Refreshing Trebbiano Lemonade

       Now that June is here, we feel the spirit of summer creeping into the estate! The beams of sunshine are bright and proud, and the vines are flourishing. Harvest is still months away, but the vineyards promise to rise to the challenge. In the meantime, we are paying extra attention to our favorite chilled wines: buttery Chardonnay, fruity Rosé, stylish Fumé Blanc, and more. 

       This month, we are celebrating the simple, rare beauty of our Trebbiano. Since we advocate all things Cal-Ital, our Trebbiano is a representation of this daring marriage of Californian terroir and Italian legacy.  Though relatively obscure in the United States, Trebbiano is one of the most popular white wine grapes in Italy. With delicate aromas of melon and citrus mingling with light acidity and flavors of pear and apricot, this wine is everything we hope for on a summer evening.

       Few things taste quite as perfect as cool, refreshing lemonade on a summer day. To kick off this season right, we wanted to combine our love of wine with the magic of lemonade, and voilà! This recipe is about as easy as it gets and can be prepared hours before serving in addition to being delightfully refreshing and versatile. Make it your own with summer fruits like peaches or strawberries, or play with the ratios!

Rubino Estates Trebbiano Lemonade

• 1 fresh Meyer lemon, sliced into rounds
• Up to 1 cup sliced fruits of choice (optional)
• 1 12-oz carton of Lemonade concentrate
• 1 bottle Rubino Estates Trebbiano
• 4 cups (24 oz) soda water
• Optional Garnishes: lemon wedges, mint sprigs, or sliced fruit

1. In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients except soda water and mix. We encourage you to lightly muddle the lemon slices and sliced fruit (if using) together.
2. If desired, refrigerate up to 12 hours and let the flavors steep. 
3. When ready to serve, pour in the soda water, stir, and taste. Feel free to add more soda water to your liking if you’d prefer your refreshment less sweet.
4. Serve cold, over ice, with your desired garnishes! 

White Wine Lemonade, or “White Sangria” is a great addition to barbecues, picnics, or poolside relaxation. Cheers! 

Springtime in the Vineyard

The month of May is coming to an end, and we are delighted to see the growth that this season has brought in the Estate's Vineyard. After bud break back in early April, our vines began to send out shoots and create a thick carpet of green across our vineyard's acres. Now, we are witnessing the next stage: flowering.

Tiny, hairlike structures emerge from the little round buds allowing for fertilization. Once fertilized, small green "berries" will begin to form, which eventually develop into grapes. 

The vineyard is at its greenest in the spring and summer, full of life and growing more and more each day. 

The life cycle of your favorite wines comes from humble, verdant beginnings like these.

Our recently replanted block of Petite Sirah and Zinfandel is happily thriving in the Livermore Valley sunlight. 

Every block of the vineyard is hard at work, even our late ripener, Barbera. Though this varietal is generally last to reach bud break, it has already begun its bloom. 

Monitoring the vineyard is a winemaking discipline, but it is also a study in the beauty of nature. Every vein of every leaf on every vine is a work of art, especially if captured in the morning sunlight. 

Moving forward, we hope for consistent warm, sunny days to allow our grapes to begin maturing into a bountiful harvest this fall.

Want to enjoy what these vines have offered in the past?
Visit our tasting room or take advantage of our Mixed Case sale!

A Pizza Party, Rubino Estates Style

Today is the Third Friday of May, which means it’s National Pizza Party Day! Here at Rubino Estates, we are always ready to get excited about good food, especially delicious Italian classics like pizza. In the spirit of celebration, we’ve found recipes for 8 different creative pizza combinations to pair with  a few of our favorite Estate wines. Artisan pizza and fine wine truly is a cause for a party!

With White Wine or Rosé:

Trebbiano - Grape & Two Cheese Pizza 

Riserva Fumé Blanc - Heirloom Tomato & Pesto Pizza 

Riserva Chardonnay - Spinach Artichoke Pizza 

Salute Rosé - Burrata Pizza 

With Red Wine:

Saute Red - Deep Dish Italian Meatball Pizza 

Riserva Sangiovese - Cal-Italia Pizza with Prosciutto & Figs 

Night Owl Barbera - One-Tray Pizza with Sausage & Tallegio 

Riserva Petite Sirah - Tandoori Chicken Pizza

If you've picked your favorite pizza, don't forget to stock up on wines (after all, what's a party without it?) All of the wines featured in this blog are avalable in our mixed case sale. Chose from a selection of mixed white wines or mixed red wines, or take one of each!

