Celebrating Mother Nature Today, and Every Day

Another Earth Day is coming around the corner, another trip around the sun, another 365 days of utilizing this planet’s greatest gifts—another day to celebrate all that Mother Nature has to offer and, most importantly, remember how grateful we should be for it. From the sun that shines to brighten our days to the food that grows to bring us health and happiness, the list goes on. 

Gratefulness only means so much, however, until action is taken. With the persistent looming of climate change constantly over our heads, our trips around the sun are becoming more and more harmful for the place we call home, and now is the time to act, innovate, and implement what needs to be done to protect it. 

At Eleven Eleven, our values for making our moment are in being present and caring for our community and product—that extends to the land we gather and grow on. We’re proud to utilize sustainable farming and business practices that respect the environment and its future.

Certified Fish Friendly Farmers

This means that as an agricultural property, we have gone through the certification program that is managed to restore fish and wildlife habitats and improve water quality. Implementation of this program not only benefits the environment but also represents a cost-effective and efficient management strategy for our vineyards.

Reducing Carbon Footprint by reducing tractor passes

Through such, we greatly limit the negative impacts of tractor usage on the soil in the vineyards.

Reducing herbicide use with an increase in mechanization

Increased usage of organic-certified sprays during the growing season

We are not certified organic, but we use sprays that are OMRI certified to use if you are an Organic Farmer.

Decreased water usage with more precise irrigation scheduling

If there’s anything we know as Californians, it’s the drastic effects that drought can bring. As a winery in the Napa Valley, we’re more than aware of the constant danger of potential fires. Decreasing our own water usage allows for the resource to be used more where it needs to be and less where it doesn’t.

Building healthier soils through the addition of organic matter, cover cropping, and compost

Solar power usage for our barrel hall 

Solar reduces our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels and gives us renewable clean power that is available every day of the year.

While we’re happy to have accomplished the earth-friendly practices we have, it’s only just the beginning of what we know still needs to be done to make sure we have a long-lasting planet for our generation, and also those to come. 

We invite you to reflect on your daily practices and see how you too can recognize your impact and make a sustainable difference. Big or small, there are many ways to get involved and take action—from reducing your personal plastic usage (and recycling and reusing what you can) to volunteering at local beach cleanups and reforestation projects, and even just reconnecting with nature.

The Earth Day 2022 Theme is “Invest In Our Planet,” so let’s get out there and make some moments worth remembering!

 

 

Introducing: The Eleven Eleven Spring 2022 Releases

Looking back on the previous decade, it’s pretty amazing to see where Eleven Eleven started and what it has become. When coming to Napa Valley in 2012, we never imagined we’d become the winery and organization that we are today, but with many serendipitous moments, a hard-working, entrepreneurial spirit, and an all-star winemaking team, here we are celebrating our 10th anniversary with you! 

Along with us on this journey has been our outstanding winemaker Kirk Venge, who has crafted all of the delightful wines that you enjoy and love. A third-generation Napa Valley winemaker, Kirk’s expertise has been instrumental in our success by creating a portfolio of premium wines that express a specific varietal and the single vineyard’s terroir in which it’s grown. Joined by our Director of Winemaking and Operations, Brett Weis, our winemaking team has experienced many challenging vintages over the previous decade (drought, wildfires, earthquakes), but they’ve shown perseverance, ingenuity, and mastery in their craft by creating these beautifully balanced and elegant wines. The Eleven Eleven family wouldn’t be complete without their contributions and laughs over the years.

And with that, we are happy to introduce you to our 2022 Spring Release wines!

2021 Beckstoffer Sauvignon Blanc

The sun is shining, and the pool is officially open for the season. This wine is for the moment you know summer is here! Hailing from the Beckstoffer Melrose Vineyard in Rutherford, the 2021 Eleven Eleven Sauvignon Blanc embodies the essence of summertime.

Brightly shining and as clear as a perfect day, this wine has just a tad more color than last year. Initially, you are treated with aromas of tropical fruit; kiwis and pineapple followed seamlessly with the invigorating scents of gardenia and Meyer lemon. The palate awakens the senses with flavors of crisp green apples and lemon meringue, accompanied by mouthwatering acidity. With a glass of this wine in hand, your summer will surely be off to a great start!

