Tuesday

The week before Christmas, not much left needs to be done,

Sudden panic sets in, the reality of what’s wrong.

For up above the china cabinet dust collects soft as snow,

The entire wine rack is empty, every slot, every hole.

So it’s grab the keys quickly, and head out in a dash,

Off to Chatham Hill Winery as quick as a flash.

Bottles of wine fill the racks with colorful glee,

I’ll take this one and that one, and try a bit of this one, please.

With the wine for dinner chosen and the one for Christmas dessert,

All that was left were the bottles for gifts as not to be left in a learch.

A bottle of Christmas Red and a few of Christmas White,

I’ll take the Cab Franc and Rose to drink tonight.

A Sweet Carolina Raspberry to go with the chocolate truffles so good,

Lastly another six bottles where the previous ones once stood.

So dash away, dash away, to Chatham Hill in a rush,

We’re here to help and to ease all the fuss.

Monday

The week before Christmas a warm fire flickering low, mom & dad relaxing calmly with a glass of Chatham Hill's Merlot.

For the gifts were all wrapped and the cookies were baked. All that seemed waiting was the dinner to make.
 

But the Perfect Harmony was all ready in the wine rack above, the dishes that would be used to enjoy Grandma's grub.
 

But for those who are not yet ready or still baking away, don't worry about wine, because Chatham Hill's here to save.
 

Our wines are exquisite, our wines are a must, for your dinner table and to lessen the fuss.
 

So stop by this week to pick up your favorite blend, because sooner rather than later this season will come to its end.

Our First Food Truck Rodeo

Check out this article about our first Food Truck Rodeo by clicking here.

Edit: found another article about our Food Truck Rodeo. You can read it here. 

Read our press release about it by clicking here.

Hot Off the Barbie Pairings

We’re not talking about Ken, Folks – we’re talking about the perfect wine to pair with your favorite dishes off the grill. Try these Chatham Hill picks with some of summer’s best grilling foods:

2008 CH Trinity – Enjoy with spicy Barbeque sauces and grilled steaks

2009 CH Cabernet Sauvignon – Matches perfect with your Blue Cheese Burgers and, of course, steak

2011 CH Riesling – Try with spicy Brats, pineapple, or grilled veggies

2010 CH Chardonnay – Pair with grilled chicken, fish (even shrimp) or grilled corn on the cob

Sweet Carolina Mango – Blackened Mahi with a Mango Salsa or SC Strawberry – Grilled Pound cake.

Red Wine & Shallot Sauce

Serve over grilled steak

1/4 c chopped shallots or scallions
1 1/4 c Chatham Hill Cabernet Sauvignon
1 stick cold butter (1/2 cup)
1/4 –1 tsp of salt
2 T of finely chopped fresh parsley

- Combine the shallots and red wine in a saucepan. 

-Bring just to the boiling point. 

-Add the butter in chunks. 

-Stir until the butter is melted. 

-Add parsley. 

-Taste and salt if desired. 

-Spoon over steak slices. 

Recommended with Grilled Flank Steak and a bottle of Chatham Hill Cabernet Sauvignon or Trinity. 

Use your leftover sauce to top mashed potatoes or rice.

Chatham Hill Rosé Squirt

Recipe from, Wine Cocktails by A.J. Rathbun 

Ingredients:

• Ice Cubes
• 2 oz Maraschino Liqueur (NOT cherry syrup)
• 6 oz Chatham Hill Rosé [Marek will have the new Rosé ready next. Stay tuned for announcement!]
• Chilled Sparkling Wine or Club soda
• 2 Maraschino Cherries for Garnish

How To:

1)      Fill 2 highball glasses ¾ full with ice cubes.

2)      Add 1 oz Maraschino liqueur and 3oz of Chatham Hill Rosé to each glass, and stir briefly.

3)      Fill each glass almost to the top with the chilled sparkling wine or club soda. Stir again.

4)      Add cherry on top for garnish.

Wine Cooler Recipe

Who doesn't have fond memories of sipping on wine coolers in the summer? We have the perfect recipe to recreate-or to try for the first time-the classic 80's staple: the Wine Cooler. Plus it's pretty easy!




