When talking about pairing wine with different foods, it’s easy to fall back on tried and true suggestions. A hearty cabernet sauvignon and a great steak, for instance, are a natural pairing. But, in reality, most foods pair well with most wines, with very few exceptions. 

Tips for pairing wine and food

Consider these to be loose rules to guide you when choosing your pairings, while keeping in mind that if you choose foods that you like, coupled with wine that you like, you’re going to have an enjoyable experience. 

1. Choose a wine you like. 
2. Choose a wine more acidic than the food. 
3. Consider the tannins.
4. Wine should be sweeter than the food you’re serving. 
5. The wine should have the same flavor intensity as the food.
6. More often than not, any wine will create congruent pairings.

How tannins affect taste

It’s different for every palate, but generally, tannin tastes bitter. It gives your mouth a ‘dry’ feeling, and after drinking wine that’s very tannic, you may feel a residual bitterness throughout your mouth. 

What determines whether a wine has strong or weak tannins is how long the juice sits with the grape skins, seeds, and stems after the grapes have been pressed.

Acidity may seem similar to tannin, but it is what makes the wine sour rather than bitter.

Byrd Vineyard is the highest-elevation vineyard in California – and the higher you get, the more sun radiates. Our vineyards are located at an astounding 2,400 feet above sea level, producing grapes with softer tannins and higher acidity.

What to eat

Remember rule number one in pairing: start with a wine you love. Then, add foods that will bring out the flavors of that wine.

Consider this from the Wine Enthusiast: no meal has ever been completely ruined by an “improper” wine and food pairing. So let your creativity, and the wine, flow! 

Cheese

If you will be enjoying a full-bodied red like the 2012 Byrd Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Mendocino, pair it with foods that are bold and rich in flavor. This wine’s bold flavors of racy black cherry, fresh-from-the-oven wild blackberry pie, and sweet French oak play well with all sorts of rich, flavorful dishes. 

Start with this smoky 3-cheese fondue with toasted garlic buttered croissants. Or try these bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with bleu cheese.

How about pizza as an appetizer? This fig and prosciutto pizza has all of the makings for the perfect wine accompaniment: fruit, meat, and cheese. Pair it with this irresistible 2010 Byrdeaux Red Wine. This blend boasts lush, concentrated flavors of rich berry, cassis, and sweet tobacco leaf that combine with beautiful aromatics of nutmeg and lavender to create a smooth and velvety finish. Dense in color and luxuriously layered with deep notes of blueberry and black currant, this sophisticated wine with well-integrated tannins leaves you wanting more.

Charcuterie

A well-curated charcuterie board might be the most perfect appetizer of all time. With so many options, you can really be in control of your grazing. 

Rustic red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel have bold tannins, and a rustic taste pair well with charcuterie selections with similar, smoky flavors. 

Try pairing this smoky charcuterie with the 2012 Byrd Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Mendocino. Layers of red and black currants reveal flavors of warm spice and sweet vanilla. This bold, full-bodied wine leaves you with a lingering, lengthy finish.

Meat 

Cabernet Sauvignon with meat is a no-brainer. Steak might seem like the obvious choice, but what about meat-heavy appetizers? Try pairing your favorite cab with this roast beef crostini, or merlot with bacon-wrapped tenderloin bites.

And if you really are the “meat and potatoes” type, try switching up your heavier classics as a meal for these mouth-watering steak and potato bites. Pair them with our 2009 Byrd Cabernet Sauvignon, a dark ruby red with notes of tart fruits, warm spices, and graphite. This wine is well-balanced and smooth. Aromas of red and black fruits, cocoa, and violet come together with fine tannins and a medium-length finish.

Savory pairings

In the mood for something warm and rich? Try this savory mushroom tart paired with the 2010 Byrd Cabernet Sauvignon. With subtly sweet aromas of berry and cocoa and layered with notes of baking spices, black fruits, and graphite, this large-boned and intensely succulent wine taunts your palate with sinful flavors of blackberry, vanilla, and dark chocolate.

Don’t forget the sweets

Wine and chocolate can both present intense, dry flavors. When you put together dark, bittersweet chocolate with a powerful red wine that’s high in tannins, the two can be overwhelming on the palate. In order to find the right balance, it’s best to choose wines that are a little bit softer and juicier than the chocolate you’re pairing it with.

Try pairing these dark chocolate bites with the 2010 Byrd Merlot.

Flavors of rich berries, herbaceous notes, and beautiful sweet aromatics of vanilla and cedar come together with smooth tannins and a long finish, making it the perfect accompaniment to the rich chocolate.

Summary

The most important piece to a perfect wine and food pairing is your personal taste. Start with a wine that you love, and look for foods to complement the flavors of that wine. Be creative! Try new and different pairings that push the limits. And most of all, enjoy every sip and every bite.

