Photo by Jackie Baisa

Kenwood Inn and Spa’s Chef Khambay has just released her inspired summer menu for the HKG Tasting Room in Glen Ellen, California.

Here are the highlights from the Food and Wine Flights, which include three Estate wines perfectly paired with a trio of culinary creations:

Tomato Bisque with Brioche Grilled Carmody and Micro Basil

~Wine Pairing ~

2010 Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Grigio

This yummy remix of an old childhood favorite melds well with the characteristics of Pinot Grigio.  The wine’s bright fruit shows off the tomato flavors and the wine’s slight barrel aging complements the brioche.   Additionally, the basil brings out the crisp acidity of this wine.

Seared Ahi Tuna with Calabrian Chili Aioli and Summer Squash

~Wine Pairing~

2009 Russian River Valley Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir

Tuna is a beautiful match on the plate with the vibrant red color of this wine — a true piece of food art. This dry style Rosé highlights the Calabrian chili spice while the fattiness of the dish keeps the wine’s tannins in check.  Slightly sweet, the Rosé pairs well with the flavors of ripe local summer squash.

Squid Ink Raviola filled with Chorizo and Halibut

~Wine Pairing~

2009 Russian River Valley Estate Bridge Selection Pinot Noir

A silky wine with soft tannins, this vineyard-designate Pinot Noir is a perfect balance with the richness and texture of the dish. The mélange of chorizo spices on the palate expresses the subtle flavors of cocoa, dried herbs and cherry in the wine.  The wonderful aromas and colors of the dish are reminiscent of a relaxing summer meal in the Mediterranean.

“The HKG Tasting Room in the charming town of Glen Ellen in Sonoma is now offering special wine and food pairings created by chefs of the award-winning Kenwood Inn and Spa. Executive Chef Andrea Di Loreto and Pastry Chef Khambay Khamsyvoravong will match the wines from Hop Kiln Winery’s Russian River Valley estate HKG varietals with a seasonal array of food friendly tastes. In addition, visitors can purchase desserts to-go from the tasting room’s retail case, including individual pastries and sweet and savory pies.”

Check out a sample menu of a Spring Food and Wine Flight
Three HKG Estate wines perfectly paired with a trio of culinary creations.

Crab and Curry Mustard Creme Fraiche Cannoli
Wine Pairing: 2009 Russian River Valley Estate Chardonnay

Duck Confit on Crispy Polenta with Rose Petal Raspberry Preserve
Wine Pairing:2009 Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Noir

Bacon Gelato with Balsamic Reduction and Black Sea Salt
Wine Pairing: 2009 Russian River Valley Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir

As a leader in the Millennial segment, which the magazine calls, “Perhaps the most influential emerging demographic in wine culture,” next to the growing Hispanic, African-American and Asian populations, the 26-year old Chuck finds that what sets his generation apart is “their universe of information.”

“While my parents may reach out to a couple of trusted friends for recommendations, people my age are more likely to get this ‘word’ from Internet review sources like yelp.com,” he continues.

The Millennial Generation, also called Generation Y, describes the current under-30 demographic born between the late 1970’s and early 2000’s, 80 million of whom will be reaching wine drinking age in the next 10 years, according to the magazine.

Millennials are marked, as Chuck notes, by their high comfort level with digital technology, communications and the media. To wit, the magazine points out that “67% of Millennials get wine information online, compared to 48% of Boomers.

A sense of experimentation in seeking out new varietals and a desire to connect with producers who embody their ideals is also what Chuck’s generation is known for, rather than just seeking out a good value. “When growers and winemakers are truly dedicated to sustainable, organic and biodynamic principals, embracing them as a philosophy as opposed to a marketing campaign, it creates a powerful bond with like-minded Millennials,” he says.

Click here to read the entire article.

Silver medals were also awarded to their HKG Russian River Valley Estate Rose of Pinot Noir in the Dry Rose category and to the 2009 Thousand Flowers Proprietary Blend in the Other White Varietals and Blends category.

Hop Kiln Winery is located on the esteemed Westside Road in Sonoma’s venerable Russian River Valley. The winery is an old hops plantation, with a tasting room inhabiting the original, 105 year-old hops processing building included on the California Historic Registry. Hop Kiln’s abundantly rich acreage is planted with top-quality fruit, producing HKG Estate varietals: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rose, and Pinot Grigio. The winery is in the process of converting all their property to estate plantings.

This weekend, DeLille Cellars’ annual Paulée de Woodinville will feature a variety of fantastic wines and a decadent multi-course menu provided by James Beard Award-winning chef Holly Smith of Cafe Juanita.

Paulée de Woodinville is based off the legendary Paulée de Meursault, a French event steeped in a long-standing tradition, where the luncheon is typically held in the caves of a large chateau and guests bring the wines.

The year’s Paulée de Woodinville, which will be held Sunday, October 17th, 2010 at DeLille Cellars, will feature world class wines selected by Chris, Jay and Greg from special purchases made throughout the year. Wines from past Paulées have included Bôrdeaux wines such as Château d’yquem, Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, and Haut Brion. Other famous wines that have appeared include the Super Tuscans Ornellaia and Tignaello from Italy; Kisler and Diamond Creek from California and many more.

Some of the best memories have been the wonderful wines brought by guests. Many first growth and old classics appear sprinkled about the two long tables where dining neighbors exchange tastes of their favorite wines with their dining companions adorned in formal evening attire.

The Paulée de Woodinville

Sunday, October 17th, 2010

Reception begins at 4:00 p.m.

DeLille Cellars, 14208 Woodinville-Redmond Rd NE, 425.489.0544

$240 per person. To purchase tickets, visit delillecellars.com.

The September issue of Wine Enthusiast magazine features Hop Kiln Winery’s 25-year-old winemaker, Chuck Mansfield.

Mansfield, who was named chief winemaker at Hop Kiln in 2008 at the age of 23, discusses the role of the Internet in wine today, the difference between generational wine drinkers, and the growing trend of organic and sustainable winemaking.

To read the article, pick up a copy of Wine Enthusiast’s September issue.

California-based blog So Cal Wine Chic mentions Hop Kiln Winery’s HKG Chardonnay (available for purchase here) in a recent post on cooking with wine from Hop Kiln.

The author highlights a recent risotto recipe in which the HKG Chardonnay contributes to the dish’s perfection.

To read the article in its entirety, click here.