It’s incredible how such a simple food, like Pizza, can make all the difference in the blessed hours of rest and relaxation. Pizza is so well-liked by so many, that you would think it’s been around forever! In fact, there have been different forms of this appetizing dough dish as far back as the ancient times of Babylonia, Greece, Egypt, and on it goes. Many of these ancient food recipes were much like our own; these flat-bred meals were often garnished with tomatoes, cheese, oil, anchovies, and garlic. Amazing, right?! What’s more, the tomato which makes up much of the superb flavoring was only introduced to the New World in the 1500s. In those times, tomatoes were looked on with caution, thought of as a poisonous food but one which the poor learned to embrace some years later. In fact, the beloved tomato wasn’t even used in North American dishes until the early 18th century. Perhaps then, it isn’t so surprising that the first-ever Pizzeria shop in New York City didn’t surface until 1905. What’s just as amazing is how the Pizza dish maintained its original ingredients throughout the years and yet remains wonderfully versatile to those who like to play with the recipe a bit, and see what other flavors might be added.

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Well, if you’ve got a fondness for the old-fashioned sweet and salty tanginess, then you might like this fun Homemade Grilled Pizza recipe. For those of you who have never made your Pizza on a grill, it’s quite an experience to add that smoky camp flavor to one of your most nostalgic and cherished dishes. Consider getting a Pizza Stone for added ease of cooking. And oh, did we tell you, ancient cultures LOVED pairing their Pizza with a fine Red Wine! And we’ve got the perfect wine for you. Pair your delicious classic with our Red Wine Blend, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon…it’ll be a taste from the Greeks! …Or was it the Egyptians? “OH WELL!”               

“To Pizza and Wine!”

Don’t you just LOVE wine in the Springtime! Now that the days are getting warmer and longer, everyone is bursting to get out just a little bit more and enjoy that beautiful, fiery ball in the big blue sky. We are tidying up our patios, rearranging flower pots, and making big plans to be in the garden or out on that special hike with friends. And what’s great about all this planning is you can plan to savor the perfect type of wine for your springtime mood along with the perfect food to pair it with. 

Here are some classic springtime pairings you and your guests will adore: 

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Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms – Filled with succulent crab, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, paprika, and thyme leaves, you’ll be wondering how you ever got them from the kitchen to the outdoor patio, they taste so good. Try pairing these amazing bites of wonder with our White Wine Blend. 

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Rack of Lamb Recipe with Garlic and Herb Crust – If you and your loved ones are fans of tender oven-roasted meat, it really doesn’t get any better than this. In your first bite, you’re sure to be thrown back in time and dazzled with mouth-watering hints of parsley, (sage if you like), rosemary, (and thyme too). Turn an ordinary evening into something memorable with this simple and elegant recipe. Pair it with our Merlot, which has a light and fruity taste, perfect for this time of year. 

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Grilled Artichokes with Smoky Lemon Mayo – This is a superb recipe for simple outdoor fun and unforgettable hors d’oeuvres. You get that earthy taste along with that classic barbeque kick. Mayonnaise and tangy lemon top this one off nicely. Pair it with our Zinfandel or Red Wine Blend.  

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Grandma’s Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie – Is there anything better than a good Rhubarb pie? Well…yes. Rhubarb Pie AND the perfect glass of wine under a beautiful blue sky. Ground cinnamon, tapioca, vanilla extract, and tangy vinegar are just a few of the ingredients that make this sweet dessert such a pleasure to eat. Pour yourself a glass of our Merlot Blush and you’ll be singing with the birds in no time. 

To good food, friends, and wine,

~ Cheers