Hosting the Perfect Harvest-Themed Celebration!
As we enter the fourth quarter of the year, we celebrate and cherish the growth that has happened for the months prior—for Priest Ranch, our growth is most apparent in our vineyards. Fruit is being picked and making its way to our winery, which means our cellar is growing busier. It’s harvest! For our cellar crew, the days are long, and the work is hard, but ultimately, it’s all worth it when those clusters of premium Napa Valley grapes go into their next growth phase and develop into world-class wines you know and love.
For us, our celebrations are in the form of hard work over long days to create our portfolio of wines that you know and love. For you, it’s the perfect time to bring loved ones together and celebrate the year's bounty. Come Over October is a new initiative supporting the gathering of loved ones for any form of celebration, small or large, while enjoying and sharing your favorite wines, especially Priest Ranch! As we’ve arrived at the season of gathering, we have a few tips and an exciting “Instant Harvest Party Pack” at a special price to make the most of your harvest festivities!
Setting the Surroundings
Adorn your table with warm tones of the season. Use soft linens for a long, draping runner and top it with miniature festive gourds and candle sticks for soft lighting. Don't be limited to traditional fall hues like orange, red, or yellow—add luxurious greens and blues to give your table a unique touch. Embrace the warm and cozy ambiance of the autumn season by adorning your table with a palette of rich, inviting tones. Begin by laying down a long, draping table runner made from the softest linens. This runner should serve as a blank canvas for your festive display.
Next, carefully place miniature festive gourds along the center of the runner. With their natural curves and vibrant colors, these gourds will add a touch of rustic charm to
your table. Scatter them in varying sizes and shapes to create a dynamic arrangement.
Interspersed among the gourds, add delicate candle sticks. The warm glow of the candles will cast a soft, inviting light on your table, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Choose candles in neutral hues to complement the natural tones of the gourds, or opt for colors that add a pop of vibrancy to the display.
While traditional fall hues like orange, red, and yellow are always a classic choice, don't be afraid to think outside the box and incorporate luxurious greens and blues into your tablescape. These unexpected colors will give your table a unique and sophisticated touch.
For example, consider adding a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or eucalyptus to the arrangement. The deep green of these herbs will provide a striking contrast to the warm tones of the gourds and candles. You could also include small vases filled with blue or green flowers, such as hydrangeas or delphiniums.
Finally, complete your centerpiece by scattering a handful of cinnamon sticks and star anise along the runner. These aromatic spices will release a warm and inviting fragrance, adding an extra sensory element to your table.
Planning Your Menu
If you're planning a more extensive, coursed meal, we recommend using our "Instant Harvest Party Pack" as your guide. Start with our 2023 Priest Ranch Rosé paired with a brussel sprout or fennel-based salad to complement the fruit-forward nature of the Rosé with the rich, earthy, and fall flavors of the salad. The crisp crunch of the Brussels sprouts or fennel with a more subtle fruit component like apples or pears supports the bright red fruit nature of our vibrant Rosé.
Our 2021 Priest Ranch Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is incredibly versatile. Pair it with a hearty dish like Chef Dan’s roasted leg of lamb or slow-roasted prime rib. The Cabernet Sauvignon's bold flavors will stand up to the meat's richness, while the tannins will cut through the fat. Enjoy with a side of colorful root vegetables, creamy asparagus risotto, and simple rosemary potatoes!
Next, our 2021 Priest Ranch Block 126 Petite Sirah pairs wonderfully with a selection of artisanal cheeses. The Petite Sirah's bold flavors and firm tannins will complement the richness and complexity of the cheeses, while the fruitiness will provide a delightful contrast. To create a diverse and satisfying cheese course, consider serving the Petite Sirah with creamy blue cheese, a sharp cheddar, and mild goat cheese. Don’t forget to fill your cheese board with delicious jams, dried or fresh fruits, a variety of charcuterie, and crispy crackers! You could also enjoy our Petite Sirah with DJ’s Famous Carrot Cake (see below!); similar to the fattiness of some of the cheeses listed above, the frosting will stand up to those firm tannins and make each bite and sip combination undeniably delicious.
Finally, for our 2019 Priest Ranch Block 81 Malbec, try Sous Chef DJ’s Famous Carrot Cake. The Malbec's dark fruit flavors and soft tannins will pair beautifully with the sweetness and spice of the carrot cake. Plus, the rich creaminess from the frosting will elegantly compliment the deep fruit notes and spiciness from the classic Malbec finish. Plus, who doesn’t love cake and red wine on a fantastic, cool fall evening?! But, whatever matches your dining preference, whether a dessert finale or a healthy pour of Malbec, just know that our Malbec is fantastic for the flavors of fall paired or on its own!
We’ve also created a menu template with the featured wines from our Instant Harvest Party Pack for one less step in setup! Handwrite on your courses for a personal touch, or edit digitally and print on beautiful paper for your guests to take home and remember your special gathering!
Don’t forget to order your “Instant Harvest Party Pack” to stock up on the perfect wines for your intimate, formal, or casual harvest-themed gatherings! We’re excited to offer this 6-pack at an exclusive price of $299 (normally $346) with $10 flat rate ground shipping! Don’t wait—this deal won't last. Want to know more? Be sure to call or text our team for support with your questions or order!
No matter what you choose to serve, be sure to have plenty of Priest Ranch wines on hand for your guests to enjoy. From your friends at Priest Ranch, cheers to a bountiful harvest and a memorable celebration!