 

Making the Best Pie for a Sunny Day

The flowers are blooming with zeal while puffy white clouds lazily drift across the blue skies of the Livermore Valley, and we are savoring this steady transition from spring to summer. To celebrate this sunny season, we have crafted a dessert that we hope will remind you of a few of your favorite things. With the ripe stone fruit of summer, the fresh zing of lemon zest and floral flourishes of elderflower, this pie is a dish of ethereal pleasure. 

Apple & Stone Fruit Sunshine Pie

• 4 apples, your variety of choice (we like honeycrisp)
• 4 small or 2 large white peaches
• 3 apricots, pitted
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 meyer lemon
• 2 tablespoons elderflower liqueur (optional)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons flour or ⅓ cup ground instant tapioca
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Your favorite double pie crust (store bought is fine)

1. To begin, prepare the fruit. Peel the apples and peaches with a paring knife, core the apples and pit the peaches and apricots. Cut the apples in half and thinly slice into half-moon shapes. Slice the apricots and peaches in slightly larger pieces. 
2. Zest and juice the lemon into a large bowl, then add the elderflower liqueur, the spices (cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg), and salt. Give it a quick stir with a wooden spoon.
3. Add the sliced fruit to the mixture, gently coating the fruit. Add the brown sugar and continue to coat until distributed. 
4. Allow this mixture to macerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. 
5. Once ready to cook, preheat oven to 425˚F. 
6. To thicken the filling, add the tapioca or flour to the filling mixture and microwave for 4 minutes, stirring halfway through. 
7. Roll out the bottom pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan and pour filling into the unbaked shell. Add the top crust, slice a small vent in the center and pinch around the sides to seal. Feel free to lattice the top or crimp the edges if desired.
8. Place the pie in the center of the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350˚F and continue baking for 40-50 minutes, until the pie is golden and the fruit is slowly bubbling. We recommend covering the edges of your pie with aluminum foil for the last 20 minutes of baking to ensure the crust does not get too dark.
9. Allow the pie to cool then dig in!

Click here for a downloadable recipe card!

Pair this pie with whatever wine you please! We recommend enjoying the feisty fruity flavors of this lightly sweetened pie with our lovely Fume Blanc. There’s nothing better than just sipping on a wine you love, with a dish you’ve made, and people you  enjoy. Cheers to that!

Mother's Day Recipe Ideas for Every Family

In honor of Mother’s Day, we have rounded up recipes for moms of all kinds. Whether you’re aiming for breakfast in bed, a brunch spread, a pretty picnic, or getting help from little ones, there’s a recipe ready for you! Make this mother’s day one to remember.

 

By Jessica Smith for Brit+Co: Baked French Toast 

This comforting dish can be prepped ahead of time and then served right out of the oven, hot and fresh! It’s perfect for busy families and breakfast lovers alike.

 

 

 

From Kidspot Kitchen: Egg & Bacon Cups 

These protein-packed breakfast “cups” are creative and delicious. If you like a savory breakfast with minimal cleanup, then it’s time to grab your muffin tin and get started!

 

 

 

From BBC GoodFood: Nutty Pancakes 

Arguably one of the most classic breakfast foods, this recipe elevates the humble pancake with a hearty serving of nuts and a healthy dose of agave syrup. 

 

 

 

By Matt Wilkinson for Delicious: British Breakfast Pies 

For anyone looking to make something new, these pies are a fresh take on a savory and flavorful breakfast, all baked into a simple homemade crust.

 

 

By Sara Cagle for Brit+Co: Vegan Muesli 

Especially good for our plant-based or health-conscious families, this nutritious  muesli comes together in a breeze and can be made ahead of time to simplify your day!

 

 

 

From BBC GoodFood: Homemade Crumpets 

Can you imagine biting into a freshly baked, lightly sweet, and perfectly toasted crumpet? Add a little butter and we’re head over heels! These are surprisingly easy, so why not give it a try?

 

 

 

By Lucy Parissi for Brit+Co: Layered Berry Smoothie 

An especially gorgeous option for our active and health-conscious moms, we think this smoothie is best served next to a bouquet of flowers.

 

 

 

By Charlotte Binns-McDonald for Delicious: Panettone French Toast  

Since we love to feature Italian elements in our cuisine, we are enchanted by this colorful take on French Toast, using the festive flavors of Panettone.

 

 

From Kidspot Kitchen: Charred Corn Avocado Toast 

This recipe is a perfect way to make something quick with thought and care! If you have little ones who may want to help, this is a great recipe to get them involved!