What you need:

4 oz of Chatham Hill Chardonnay (for something a little sweeter, try one of our Sweet Carolina Fruit-infused wines)
6 oz of lemon/lime soda
1/2 oz of grapefruit juice
1/2 oz  pineapple juice
1/2 oz lime juice
1/2 lemon juice

What to do:

1) Mix juices together
2) Pour wine into tall wine glass and top with lemon/lime soda
3) Add juice mixture
4) pop your collar, put on your Ray-Bans, and enjoy!

Quick and Easy Bellini

Alright folks, it doesn't get much easier than this.

2 oz of Sweet Carolina Peach wine
4 oz of your favorite sparkling wine


Add the Sweet Carolina Peach to your wine glass. Slowly fill the glass with your bubbly. Enjoy!

Also good with Sweet Carolina Strawberry, Blueberry, Mango, etc!

Article by Anna Marie Jehorek of Raleigh Outdoor Travel Examiner

This is a link to the original article.
Written By: Anna Marie Jehorek

Did you know before Prohibition North Carolina was the country's largest producer of wine?

Did you know there are 110 wineries in the Tar Heel State?

These are a couple interesting facts learned on a visit to Chatham HillWinery at 3800 Gateway Centre Boulevard in Cary/Morrisville.

When thinking of a winery one typically envisions rolling hills filled with grapevines in a picturesque setting. However, there's a growing trend in the country changing that perception. As Marek Wojciechowski, owner and wine maker at Chatham Hill Winery will tell you, “what's important about wine making is where the grapes are grown, not where the wine is made.”

View slideshow:Chatham Hill - An Urban Winery in the Heart of Carolina

Since 1999 Chatham Hill, North Carolina's first Urban Winery, has been making and distributing award-winning wines. Situated a quarter mile off of Interstate-40 in the Gateway Centre Office Park, it's here in this “urban” setting Wojciechowski handcrafts fine wines from “carefully chosen independent vineyards in North Carolina and beyond.”

The majority of grapes used at Chatham Hill are grown in the western portion of the state in the Yadkin Valley. With warm days and cool nights, the temperature fluctuation makes grapes grown in the Yadkin Valley ideal for creating Chatham Hill's varietal wines.

Prior to wine making, Wojciechowski and his wife Jill Winkler worked in the medical industry. Their scientific backgrounds were a huge asset when they turned their favorite hobby into a profession. Wine making is a scientific art and Wojciechowski's knowledge is key to Chatham Hill's success.

Great pride and effort goes into crafting superior wines with definition, complexity and distinctive flavors. Standing amongst the oak barrels, Wojciechowski chuckles as he recounts stories of people in blind taste tests choosing his North Carolina wines over wines from around the world.

Perhaps best known for their Chardonnay and Cabernet, Chatham Hill has an expanding following of aficionados. The winery produces 6000 cases per year and can be found in local grocery stores, wine shops and restaurants. They also have a thriving wine club and on line sales.

Upon entering visitors are greeted by friendly faces welcoming guests with their enthusiasm and passion for food and fine wine. The wine, art work and chic setting make this an “unexpected wine experience.” The tasting room is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 to 5:00, Saturday 11:00 to 6:00 and Sunday 1:00 to 5:00. Tours are held Monday through Friday at 12:30 and 3:30, Saturdays at 1:00, 3:00 and 4:30 and Sundays at 2:00.

In addition to tastings, Chatham Hill hosts wine events. Each month features a full calendar of happenings including Wine and Cheese Pairings, Wine and Chocolate, Women who Wine and more. Private events are also held at Chatham Hill. As their website states, by day Chatham Hill is an urban winery but at night it transforms into “the most unique event venue in town.”

If you're looking for an “out of the ordinary” location for a corporatefunction, a wedding or a holiday party – Chatham Hill promises an unforgettable evening. They'll even personalize wine labels to commemorate your special event.

Chatham Hill not only promotes the North Carolina wine industry and local businesses, it also raises funds for Operation Home Front, a non-profit organization supporting our troops by helping families while soldiers are deployed.

They say every wine has a story and the story behind Chatham Hill's wine is a fascinating narrative of a flourishing winery in the Heart of Carolina. As Wojciechowski says, “The gateway to North Carolina wine country is only minutes from Raleigh Durham International Airport.”