Food pairing:

Our 2021 Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with light, delicate flavors like those of itself—making it great for white meats, such as a tasty rosemary chicken, spring vegetables (think dill, zucchini, fennel, artichoke, asparagus, or peas), or a fresh tangy vinaigrette salad.

2021 Estate Rosé of Syrah

Elegant aromas bursting with bright floral and tropical hints, this delicately pressed Estate Rosé of Syrah is inviting and satisfying. The enchanting color seduces you with its charming and fresh hue of grapefruit and ripe peach skin. Luscious on the palate, this wine has excellent weight and persistence. Dry medium acidity, well-balanced, crisp, with pink grapefruit, light raspberry, succulent watermelon, and spice notes lead to a smooth finish. Whether on a beach watching the sunset or on a yacht in the Mediterranean, this is the perfect wine for all occasions.

P. S., this delightful Estate Rosé of Syrah, is already available online, so shop now and enjoy all of its flavors now! 

Food Pairing:

Look to Southern France, Northern Italy, and Northern Spain for food-pairing inspiration, including roast vegetable linguine, Nicoise salad, lemon-garlic shrimp, and paella.

2019 X∙I Cabernet Sauvignon

In 2014 and 2015, we planted the 11:11 and Destin Vineyard with young graftings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. By 2018, the abundant harvests delivered by these vineyards brought us to the very first vintage of our X∙I Cabernet Sauvignon—a mélange of these five Bordeaux varietals, giving this youthful blend depth and complexity.

In our second vintage, the 2019 X∙I Cabernet Sauvignon’s impenetrable and inky appearance focuses the nose on the persistent aromas of dark plums and blackberries. The palate commands attention with layers of cassis, well-balanced tannins, and acidity.

 

Food Pairing:

This young and bold wine will pair well with a classic ribeye or Santa Maria tri-tip for the meat lovers. For something interesting, try it with a truffle cacio e pepe or a cacao rubbed pork chop. To finish your meal, a baked apple crisp drizzled with caramel is sure to excite your taste buds.

2019 Laki’s Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

With each vintage of our tried and true Cabernet Sauvignon, we look to perfect the wine that started it all for us in 2012. When we acquired Laki’s Vineyard 10 years ago, we had much to learn and understand about the old vines that had been planted there decades ago. Allowing them the opportunity to communicate what this vineyard collectively had to say through the climate, soil, and vines was crucial in crafting our oldest vintage and still is today with our newest. 

Complex and beguiling, this wine boasts a diverse flavor palate of dark fruits, Tahitian vanilla bean, and baking spice. Its full-bodied composition and fine-textured tannins elicit an elegant and seductive finish. 

 

Food Pairing:

This classic example of a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon will pair well with the hearty dishes we all love to indulge in from time to time. The complexity of the palate makes it the perfect pair to prime rib and mashed potatoes, beef stew, or braised lamb shank with herbs.

We hope you’re as excited as we are to try these new and elegant vintages! Explore Club 11:11 to learn more about how you can Make Your Moment® with these wines before they’re officially released. Cheers!

 

 

Love Songs and Wine Pairings to Set the Mood This Valentine’s Day

We all know how much pressure revolves around Valentine’s Day—finding the perfect gift, cooking the perfect meal, spending it with the perfect person, the list goes on. However, if you ask us, it all comes down to setting the perfect musical mood and everything else will fall into place. But where to start? 

When it comes to celebrating February 14th with the one you love, it’s really the atmosphere that will spark the intimacy and start the night off right. And there’s nothing like putting on a groovy song and opening a bottle of delectable wine to simply, yet successfully create the perfect romantic ambiance.

We’ve rounded up the best love songs we could find, from beloved classic anthems to heartwarming modern tunes, and paired them with our elegant current release wines—compiling a great how-to guide to help you make the most of this celebratory day of love.

Make Your Moment® this Valentine’s Day with Eleven Eleven Wines!

‘I’VE GOT YOU UNDER MY SKIN’ - LADY GAGA, TONY BENNETT + 2018 X•I CABERNET SAUVIGNON

A perfectly unique intersection of past and present, this show-stopping duet will take center stage and set all the right moods for your romantic evening. Enjoy the classic Tony Bennett with the contemporary Lady Gaga with a glass of 2018 X•I Cabernet Sauvignon for a youthful yet legendary experience all around that you’ll want to play on repeat all night long.

