so; work it into your schedule as you see fit).
• Working with one half of the dough at a time, pat or roll it into a 9" x 13" rectangle. Brush the dough lightly with the egg white and water, and sprinkle it with the seeds. Roll the dough lightly with a rolling pin to press the seeds in.
• Use a pizza wheel or sharp knife to cut the dough (the short way) into strips about 3/8" wide. Twist the ends of each strip in opposite directions (as though you were wringing out a washcloth) to make a "twist," and place them on lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheets.
• Cover the breadsticks and let them rest and rise for 30 to 60 minutes, until they've puffed noticeably.
• Towards the end of the rising time, preheat the oven to 425°F.
• Bake the breadsticks for 12 to 14 minutes, or until they're golden brown. Remove them from the oven, and cool on a rack.

Oct 29, 2020 at 7:00 AM Permalink

Fall Sangria Recipe

Halloween is coming up, and while it may look different than years before, there's a chance you may still have a little gathering with family and friends. The kids will be stuffing their mouths with candy, but what about another adult-friendly alternative? It's not quite cold enough for mulled wine, but we love a good sangria, and we think this recipe for Honeycrisp Apple Sangria by Sally's Baking Addiction is a great fall-inspired drink to sip on while gathering around the fire. Double the recipe for a large group! We suggest using the 2016 Rubino Estates Amuleto for its hints of spice and cranberries.

Honeycrisp Apple Sangria

Ingredients

• 3 cinnamon sticks (plus more for garnish)
• 2 Honeycrisp apples, chopped
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 (750 ml) bottle 2016 Rubino Estates Amuleto 
• 1 and 3/4 cups homemade apple cider or store-bought*
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup orange juice (or juice from 2 medium oranges)
• juice from 1 lemon
• club soda, to taste

Directions

1. ​Place the cinnamon sticks, apples, and orange slices in a large pitcher. Add wine, apple cider, brandy, orange juice, and lemon juice. Allow to sit in the refrigerator for 6 – 24 hours. Taste; if you’d like it to be sweeter, add 1-2 Tablespoons granulated sugar, honey, or agave.
2. If you’d like a cinnamon-sugar rim (highly recommended), simply moisten the rim of your glasses with water, turn the glass upside down and dip it into a mix of cinnamon and sugar. Pour in the sangria with fruit* and add a splash of club soda (this unsweetened fizz is wonderful with the sangria!). Garnish with a cinnamon stick, if desired. Cheers!

Ready to make this delightful fall drink for your next family gathering? Stop by the tasting room and take advantage of the last few magnums of 2016 Amuleto! 

Oct 23, 2020 at 7:00 AM Permalink

Celebrate National Pasta Day with These Tri-Valley Favorites

At Rubino Estates, our Italian heritage and tradition honors the second property owner, Ernest Ferrario, and the rich history of Italian immigrants in the Livermore Valley. Ernest Ferrario was an Italian immigrant who moved to California to work on the railroads in San Rafael. Accustomed to the delicious wines in Italy, Ferrario decided to break into the wine business and purchase the Ruby Hill Property from John Crellin in 1921. Ferrario developed the land into a magnificent vineyard and established an admirable reputation as a Winemaker. Today, we carry on his legacy in our commitment to producing wines of distinction from Italian varietals. Wines like our Primitivo, Riserva Sangiovese, and Night Owl Barbera are delicious wines made in California, inspired by Italian fine wines.

Saturday is National Pasta Day, and we can't wait to dig into a big bowl of gnocchi. Here is a round-up of some of our favorite Italian restaurants in the Tri-Valley offering dining and take-out options so you can celebrate National Pasta Day, too. Come in for an afternoon tasting at Rubino and then head out for a lovely dinner to pair with your favorite Rubino Estates wine!

Celebrate National Pasta Day at These Tri-Valley Favorites

Incontro - Danville, CA

Incontro is the perfect place to gather with family and friends. The inspiration for the name came from their desire to create a place to encounter diverse cuisines from all of Italy's regions. 

Barone's - Pleasanton, CA

Located in the heart of downtown Pleasanton, Barone’s Restaurant offers seasonal menus and innovative cuisine.

Brava Garden Eatery - Pleasanton, CA

Bringing together their Argentinian roots, Italian heritage, and Northern California location, Brava Garden Eatery features a selection of fresh-made pasta and locally-sourced ingredients.

Chianti Reserve - Pleasanton, CA

Chef and co-owner Bilarddi Carteli was trained in Italy and prepares their daily off-the-menu classic Italian specials using only the freshest ingredients.

Campo di Bocce - Livermore, CA

Classic Italian fare in a fun and friendly environment. It's the perfect place to gather with family and friends.

Pastas Tratorria - Pleasanton, CA

Located in scenic downtown Pleasanton, Pastas Trattoria has the best views of downtown. Enjoy one of the delicious flatbreads or specialty entrees.

Staying in this weekend? Tag us on social @rubinoestates and let us know what pasta you made and which Rubino wine you're enjoying with it!

