Celebrate Oregon Wine Month with R.Stuart Wine and Local Restaurants

May is Oregon Wine Month, and to celebrate many wineries across the Willamette Valley are sharing how they pair their favorite wines with fun flavors in the Pair it Forward social media campaign (#pairitforward). This inspired us to ask one of McMinnville’s most beloved wineries, R. Stuart & Co., what wines they would pair with local restaurants or dishes.

With its winery located in the Granary District and its tasting room right on Third Street, R. Stuart & Co. has been upholding its “belief that wine brings joy to life’s big and small occasions” since 2001. With that in mind, Susanne Sayles, Marketing & Events Manager, and Casee Clark, Director of Consumer Sales, shared their perfect pairings of R. Stuart wines with McMinnville eateries. Cheers!

Wine: NV Bubbly Blanc de Blanc

Restaurant/Dish: Pizza Capo – any of their rotating spring specials (specifically the spring contorni!)

Why: When the R. Stuart Crew celebrates – whether that’s the end of a long harvest day or a staff birthday – it’s more often than not with Pizza Capo. And what’s better to celebrate with than Bubbly? With locally sourced, fresh flavors highlighted on each dish, Bubbly is the perfect complement to everything from burrata to pies to dessert.

A diptych with one image of a bottle of R. Stuart's Love Oregon Pinot Noir Rosé and the other of a Hayward dish that has purple radishes and orange segments served over fish.

Wine: 2022 Love, Oregon Pinot Noir Rosé

Restaurant/Dish: Hayward

Why: Chef Kari’s motto of “globally inspired, locally sourced,” is right in line with R. Stuart’s ethos. Love, Oregon Rosé has a beautiful weight and acidity that matches Hayward’s flavors of ferments and spices, textures and richness. Their team excels in familiar flavors with a twist, and that’s our rosé’s story, too!

A diptych with one image of a bottle of R. Stuart's Big Fire Pinot Gris and the other of Pura Vida's salmon ceviche.

Wine: 2023 Big Fire Pinot Gris

Restaurant/Dish: Pura Vida

Why: Rob hangs his hat on making Pinot gris, as it is one of the most food-friendly wines out there. Dishes like the salmon ceviche are the ultimate match to the bright, tropical flavors of this wine. Dare we say it rivals the house margaritas as the perfect match?

A diptych with one image of a bottle of R. Stuart's Vignette Pinot Noir and the other of the exterior of La Rambla, which has large wood and glass doors and red stucco exterior.

Wine: 2021 Vignette Pinot Noir

Restaurant/Dish: La Rambla‘s Lamb Nachos

Why: When we’re recommending restaurants to our tasting room patrons, La Rambla is among the first places we suggest. The slight spice and robust flavors of the nachos (or even the patatas bravas or empanadas!) become enhanced by the lush, juicy fruit flavors of Vignette.

A diptych with one image of a bottle of R. Stuart's Autograph Pinot Noir and the other of a large table set with plates, glasses, flowers and baguettes.

Wine: 2019 Autograph Pinot Noir

Restaurant/Dish: Bistro Maison

Why: A classic French bistro meets a classic Oregon Pinot noir – what could be better? Autograph is fondly called the “creme de la creme” of our wines, and we couldn’t think of a better spot to enjoy our favorite bottle than Bistro, a true staple of 3^rd Street. When the weather allows for patio seating, this pairing transports us right to Burgundy.

Kate H. Knapp (she/her) works as a writer, recipe tester, and editor in McMinnville. She loves nothing more than sharing the beauty of food with her little one and has been cooking since she herself was stove-high and whisk-strong.