 

 

 

‘At Last’ by Etta James + 2018 LAKI'S ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Now, this is a classic you just can’t resist putting on your playlist for the evening. Soulful and deep, let Etta sing you and your partner to a sweet bliss sure to last far past the 14th. Equally full in depth and complexity—and finding its voice for years to come—our 2018 Laki’s Estate Cabernet Sauvignon should be your go-to pairing with this melody. Sit back, relax, and sulk into your ignited senses.

 

 

 

‘Love On Top’ by Beyoncé  + 2020 DESTIN ESTATE CAROL'S SONG RIESLING

You’re sure going to want to “bring the beat in” with this hit song… but have no fear—Beyoncé is here! Whether it’s with a romantic partner or close friends, ‘Love 

On Top’ is the perfect tune to get you dancing your hearts out this Valentine’s Day. To round out your evening full of light-hearted fun, pour yourself a glass of our 2020 Destin Estate Carol’s Song Riesling, and you’ll be singing through the roof!

 

 

‘ALL OF ME’ BY JOHN LEGEND + 2017 LATE HARVEST ZINFANDEL

Hoping for some elegance and sophistication for your Valentine’s Day? Look no further than the soothing and sensual voice of John Legend to bring your night to its fullest romantic potential. Dim the lights, light the candles, and celebrate the special “jewel” in your life with ‘All of Me’ paired with our silky dessert wine: 2017 “Jewel” Late Harvest Zinfandel.

 

 

 

 

‘L-O-V-E’ by Nat King Cole + 2018 DESTIN ESTATE MERLOT

Of course, we couldn’t forget the one we all know and love—even just reading the title makes you sway with the song a little bit. Let this heartwarming music by the renowned Nat King Cole, along with a glass of our 2018 Destin Estate Merlot, dazzle your earbuds and taste buds in the most affectionate way.

 

 

 

 

Need more Valentine’s Day music inspo? Check out this Spotify playlist for the ultimate list of love songs to make your night perfect—but don’t forget to have a bottle of Eleven Eleven wine nearby!

2022 Vision Board

Decorating for the Holidays at Eleven Eleven

The rustic smell of pine trees, the crackling warmth of the fireplace, the joyful sounds of Burl Ives and Nat King Cole, the glistening sparkle of the string lights—these are all some of the wonderful things that make up the holiday season, and there’s no feeling quite like the one you get when they’re finally all around you. Of course, it takes quite a bit of hard work, patience, and creativity, but once it’s up and done, it will all be well worth it! 

Decorating for the holidays doesn’t just stop at home, however. Each and every year, our spirited team of elves sprinkles some holiday magic around our tasting room, and we’re excited to share that they've outdone themselves once again! 

Check out the photos below (or come by our winery in person) to see how we’re spreading holiday cheer this season at Eleven Eleven! In need of some inspo for your own home? Check out Country Living’s “90+ Best Christmas Decoration Ideas for the Merriest Home on the Block” for the ultimate holiday decorating guide, from the tree to the kitchen, and all the way to the front door.

 

 

 

We wish you a happy holiday season full of festive decor, friendly cheer, and extraordinary moments all around. Whether you’re near or far, we hope that you make Eleven Eleven Wines part of your celebrations. Cheers!

Eleven Eleven: Who We Are and How We Give Back

Part of the ethos of Eleven Eleven is about welcoming all people, and this is tied deep into the roots of our brand in more ways than one. There’s an extraordinary word in the Greek language, "philoxenia,'' which is commonly used by Ellie Anest, one of our Co-Founders. The literal translation is “love of the foreign." This is about much more than a warm welcome. This word has additional layers of meaning not captured by its English equivalent: hospitality. It’s not just “the act of being friendly and welcoming to guests and visitors.” It’s a code of values with deep roots stretching back to antiquity, one shaped in the ancient tradition of hospitality.  