Oct 16, 2020 at 7:00 AM Permalink

Chardonnay and Corn Chowder

It's October, and that means soup season is upon us! After the rush of harvest, it's nice to have easy meals on hand so that the weekends really feel like a weekend. We like to make a double batch to have plenty of leftovers to enjoy as lunch for the week or to freeze for another rainy day. 

Corn Chowder is one of our favorites. Take some of the last Brentwood Sweet Corn of the season, add potatoes, and maybe a little bacon, and you're all set. What we love about this recipe is that you also make your own corn stock for the soup! We were surprised by the depth of flavor the corn stock added. Add a little cream at the end for a little richness and enjoy with a glass of the 2016 Rubino Estates Riserva Chardonnay. It's rich, smooth texture and pleasant acidity make it a perfect wine for your favorite fall soups!

Basic Corn Chowder via New York Times Cooking
 

Ingredients

• 4 to 6 ears of corn
• 1 tablespoon butter or neutral oil, like canola or grapeseed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
•  Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tomatoes, cored, seeded and chopped (optional)
• 1 cup whole or low-fat milk
• ½ cup chopped parsley (optional)

Directions

1. Shuck corn, and use a paring knife to strip kernels into a bowl. Put cobs in a pot with 4 cups water; bring to a boil, cover and simmer while you continue.
2. Put butter or oil in a saucepan, and turn heat to medium-high. When butter melts or oil is hot, add onion and potatoes, along with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion softens, about 5 minutes; add tomatoes and cook, stirring, for another minute or two.
3. After corncobs have cooked at least 10 minutes, strain liquid into onion-potato mixture; bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer. When potatoes are tender, add corn kernels and milk, and heat through. Taste, and adjust seasonings. Garnish with the parsley, and serve.

Add our wine of the month to your next order.

Enjoy complimentary shipping on 6 or more bottles!

Oct 7, 2020 at 7:33 AM Permalink

It's Magnum Month at Rubino!

It is Magnum Month at Rubino Estates, and we could not be more excited about the offerings we have for you. We tend to get many questions about the benefits of larger formats versus regular 750-milliliter wine bottles, so we thought we would share some helpful information about magnums. 

They are Rare

Most wineries bottle a limited quantity of magnums, and they are often reserved for showcasing outstanding vintages, for marking a winery's anniversary, or for donating to charity auctions and events.

Higher Quality Wine

The aging of wine is accelerated when exposed to oxygen, also known as oxidation. There is a small amount of oxygen trapped inside every wine bottle, and a larger wine bottle has less oxygen relative to the volume of wine. This means that the wine oxidizes more slowly. Slower oxidation often translates into better maturation and higher quality wine.

Better Aging Potential

If you want to put a bottle away for a grand occasion many years in the future, a magnum is a great option. Slower oxidation means that the magnum will reach its peak long after 750-milliliter bottles have reached their prime. 

Resistance to Temperature Fluctuations

The larger volume of liquid in a magnum takes longer to warm or cool and is, therefore, more resistant to potentially damaging temperature fluctuations. 

They're Impressive

There is nothing like bringing out a magnum at a celebration. Whether it is a wedding or an anniversary party, they are an impressive sight to see.

Did you know we also have a Magnum Club? When you join the Magnum Club, you will receive two magnums each quarter, curated by our winemaker. You also have access to one complimentary Portfolio Tasting per year for up to 4 guests. You can sign up here!

Shop Magnum Month!

Oct 2, 2020 at 7:00 AM Permalink

Fall Football Favorites

It's finally football season! September is almost over and we may not be going to games, this fall, why not throw a nice socially-distant football party at home? Many associate football games with beer, but we think wine is a great option for all of your favorite football snacks.  Below, we're sharing a few recipes and wine pairings for you to enjoy during the next big game. Let us know which one is your favorite!

Football Snacks and Rubino Estates Wine Pairings

Rubino Estates Landmark Proprietary Red with Blue Cheese Spread

Rubino Estates Riserve Sangiovese with Chorizo and Manchego Crostini

Rubino Estates Riserva Chardonnay with Grilled Hawaiin Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Rubino Estates Trebbiano with Charred Corn Salad

Tag us on social @rubinoestateswines with your favorite combinations!

Sep 25, 2020 at 7:00 AM Permalink

Planning Your Livermore Valley Staycation!

September and October are often overlooked as ideal times to visit wine country, but we think the fall is one of the best seasons in California. The mornings are lovely and cold, and the daytime temperatures are still warm enough for poolside hangouts. With so many of us staying closer to home during 2020, it's the perfect opportunity to explore what's going on in your back yard.

When was the last time you spent time diving into the treasures of the Livermore Valley? It can be easy to overlook what is immediately around us. Still, when we take time to be intentional about exploring our home towns, we can discover or rediscover so many lovely things. Better yet, we have the opportunity to support our local community! 

The Livermore Valley is home to world-class wineries and wines, fantastic restaurants, beautiful parks and trails, and great shopping. We hope this sample weekend itinerary helps you plan your next staycation in the valley!