Since the spring of 2020, wine drinkers have been working their way through their wine collections — many of us at a faster pace than anticipated. In fact, wine sales have increased about 24% in the fall of 2020 compared to the same time a year prior. As we work our way through our wine cellars, many of us want to restock our collections with wines that are both budget-conscious and elegant.

Whether you are a wine enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of wine, it shouldn’t have to cost a pretty penny to replace the missing wine and experiment with new ones. That’s why we made this guide of our BEST wines under $50 — so you can try new wines (and restock old favorites) at an affordable price.

2009 Byrd Vineyard Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon

With your first sip, baking spices leap to the front – nutmeg and cardamom. Blackberries, overripe raspberries, and a touch of boysenberry create a core that holds the frame up of this generous and balanced wine. The finish lingers but does not overstay it welcome.

$45.00 – $486.00Price range: $45.00 through $486.00

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Priced at a wallet-friendly $45, our 2009 Byrd Cabernet Sauvignon is everything you could want in a Cabernet Sauvignon. Subtly sweet with soft tannins and a smooth finish, this wine is the perfect excuse to curl up on the couch beside a cheese plate on a chilly winter evening. Layered and complex, there is nothing more satisfying than enjoying a big, bold Cabernet Sauvignon to celebrate even the most mundane of occasions (like finally making it to Friday!). 

Subtle notes of black fruits, cocoa, and vanilla call for rich, creamy, and meaty dishes. Anything from a decadent macaroni and cheese to a tender ribeye would surely take care of any cravings. Whatever you decide to pair it with, this bold and delicious Cabernet is sure to make an elegant addition to any meal — without breaking the bank.

2010 Byrd Vineyard Mendocino Byrdeaux Red Wine

Our Byrdeaux is a delight from the get-go, with alluring black fruit and violets on the nose and palate. The tannins have softened with age, but still provide plenty of grip. Black cherries, tobacco, and coffee linger on the palate in an enticing manner – it’s remarkable how the wine maintains such tension after over a decade since harvest.

$45.00 – $486.00Price range: $45.00 through $486.00

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Fruit-forward and earthy, our 2010 Byrdeaux highlights notes of intense red and black fruits including blueberries, cherries, and raspberries. Deep red with a smooth finish, its soft tannins complement its acidity and subtle sweetness.

Luscious and herbaceous with notes of tobacco and nutmeg, this earthy wine is best paired with hearty and herby meals. Whether pairing with a herbed cheese board, a braised lamb shoulder, or even chocolate-berry desserts, the wine’s notes of fruit and spice are sure to add something special to your collection — without costing you an arm and a leg,

2010 Byrd Vineyard Mendocino Merlot

On the nose, vanilla and blackberry lead, and the palate follows with berry pie and ripe plum. The mouthfeel is refreshing, gentle even, and the tannins have softened considerably. Enjoy a medium to long finish that is silky.

$45.00 – $486.00Price range: $45.00 through $486.00

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There is a reason why Merlot is America’s second favorite wine (after Cabernet Sauvignon, of course). Not only does it have soft tannins with a delectable range of fruit, spice, and herb flavors, but it is incredibly versatile. In fact, it would pair wonderfully with anything from chicken to red meat. Merlot is also known to pair beautifully with Italian dishes with succulent tomato sauces, such as lasagna and chicken parmesan. 

For these reasons (and because it is an elegant wine at an affordable price), our smooth and sophisticated Byrd Merlot is sure to be the star of any meal.

2010 Byrd Vineyard Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon

Our 2010 Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon pours an intense ruby – strikingly so. Once tasted, the gripping palate, with loads of raspberries, blackberries, and plums, unveils a powerful frame of cedar, black tea, and candied hibiscus.

 

$45.00 – $486.00Price range: $45.00 through $486.00

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Subtly sweet and intensely succulent, our 2010 Byrd Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect way to enjoy vineyard-quality wine from the comfort of your own home. Full-bodied with notes of baking spices, herbs, and black fruits, this wine will transport you to the Mayacamas Range, where you can envision yourself savoring it under the mountain sun — it’s that powerful! 

For such a high-quality bold and beautiful wine, it’s price of $45 is unmatched. Enjoy with big, meaty dishes (like beef tenderloin) and indulgently creamy sides (garlic mashed potatoes, anyone?) for the best experience possible. At such a low price, you’ll want to buy two bottles (or more!). 

Delivered straight to your door

For over a decade, Byrd Vineyard has been bringing you high-quality and elegant wine — at a price that doesn’t break the bank. For even more convenience, we are now offering delivery straight to your door. Check here to see if we deliver to your state!

A good bottle of wine is a special purchase — and just like any special purchase, you want to make sure you are caring for it properly. We understand if you want to drink your bottle of Byrd Vineyard wine immediately after it is delivered to your door (we would never judge you for that!), but sometimes you want to save a bottle for a special occasion. 

