The weather is warming up and we are ready for wines and cocktails that capture the spirit of spring. If there is one that can always be relied on to conjure bright memories of sipping in the sun, it’s Sangria. And if there’s a wine that makes the perfect Sangria, it’s our 1000 Stories bourbon barrel-aged Gold Rush Red. No matter where you’re enjoying this cocktail, this classic is sure to please. A simple recipe to batch out, this is the perfect prep-and-share cocktail for your summer kickback. Fill with the vibrant fruit of your choosing to make it your own, or try out this classic recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 bottles of 1000 Stories bourbon barrel-Aged Gold Rush Red
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 2 oranges, one juiced and one diced
• 1 green apple, diced
• 1 pineapple, sliced into chunks
• 1 lemon, diced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• optional sweetener: simple syrup* or maple syrup
• optional bubbles: lemon-lime soda, ginger ale or sparkling water

DIRECTIONS

• Add all the ingredients to a large pitcher. Stir to combine. Taste and add in a few tablespoons of sweetener, if desired.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
• Serve the sangria over ice.
• If desire, top off each glass with a splash of bubbly soda (or sparkling water).

Spring is approaching, and with it comes not only with brighter days, but also the opportunity to make light and refreshing cocktails. Fresh ingredients, and creative ideas lead to outside-the-box and delicious drinks that will consistently satisfy all spring long. 

One of the best places to get those fresh ingredients is at your local farmer’s market. With a diverse range of vendors, there are plenty of opportunities to mix and match things together to find a creative and flavorful twist on your favorite drink. This spring, we recommend making a Farmers Market Wine Cocktail.  This next-level savory sangria can be made with a bottle of our bourbon barrel-aged Red Blend. With its smooth texture and luscious core of berry and spice, it will be the perfect wine to make this cocktail a highlight of your spring.

While the end of winter on the horizon, there are still plenty of cold and rainy days on the calendar. On any brisk day, it’s always a great time to cozy up indoors, get caught up on your favorite tv series, dive into a new book, and have some time for reflection. It’s also a perfect time to cook up a warm bowl of chili.

To make the chili the best it can possibly be, pair it with a bottle of our bourbon barrel-aged Cabernet Sauvignon. With its signature notes of charred vanilla and dried herbs, it will compliment the chili perfectly and make it a delicious meal that will make you truly embrace any weather.

February 18th is National Drink Wine Day. Of course, this is one of our favorite days of the year. There aren’t many things that we love more than bringing together a group of our closest friends, and sharing our love for wine.

On National Drink Wine Day, get together with the fellow wine lovers in your life and uncork some stories while you enjoy a few bottles of our bourbon barrel-aged wine. From the vanilla and sage notes of our Zinfandel to the citrus notes of our Chardonnay, our wine is full of rich and bold flavors that are perfect to enjoy with your friends.

While the players are preparing for the big game coming soon, so should you. The time is now to start drawing up the delicious appetizers, savory snacks and big bites that will wow your friends. Just like the players on the field, this is a great opportunity to bring your A-game, and showcase your best stuff.

Show off your creativity, and make a pizza that will get the whole crowd talking. To make the experience the best it can possibly be, pair the slices with a bottle of either our Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel. Both are bourbon barrel-aged and bring rich and bold flavors that will complement the pizza greatly, and will be sure to score you major points with everyone.

Surprise your next dinner party guests with something unique and unexpected. This fried rice recipe features rich flavors of duck that pair perfectly with the fresh pear, pineapple and peach notes of our bourbon barrel-aged Chardonnay.

Serves 6

Ingredients

• Recipe
• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 1 confit duck leg and thigh, skinned and boned
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp peanut oil
• 4 oz smoked country bacon, diced
• 1 medium-size onion, finely chopped
• 2 tsp garam masala or curry powder
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• Salt to taste
• 4 scallions, trimmed and minced

Instructions

Step 1
Place rice in a saucepan and add 3 ¼ cups cold water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to very low, cover tightly and continue cooking 12 to 15 minutes, until water has evaporated and surface of rice is pitted with little holes. Remove from heat and set aside, covered and undisturbed, 15 minutes more. Transfer rice to a bowl, fluff with chopsticks, refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

Step 2
Shred duck meat, mix with soy sauce, add pepper to taste and set aside.

