The season of "cozy" is now upon us; long days where we cloak ourselves in over sized sweaters, blankets and slippers, while sitting fireside and lazily gazing out the window.

As the grieving of summer slowly dissipates, it is replaced with cockle warming food and wine. Somehow, the chillier days and evenings replace the desire for never ending sunny days by the lake, and make way for an insatiable appetite for comfort food, and even more comforting wine. Here are a few favourite fall dishes, with suggestions of wines that will pair well with them:

Chilli

This needn't be a poor student's go to meal; chilli can be an exceptionally decadent dish with smokey pepperoni, adobo peppers, avocado, scallions, cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro and massive dollops of full, fat sour cream.

Wines to look for:
Marsanne/Roussane/Viognier blends from the Rhone Valley in France or Southern Australia. Le Vieux Pin's, "Ava" is an excellent example of this style; these grapes have enough body to withstand a dish with a bit of heat; often with some oak aging to give it a bit of richness, too. 

Mac and Cheese

We're not talking Kraft Dinner here. Think 5 star mac and cheese, friends. Bechamel sauce, panko crust, three or more types of cheese whipped into a velvety sauce; maybe it's drizzled with truffle oil, too. Is your mouth watering yet?

Wines to look for:
A style praised by wine enthusiasts: Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, located in the Loire Valley in France. Known for extended aging on "lees," the dead yeast cells left over after fermentation is complete, known as "sur lie." The juice can be left in contact with the lees upwards of a few years, and impart the most delicate and elegant creaminess, making it a perfect match for dishes such as mac and cheese.

A local option that works just as well; "The Big Leap" Chardonnay from Fitzpatrick, benefiting from partial aging in new oak, giving it a buttery and toasty texture, also a great match for this dish. 

Crock Pot Pulled Pork

Get yourself a pork shoulder; grab your favourite bottle of red. Stew them together with Worcestershire, apple cider vinegar, mustard, garlic and chilli flakes for 8 hours; serve on corn tortillas with Sriracha mayo , coleslaw and dried cranberries. Your friends will thank you, as will your pocket book. 

Wines to look for: 
Marichel "Lone Wolf" Syrah, or Nichol Syrah, both hailing from the Naramata Bench, made in a more medium bodied style as opposed to the examples found from Southern Australia. Syrah from this region pairs well with medium weighted meats like pork or duck, showing flavours of black pepper, blueberry and smoked meat. 

Goulash

If you were lucky enough to grow up in an Eastern European household, this will be a welcomed favourite, a dish you likely look forward to every fall and winter. Think: thick, beef stew, doused in heavy cream and herbs; likely prepared by your Grandma. Could there be anything more comforting? 

Wines to look for:
Tempranillo is your best friend for a hearty dish such as this. Traditional examples generally hail from the Rioja region in Spain, but, its a varietal also popping up more frequently in the Okanagan now, as well. Try the example from Three Sisters Winery on the Naramata Bench. 

Pumpkin Pie 

Does anything declare fall more than pumpkin pie smothered in whipped cream? 

Wines to look for:
The abundance of sweetness, richness and baking spices make pumpkin pie a match made in pairing heaven with dessert wines; especially icewine from the Okanagan, that has put BC on the map. The Clos du Soleil "Saturn" or Mt. Boucherie's Merlot icewine, would both work beautifully for your Thanksgiving dinner. 

Cheers!

Wine Print
 

Laura Milnes is a Kelowna native and local wine professional, operating her own wine and hospitality consulting company. Laura is WSET certified, and continually expands her wine knowledge through education, research and travel. You can find Laura hosting wine related pop up events, and consulting with wineries throughout the Okanagan with a focus on wine education and training. The rare time Laura is not reading about, or tasting wine, you can find her travelling with her partner, cooking or doing DIY projects for her home. To learn more about wine check out her Instagram page @silkandcoupe.