These simple tips will teach you how to best store your wine for optimal quality — so by the time your next anniversary, promotion, or celebration rolls around your wine will be in perfect condition.

How to properly store your wine

Storing your wine properly is incredibly important as it allows your wine to mature correctly and prevents it from damages and spoilage. Since most bottled red wine can last up to 3 years in storage, it is crucial that you create the best possible setting for your wine to age and wait for your next special occasion.

Store in a place with minimal light

Many people think their kitchen is a logical and convenient place to store their wine collection; however, bright light and high temperatures can oxidize wine, disrupting its natural aging process and resulting in a wine that tastes “off” when opened. Light and heat can also discolor the wine or present an unpleasant and strange odor. 

To prevent such spoilage, it is crucial that you store your wine in a part of your home that receives dim to no light at all — such as a closet, wine cellar, or even a dedicated wine fridge. The longer the wine can sit undisturbed and disrupted from light and heat, the better.

Store in a constantly cool place

A constant chilly temperature is equally important in keeping your wine from spoiling. Conditions that are too warm or too cold are a sure-fire way to spoil your wine before ever getting a chance to open it. Ideally, your wine should be stored at around 55 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity.

Storage temperatures that are too cold can result in accidentally freezing your wine, which slows down the wine’s aging process and can even result in leakage from the cork after the water content expands. Conditions that are too warm can actually accelerate the aging process too quickly, leading to spoiled wine with a tangy, astringent flavor that just doesn’t taste right. Too many temperature fluctuations can cause the wine’s cork to expand and contract, allowing air to flow inside the bottle, causing the wine to oxidize.

Another factor to consider, humidity levels, can also affect wine quality. The ideal humidity levels hover around 70%, while too low humidity can cause the cork to dry out and too high humidity can cause mold to form around the bottle’s label. 

This is where the benefits of a wine fridge come in, as they allow you to keep your wine at not only a constant temperature, but a consistent humidity level as well. Storing wine in the kitchen or even a nearby closet can drastically change with wine’s temperature and humidity levels with all of the cooking going on nearby. Plus, strong food odors can seep in through the wine’s cork, affecting its taste. Yuck!

Store wine horizontally — and keep it still until opening

While this may seem like a minor logistical detail, storing wine horizontally can actually prolong the life of your wine as it keeps your cork from damaging. When a wine bottle is lying on its side, its cork is able to remain moistened and will keep from drying out. A dried out cork can cause seepage of air into the bottle or a leakage of wine out of the bottle, as well as premature oxidation and aging. 

Once you lie your wine down, keep it there — with minimal movement. Many wine enthusiasts theorize that even the smallest of vibrations and movements can disrupt “the fragile string of chemical reactions that motivates wine to mature well” (Compact Appliance). In other words, even just rearranging your wine collection a few times before opening could potentially speed up chemical reactions and affect the wine’s fragile ecosystem. 

How long can our high-altitude wines age?

While our Byrd Vineyard wine is perfectly suitable to drink upon arrival at your doorstep, fine wine can be enhanced in taste and complexity as it ages through the years. Our wines have already aged appropriately 10 years in barrels, but a few more years of bottle aging can allow the wine to reveal even more complex aromas and flavors. Balanced wines like ours at Byrd Vineyard are able to withstand a few more years of bottle aging in order to truly shine. 

Deciding on how long to age your wine is completely subjective, as are the wine’s aromas, flavors, and many nuances to your palette. Experts recommend aging the wine no longer than 7-10 years —  if you can wait that long before giving in to temptation and giving our smooth, beautifully sophisticated wines a try. But trust us, you’ll want to break out your bottle of Byrd Vineyard wine the next time there’s something to celebrate — even if that celebration is just making it through the work week! 

Caring for the wine after it has been opened

After opening your bottle of Byrd Vineyard wine, how long will it last? On the off-chance you were unable to finish the bottle in one sitting along with a few friends, it is recommended that you store the wine properly overnight before finishing it off tomorrow. 

For best results, be sure to recork the wine promptly or seal tightly with a rubber wine stopper. Store away from light and heat and be sure to finish up the bottle within 3-5 days for optimal taste.

Enjoy with friends, family, and delicious food

When the day comes that you are ready to enjoy your bottle of Byrd Vineyard, we hope that you are celebrating beside plenty of friends, family, and delicious food. Our wine is best served alongside loved ones, happy memories, and perhaps a platter of cheese!

What is the keto diet?

The ketogenic diet, or keto for short, is a meal planning system made up of three main components: eating foods that are high in fat, adequate in protein, and low in carbohydrates. 

The diet, made popular in the 1920s and 30s, was first used as a therapy for epilepsy in children. Russel Wilder from the Mayo Clinic was the first to use the term “ketogenic diet”. 