Friday Night: Check into The Rose Hotel

Rest easy at The Rose Hotel. Ranked among the Bay Area's top hotels, this luxurious boutique hotel is located in Pleasanton's downtown historic district with easy access to restaurants, shops, and wineries. 

Saturday Morning: Fuel up with a delicious breakfast

You could stay in at The Rose Hotel for your complimentary continental breakfast, or you could head out to Monica's Livermore. Set in the historical building of one of Livermore's original winery's, Monica's Livermore has a delicious farm-to-table breakfast dishes. The french toast is not to be missed!

Hit the trails

Livermore Valley is abundant with open space. Beautiful trails will take you through picturesque Sycamore groves, or you might stumble upon expansive views of rolling hills lined with vineyards. Get out early and feel the cool breezes that gently blow the fog out of the valley. This park is one of our favorites.

Saturday Afternoon: Enjoy a wine tasting at Rubino Estates

Saturday Night: End the evening with a lovely dinner at Incontro Ristorante

Discover a little bit of Italy in downtown Danville. Incontro's menu features a fantastic selection of Italian-inspired dishes that will pair perfectly with your favorite Rubino Estates wine. Freshly-made pasta, local and seasonal vegetables, and house-made desserts - you can't go wrong! 

Sunday Morning: Prepare to return home

Wake up refreshed at The Rose Hotel and take in one more coffee before you head back home.

We hope you discover something new and exciting during your staycation in Livermore Valley. There's so much more to see and do! You can check out Visit Tri-Valley for even more suggestions. 

Sep 18, 2020 at 7:00 AM Permalink

Harvest 2020 at Rubino Estates in Photos

Last week, our winemaker, Jesse Plautz, took us on a tour of the vineyard to show us his process for sampling grapes. As of this week, all of our Sauvignon Blanc is in the winery fermenting away! We also brought in Sangiovese but will continue to monitor the other red grapes to determine the best time to harvest them. One of the benefits of the strange skies is that it protects the grapes from too much sun which might cause the grapes to ripen too quickly. Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to developing ideal physiological ripeness. We hope you enjoy this visual diary of a day at the winery!

Sep 11, 2020 at 7:00 AM Permalink

Keeping Up in the Vineyard with Jesse - Harvest Edition

September is here, and so is harvest! We've already picked most of our white grapes that will become your favorite white wines like the Riserva and Landmark Chardonnays. As you can see in the photo above, most of the time, grapes are picked in the very early morning when the vines are resting and the grapes have relaxed and restored themselves from the heat of the day. This helps make sure that the grapes are plump and fresh when they arrive at the winery for processing.

In this week's video, Jesse shares with us what effect, if any, the heat spike and surprise rain had on the grapes and vines. He also breaks down his process for sampling, which helps guide the decisions for when to pick to ensure optimum ripeness for the wines we craft from our estate. 

Have any other harvest questions? Send us an email at info@rubinoestateswinery.com and we'll have Jesse answer them for you! 

Keeping Up In The Vineyard - Collecting Samples from Ruby Hill & Rubino Estates on Vimeo.

Sep 4, 2020 at 7:00 AM Permalink

Celebrate National Red Wine Day with these Rubino Estates Wines!

It's National Red Wine Day and we feel like this particular wine holiday is our favorite. At Rubino Estates, we are known for our Italian inspired red wine blends and as we head into fall, a glass of red wine around the fire pit is the perfect way to wind down after a long day. 

Here are a few of our favorite red wines for National Red Wine Day. 

Our Favorite Red Wines for National Wine Day

2016 Night Owl Barbera - 91 Pts, Wine Enthusiast

Flavors and aromas of red fruit with overtones of strawberry jam and black currant preserves. Our 2016 Night Owl Barbera has a very full body that is balanced by the characteristic acidity of the wine. A long finish with a hint of oak, creme de cassis, and mixed berry jam. Pair it with richer, high acid or fatty dishes like roast duck, tomato-based dishes like spaghetti with Italian sausage, Osso Bucco, pizza and hamburgers.

2017 Ferrario

Flavors and aromas of chocolate, red fruit, plum, and fig are all present within the complex aroma. The flavors really emerge on the palate, joined by a big mouthfeel, smooth tannins, and a melange of spices. Ripe red fruit joins the other flavors as the wine continues to open. A couple of plates to try with this wine: spaghetti with meat sauce and baked rigatoni with eggplant and sausage.

2015 Salute Red

On the nose, you will find an intense combination of fruit and spice. The flavors are reminiscent
of cherry pie, rhubarb, and clove. Firm acidity delivers intense red fruit and results in a long, lingering finish. Enjoy with baby back ribs, burgers with blue cheese and grilled onions, roasted tomato spaghetti, and deep-dish pizza.

We hope you raise a glass of your favorite Rubino Estates red wine today. Tag us on social @rubinoestates and celebrate with us!
 

Aug 28, 2020 at 7:00 AM Permalink