 

 

By Melissa Hemsley for Delicious: Pizza Omelette 

The Rubino Estates Famiglia maintains a healthy appreciation for pizza of all kinds, so we’re very excited to make it in breakfast form!

 

 

Complete your Mother's Day spread with a bottle of our bubbly, on sale now! 

Spotlight on Riserva Chardonnay

As April winds down, we wanted to take one last close look at the golden charm of our Riserva Chardonnay. From the aroma to the finish, we enjoy this smooth, floral, bright, and buttery beauty all year long. Here, we’re breaking down the notes and essences this wine has to offer. Let your palate be delighted and give it a try!

 

Vanilla Bean & Clove

These pleasant notes of spice and vanilla come from the barrel fermentation and aging process of our Chardonnay

 

 

 

 

Lemon Bar

Citrus notes from the fruit meet a touch of toastiness from the oak barrel, swirling in a gorgeous lemon-bar aroma. 

 

 

 

Wildflower Honey

Notes of honey are more common in New World Chardonnays than those you might find in Europe. We are no exception!

 

 

 

Apricot

Subtle notes of this summer stone fruit make it especially appropriate for warm-weather sipping!

 

 

 

Fresh Citrus

Generally found in Chardonnay from cooler climates or earlier harvests, we are pleased with this fresh flavor swirling throughout the profile of this wine. 

 

 

 

Orange Blossom & Honeysuckle

Appearing both in the aroma and on the palate, these light floral elements round out the experience of each sip with a delicate finale.

 

 

Don't let this month slip away without getting some Chardonnay!

Earth Day 2022: Celebrating Growth

In honor of Earth day, we felt it appropriate to put our new vines in the spotlight. After the 2021 harvest, we removed about 4 acres of vines along the entrance to the estate. This block of Petite Sirah vines was due for retirement, allowing us an important chance to replant the block. Our winemaker carefully selected the clones that would be used in the new planting. In the wine world, vines within a specific varietal can be selected based on certain genetic traits, including resistance to disease or enhanced fruit quality. We chose vigorous and luxurious vines containing incredible genetic potential. Now, this block boasts brand new Zinfandel and Petite Sirah vines which will one day be capable of producing grapes worthy of our Landmark Collection’s quality and esteem. In the meantime, we have the pleasure of seeing the infant vines grow up!

In the Fall of 2021, these vines were ready to retire. 

In January of 2022, the soil was tilled and enriched with nutrients after the old vines were removed. 

By March, the trellis system was set up and the vines planted. In the foreground of this photo, experienced Cabernet Sauvignon vines look on in anticipation. 

Now in April 2022, we have the honor of seeing the first sprouts and leaves from the fledgling vines. We are very excited for what the future will hold! 

Happy Earth Day!

Rosé Sangria Three Ways

The springtime sunshine is coming out, and we’re in the mood for something especially refreshing. If you want to try something new and delicious, then it’s time for a glass or two of Rosé Sangria! Here at Rubino Estates, we offer two different Rosé wines from two famous Italian varietals: Sangiovese and Nebbiolo. Our Salute Rosé features the coppery pink beauty of Sangiovese and our Nebbiolo Rosé shines with fragrance and fruitiness. While delicious on their own, both make for show-stopping Rosé Sangria. Depending on your favorite flavors, we have three recipes for you! Try these:
 

Vibrant Strawberry & Stone Fruit

• 3 nectarines or peaches, stoned and sliced
• 200g strawberries, sliced
• 1 bottle Rosé
• Juice of 1 orange
• 1 tbsp golden caster sugar
• 50ml orange liqueur (we used Grand Marnier)
• 300ml sparkling water
• Small handful mint sprig
  ~ Recipe from BBC Good Food ~
   

Fresh Citrus Spree

• 1 bottle Rosé
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups club soda (grapefruit Le Croix)
• 1 cup triple sec
• 1 cup gin
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 grapefruit, juiced
• 3 cups various sliced citrus of your choice
  ~ Recipe from The Modern Proper ~
   

Bourbon & Berry

• 1 bottle Rosé
• 1 cup pink grapefruit juice
• 3/4 cup bourbon
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Chambord (raspberry liqueur)
• 2 cups watermelon balls
• 1 1/2 cups fresh sliced strawberries
• 6 ounces fresh raspberries
  ~ Recipe from A Spicy Perspective ~
   

Once you pick the recipe you love, combine all of the ingredients except the bubbly water, if used, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. When you serve it, make sure to garnish with your favorite fruit and a sugar-rimmed glass if you’re feeling fancy!