Ketosis [ ki-toh-sis ] noun 

1. a metabolic state characterized by elevated levels of ketone bodies in the blood or urine

Ketosis forces the body to burn fats rather than carbs. As your entire body switches its fuel supply to run mostly on fat, you burn more. When insulin levels drop very low, fat burning can increase dramatically. This helps you burn fat, feel less hungry, and maintain muscle.

There have been several studies on the positive health effects that the keto diet can have, including weight loss, lower cholesterol levels, and decreased risk of cardiovascular issues in women. 

 In general, it can promote good health, and it might also offer some protection against many diseases including diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease.  Always be sure to consult your doctor before starting a new diet. 

Entering ketosis

Ketosis usually kicks in about 3-4 days after eating fewer than 50 grams of carbs a day, although many diet plans are built around staying under 20 grams.

Tips for staying on track include: 

• Avoid snacking
• Exercise regularly 
• Get enough rest
• Don’t binge drink
• Try intermittent fasting

Food recommendations for the Keto diet

No one wants to give up delicious foods for the sake of a diet. So what foods can help you achieve ketosis with sacrificing flavor? The good news is a lot.  

Try these options:

• Meat: red meat, steak, ham, sausage, bacon, chicken, turkey, jerk, wild game, and veal
• Fatty fish: salmon, trout, tuna, mackerel, and seafood
• Eggs: pastured or omega-3 whole eggs
• Cheese: unprocessed cheeses like cheddar, goat, cream, blue, or mozzarella
• Nuts and seeds: almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds
• Healthy oils: extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil
• Low carb veggies: green veggies, tomatoes, onions, peppers, etc.
• Condiments: salt, pepper, herbs, and spices

For even more delicious suggestions, check out: 44 Healthy Low-Carb Foods That Taste Incredible.

But what about wine? 

Wine is naturally low-carb and can be enjoyed in moderation on the keto diet. But not all wines are equal when it comes to keto. Look for one that’s low in sugar and carbs; usually, that means one that is dryer rather than sweet. Sweet wines include Moscato, Port, and other dessert wines.

Avoid wines with higher alcohol levels like Shiraz, Pinotage, and Zinfandel. Look for wines that are low in sugar with an alcohol content that isn’t too high. Some of our favorites include:

2012 Byrd Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

This unique wine is a Double Gold Medal winner for a reason! With beautifully integrated aromas of cassis and dark chocolate lifting from the glass, just one smooth and silky sip will have you coming back for more. Bold flavors of racy black cherry, fresh-from-the-oven wild blackberry pie, and sweet French oak combined with silky yet powerful tannins make for a one-of-a-kind wine you’ve never experienced before.

• Grapes
  • Mendocino Estate Grown
  • 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

• Pairs with:
  • Beef, lamb, wild game, and poultry

2012 Byrd Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Fruity aromas open slowly in perfect sync with a fine meal and riveting conversation. Layers of red and black currants reveal flavors of warm spice and sweet vanilla. This bold, full-bodied wine leaves you with a lingering, lengthy finish.

• Grapes
  • Mendocino Estate Grown
  • 95.5% Cabernet Sauvignon; 4.5% Merlot

• Pair with:
  • Beef, lamb, wild game, and poultry

2012 Byrd Vineyard Red Wine

Hues of blue and purple going into red are reflected in the soil and the fruit. The last light of the day prismatically expands into layers of color and fruit, which are revealed in this wine, moving from aroma to finish uninterrupted

• Grapes
  • Mendocino Estate Grown 
  • 82.2% Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 5.5% Cabernet Franc; 12.3% Merlot

• Pair with: 
  • Beef, wild game, and stinky cheeses

2010 Byrd Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

The subtly sweet aromas of berry and cocoa will swirl in the glass before you take a sip. Layered with notes of baking spices, black fruits, and graphite, this large-boned and intensely succulent wine taunts your palate with sinful flavors of blackberry, vanilla, and dark chocolate. It will leave you with a smooth, long finish.

• Grapes
  • 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec
  • Aged in 50% new and 50% 1-year old French Oak

• Pair with:
  • Beef, lamb, wild game, and poultry

Keep in mind

You will get intoxicated quicker when you are following the keto diet. This is because you are not eating as many carbohydrates. Carbs reduce the effects of alcohol. It takes about half of the amount of alcohol to experience the same effects you would feel if you were eating carbs.

Keto is wine friendly – just follow these tips

Wine on the keto diet is fine for most people when consumed in moderation. Look for varieties that are dry rather than sweet. Sugar levels are not usually disclosed on the bottle, but can sometimes be found online. Remember to drink a glass of water in between drinks, and don’t overindulge. Now, sit back and enjoy your wine.