Christmas Cookie Crawl and Wine Pairing

• Posted on 13 December 2023
• Posted in Australia, brachetto, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, chambourcin, france, Germany, Gewürztraminer, Italy, muscot, Portugal, Riesling, sauvigon blanc, spain, viognier, Virginia
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Last year, the 700 block of Caroline decided to collaborate with each other during the Christmas holiday season. As a way of promoting each other, Chris Allen, of Duly Noted, suggested a cookie crawl where customers would purchase a tin and then collect their cookies along the path of participating businesses. Having sold out of tickets, Chris decided to take this idea to a much bigger platform. Chris is also the Executive Director of Mainstreet, which is a national nonprofit organization that focuses on the economic improvements of historical downtowns.

Holiday shoppers are encouraged to either stop by the Visitor Center or click here participate. On Saturday, Cookie Crawlers will go to the Visitor Center to pick up their tins and be directed on a path of thirteen businesses, because thirteen is a baker’s dozen. The web page has more details.

It came to mind; how does a wine store participate in a cookie crawl? Chris had not told us what kind of cookie City Vino will be offering that day. But it seems so obvious that milk is the perfect pairing with cookies. For those of you who will be participating in the Cookie Crawl and find yourself at City Vino, we will offer you the City Vino version of “milk and cookies” with Well Hung Creamy Dreams and Bluestone Vineyard Christmas Cookie Label Crooked & Weedy. 

Some other pairing ideas we came up with include:

“A Symphony of Fruity Bliss” when a sugar cookies are paired with Riesling, Gewürztraminer, or Moscato. The fruitiness in these wines perfectly complements the sweet notes of sugar cookies, creating a harmonious balance on the palate. For a more decadent touch, try pairing shortbread with a buttery Chardonnay or a crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc.

“A Frozen Elixer of Sweetness” is created when a pineapple upside down cake is paired with an ice wine. For a truly unique experience, explore the world of ice wine. Produced from frozen grapes, this nectar-like wine—particularly when enjoyed with shortbread cookies—creates a delightful combination. The honeyed sweetness of ice wine complements the crystalized sugary notes of the pineapple and Mari chino cherry, making it a match made in dessert heaven.

“A Fruity Fusion” when Apricot Regelach is paired with Champagne for a delectable combination. The fruity side of desserts comes alive, as the ripe fruit notes in Champagne perfectly accentuate the apricot filling. The buttery pastry, a hallmark of Regelach, pairs seamlessly with the rich pastry and brioche bread notes found in Champagne.

“A Ginger Snap” happens when gingerbread and Snickerdoodles are paired with a 10-Year-Old Tawny. The warmth of gingerbread and Snickerdoodles finds a companion with tawny’s flavors of roasted nuts, caramel. And brown sugar in these wines brings out the molasses undertones in the cookies, creating a delightful dance of flavors.

“Chocolates and Berries Marry” when a Chocolate Crinkle and Grenache are paired. The rich cocoa notes of the cookies harmonize seamlessly with Grenache's luscious red berry and spice undertones, creating a symphony of flavors on the palate. Opt for a quality Grenache with a balanced profile for the ultimate pairing experience. Sip, savor, and revel in the exquisite dance of tastes, as this match made in dessert heaven elevates your indulgence to new heights.

“A Festive Fusion” occurs when Rainbow Cookies and a White Port are paired. The almond, apricot, and raspberry flavors in the cookies find harmony with the dried apricots, ginger, cooked white plum, and warm nutmeg of this port. 

“A Nutty Affair” is born when a Rugelach and Rutherglen Muscat are paired. From the Jewish kitchen, Rugelach finds its match in Rutherglen Muscat. The spiced, nutty, and sweet notes of Rugelach are beautifully complemented by the caramelized sugar aromas of this Australian dessert wine.

“A Minty Delight” gets you hooked when Peppermint Meltaways and Sauternes are paired. The  peppermint meltaways can be challenging, but Sauternes, a French dessert wine, rises to the occasion. The sweet and acidic nature of Sauternes complements the bold mint flavors, creating a balanced and delightful pairing.

“A Playful Duo” of a Jam Thumbprint and Brachetto d’Acqui are the full spumante. Light, fizzy, and fuchsia, Brachetto d’Acqui, from Northern Italy, adds a playful touch to jam thumbprint cookies. The fresh berry notes in the wine harmonize with the strawberry and raspberry flavors in the cookies, creating a joyful and exuberant pairing.

“A Classic Combination” of Chocolate Chip and Cabernet. If you think classic is boring, you could not be more wrong. Savor your chocolate chip cookies with a glass of Cabernet. The full-bodied and moderately dry red wine cuts through the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a perfect balance. Serve your cookies warm with a side of ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.

“A Wholesome Harmony” will sing warmly with this Oatmeal Raisin and Shiraz pairing. For the health-conscious cookie enthusiast, pair oatmeal raisin cookies with a glass of Shiraz. The dark, spicy, and peppery notes of Shiraz create a harmonious contrast to the wholesome goodness of oatmeal, making it a delightful "opposites attract" pairing.

Cheers, here is hoping your wait for Santa is filled with charming Crooked & Weedy cookies, wine and  Creamy Dreams!