For an unbeatable deal (and lots of Rosé for sipping or to make into Sangria)
check out our Sunset Case, available for only $99 for a limited time!

 

Elevated Grilled Cheese and Wine Pairings

This Tuesday, April 12th, is National Grilled Cheese Sandwich day. At Rubino Estates, we like to think that there’s something worth celebrating every day of the year. Of course, this holiday is one we are very excited to celebrate, since it sounds like the perfect excuse to test out some of the best cheese and wine pairings in all the creamy toasty beauty of a grilled cheese sandwich. Below, we have listed our favorite elegant grilled cheese alongside delicious wine pairings, because grilled cheese can be fancy too! After all, a bottle of wine turns any evening into an occasion. 

Fumé Blanc

For this lightly oaked Sauvignon blanc, we recommend layering a nutty havarti over soft focaccia. Gently heat to perfection with a cast-iron skillet with a flavorful layer of herb butter to create the perfect toasted crust. 

Riserva Collection Chardonnay

One reason we love our Wine of the Month is that it is difficult to go wrong with cheese and this wine! Right now, we’re in love with a classy grilled cheese of  fontina melted into challah bread with thinly sliced d’anjou pears and shredded arugula.  

Nebbiolo Rosé

This rare Rosé wine, featured in our Sunset Case, is exactly the dose of intrigue you need in your wine cellar. Pour a glass alongside grilled ciabatta bread with a generous layer of fig jam and buttery baked brie, and you’ll feel your taste buds sing!

Primitivo

Just like Nebbiolo, this wine is an elusive Italian classic that deserves all the attention. We’re pairing this sexy wine with a gorgeous grilled cheese, of course! Manchego and fuji apple, melted into rustic bread, with just a drizzle of wildflower honey. 

Riserva Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet is flavor’s best friend, and grilled cheese is no exception. We’re adding a few generous slices of smoked ham along with mature cheddar between two slices of homemade artisan sourdough. 

Night Owl Barbera

The flavors of the Old World shine in this Estate-grown Barbera and our favorite combinations of flavor. Try your hand at homemade roasted tomato spread with capers, layered with asiago and fontina, grilled onto thick-cut bread. 

Riserva Petite Sirah

Play with bold flavors to create the perfect companion for our Petite Sirah. We enjoy a grilled cheese with red pesto (made with sundried tomatoes) and an ample helping of swiss cheese, all melted into traditional rye bread. 

Landmark Sangiovese

For this impeccable and bright Sangiovese, we will cook with only the best. This wine is perfect for a splurge on Tuscan Pecorino, fire-roasted red peppers, and a drizzle of truffle oil. A few fine ribbons of fresh basil make this sandwich complete!

Landmark 1885 Founder’s Blend

This especially exquisite blend brings together Barbera, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. We chose a crusty baguette, added a delicate layer of stone-ground mustard, and topped it with aged gouda and bacon for a melted masterpiece. 

No matter what wine you love, there’s an elevated grilled cheese waiting for it. Which one will you make?

How to Pair Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a ubiquitous classic for all white-wine lovers, and we are here to share the love! Whether you love this golden beauty or haven't yet been convinced, there's no time like the present to pop open a bottle and savor a vibrant sip! Our estate's Chardonnay fruit is a delicious example of what California has to offer. We are proud to declare our 2017 Riserva Collection Chardonnay is the Wine of the Month for April. To aid in enjoyment, we've put together a quick pairing guide so you can become a pairing pro for this luscious California-grown delight. 

 

Charcuterie

Baked Brie

Dried Apple Slices

Medium Fontina

Toffee'd Pecans

Aged Dry Salami

 

 

 

Proteins

Pan Fried Crab Cakes

Alaskan Salmon

Grilled Swordfish

Chicken Salad

Light Tofu Stir-Fry

 

 

 

Desserts

Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée

Fresh Apricot Tart

Lemon Zest Shortbread Cookies

Strawberry Shortcake

Baked Bosc Pears
 

 

If you have ever wanted to taste a sip of pure California Sunshine, then we are delighted to share our 2017 Riserva Chardonnay. Bursting with bright aromas and luscious flavors, this wine is perfect for welcoming springtime. Enchant your nose with vanilla, clove and lemon curd laced with essences of honeysuckle and wildflowers. Flavors include honeyed apricot, delicate orange blossom, and toasted s’mores! Each sip is smooth, with pleasant acidity alongside a rich body, and a deliciously lingering finish. Enjoy it while it's only $25 per bottle!