Step 3
When rice has cooled, heat 1 tbsp oil in a large wok or skillet. Add bacon and fry just until golden, not browned. Remove. Add onion and sauté on medium until golden. Stir in garam masala. Add remaining oil, stir in eggs and quickly scramble them. Fold in duck meat with soy sauce, cooked bacon and rice. Cook on medium heat until rice is heated through and ingredients are well blended. Season with salt.

Step 4
Fold in half the scallions, transfer rice to a serving dish and scatter remaining scallions on top. Serve.

New year, new cocktails. Ring in 2022 with a bang by making this delicious Pear Cocktail with 1000 Stories Chardonnay. Whether you make it for yourself, or for guests at your next dinner party, it will be a major hit.

This cocktail is clean, simple, and flavorful. This is a must-try drink for all wine lovers, and our bourbon barrel-aged Chardonnay adds the perfect punch to this delightful cocktail. Check out the recipe at the link below.

Ingredients

• Recipe
• Pear Nectar
• Lime juice (plus a lime wedge for garnish)
• Fresh thyme reserve some for garnish)
• Sweetener of your choice (we use agave syrup)
• 1000 Stories Chardonnay
• Pumpkin pie spice

Directions

1. Add lime juice and fresh thyme to a cocktail shaker.
2. Muddle the herbs to release their flavor. But make sure you save a sprig or two for a garnish.
3. Add the chardonnay.
4. Add the sweetener.
5. Add the pumpkin pie spice, if using. And you should use it.
6. Add some ice.
7. Toss on the shaker lid and give it a good shake.
8. Strain the chardonnay cocktail into a tall glass over fresh ice.
9. Garnish cocktail with a piece of lime and a sprig of fresh thyme.

Desserts and the holidays go hand in hand. This time of year brings out the most creative and delicious treats. If you’re looking to take your dessert game up a notch this season, we’ve got the recipe just for you — red wine brownies.

We recommend making these delicious 1000 Stories Red Wine Brownies. Rich, fudgy, and decadent, we make this treat with our 1000 Stories Cabernet Sauvignon. The bold flavors of this bourbon barrel-aged wine will add depth to these luscious brownies.

Ingredients

• Recipe
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups light or medium brown sugar
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup 1000 Stories Cabernet Sauvignon

Cocktails are an essential part of holiday celebrations. While celebrating the festivities with your friends and family this year, elevate the party by making a Mulled Red Wine Sangria using 1000 Stories Red Blend. This bourbon barrel-aged wine has rich and bold flavors that will take this festive cocktail to the next level.

Serves 5

INGREDIENTS

• 1 bottle of 1000 Stories Red Blend
• ¼ cup brandy
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 crisp apples in season green or red – 1 for mulled wine, 1 for fresh garnish
• 2 lemons – 1 for 1000 Stories mulled wine, 1 for fresh garnish
• 2 limes – 1 for 1000 Stories mulled wine, 1 for fresh garnish
• 1 orange
• 1 cup blackberries – ½ cup for mulled wine and the rest for fresh garnish
• 1 cup cranberries – ½ cup for mulled wine and ½ cup for fresh garnish
• ½ cup pomegranate seeds
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 cinnamon stick for each glass as a garnish and stir in for extra flavor
• 1 tsp. cloves

Instructions

1. In a pot, pour 1 bottle of 1000 Stories Red Blend, 1 cup apple cider and ¼ cup of honey. Add 1 tsp. of cloves in a loose tea infuser (or wrapped in cheesecloth and tied with baker’s string).
2. Place a lid on top and simmer on very low heat for 20 minutes.
3. While the 1000 Stories wine simmers with the cider, spices and honey, slice 1 apple, 1 orange, 1 lemon and 1 lime.
4. When finished, pour mulled wine into a jug or container with sliced fruit, ½ cup of blackberries and ½ cup cranberries.
5. Add ¼ cup of brandy, stir gently and refrigerate for 2-3 hours until cold.
6. For garnish, thinly slice 1 lemon, 1 lime, and 1 apple. Add ice to glasses and pour sangria, adding some of the drunken fruit, and leaving some room for fresh fruit. Add blackberries, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, and sliced fruit.
7. Other optional garnishes include:
   • star anise
   • herbal-floral garnish
8. For an alternative recipe and inspiration check out Mulled Wine Christmas Sangria here.