Philoxenia is a state of mind and a way of life with which Greeks nurtured over the centuries. In more recent times, many have applied its principles in business ventures that make up what we are today. Our overarching goal at Eleven Eleven is to create a positive and warm environment so that guests, employees, and business partners all feel a sense of home or an escape, layered with approachability and luxury with friendly hospitality. 

But at the end of the day, we’re not just passionate about wine and the guest experience (though those are certainly important!). We are equally ingrained in social responsibility and giving back to our community, and contributing to important causes that are near and dear to our hearts. We’re so excited to highlight the organizations we make a point to contribute to each year and tell you a bit of why they have become such a priority within our team and our brand philosophy.

Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion (D&I) are more than policies, programs, or headcounts. Having a working environment filled with employees of different backgrounds, skills, experiences, and knowledge means that we will have an increase in innovative and creative ideas and contribute to employee happiness.

Countless incredible institutions make this a priority and a few we make a point to contribute to are:

• Gals Starting Over (GSO)
• LGBTQ Connection: Napa & Sonoma Counties (also local)
• Berkeley Hall Charitable Foundation
• National Ability Center: Red, White, and Snow
• Falk Marques Group: Women’s Private Equity Summit

Health & Wellness 

The riches of life truly are held in the health of our communities. By supporting health and wellness organizations, we can help people live healthier and happier lives.

• American Heart Association
• USTA Foundation
• ESPN/ESPY The Sports Humanitarian Awards
• Arm Of Care
• Nutrition and Sports/Fitness  
• Cancer Research 

Both Co-Founder Carol Vassilliadis and Ellie's immediate family have been struck by cancer. Research is crucial to improve the prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer, and to ensure that survivors live longer, higher quality lives. A few organizations we feel compelled to support annually are the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The V Foundation for Cancer Research, and Kids 'n' Cancer.

Local Community (NorCal & SoCal)

As entrepreneurs and vintners in the Napa Valley, it’s our responsibility to support the local community when we can. Eleven Eleven exists today because of the many talents of supporters near and far. The local community has been so gracious and supportive.  It is one of our core values to give back and want our local community to thrive alongside us.  

• Napa Valley Vintners Association
• Festival Napa Valley
• Napa Valley Grapegrowers & Napa Valley Farmworkers Foundation: STOMP
• Queen of the Valley Foundation
• Napa Chamber of Commerce
• Yountville Chamber of Commerce

Environment

The health of our environment no doubt plays an important role in healthy living and the existence of life on planet earth. Earth is a home for different living species, and we all are dependent on the environment for food, air, water, and other needs. 

The ocean produces over half of the world's oxygen and absorbs 50 times more carbon dioxide than our atmosphere. As vintners, we depend on the environment, and our carbon footprint matters when crafting our wine. One Blue Ocean is a newer organization and a global social change non-profit that strives to ensure a healthy blue ocean. They, like us, believe our ocean is essential to all life and that people are the solution to make meaningful change. Their mission is to empower individuals to adopt ocean-positive habits and shift cultural behavior around the world—something we hope you can adopt in your daily life, too!

 

As we approach the closing of this year and the beginning of next, we hope that our story and ongoing projects will inspire you to incorporate a little more philoxenia into your lives and make each moment extraordinary.  

 

Halloween Activities + Wine Pairings

The days of fall sweaters, pumpkin spiced lattes, and hot apple cider are officially here, which means it’s almost time for this season’s first holiday—Halloween! Although celebrations this year may be limited from the usual get-togethers and wrangling of trick-or-treaters, there are still plenty of activities for you, your family, and friends to celebrate and get the most out of this spooktacular day. Better yet, we have the perfect Eleven Eleven wines to go with them!

Carving Pumpkins — Cabernet Sauvignon

There’s no Halloween symbol more iconic than the jack-o-lantern, and there’s no seasonal tradition more fun and creative than making them yourself! Carving pumpkins is a sure-fire way to guarantee good times this holiday season, and there are endless ways to go about it. A simple triangle-eyed friendly face, an extravagantly detailed monster, or, for the artists out there, the glitz and glammed paint-on masterpiece. No matter your skill level, amateur or expert, it’s more about the journey than the finished product, so just have some fun with it and get your Michelangelo on!

We recommend pairing this activity with our 2018 X∙I Cabernet Sauvignon. Just like the pumpkins you’ll be carving, this wine displays approachability, yet simultaneously formidability, with all the heft and structure to last. 