Bishop

Recipe from Wine Cocktails by A.J. Rathbun

Ingredients:

• 4 lemon wheels
• 3 oz of simple syrup
• Ice cubes
• 4 oz rum
• 8 oz of Chatham Hill Cabernet Sauvignon
• Lemon slices for garnish

How To:

1)      Combine the lemon wheels and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Muddle well.

2)      Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes. Add the rum. Shake well.

3)      Add a few ice cubes to wine glasses. Strain mix over the ice.

4)      Top of each glass with 2 oz of Chatham Hill Cabernet Sauvignon.

5)      Garnish with lemon slices and serve.

Did You Know? How Many Grapes = 1 bottle of Wine?

One Ton of Grapes = 50 Cases = 600 Bottles

1/2 Ton of Grapes = 1 Barrel of Finished Wine = 300 Bottles

3 1/2 Pounds of Grapes (10 clusters) = 1 Bottle

Aloha Punch

Recipe from Wine Cocktails by A.J. Rathbun

Ingredients:

• Cracked Ice
• One bottle of Chatham Hill Rubio
• 8 oz fresh pineapple juice
• 4 oz fresh lime juice
• 4 oz fresh orange juice
• 2 liters chilled ginger ale
• 1 lime cut into wedges
• 1 orange cut into slices

How To:

1)      Add ice to punch bowl

2)      Add Chatham Hill Rubio and fruit juices. Stir briefly

3)      Add ginger ale and stir. Drop n the lime wedges and orange slice and stir.

4)      Serve and Enjoy!

CLARET LEMONADE (USING DRY RED WINE)

4 Tbls lemon juice                   
2 Tsps superfine sugar
6 ounces crushed ice                
8 ounces chilled Chatham Hill Cabernet Sauvignon
Slice lemon                              

 
Combine lemon juice and sugar in a tall collins glass and stir until sugar is dissolved. 

Add ice, pour in wine, and garnish with lemon slice. 

Serve with a straw.

SWEET CAROLINA FRUIT INFUSED WINE SMASH

• 2½ cups Sweet Carolina Raspberry Infused Wine
• 1 cup crushed ice
• 1/3 can frozen Pink Lemonade
• ½ cup fresh or frozen raspberries

Put all ingredients into blender, and purée until smooth. 

Can substitute Sweet Carolina Blueberry Infused Wine and change frozen fruit to frozen peaches or pineapple. 

For a more tart drink cut back wine to only 2 cups. 

Use fresh fruit for a more lively drink; frozen fruit adds thickness. 

Can’t you just see yourself on the porch with this libation? 

Did You Know? All About Wine Bottle Sizes

• Pony: ¼ of a standard bottle =187 ml
• Half-bottle or Split: ½ of a standard bottle =375 ml
• Standard: 1 bottle; adapted from the old 1/5^th gallon =750 ml
• Magnum: 2 bottles; Magnum is the Latin word for “large” =1.5 liters
• Marie Jean: 3 bottles; Named after a wine enthusiast from the 1700s =2.25 Liters
• Jeroboam or Double Magnum: 4 bottles; Named after 1^st king of Northern Isreal = 3.0 Liters
• Rehoboam: 6 bottles; King of Judah, 922-908 BC = 4.5 liters
• Methuselah or Imperial: 8 bottles; Named after Biblical Patriarch, lived to the age of 969 = 6 liters
• Salamanazar: 12 bottles, AKA 1 case; Named after King of Assyria, 859-824 BC = 9 liters
• Balthazar: 16 bottles; Named after Regent of Babylon, 538 BC = 12 liters
• Nebuchadnezzar: 20 bottles, Named after King of Babylon, 605-562 BC = 15 liters
• Paramount: 36 bottles, 27 liters.

Torta al Vino Recipe, From the cookbook: Lidia’s Family Table

From the cookbook:  Lidia’s Family Table

Torta al Vino is a traditional wine country cake with white wine incorporated ino the batter. You may use grapes or berries! This is a delicious dessert you must try. Let us know how it goes!

