Inspired Pairings for Superb Pours: Food and Wine Pairings for Eagle Harbor Wine Co.

First pours of Eagle Harbor Sauvignon Blanc.

When I think back to the first time I tried food and wine together, that were meant to go together, I remember my senses sparkling with excitement and awe. I thought to myself, Wow! That’s a whole new flavor! The combination of Sauvignon Blanc and goat cheese is a famous pairing, but there is nothing quite like the first time you experience it. The creamy, sour-sweetness of the goat cheese softens the hard, dry edges of the Sauvignon Blanc, after which you’re left with a little firework of complimentary flavors that leaves you reaching for more.

Are you salivating yet, imagining the merry taste of goat cheese? I know I am. Lucky for both of us, over the last 3 months I’ve been cooking up some delicious food and wine pairings, one featuring Sauvignon Blanc and goat cheese, along with seven others to go specifically with wines from a special Seattle area winery, Eagle Harbor Wine Co. These recipes were created from the inspiring sips I enjoyed at the boutique winery on Bainbridge Island, WA in April 2019.

Chip Garber tells us about where Eagle Harbor gets their grapes.

Eagle Harbor was kind enough to take my friends and I on an engaging tour through each of their varietals and blends, along with an overview of the winery’s history. It was a picturesque Spring Day, and the sun poured through the tasting room on Three Tree Lane’s windows, illuminating our senses. Sometimes wine tastings end up feeling like a history lesson, or a bit fussy, like you’ve found yourself in the “no laughing” zone. But our introductory afternoon at Eagle Harbor was akin to an engaging walking (and sipping) tour through an old city. Fun facts, and openness to all questions, and a lot of engaging storytelling.

While my friends got an in-depth through of the cellar room from winemaker Emily Parsons, I snuck off to take some pictures and make sure I was keeping up on my tasting notes- I needed to remember the unique sparks in every wine so I could do my part in creating the pairings. Over the next 3 months I developed eight custom food and wine pairings for Eagle Harbor wines that I think even a beginner cook can create. Most of these recipes were created, photographed, and consumed on weeknights after work. They are elegant yet uncomplicated. Some require patience, but hey, isn’t that just an excuse for another glass of wine while cooking? :)

Enjoying the cellar tour with a glass of Eagle Harbor Founder’s Merlot. That, and the recently released Homme Nu, are two of my favorites!

The following pairings are my invitations to reach for the good bottle, light some candles, and allow yourself the time to engage with ingredients in a way that cooks satisfaction into your food. Make a day of it, and visit Eagle Harbor to grab your bottle, then stop at the market on the way home to pick up dinner. Take your time. Enjoy your dinner. Sip slowly, and soon after you take a bite. Discover new tastes that come solely from the combination of delicious food and beautifully balanced wine.

Special thanks to Chip Garber and Emily Parsons of Eagle Harbor Winery who sponsored these pairings. When I found myself in a rut this spring, Eagle Harbor’s wines challenged me in new ways, and were the jolt of inspiration I was craving terribly. Over the last few months I’ve been able to eat and drink very well as I’ve created these pairings, thanks to Eagle Harbor. I look forward to more pairings ahead, but until then, here are our “introductory 8!”

Sauvignon Blanc paired with Herbed Halibut and Roasted Vegetables with Goat Cheese

Goldfinch Blend paired with a Charcuterie and Cheese Board

Viognier paired with Braising Greens and Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Rose of Mourvedre paired with a Grilled Prawns and Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

Founder's Merlot paired with Danish Beef Sliders and Rosemary Roasted Potatoes with Chili Aioli

Cabernet Franc paired with Roasted Salmon and Potatoes with Fresh Basil Oil Drizzle

Quanta Blend paired with Filet Mignon, Truffled Mushroom Risotto, and Roasted Broccolini

Condor Blend paired with a Spicy Salmon Chowder

Eagle Harbor Winery is on Bainbridge Island, WA, where they have been making wines since 2005. They have a downtown tasting room, as well as a winery that’s open to visit on Three Tree Lane. For more info about Eagle Harbor, visit their website, follow them on Instagram @ehwineco, or give them a call at 206-842-4669. The staff and the wines are wonderful!