Making Caramel Apples — Sauvignon Blanc

If you're like us, when we think of Halloween, we think of sugar! Sure, we always love a good Smarties packet or Snickers bar, but if you’re in the mood to switch things up this year (because why stop now?), we have the most mouth-watering recommendation for you—homemade caramel apples. The crisp tartness of the apple covered by the gooey sweetness of the caramel is a combination that will have you on the edge of your seat for more, and it’s easier to make than you’d think. Check out this Delish article for an easy step-by-step guide. It’s a great activity to do not only during Halloweentime but also during the Fall in its entirety, so you can enjoy this delicious treat all season long! 

To bring out the flavors even more, our suggested pairing is with our 2020 Beckstoffer Sauvignon Blanc. Awakening the senses with its flavors of crisp green apples, it will wonderfully complement your baking adventure.

Tell Scary Stories — Riesling 

While this one’s not for everyone, telling scary stories is a Halloween activity sure to get you right into the spooky spirit. If you don’t have one your older brother used to torment you with as a kid to whip out of your pocket, check out these ideas to get the inspiration flowing and the heartbeat racing. These are best served around the campfire to add to the intensity (don’t forget the flashlight!).

Have a glass of our enchanting and uplifting 2019 Destin Estate Carol’s Song Riesling in hand for this activity to help soothe the nerves!

Have a Halloween Movie Marathon — Zinfandel

What better way to celebrate Halloween than on the big screen? From kid-friendly films like Halloweentown, It’s a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and Twitches, to cult classic favorites like Hocus Pocus, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Ghostbusters, and The Addams Family, and even (for the not-so-faint-at-heart) horrors like Carrie, The Shining, and A Nightmare on Elm Street, there’s no better adventure than diving into mysterious realms of cinema!

Uncork a bottle of 2018 Moss Creek Old Vine Zinfandel for this relaxing (or not) night in. It’s the perfect movie companion to keep those ghosts at bay... liquid courage, anyone?

DIY Halloween Costumes — Pinot Noir

Last but not least, the best part about Halloween—costumes! While some of us like to go big or go home, dressing up for Halloween can also be as simple as it gets, and we always love to do it DIY-style. Fortunately, toilet paper is once again back in abundance this year (thanks, COVID), which means your go-to makeshift mummy costume is back on the table. Looking for less mess and clean-up (not to mention waste)? Go for the classic ghost made out of sheets. Feeling punny? Glue some Smarties onto your jeans, and you’re a Smarty Pants! Put off gathering a costume until the last minute? We all know and love Jim from The Office’s 3-hole punch self. 

For this, you’re going to want to make sure you’re drinking something just as memorable as your costumes will be, like our 2018 Bacigalupi Pinot Noir. Enjoy its lingering flavors and aromas as you create your masterpiece ensembles!

Whether you plan to keep it a simple night in or go out galavanting around the neighborhood, we hope that you Make Your Moment® with us during this hair-raising, spine-chilling, teeth-rotting season and wish you all a very scary and safe Halloween!

Meet our Winemaking Team

Eleven Eleven Wines was founded on a chance encounter. And while much of our origin was a series of similarly fateful events, every step of our journey thereafter has been thoughtfully taken to create a brand and wine portfolio that celebrates the everyday moments that make life extraordinary. This progression, however, would not be possible without the essential team members of the Eleven Eleven family—especially our incredibly hardworking and dynamic winemaking team. 

From the pre-season brainstorming sessions to the long hours in the vineyards, and through all of the production stages, Winemaker Kirk Venge, Director of Winemaking & Operations, Brett Weis, and Cellar Master Edgar De Haro have become Eleven Eleven’s ultimate powerhouse. As we get into the thick of harvest season, we thought there was no better time to introduce you to the team of hands crafting the wine!

Winemaker Kirk Venge

1) HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH ELEVEN ELEVEN?

Since even before the brand was Eleven Eleven. Back to Spring of 2012.

2) What drew you to working with Eleven Eleven, specifically?  

