November Newsletter
Below you will find.
Description of the wines in November 2024 Wine Club Allocation
Some slightly unconventional suggested Holiday wine pairing
What REALLY happened up at Point Lovely anyway?
Risqué recipes ( try them all!)
2021 Burning Desire Estate Cabernet Franc
2021 Burning Desire Cabernet Franc. It’s back! After a five-year wait, Burning Desire has returned, hotter than ever! Our Estate Cabernet Franc, Burning Desire, was one of our most popular wines, and it’s ready to make a blazing comeback. Crafted from our estate-grown grapes in Lake Chelan’s unique terroir, this Cab Franc packs rich notes of ripe cherry, smoky spice, and a hint of earthy seduction. Meticulously tended, sustainably and organically grown, and aged to perfection, Burning Desire is here to spark a little passion in your glass. 100% Cabernet Franc. Less than 200 cases produced so be sure to reorder soon. 95 Pt. Washington Tasting Room Magazine.
2021 GSM – Presenting our 2021 GSM a Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre (44%-24% -32%) blend that’s a bit like a lake crossing after dark—bold, a little mysterious, and guaranteed to leave you craving more. With Grenache’s red fruit splash, Syrah’s dark, smoky edge, and Mourvèdre’s earthy, sultry touch you will find it layered, intense, and tantalizing. Here’s one of the rare wines we craft from grapes beyond our Lake Chelan valley. We ventured to the powerhouse Red Mountain AVA for Syrah and Mourvèdre, and then to an exceptional vineyard near Benton City for Grenache. This region’s intense sunshine and long growing season create the bolder reds that Lake Chelan’s shorter growing season can’t quite match. It’s a prime spot for grapes that crave extra ripening time, and the result is a beautifully rich blend that brings out the best of both worlds. Gold Medal Winner
2022 SMS. This is no ordinary Sauvignon Blanc; it’s a Lake Chelan original with a touch of intrigue. Made from grapes that have found their home in our estate vineyards (Glacial Gravels and Gary’s), SMS brings out layers you never expected, a juicy burst of ripe tropical fruit, followed by seductive hints of Meyer lemon, fresh cut herbs and a hint of minerality. Aging on the lees in Acacia wood barrels adds a creamy, round finish that keeps the wine as smooth as it is engaging, a super Sauvignon Blanc if you will. Each glass is a bit of a departure from the ordinary owing to the added Semillon and Muscadelle blended in. Organically-grown and certified sustainable. Like all things at Hard Row, it is an irresistible ride. Double Gold Medal Winner
Not Your Average Holiday Pairings
Who says wine pairings have to stick to the usual suspects? This holiday season, we’re embracing a few unexpected matches that bring out the best of each dish—especially the ones less likely to hog the spotlight! So, step aside, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. We’ve got something truly delicious to pour.
For those carving up a roast turkey, it’s time to pop open our Washington-grown Gamay Noir. Light, fruity, and bursting with bright red berry flavors, this wine is a rarity in our state and a surprisingly perfect match for turkey, bringing a burst of freshness that complements the savory richness of the bird. And if glazed ham is the main event, then our Rhône-style white blend, Rumours (Roussanne and Marsanne), is your ideal companion. Its soft stone fruit notes and subtle floral aromas balance the sweet-savory glaze, adding just the right amount of finesse to the feast. Prime rib on the menu? Reach for our bold Tempranillo! This Spanish varietal packs the depth and earthy intensity to stand up to the hearty flavors of a well-seasoned prime rib. For smoked turkey, go with our rich, fruit-forward GSM blend, where the hints of spice and earthiness bring out the smokiness of the bird like no other. And don’t forget about those roasted vegetable sides! Our super Sauvignon Blanc (SMS), with its minerality and crisp acidity, adds a refreshing lift to rich veggies and its vibrant citrus and structured texture, complements every savory bite.
These combos might be unexpected, but they’ll certainly be unforgettable!
Brrr…Time to Cozy up by the Fire with some Burning Desire
As the temperatures drop and the nights grow longer, it’s time to warm up with a glass of something truly unforgettable. In this month’s wine club release, we’re reintroducing Burning Desire, our estate-grown 2021 Cabernet Franc—a wine that’s bold, fiery, and a little rebellious, just like the story behind it.
The Burning Desire label features a striking image of an old iron bed engulfed in flames, a nod to a spirited chapter in Lake Chelan’s history. Back in the day, miners worked long, grueling hours at Holden Mine across the lake while a rowboat service ferried them to Point Lovely for… a bit of well-earned “company.” But when the miners’ wives discovered this side operation, they decided to take matters into their own hands. Rowing across the lake themselves, they set the Edgemont Lodge ablaze, torching every last bit of the operation. Legend has it no one was hurt, but the only things left standing were those stubborn iron beds.
