At Rivaura Estate Vineyard & Winery, we believe great wine doesn’t need a complicated meal to shine. In fact, some of the best pairings happen on weeknights, when a simple dish meets a well-crafted glass of wine. Whether you’re cooking at home alone or gathering friends around the table, these pairings are designed to be approachable, satisfying, and rooted in the way we actually live and enjoy wine.
– Viognier –
Our Viognier is expressive and aromatic, with a soft richness that makes it incredibly versatile at the table. This is a wine that loves texture, creamy sauces, fresh herbs, and dishes with a touch of brightness.
Pair it with:
- Lemon herb grilled chicken with roasted vegetables
- Shrimp scampi or garlic butter prawns
- Creamy mushroom or chicken pasta
- Lightly spiced dishes like Thai curry or Pad Thai
This is your go-to when you want something elegant but easy. Comfort food with a polished edge.
– Sauvignon Blanc –
Crisp, vibrant, and driven by acidity, our Sauvignon Blanc is all about freshness. It thrives alongside bright flavors, citrus, and anything pulled straight from the water or garden.
Pair it with:
- Fresh oysters, crab or lobster
- Goat cheese salad with citrus vinaigrette
- Grilled white fish with lemon
- Asparagus, green vegetables, and herb-forward dishes
This is a wine that wakes up the palate and brings energy to the table.
– Rosé –
Bright, refreshing, and endlessly versatile, our Rosé is built for relaxed meals and shared plates. It bridges the gap between red and white, making it one of the most food-friendly wines we produce.
Pair it with:
- A charcuterie board with cured meats, cheeses, and olives
- Grilled salmon or river trout with strong fresh herbs
- Strawberry and goat cheese salad
- Prosciutto and arugula flatbread
This is the wine for warm evenings, easy conversations, and meals that stretch a little longer than planned.
– Grenache –
Lively, fruit-driven, and softly structured, Grenache brings warmth and approachability with just enough spice to keep things interesting.
Pair it with:
- Roast pork tenderloin with herbs
- Mediterranean-style grilled vegetables
- Chicken shawarma or spiced chicken dishes
- Simple tomato-based pasta
Grenache shines with dishes that echo its warmth—herbs, spice, and a touch of earth.
– River Ranch Red –
The River Ranch Red is approachable yet structured. A blend that plays well with bold, savory flavors without overpowering them. It’s the kind of wine that belongs at the center of the table.
Pair it with:
- Smash burgers or elevated backyard burgers
- BBQ ribs or pulled pork
- Spaghetti with a rich meat sauce
- Steak tacos with grilled onions and peppers
This is an everyday red done right—easy to open, hard to put down.
– Syrah –
Bold and expressive, our Syrah brings depth, structure, and a touch of spice. It thrives alongside dishes with richness, smoke, and intensity.
Pair it with:
- Grilled New York strip
- Lamb chops with rosemary and garlic
- Smoked brisket or tri-tip
- Sausage and peppers in a cast iron skillet
When the meal calls for something hearty, this is the bottle you reach for.
– Reserve Merlot –
Our Merlot is plush, balanced, and deeply comforting. It’s a wine that meets you where you are, perfect for slow evenings and classic, satisfying meals.
Pair it with:
- Herb-roasted chicken
- Beef stew or pot roast
- Creamy mushroom risotto
- Classic meatloaf with a rich glaze
This is the bottle that turns a simple dinner into something memorable.
– Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon –
Structured, bold, and age-worthy, Cabernet Sauvignon calls for richness and depth.
Pair it with:
- Filet mignon
- Rack of lamb
- Aged cheeses like cheddar or gouda
- Grilled Ribeye Steak
This is a wine that rewards patience and pairs best with meals that feel like an occasion.
– Insomniac –
Our Cabernet Sauvignon-driven Bordeaux blend is layered, complex, and deeply expressive. Built as a tribute to Papa Ron Hewett, this wine carries both structure and soul.
Pair it with:
- Braised short ribs in red wine reduction
- Seared and blackened duck breast
- Herb-crusted lamb
- Grilled steak
- Dark chocolate desserts (for a bold finish)
This is a wine for slow evenings, deep conversations, and moments that linger long after the last glass.
Bringing It All Together
At the end of the day, pairing wine and food doesn’t have to be complicated. Match the weight of the wine to the weight of the dish. Let acidity refresh, let tannins balance richness, and most importantly, trust your instincts. Because at Rivaura, wine isn’t just about what’s in the glass. It’s about the table it’s shared around, the stories that unfold, and the moments that turn into memories.