Build the Perfect Charcuterie Board

Dress it up or dress it down, we can show you how to build a delicious (and wine friendly) charcuterie board for your every need.

We’ve created a PDF of our outline for this happy hour. VHH Nov 2021-Charcuterie.pdf

We have some announcements about releasing wine and Fall Barrel Weekend and the “Charcuterie” section starts at about 9.40mn.


We had a special request for our Virtual Happy Hour from a wine fan. They had questions about the storing of wine, and thought we could help. Please watch the video for  our suggestions.

 

We start with talking about upcoming winery events and new releases, Wine Storage and Transportation starts at about the 8.20 min. mark.

 


 

Hip and Anne Delgado have been volunteering in the vineyard for Williamson’s since 2020 brix testing. Whether testing brix or powering through cluster counting in the spring, they have been amazing vineyard warriors!

Both Hip and Anne come from a rural background, with Hip being raised in plum and apricot orchards and Ann enjoying her summers at her great grandfather’s farm in Michigan. When they moved to the Sunnyslope, they planted a couple grape vines on their property and wanted to learn more about vineyards.

They love big bold reds and think the Williamson Vineyards 2018 Cabernet is the perfect compliment to their favorite farm to table offerings. Anne says “It’s been a pleasure to serve our community, get to know the Williamsons and learn more about vineyard living.”
Thanks so much, Hip & Anne!


The Idaho Wine Commission wrote an intriguing piece on smoke in Idaho vineyards for their blog. They sat down with Mike Williamson to find out about how smoke can be helpful and detrimental for Idaho grape growers. Read it here: Are Idaho grapes going up in smoke?


We hope you can find some fresh peas, if you don’t have them growing in your yard, frozen peas will work well too.  If you can’t find fingerling potatoes, any small sized potatoes work. We recommend a waxy potato like reds or goldens. Fresh vegetables and light, refreshing, Williamson Vineyards wine, winner for dinner!

Fingerling Potatoes and Peas with Fresh Herbs

•    1 lb fingerling potatoes (or new potatoes)
•    2 cups fresh peas (frozen works in a pinch)
•    1 C packed Italian parsley
•    1/4 C packed tarragon leaves
•    1 garlic clove
•    1/3 C olive oil
•    1/8 c lemon juice
•    1/2 tsp salt
•    1 T whole grain mustard
•    1 T capers
•    5 scallions
•    1/2 C chopped celery
•    lemon zest

In medium pot, blanch potatoes 20 min or until fork tender, in salted water. ( Use enough water to cover potatoes by 1 inch, and add a hearty 1 T of salt)

In a food processor, pulse parsley, tarragon, garlic until finely chopped. Add oil, salt, and lemon juice. Pulse a few more times and set aside.

In small pot, blanch fresh peas 2 minutes, in heavily salted water. (if using frozen, allow to thaw, dump into potato pot in the last 30 seconds of cooking to heat through)

Drain potatoes and peas, and place both in one large bowl.

Add chopped scallions, capers, whole grain mustard and celery, folding gently.

Fold in parsley tarragon mixture and taste for salt, adding a pinch more if necessary. Pepper to taste.

Garnish with tarragon leaves and lemon zest. Serve as a warm side dish with fish or chicken or meat, or serve chilled as a salad.

Enjoy!


Join us this week as we go over a few wine hacks designed to make your  wine life a little more fun and easy, while adding a few handy ideas to add to your wine tool belt.

We start with talking about upcoming promotions and our winery events, Wine Hacks starts at about the 11:25min. mark.


August 4 thru August 22

Choose from a choice selection of our white wines to make a custom six pack of your favorite summer sipping wines.

Any combination of the 2020 Dry Rosé, 2020 Albariño, 2019 Viognier, 2018 Lilly White, 2019 Dry Riesling, and the 2019 Nectar gets you this special discount pricing.

General public – 15% off

Wine Club – 20% off

Visit our webstore and create your own favorite Summer Sipping Six Pack.


The Idaho Capital Sun wrote an interesting article about climate change and the apparent effects it may have on Idaho’s vineyards. They talked with a couple of Sunnyslope grape growers and an adjunct research scientist at Columbia University who studies drought and it’s effects on plants.

“As far as agriculture and climate change goes, wine is kind of the canary in the coalmine,” Benjamin Cook of Columbia University said. “It’s a perennial crop that sticks around every year, and it’s so sensitive to what’s happening with weather and the environment.”

Mike Williamson spoke to them about the importance of water conservation using drip irrigation, “We get better quality when we’re more water conscious, the fruit has better flavors, and you can get better colors,” Williamson said. “The trees and vines are both better balanced, and you get more intense flavors.”

Head on over to the fascinating article here: ‘Canary in the coalmine’: Climate change becoming big factor for Idaho winemakers


Brad Carlson of the Capital Press headed out to the Sunnyslope region to talk with grape growers about how the vineyard plantings have been increasing in acreage. Even with production steadily increasing since the 1990’s, Idaho still experiences more demand for Idaho grown grapes than supply. See what different growers had to say about the increasing quantity and quality of Idaho grapes.

Read the full article here: Way to Grow, Idaho wine industry


Our first rosé blend is a tasty mix of Tempranillo, Carmenérè, and Cinsault.

Don’t miss out on our amazing offer! We’re changing it up every two weeks, and until August 3, it’s the yummy 2020 Dry Rosé in the showcase. Available while supplies last.

To tantalize the taste buds, our tasting notes: A gorgeously clear, peachy-blush color, this wine builds anticipation as it’s poured into your glass. Stonefruit aromas up front finish with soft grapefruit. Delicate flavors of cherry-limeade are enjoyed with balanced acid leaving the palate with a crisp and clean finish.

Food pairing suggestions: Garlic shrimp, garden salad with a light vinaigrette, and grilled, smoked chicken. Dessert could be strawberry/rhubarb pie

Pick up a bottle (or two) of this featured wine from
July 21 – August 3 at an amazing price!

Regular Retail Price $17.00 per bottle.

Price is for showcased wine only.
Discounts will apply at checkout, go to the webstore here.