Today, we honor that fiery spirit with an original iron bed displayed proudly in our tasting room, bringing this tale to life as you savor each sip of Burning Desire. This Cabernet Franc is as intense and unforgettable as the history it represents, with lush notes of dark cherry, hints of smoky oak, and a rich, spicy finish that lingers, just like the embers of that unforgettable night. With the quote, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned,” on the back label, Burning Desire pays homage to a night when passion quite literally set the scene ablaze.
This wine is your perfect companion to a cozy fire, whether you’re curled up with a blanket or recounting stories of Lake Chelan’s colorful past with friends. So, pour yourself a glass of Burning Desire and let its bold warmth carry you through the chilly months ahead. Cheers to history, mystery, and a touch of heat!
Upcoming Events
Red Hot Case Sale on Black Friday
Get ready for the ultimate wine lovers’ treasure hunt! This Black Friday, score 30-50% off when you buy by the case. It’s cash and carry only at our tasting rooms in Leavenworth and Manson, so come early to snag the best of the lot—some wines are running low, and once they’re gone, they’re gone! Reach out mid-November for a price list and start planning your lineup.
Cyber Monday Mystery Deal
One-day-only! On Cyber Monday, we’re rolling out an exclusive surprise offer for online orders. Perfect for sending a little wine love to family and friends. Keep an eye on your inbox and our social media for the big reveal—no spoilers yet! Mark your calendar for Monday, December 2, and be ready to click “Add to Cart” before it’s over.
Leavenworth Holiday Tastings
There’s nothing like Leavenworth in the holiday season, and our tasting room is the coziest stop in town. Treat yourself to a toast before dinner, savor a chocolate port shot, or kick back with a flight of our best reds or whites to warm up and relax. Holiday deals abound, so make it a stop during your festivities!
DIY Grapevine Wreath Making
Join us the two Saturdays before Thanksgiving to create a beautiful grapevine wreath—perfect for the season! It’s family-friendly, so bring the kids along for some creative fun. Nothing says “welcome” quite like a handmade wreath crafted with wine-inspired flair! Get tickets on the website.
Risqué Recipes
Tyler Florence Creamiest Mashed Potatoes
What make the recipe so interesting is that the potatoes are cooked not in water but in cream. Say what? In addition to the cream, the potatoes are boiled in smashed garlic, thyme and bay leaf.
Ingredients
8 medium-sized Yukon gold potatoes, quartered unpeeled
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups whole milk
4 cloves garlic, peeled and gently smashed
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
Extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Add potatoes, cream, milk, garlic, thyme and bay leaf into a large saucepan and gently boil for 15 minutes until potatoes are just tender and the tip of a paring knife goes through with little resistance. Strain potatoes and reserve the cream mixture but discard the bay leaf, thyme stems and the garlic. Mash the potatoes and fold in the cream mixture until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Fold in about a tablespoon of the olive oil and the butter. Season with salt and pepper.
Tik Tok Cornbread Bake
There are plenty of ways to include corn on your Thanksgiving table, this one captures all the goodness in creamed corn, corn bread and corn pudding all in one dish. It’s an easy 2-step recipe with only 5 ingredients. It comes out gooey and sweet on the inside and the cornbread mix on the top is crispy and crunchy. This will become your favorite cornbread recipe.
Ingredients
2 boxes Jiffy corn muffin mix
2 cans creamed corn
½ c. heavy cream
1 egg
Honey
Directions
Combine together two cans of creamed corn in a mixing bowl and add one box of Jiffy corn bread mix. Mix in the egg and the cream. Pour into a 13 x 9 inch pan.
Add a drizzle of honey over the top of it all.
Sprinkle the second Jiffy corn bread mix all over the top of the corn bake.
Pop it into the oven at 375°F for about 40 minutes until the top layer is golden and slightly crispy.
Winter Vermouth Spritz
We love the holiday season but miss the summer where drinking a vermouth spritz at dinnertime was an almost every day happening. Enter the: “The Winter Vermouth Spritz”. Adding the cranberry juice and rosemary sprig turns this summertime drink into one that is more seasonally appropriate.
Va Va Voom Vermouth
Prosecco ( any grocery store brand will work)
Cranberry juice ( we prefer Trader Joe’s sparkling cranberry punch)
Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and orange peel.