By Jim Moore
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Toast Winery on Seneca Lake in NY, and I must say, it was an experience like no other. The highlight of the visit to the winery was a wine tasting that included pairing different wines with an assortment of uniquely flavored pickles.
The pairings were as follows:
- Bubbly Pink Brinder 2012 was paired with a Garlic Dill Pickle.
- “Highfalutin 2021” (a blend of Cabernet Franc and Marechal Foch) with a Bourbon Pickle
- “Nefarious” (a fruit-forward blend aged in neutral French oak) with Pumpernickel Bread and Butter Pickle,
- Riesling 2021 with a Jalapeno Dill Pickle.
- Celebration Rose 2021 with a Ginger Pickle.
Initially, I thought the pairings were a novelty that sounded fun but would likely be difficult to finish, but I was very pleasantly surprised. The wines and the pickles complemented each other incredibly well. The Bubbly Pink Brinder’s over-the-top sweetness was smoothed and mellowed by the pickle, and the pickles with strong spicy characteristics (the Jalapeno, and Ginger pickles) were calmed and made more subtly delicious by their wine accompaniment. Special note for the pickle connoisseur, a ginger pickle is an absolutely 10 out of 10!
The server who provided us with our pairing was enthusiastic and cheerful, adding to the enjoyment of the experience. The atmosphere in the winery was energetic, warm, and friendly, making it a truly memorable visit.
Toast Winery deserves hardy praise for presenting such a unique approach to wine/food pairing and for making what seemed like an impossible culinary experience very enjoyable. I highly recommend a visit to Toast Winery for a truly unique and delightful tasting experience.
