Hot News Blog – Matchbook Wines

Hot News Blog

Read the lastest news about our wines and winery!

November 29th, 2022

Matchbook is Certified Green

by: Lane Giguiere

Maybe you’ve noticed the sheep. Or you’ve seen the carpet of green grass, peas and flowers blanketing the vineyard floor.

Both are evidence of Matchbook’s conversion from conventional farming to regenerative and organic. Three years into this project, our sustainable efforts have been recognized by Project Harvest’s California Rules Sustainable Winegrowing certification on the 400 acres of estate vineyards.

The California Rules Certified Green seal signifies a third-party audited commitment to farming that is environmentally and socially responsible while also being economically viable. This credential is just the first step in our mission to become certified organic and regenerative.

While the winery’s initial goal of improving vine health through regenerative farming was to increase the quality of our Estate Bottled wines, “The environmental benefits are now as big a focus,” says John Giguiere, owner of Matchbook Wine Company. The prolonged drought and rising costs make the move to regenerative agriculture more important. Cover crops, grazing sheep and compost teas have eliminated the need for synthetic fertilizers, created a carbon sink and increased the water-holding capacity of the soil.

“It’s been invigorating to take on this large and very important project at this stage of our careers,” Giguiere continues. “Reversing 40 years of farming philosophy is not easy, but we see the need to reduce our farming inputs and water usage while increasing quality and profitability. Sustainable and regenerative agriculture is a win for both the farmer and the environment.”

The California Rules Certified Green Sustainable Winegrowing seal will be added to Matchbook’s estate grown wines beginning with the 2022 vintage.


April 20th, 2022

Spring Market

by: Lane Giguiere

An image with a yellow bag, flowers, and The Herdsman CAB wine bottle. Text to the right of it reads Matchbook Wine Company Spring Market. May 15, 11am-3pm. Free admission and parking. Food Truck Onsite. No reservation needed. Vendors Needed!

Step out and enjoy Spring with us! Back by popular demand, guests can sip and taste wine while shopping crafts and local goods on the patio at our Spring Market. Bring your bestie for a fun day out!

No Reservations are required.
Updates to come, be sure to follow us!

Interested in being a vendor? We have limited spaces available.
For information on becoming a vendor: Click Here


April 13th, 2022

The Herdsman CAB…flying in soon!

by: Lane Giguiere

There is a long tradition of ranching in the Dunnigan Hills. The sheep farmers valued the open, expansive grasslands on gravelly soils where grazing was plentiful, and the Giguiere family has been tied to that tradition since 1852. Now, the 6th generation is creating their own tradition- using sheep, not for wool or food, but to improve the health of the soil, the health of the vines, and the quality of the grapes.

The Herdsman is centered on the heritage Cabernet clones planted in our vineyard. These gravelly soils produce the most expansive, intensely flavored fruit in the appellation. The flying sheep is an homage to the Giguiere family ranching tradition that launched their life of farming in the Dunnigan Hills.

Video produced and directed by Ivan Sohrakoff with 5 Tons Creative.


February 12th, 2022

Wine Club Recipe: Delectable Chocolate Truffles

by: Aileen Niizawa Morris

Our January Wine Club was a hit from shipping all over the nation to our always fun and relaxing pick-up parties on our patio. We shared a simply sweet and delicious recipe, Delectable Chocolate Truffles, to pair with one of the Wine Club selections, the new 2020 vintage of  Pillars of Hercules Red Blend. Our tasting room crew had the tough job of trying different toppings and finding their favorites paired with this bold and juicy red blend.

Try this 4 ingredient recipe with delicious results with your Valentine!

  • (8 ounce) package cream cheese softened.
  • 3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips, melted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Instructions:

  • Start by melting your semi-sweet chocolate chips so they are ready to go. We recommend using a double boiler method to melt, stirring frequently and using the “seeding” method to melt half a bag, then slowly cool while stirring in more chips. If using a microwave to melt – we recommend using medium heat and stirring and adding more chips every 15-30 seconds.
  • In a separate large bowl, beat your softened cream cheese until smooth.
  • Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until well blended.
  • Next stir in your melted chocolate and the 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla, and mix until no streaks remain.
  • Transfer to the refrigerator and let stand until mixture is firm.
  • Shape into 1 inch balls – we highly recommend using a spring action 1-2 tablespoon cookie dough/melon scooper to keep the truffles looking nice and round.
  • Add your toppings!

    Here are some topping suggestions from our team: 

    • Drizzled” – grab your favorite dark, white or even colored chocolate and drizzle on top!
    • “Sweet & Spicy” – add a cinnamon red hot to the top after rolling.
    • “Salted Caramel” – spread a bit of thick caramel sauce on top and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt! We used Pure Honey’s Caramel &  sprinkled with Himalayan pink salt!
    • “Sweet and Salty” – crush up a potato chip, pretzel or use bacon bits!
    • “Love you a Latte” – add an espresso bean on top or roll in ground coffee.

Makes: Approximately 60 truffles
Total prep/cook time: 60 minutes
Refrigerated Cooling Time: 60 minutesWe want to see your truffles! Take a picture of yours and tag us on Facebook or Instagram! #matchbookwines.

Not a wine club member? Click here for more information about how to join the Matchbook Wine Club!