Six Delicious Strawberry and Wine Pairings to Try Out

As the oldest AVA on the Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley has been a wine-growing hub for decades. But that’s not the only thing that grows well in our valley’s Mediterranean climate. Santa Maria Valley is known far and wide for producing deliciously sweet strawberries. In fact, California is the largest strawberry producer in the United States! You can almost always track down a carton of Santa Maria Valley Strawberries in your local supermarket.

If you’re planning a visit to Santa Maria Valley, check out these six delicious strawberry and wine pairings and try them out for yourself. Learn which wines go well with chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry cheesecake and more.

Sweet Strawberries and Cambria Winery Pinot Noir

Who said sweet and sweet don’t go together? The tones of red fruits in a Pinot Noir pair exceptionally well with the powerful taste of ripe strawberries. Cambria Winery and Vineyard offers a variety of excellent Pinot Noirs that boast aromas of fruits such as blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, pomegranates and more. Any one of these wines partners wonderfully with strawberries.

Green Strawberries and Rancho Sisquoc Sauvignon Blanc

Strawberries don’t need to be ripe to have a good time! Green strawberries are renowned for their tartness and flaunt notes of green grass and kiwi. A Sauvignon Blanc from Rancho Sisquoc Winery perfectly balances this tartness with acidity to create a flavorful combination. Rancho Sisquoc ages their Sauvignon Blanc in French oak to add lemon flavors and produce a bright, crisp finish. Together, green strawberries and Sauvignon Blanc create a pleasing harmony defined by tart flavors.

Strawberries with Riverbench Rosé

Rosé with strawberries is a simple, yet piquant, combination. The gentle tastes of rose petal, orange blossom and strawberry that you’ll find in the Rosé of Pinot Noir at Riverbench Winery pairs perfectly with the intense, tart flavor of fresh strawberries. It’s a fruity combination made in pairing heaven. Whole clusters of dark and deliciously ripened Pinot Noir were pressed gently in the making of this wine, which means it’s light in color and high in quality. A glass of Rosé with fresh strawberries makes for a perfect snack or dessert.

Presqu’ile Pinot Noir Soaked Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

It’s no secret that Pinot Noir is the best wine to pair with chocolate-covered strawberries. Presqu’ile Winery produces exceptional Pinot Noirs, characterized by Santa Maria Valley’s sandalwood spice and bright fruits. To bring this savory treat to life, soak your strawberries in the wine overnight and dip them in the chocolate of your choice the next day.

Strawberry Cheesecake with Cottonwood Canyon Chardonnay

This strawberry cheesecake wine pairing is sure to please. The creamy and rich nature of cheesecake makes it the perfect partner for a wine with scents of fruit and acidity. Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard and Winery Chardonnay has a citrusy taste defined by flavors of lemon, apples and oranges. The Chardonnay is aged with oak and boasts hints of vanilla to enhance your palette. Taken together, a slice of light and fresh strawberry cheesecake couples happily with a smooth glass of Chardonnay.

Strawberry Salad with Foxen Sauvignon Blanc

A fresh salad topped with strawberries is delicious on its own, but even better paired with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Foxen Vineyard and Winery ferments and ages their Sauvignon Blanc in French oak to produce crisp, flavorful wine. The notes of fruit such as lemon, apples and pineapples give a nice acidic contrast to the salad and its creamy dressing

As you can see, there are so many different ways to combine Santa Maria Valley wine and strawberries to create a savory tasting experience. Plan your trip today and browse our lodging options.

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In Santa Maria Valley, there’s so much to do from here. Hit the road and explore it all with our 24 hiking trails, 34 tasting rooms, seven unique AVAs, 13 beaches, and a growing selection of local breweries, all within a beautiful 30-minute drive. There is no need to venture far if you are looking for sand dunes, cycling and authentic Santa Maria Style dining. You’ll find it’s the perfect home base, where you can eat, drink and do more for less.