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups all purpose flour, plus extra to flour the cake pan and coat the grapes

1 ½ t baking powder

½ t baking soda

1/8 t salt

6 T soft butter plus 1 T for the cake pan

¾ c sugar

2 eggs

1 T Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

1 t vanilla extract

1 T lemon of orange zest

¾ c Chatham Hill Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

2 c small red seedless grapes, stemmed, rinsed and patted dry or 2 c fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries

For topping the cake during baking

2 T butter, cut into small bits

1 T zucchero di canna or white sugar

Directions:

1. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven, preheat to 375*
2. Assemble the springform pan, butter and flour the insides
3. Sift together or stir the flour, baking powder and baking soda and salt
4. With a mixer on LOW speed, cream the butter and sugar together in a big bowl, when blended beat on high for a few minutes until smooth and light. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat in the eggs, one at a time at MED speed- then mix in the EVOO, the vanilla, and citrus zest. Beat on HIGH for 2 minutes to lighten and smooth
5. Scrape down the sides and at LOW speed mix the dry ingredients alternating with the wine. Add a 1/3 of each at a time. Once everything has been incorporated, beat on HIGH for 20 seconds.
6. Pour batter into the cake pan and spread it in an even layer. Sprinkle a t of flour over the grapes and toss to lightly dust. Scatter the grapes over the surface of the batter and swirl a spatula around them to fold. Be sure not to fold deeper than and inch.
7. Bake for 25 minutes or until top is set (the bottom will be loose and might still shake.) Scatter the butter bits and sugar on top and then bake another 15 minutes or until golden brown on top
8. Remove and cool on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes, then open the spring and remove ring.
9. Serve at room temperature and sliced- garnish with some powdered sugar and whipped cream- 
10. ENJOY!

SWEET CAROLINA PEACH INFUSED WINE SMOOTHIE

2 cups peaches, peeled and sliced (use frozen if out of season)
1 cup vanilla ice cream                                                 
1 cup ice cubes
1 cup Sweet Carolina Peach Infused Wine               
½ cup brandy

In a blender, combine peaches, ice cream, ice cubes, wine and brandy and blend until smooth. 

Pour into 4 frozen glasses. 

Sara's Pick

Me and Bailey; UNC Homecoming, 2011

So, I have been avoiding it long enough…it’s time to talk about myself. Here we go: I am a Junior English major and Public Policy minor at UNC—Go Heels!—and a single mother to one of the world’s most amazing 13 year old boys ever: Bailey. When I am not mommying, working, studying, writing papers, volunteering, fostering animals, writing blogs, updating facebook, or Tweeting, I like to sleep. And listen to live music. And sing very loudly in my car. I am also an accomplished living room dancer and pop culture addict. 

At UNC, I am a class of 2013 Senior Marshal, on the Student Parent Association Executive Board, and founding member and Executive Board member for Autism Speaks U. I am also a foster home for the Carolina Pet Rescue.

I have been with Chatham Hill Winery for 18 months, although my dad and step-mom have been wine club members at the winery for, like, ever. When Marek and Jill were looking for some help behind the bar, my dad referred me. So, thanks daddy because I love my job! In addition to doing a small bit of “behind the scenes” work with the blog, facebook, etc., I am also a tasting room sales associate. You will find me behind the bar most weekends. I love talking to people. I love talking about wine. I am a very lucky girl.

My pick for my favorite Chatham Hill Wine is the Pinot Grigio. Tropical fruits. Citrus. Clean and crisp. I love this wine with a simple spinach salad tossed with green apples, dried blueberries, walnuts, a mild Danish blue cheese, and a touch of raspberry vinaigrette. 

Cheers!

Facts About Our New Releases

In this "Wednesday with the Winemaker" blog, Marek gives us an "insider's" look at some of our new releases. Ever wonder what type of barrel your favorite wine was aged in or for how long? Where are the NC vineyards where we source our grapes? Find the answers to these questions and more below. (Sorry the size is so large; I want you folks to be able to read them easily!)

As always, if you have a question or comment for Marek, leave them below.

Cheers!

CHATHAM HILL MIXED BERRY & BANANA SMOOTHIE

2 cups frozen mixed berries                              
½ cup orange juice
1 frozen ripe banana                                         
1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
2 Tsp honey (optional)
2 cups Sweet Carolina Blueberry, Blackberry, or Raspberry Infused Wine

Combine all ingredients together in a blender and puree until smooth.