It was truly serendipitous and began like any good storyline. It began with bright-minded characters from all parts of California, filling the roles and glued with time and friendship. Later, I learned about the vision of what was yet to be named Eleven Eleven, and I loved every bit of it. I wanted so eagerly to be a part of something fresh and creative such as what this winery has grown to become.   

3) What's your favorite part about Eleven Eleven as a brand?  

My favorite part about the winery is that it serves more than itself. With every ounce of its being, this winery stands behind charity and action. Whether it is for our local hospitals, The National Ability Center, One Blue Ocean, Napa Valley Chamber of Commerce, or the Napa Valley Vintners, 11:11 does not stop giving, with gratitude, to so many important causes. I think that all of us here at Eleven Eleven enjoy knowing our talents and earnings are shared with projects and people in need, in order to fuel the greater good.

4) What's your favorite part about your job?  

Two things in fact! We all scribble the ideas in our minds out loud for everyone in the company to hear without ever any judgment. It’s a creative space to thrive.  The second is working with estate fruit and precision farming in a beautiful facility with a very talented team!

5) What's your favorite part about harvest and winemaking in general?  

The seasonality that working in this industry gifts you. No two years are alike, especially in the last four we have had! I enjoy thinking, and scheming, along with Ellie and Brett and the Hospitality Team, about what our customers enjoy and perhaps do not enjoy. We make wine for the thousands of collective voices of our customers and in winegrowing and winemaking, we can interpret and humbly weave that back into the artwork of a fabulous bottle of wine.

6) What do you enjoy doing in your free time?  

I enjoy many things and could go on and on, but the one that draws me in most these days is flying my Cirrus SR22T airplane. It commands practicing skills far beyond takeoffs and maneuvers. It’s a mind-bender at times and really demands that you be in the moment every second. In addition to that, when I’m on the ground, it's riding bikes with my family, hiking the coast, and visiting all of the storied wine regions around the world. Wine travel is a real passion.

7) Favorite wine and food pairings?  

11:11 Sauvignon Blanc and 2 dozen saline Myagi oysters upon the crusty picnic benches of Hog Island Oyster Company in the Summer! Let’s share the ’16 Laki’s Cab from magnum with glazed mallard at the duck club, just before Christmas…

Director of Winemaking & Operations Brett Weis

1) How long have you been with Eleven Eleven?

I have been with Eleven Eleven for over 6 years. My first day was the day the Tasting Room opened in March of 2015.

2) What drew you to working with Eleven Eleven, specifically? 

A fresh start, the imagination of what could be, and the people that were in charge of the vision. 

3) What's your favorite part about Eleven Eleven as a brand? 

The energy, creativity, and the desire to always be evolving. 

4) What's your favorite part about your job? 

I am lucky enough to say I make wine for a living. I am outside all the time in one of the most beautiful places on earth and I get to do this every day.

5) What's your favorite part about harvest and winemaking in general? 

The anticipation of the first fruit, the hustle and bustle of a busy harvest day, the smell of fermentation, and squeegees. I love squeegees. You can’t make wine without a great squeegee. 

6) What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I love to ski, golf, play guitar, spending time with the kids, wife, dog, and friends, and watching every sport from F1 to Ping Pong. I am a die-hard World Cup Skiing fan. I watch or record every race and hope to one day travel to Austria to watch the Hahnenkahmm in Kitzbuhel. This is the Super Bowl of World Cup skiing. 

7) Favorite wine and food pairings? 

Riesling and sushi, and Syrah and smores.

Cellar Master Edgar De Haro

1) How long have you been with Eleven Eleven?

I’ve been enjoying my time at Eleven Eleven for two and a half years.

2) What drew you to working with Eleven Eleven, specifically?

I fell in love with the idea of working with different winemakers in our custom crush facility and learning from each of them.

3) What's your favorite part about Eleven Eleven as a brand?

The quality of our wines and the people behind them.

4) What's your favorite part about your job?

My favorite part about my job is that I get to work with a group of people that share the same hard-working values and dedication to making the best wines possible while enjoying the process.

5) What's your favorite part about harvest and winemaking in general?

My favorite part about harvest is the fermentation process. This is one of the most important steps to achieve the best flavor, aroma, and appearance of the wine. 

6) What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time, you will find me playing with my three daughters, taking my dogs for a walk, or watching sports. “Let’s go Dodgers!” 

7) Favorite wine and food pairings?

My favorite pairing is a classic Eleven Eleven Estate Laki’s Cabernet Sauvignon with a piece of ribeye. I also really enjoy some good barbecue ribs with our Destin Estate Syrah.

And that’s a wrap on our winemaking team! Whether it’s shopping our current release wines online, or stopping by for an intimate in-person tasting, we hope that you can soon enjoy all the fruits of this incredible crew’s labor and Make Your Moment® with us in the heart of Napa Valley!

 

How to Pack a Perfect Picnic: Featuring Eleven Eleven Wines!

We don’t know about you, but we sure missed spending time outdoors together! As we continue to venture out more and more, we’ve been dreaming of a classic picnic to come together with loved ones over a delicious meal. Whether dining in your backyard or heading out to your favorite park, we want to make sure you’re prepared accordingly. From food safety tips to quintessential dishes to pack and the best Eleven Eleven Wines to tote along, treat yourself to some fresh air, fabulous fare, and a beautiful day in soaking up some sun.

Food Safety Tips

One of our most important tips is to start by packing cold foods straight to your basket or cooler. 

• Use plenty of ice packs or fill water bottles about two-thirds full and pop them in the freezer a day ahead. They’ll keep your food cold and, as they melt, you’ll have refreshing ice water.
• Skip mayo-heavy salads such as potato salad, which can spoil more quickly in the sun. We opt for bean, grain, or pasta salads with vinegar-based dressings.
• For food safety reasons, none of your perishables should be out of the cooler for more than two hours. 

Handy Items to Pack

This ultimately goes without saying, but don’t forget to pack the following items to ensure you’re picnic ready! Some may not be necessities, but your picnic will feel more comfortable with them in tow.

• A big picnic blanket or two, and ideally ones you won’t worry about if something spills on them. For those who might have accessibility issues or discomfort sitting on the ground, a chair (preferably foldable, that can be carried in a bag) is a must.
• Reusable plates, unbreakable cups or wine glasses (we love GoVino!), and real silverware (or disposable plates and silverware).
• A roll of paper towels or cloth napkins to make things feel a little more elevated. Paper napkins can blow away easily, and paper towels or cloth napkins can serve as impromptu plates for small bites and desserts.
• Wet wipes or damp washcloths sealed in a ziplock bag. This one especially applies if you’re not going to have running water nearby. No one wants sticky hands!
• A small knife wrapped in cardboard for safety and a small cutting board. Or, wrap the knife in a thick kitchen towel and secure it with a rubber band.
• Trash bags. Before you leave, it’s important to clean up after yourself!
• Sunscreen. Even if you plan on sitting in the shade, better be safe than sorry. 
• Depending on where you live, bug spray could be the key to prevent creepy-crawlies from ruining your time.
• Avoid soggy salads and sandwiches by keeping components such as dressings, fillings, and optional extras stored away in separate containers (chilled if necessary) until they’re needed.

Our Top Food Picks

Before we get into our recommended pairings, our most important tip is not to pack anything too messy. A few thoughtful choices will mean your picnic spread will be both tasty and low-stress. 

Easy Caprese Picnic Sandwiches

The sandwich version of an Italian classic, this simple dish includes tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil which makes an easy filling for a vegetarian picnic sandwich. Pesto, fresh basil leaves, and baby spinach as add-ons make these extra delicious! We love this with a light yet flavorful red wine, which makes our 2018 Bacigalupi Pinot Noir an excellent choice.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

You’ll be pleasantly surprised that just a handful of ingredients can make something so delightful. All you need is orzo pasta, red grape or cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, plenty of fresh herbs and feta to toss with a simple dressing of extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and black pepper (don’t forget to pack that in it’s own container!). With these Mediterranean flavors, we recommend our 2019 Carol’s Song Riesling.

Courtesy of Ree Drummond, click here for the recipe.

Apple, Sausage, and Caramelized Onion Frittata

We love this recipe because it’s not only easy to bring along in your basket, but each bite of this sweet and savory frittata provides delicious layers of complementary flavors, including tart granny smith apples, meaty sausage, earthy thyme, and sweet caramelized onions. It’s also packed with protein, low in carbs, and ready in less than 30 minutes. If you prefer a dairy-free version, swap in almond, soy, or oat milk and omit the cheese topping. With the complexity of the flavors in this dish, we love it with our 2018 Moss Creek Old Vine Zinfandel.

Courtesy of Joy Bauer, click here for the recipe.

Arugula Potato Salad with Orange and Gorgonzola

This might not be the typical “potato salad” that comes to mind, but we can’t get over how lively this is! Roasted baby potatoes are tossed with arugula, sweet orange segments, toasted walnuts, and gorgonzola cheese which results in plenty of great texture. The simple, bright orange vinaigrette ties it all together beautifully. This is a great salad as a side to a lamb or beef course, too; and, it’s a colorful addition to your picnic blanket! Savor this with our light, equally fresh 2020 Beckstoffer Sauvignon Blanc.

Courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis, click here for the recipe.

No matter the location of your picnic, Eleven Eleven is there with you to Make Your Moment® wherever you go. Be sure to share your summer adventures with us on Facebook and Instagram!

Top 4 Father’s Day Wine & Food Pairings

With Father’s Day approaching, we’re here to inspire you to create an experience full of delicious food and memorable wines for that father figure in your life. 

Whether celebrating on Father’s Day or looking for a special way to treat Dad any day of the year, we’re excited to share our team’s picks with the ideal pairing to accompany your wine.

 

 

 

Pick #1: 2020 Beckstoffer Sauvignon Blanc

Brightly shining and as clear as a perfect day, it’s no secret why this wine simply screams summer. You’re first treated to aromas of tropical fruit followed by invigorating scents of gardenia and Meyer lemon, while the palate is lively with crisp green apples, lemon meringue, and pineapple.

The Pairing

This refreshing Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with exotic and vibrant culinary fare. We recommend whipping up some Peruvian cuisine such as lomo saltado (stir fry beef), rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy peppers), or arroz con pato (rice with duck). Find the recipes and learn more about these dishes here. If spice isn’t your thing, a simple grilled chicken or fish with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon will do the trick.

Whether floating down the river, heading to the beach, or relaxing poolside–grab a floatie and get your glass of crisp, cool Sauvignon Blanc ready!

Pick #2: 2019 Carol’s Song Estate Riesling

With exuberant aromas of orange peel and dried apricot, this vivacious, mouthwatering wine is dry in style, yet full of flavors of fresh-squeezed lemonade and citrus zest. 

The Pairing

Riesling is unique because it pairs well with many dishes that other varietals do not, and we love this with lighter fare such as a fresh mango and seafood salad or a classic ceviche.

This wine truly takes us to another time and place everytime we sit down to enjoy it, and it’s especially drinkable served chilled on those hot summer days!

Pick #3: 2018 Destin Estate Syrah

A powerful bouquet unfolds of blackberries, toffee, spice, and white pepper followed by hints of bacon fat, tobacco, and minerality on the nose and palate. 

This wine is full-bodied,structured, and dark with bold fruity and peppery flavors. 

The Pairing

The characteristics of this very special Syrah makes it a beautiful match with meats and grilled foods of all kinds. We’re partial to a classic BBQ dish such as ribs or brisket, or a blue cheeseburger with caramelized onions and bacon!

Pick #4: 2018 X•I Cabernet Sauvignon

With aromas of dark plums and blackberries, hints of graphite and black olive round it out giving this powerhouse a perceived maturity. Layers of cacao, raspberry, cinnamon, and nutmeg are most prominent followed by a hint of white pepper. 

The Pairing

This young, bold wine complements a classic ribeye or Santa Maria tri-tip for those quintessential summer evenings made for grilling. Or, try it with a truffle cacio e pepe for a truly delectable duo!

It goes without saying that this wine is essential when cooking around a barbeque with friends and family, or winding down around a bonfire in the evening.

Whether you treat dad to one of our favorite meals by cooking it up with the kids, commemorate with a fun activity outdoors, or celebrate the memory of a father figure who is no longer with us, Eleven Eleven is always here to Make Your Moment® extra special. Browse our collection and explore our ten current releases to find the wine that suits dad's palate. A very Happy Father’s Day to all of the wonderful dads and father figures out there!