I have been thinking what the meal should be for Ladies Night while I’ve been on my trip. Today we had an appetizer that reminded me of something that I thought would be delicious to share, a pumpkin ricotta tart with caramelized onions. I think this will be a perfecter starter to start the evening. Now, October is #MerlotMe month, so every course will pair with one of our award-winning Merlot’s. This will pair perfectly with our 2010 Merlot. It has notes of black cherries, blueberries and cinnamon. I love pairing this with roasted garlic pumpkin spice hummus, Toscano cheese dusted in cinnamon, pumpkin pie wontons or even butternut squash chili.

Fall is my favorite season and I love cooking and baking autumn inspired creations all the time. Pumpkin and maple can be added to many savory dishes. For the salad course, I love to have a pumpkin pie spiced ranch or a spiced granny smith apple cider dressing. But I do enjoy a salad very much with red onions, spiced pumpkin seeds and pomegranate arils with a maple chili vinaigrette to accompany mixed greens. 2016 Rose of Merlot would pair perfectly. It’s a fruity wine that would counterbalance from the spiciness of the chili in the dressing. I always say opposites attract therefore this would be delightful. This special wine is a skin-contact Rose Merlot and Viognier. It has light tannins and medium acidity. It’s bursting with young vibrant fruit. It has notes of blueberries, anise, peach and orange peel, which compliment a slight sweetness for perfect balance.

For my main course, pumpkin with sage stuffed shells and turkey meatballs. And to end a perfect evening, a pumpkin caramel cheesecake.

Celebrate Merlot in the month of October, Social media has a hashtag for it, #MerlotMe. Join the movement and drink lots of award-winning Reyes Winery Merlots. Take a photo of you, your wine and your wine glass; #MerlotMe and #Reyeswinery. October 19 is Ladies Night. Men are welcome to attend.