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🥂 Wine for Breakfast (Sort Of): Perfect Brunch Pairings for Each Varietal

A Willowcroft Guide to Sipping Through Summer Brunch

We’re not saying you should pour a glass of Cabernet with your cereal—but when it comes to summer brunch, wine absolutely belongs at the table. Think of it as elevating your leisurely late morning meal with fresh flavors and the perfect Virginia pour.

Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch on the porch or bringing a bottle to a potluck-style picnic, Willowcroft wines pair beautifully with everything from savory scrambles to fruity pastries. Here’s your guide to mixing, matching, and sipping like a pro—all before noon.

Creamy eggs, salty ham, and melted cheese deserve a wine that can match richness with elegance. Willowcroft’s Chardonnay Reserve brings just enough body and oak to stand up to the dish, while its smooth finish complements without overpowering.

• Why it works: Balanced acidity, subtle vanilla, and a creamy texture mirror the mouthfeel of a classic quiche.
• Serve it with:
  • Spinach and mushroom quiche
  • Bacon & Swiss egg bites
  • Buttery croissants with brie

This Mediterranean-inspired dish is bursting with brightness, and that calls for an equally zesty pairing. Seyval Blanc, with its crisp citrus and herbal notes, plays beautifully with tangy feta and the umami of sun-dried tomato.

• Why it works: The acidity in the wine cuts through the richness of the eggs and highlights savory herbs.
• Serve it with:
  • Toasted sourdough
  • Herb-roasted potatoes
  • Grilled asparagus or summer squash

Crispy, juicy fried chicken and fluffy biscuits are the epitome of picnic brunch perfection. Pair them with Vidal Blanc, a lightly sweet, fruit-forward white that brings freshness to a rich, crunchy plate.

• Why it works: Vidal’s hint of sweetness contrasts with salty, fried flavors, especially with a drizzle of honey or hot sauce.
• Serve it with:
  • Peach preserves or honey butter
  • Summer slaw
  • Cornbread muffins

Nothing says summer brunch like ripe berries—and Rose of Sharon, Willowcroft’s off-dry rosé, is the match made in seasonal heaven. With notes of strawberry, cherry, and a delicate floral finish, it enhances berry flavors in every bite.

• Why it works: Fruit meets fruit. The slight sweetness of the wine mirrors the natural sugars in berries.
• Serve it with:
  • Berry-stuffed crepes
  • Lemon-blueberry muffins
  • Strawberry shortcake parfaits

Forget the store-bought bubbly—elevate your mimosa game with Sauvage Blanc de Blanc, Willowcroft’s dry, elegant sparkling wine. Its crisp citrus notes and fine bubbles make it the perfect base for a fresh summer mimosa—or enjoy it straight for a bright brunch sip.

• Fun idea:
  • Create a DIY mimosa bar with fresh juices and fresh berries or fruit, and let guests mix their own!
• Also pairs well with:
  • Smoked salmon bagels
  • Melon & prosciutto
  • Deviled eggs with herbs

At Willowcroft, we believe great wine belongs at every table—including the brunch table. Whether you're dining al fresco or picnicking in the backyard, these pairings make summer mornings feel just a little more special.

So go ahead—sip before noon. We won’t tell.

Visit our tasting room to stock up, or order your wines online and have them shipped in time for your next weekend gathering. Cheers to brunch, Virginia-style!

Unexpected Pairings: Virginia Wines & Global Takeout

A Willowcroft Guide to Sipping Local with International Flavor

In the greater Washington D.C. area, our takeout menus read like a passport—offering everything from spicy Thai noodles to soulful Creole classics, tacos that transport us to Mexico City, and pasta that could pass for a Roman holiday. But with so many vibrant flavors, how do you choose the right wine?

Here’s a twist: you don’t need to reach for an imported bottle. Willowcroft Farm Vineyards produces Virginia-grown wines that pair beautifully with global cuisines, right from our perch atop the Catoctin Ridge.

Whether you're winding down after work or hosting a casual dinner, here are some fresh and unexpected pairings to try with your favorite takeout.

Think: Thai, Indian, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese
Go-To Wines: Albariño, Traminette, Chambourcin, Riesling
Why it works: From the heat of Thai curries to the umami of Korean BBQ, Asian dishes pack layers of spice, aromatics, and sweet-savory balance. Willowcroft’s aromatic whites and juicy reds are built to complement—not compete—with these flavors.

Try pairing:

• Albariño with Thai green curry or Vietnamese lemongrass chicken
• Traminette with pork dumplings or General Tso’s chicken
• Chambourcin slightly chilled with chicken tikka masala or lamb vindaloo
• Dry Riesling with sushi, pad Thai, or pho

Think: Pasta, Pizza, Eggplant Parm, Meatballs
Go-To Wines: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Seyval Blanc, Chardonnay Reserve
Why it works: Italian dishes tend to be rich, savory, and comforting. Red sauces, herbs, and cheese pair well with structured reds, while creamy pastas or seafood dishes complement full-bodied whites.

Try pairing:

• Merlot with meat lasagna or eggplant parm
• Cabernet Franc with wood-fired pizza or sausage bolognese
• Seyval Blanc with chicken piccata or pesto pasta
• Chardonnay Reserve with fettuccine Alfredo or shrimp scampi

Think: Tacos, Enchiladas, Empanadas, Cuban Sandwiches
Go-To Wines: Sauvage Rosé, Riesling, Chambourcin, Vidal Blanc
Why it works: Spice, citrus, and smoky meats meet their match in vibrant, fruit-forward wines that can cool heat and highlight bold flavors.

Try pairing:

• Sauvage Rosé with carnitas tacos or shrimp ceviche
• Riesling with chicken enchiladas verde or tamales
• Chambourcin with beef empanadas or Cuban sandwiches
• Vidal Blanc with grilled corn elote or arroz con pollo

🫒 Spanish Tapas & Mediterranean Bites

• Think: Patatas Bravas, Jamón, Olives, Paella
• Go-To Wines: Albariño, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Applause
• Why it works: Tapas are made for grazing—and so are wines that can handle a range of salty, savory, and herby flavors. You want wines that stay interesting across the whole table.

Try pairing:

• Albariño with seafood paella or garlic shrimp
• Petit Verdot with grilled chorizo or lamb skewers
• Applause with Manchego and Marcona almonds
• Chardonnay with roasted peppers or tortilla Española

Think: Jerk Chicken, Gumbo, Fried Plantains, Crab Cakes
Go-To Wines: Traminette, Petit Verdot, Vidal Blanc, Rosé of Sharon
Why it works: These dishes bring spice, sweetness, and smoke. You need wines with bold flavor and balance—aromatic whites and deep reds shine here.

Try pairing:

• Traminette with jerk chicken or fried plantains
• Petit Verdot with gumbo or blackened fish
• Vidal Blanc with coconut curry shrimp or mango salsa
• Rosé of Sharon with crab cakes or spicy sausage jambalaya

Great wine doesn’t have to come from the same country as your food. It just has to bring balance, brightness, and joy to the table. At Willowcroft, we believe your local bottle should pair just as effortlessly with pad Thai or tacos as it does with pork chops and Virginia cheeses.

So the next time you grab takeout, skip the beer or soda, and reach for a glass of Virginia-grown wine. Your palate will thank you.

📸 Share Your Takeout + Wine Night!

Tag @WillowcroftWine on Instagram or Facebook and show us how you're pairing Willowcroft with global flavors.