For more than 250 years, the California wine community has been a rich part of the state’s culture and economy. California is home to nearly 6,000 winegrowers, 620,000 acres of vineyards and 4,200 bonded wineries. The state grows more than 100 different grape varieties.
Whether you’re celebrating Wine Wednesday solo or having a few friends over for a night in, these simple snacks and small bites pair beautifully with your favorite California wines and are ready in a flash.
The following recipes are available in the printable booklet below.
Sweet + Savory California Watermelon
This easy appetizer covers all the bases with sweet watermelon, salty feta and a touch of heat from the spicy honey.
California Peach + Camembert Stack
California has bee producing cheese for as long as it has been making wine – more than 200 years. Today over 50 cheesemakers are producing more than 250 varieties and style of cow’s milk cheese that carry the Real California Milk seal.
Blue Cheese + Walnut Stuffed California Figs
Fresh figs are typically in season from May to November. If you’ve missed the window, don’t stress. This recipe is equally delicious when made with dried figs.
Spicy Cojita Popcorn
If you’ve never tried Cojita cheese, now’s the perfect time. This Mexican cheese is similar in texture to feta, with a distinctive salty, pungent flavor.
California Grape, Walnut + sage Compote over Brie
If you’re a fan of wine and cheese nights, Brie + Chardonnay is probably on the menu pretty regularly. Take this classic pairing to the next level by adding a fresh grape, walnut and sage compote.
Loaded Mini Stuffed Peppers
Try this Loaded Mini Stuffed Peppers recipe with olives and pepper jack cheese. You can have this delicious recipe on the table in under 20 minutes from start to finish.
Fresh Herb Guacamole with Feta
Fun fact: The most popular variety of avocados, the Hass avocado, is actually a California native! Every Hass avocado can trace its roots to a mother tree in La Habra Heights, CA.
California Sweet potato, Apple + Blue Cheese Rounds
Two of your fall favorites, sweet potatoes and apples, join forces in this fun appetizer.
Cantaloupe Canape
There’s something magical about produce that’s been kissed by the warm California summer sun. Nothing beats a juicy, fresh from vine cantaloupe or a sun-ripened tomato plucked from your own garden.
Olive Oil + Roasted California Grape Cake with Baked Sweet Ricotta
Turn your happy hour into a celebration with this dense grape cake…and don’t be afraid to add a generous schmear of baked sweet ricotta.
SoCal Citrus Sangria
Spanish missionaries are believed to have first planted citrus trees in the Golden State over 250 years ago. The first commercial citrus groves appeared in Southern California decades later, with the introduction of the navel orange and railroad spurring California’s ‘second Gold Rush’ of agriculture.
For inspiration, DOWNLOAD the FREE Happy Hour at Home e-book of simple recipes for snacks and small bites that complement California wines:
