Food & Recipes Archives | Chiles Family Orchards

Your Guide to Special Occasion and Holiday Wines

Posted by :Alex Griffith On : October 11, 2024

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Wine is the perfect gift or accompaniment to any special occasion and is almost always welcome. The sheer variety of wines, though, also means it can be stressful to choose the “right” one for an unfamiliar scenario. Aside from bubbly at a New Year’s Eve party, some holiday wines aren’t so obvious. What’s the proper wine for Thanksgiving? For Easter?

Luckily, these aren’t life-or-death decisions. Plus, if you have a favorite wine, it’s absolutely okay to serve it whenever you like! Taking the extra step and pairing wines with events, parties, and times of year, though, is a wonderful way to expand your palate and feel connected to the season and those around you.

So, in the spirit of wine hobbyists everywhere, we’ve curated a list of events, occasions, and holidays alongside the wide array of Chiswell wines that complement them. If any of these ideas stand out to you, consider picking up bottles in advance before they’re gone. Better yet, join Crown Club to take advantage of monthly discounts and quarterly wine trios, ensuring you always have just the right bottle of Chiswell’s Virginia wine on hand!

Holiday Wines

A glass of Chiswell wine next to two baskets of Easter eggs.

Holidays are about togetherness and community, whether it’s a household, a family, or a whole party of folks sitting down together. The wine you serve helps set the tone for a gathering, so putting some thought into your choice of holiday wines is a fun way to make things a little more special for those you love the most.

Here are our ideas for some of the most popular holidays:

Thanksgiving

Everyone’s looking forward to pie! Have a dessert wine on hand, like our Sweet Albemarle Petit Manseng, to round out the meal.

Christmas

A savory winter roast deserves a hearty winter red. Consider a bottle of the 2021 Merlot.

Easter or Mother’s Day

Morning celebrations and brunches are excellent opportunities for mimosas. We recommend the Chiswell Sparkling Chardonnay.

Halloween

A dark, spooky, blood-red wine… preferably one that pairs well with chocolate, like the 2022 Chambourcin!

Valentine’s Day

The most romantic wine option will often simply be your partner’s favorite. For the adventurous, our 2021 Meritage is a nice complex wine to savor and discuss together.

Celebration Wines

Many celebrations in life warrant uncorking a bottle of wine. Birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, promotions, engagements…there are many predictable (and unpredictable) happy occasions that call for raising a glass. It’s nice to be prepared with the perfect accompaniment when the occasion arises. That way, when an announcement or accomplishment comes out of the blue, you’ll be ready to give it the proper toast.

A variety of wines in Chiswell glasses clinking “cheers!”

A bottle of sparkling wine is never out of place when congratulating or appreciating someone. Chiswell’s Sparkling Rosé is always in fashion, with a lively color and fruity nose that add personality and cheer to an event.

Alternatively, have a chilled, sippable white wine on hand, like a Chiswell Chardonnay. Light and easy to store, white wines are ideal for sharing at a smaller or more intimate catch-up about the good news. Seasoned chardonnay sippers may prefer the more rounded, early profile of our oaked 2020 Chardonnay, while casual wine enthusiasts might opt for our lighter 2021 varietal.

Outdoor and Daytime Gatherings

A family drinks wine and enjoys a charcuterie board outdoors, seated in Adirondak chairs.

Sharing a wine outside with friends can be a wonderful bonding treat, even at a barbeque or tailgate alongside burgers and chips!

Weather and setting can change a lot about what wines to enjoy. For grilling-focused events, a full-bodied red wine, such as Chiswell’s Cabernet Sauvignon, is a welcome companion to satisfying red meats. If you’re grilling on a particularly hot summer day, though, it might be more refreshing to make a cool, delicious sangria. Similarly, white wines are classics at garden parties and picnics, like Chiswell’s Sauvignon Blanc, as long as it’s warm and sunny.

Formal Occasions

Two Chiswell red wine glasses on a table with a bronze horse and a candlestick.

Sometimes, we need to impress people. Whether it’s a gift for a superior at work, something to bring to dinner with the in-laws, or a large event, it’s good to plan ahead. We want to get the “correct” wine to make a good impression, even if we don’t know someone’s personal tastes; one easy strategy to avoid decision paralysis is to look at a wine’s awards.

Many Chiswell wines are award-winning, including our multi-award-winning 2021 Meritage and 2021 Chardonnay, with silver medals in the 2024 Governor’s Cup and Monticello Cup. Quality is, of course, subjective, and even the most practiced sommeliers can disagree on matters of taste. Trusting an expert is still a good guide to a wine’s reputation and can take away some of the gamble in picking up unfamiliar wines.

Casual Get-Togethers

Three women laughing while drinking wine.

Often it’s those day-to-day moments that feel the most special. Board game nights, potluck dinners, or just chatting with friends are all meaningful, memorable occasions worthy of breaking out “holiday wines.” Sharing a drink with friends and loved ones is a wonderful way to encourage intimate conversation and connection.

When thinking about good wines to have on hand for a casual get-together, it can be helpful to choose easy crowd-pleasers. Cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay are the most popular wines in the country, and Chiswell has excellent vintages of both. Wine for chatting should be rich and pleasant to sip on its own, which means Chiswell’s 2021 Merlot is also an easy recommendation.

That said, good friends are there for you, not just to be impressed. If you have a wine you’re personally passionate about, they’ll be excited to try it with you!

Host Your Special Occasion at Chiswell

People enjoying private wine tasting at Chiswell

Even more fun than bringing wine to an event is bringing an event to the wine! Chiswell Farm & Winery is a delightful place to celebrate any occasion and is also open on many holidays. Look back on your special moments with fond memories of Blue Ridge views at a beautiful and historic estate.

For group gatherings, a private reserve tasting is a fun and intimate way to learn about wine and enjoy everything Chiswell has to offer. We also host seasonal events throughout the year, from live music to arts and crafts. And we may be biased, but who can imagine a more charming place to get married? No matter the occasion, we always enjoy helping you celebrate it in some small way.

Unbelievably Outrageous Apple Pie Recipes

Posted by :Franziska Matiuk On : September 23, 2024

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So many of us have fond apple pie memories, gathering together with family or friends at holiday dinners to enjoy a warm homemade treat. Flaky crust, gooey apples, and sweet-smelling spice combine for the perfect fall dessert.

You can enjoy one whenever you like with any number of classic, reliable apple pie recipes. Heck, if you’re too busy to bake, Carter Mountain Orchard’s Country Store and Chiles Peach Orchard’s Farm Market have pies ready for pickup! Baked fresh with seasonal apples and available whole, halved, or by the slice, our scrumptious pies are traditional, just like you’d expect.

Some exploratory bakers are taking apple pie recipes further. From patently absurd to potentially genius, some of these pies made us laugh out loud, and others made us think. After all, with the right apples and the right crust, can you really go wrong with an apple pie? We’ll let you be the judge!

Mile-High Apple Pie

Look at this absolute giant! The mile-high apple pie, besides being fun to say, is as much a feat of engineering as baking. The trick is to somehow fit all those liquid-heavy apple pieces under a crust without bursting, leaking, or making an air pocket. There are a number of different origin stories and variants on this eye-popping pastry recipe from Sugar Hero, and just as many techniques for managing it without making a mess.

With smart tricks like the “bowl method,” the mile-high apple pie is more achievable than it looks and brings the “wow” factor to family gatherings. Let’s just hope folks are hungry enough to eat all that pie!

One thing’s for sure: you’ll need a lot of apples.

A hand reaching up and picking an apple from a tree branch.

According to her recipe, Elizabeth Labau took her family apple-picking out west and used an entire five-pound bag of Winesap apples in just one 9-inch pie!

So if you’re planning to pick your own apples at Carter Mountain Orchard and worry you’d end up with more fruit than you know what to do with, this might be the apple pie recipe for you.

There are plenty of tasty ways to use lots of apples, though!

Double Apple Pie

If you just can’t get enough of apple flavor, this pie doubles down on it with a sweet, creamy filling. The recipe isn’t for a pie within a pie (as cute as that would be)—it’s actually referring to two apple ingredients in one pie. In this case, Melissa Clark’s New York Times recipe recommends using apple butter to sweeten the apples in your pie.

To really push the envelope, take this recipe even further by making a triple or quadruple apple pie with apple cider vinegar, apple cider jelly, or even apple sauce.

Double apple pie — Double Apple Pie recipe by Melissa Clark, via NYT Cooking

There are lots of delicious apple ingredients out there: the sky is the limit on how many we can fit in one pie! Click on these images to explore the fun apple goods available at our online store.

Apple Butter Pie

If you’re a fan of both apple and pumpkin pie, why not enjoy the best of both worlds? This Tastes of Lizzy T recipe from Julie Clark replaces pumpkin puree with apple butter to make a soft, golden-brown pumpkin pie lookalike with a rich apple taste. Simple and clever, this pie is sure to surprise and delight Thanksgiving guests who take a bite, especially if they haven’t been told what to expect!

The filling is a little finicky and needs high fat milk or cream to really get the texture right. Otherwise, this is a straightforward apple pie recipe worth trying for the novelty of it. Carter Mountain’s apple butter fits perfectly in this recipe, leaving plenty to enjoy as a spread on toast or crackers!

Apple Butter Pie recipe by Julie Clark, via Tastes of Lizzy T

Apple Hand Pies

From mile-high heights to adorable handheld bites, apple pies come in all shapes and sizes! This eye-catching apple hand pie recipe comes from Heather Baird at Sprinkle Bakes, who’s managed to shrink pies down from centerpiece deserts to snack-sized morsels. She even paired them with homemade caramel dipping sauce. Make no mistake, these things are dangerous—how could you have just one?

Smaller pies require smaller chunks of apple, diced tiny to bake faster. Her lovely latticework is achieved through a unique mold or could be done the old-fashioned way.

Caramel Apple Hand Pies recipe by Heather Baird, via Sprinkle Bakes

Apple products at the Carter Mountain Orchard Country Store

Apple hand pies serve great on their own, though making a bunch for a large gathering requires a lot of work. Consider pairing them with other fall treats, like the apple cider donuts and apple caramel crisp cookies you can pick up at Carter Mountain Orchard, for a decadent dessert buffet!

Shredded Apple Pie

Life in the Lofthouse’s recipe brings us this fascinatingly simple twist on an apple pie, opting to shred the apples through a cheese grater rather than dice them. The result? An easy, quick recipe with a melt-in-your-mouth softness and that beloved apple pie flavor. With its quirky look, the shredded apple pie is a contender for a new holiday tradition.

Still, for many purists, an apple pie needs an outer crust, which this recipe doesn’t call for. Crust debates are as old as pie itself: one compromise to avoid tweaking the recipe too much is a crumbly topping baked onto the pie.

Apple Crisp Mix sold by Carter Mountain Orchard on display

Sometimes, all you need to round out a good dessert is a tasty crumble to top it off. Shredded apple pie bakers can simplify this recipe even further by adding our apple crisp mix on top. It’s just the thing to add a crunchy top layer to a pie that’s missing it!

Deconstructed Apple Pie

Okay, this is getting a bit silly. This Lakeside Table recipe produces an elegant, beautiful, delicious-looking dessert. Is it still a pie, though? Well, whether it is or not, this “deconstructed” apple pie recipe certainly caught our eye!

Baked apples are a quick and easy treat that’s lighter and healthier than a whole pie. Each type of apple has a different flavor that comes out when baked, both in and out of a pie.

We have a chart all about apple varieties, their flavor profiles, and which are best for baking. If you’re looking to test new kinds of apples or mix and match, check out Carter Mountain’s fruit availability page to see which varieties are available!

Deconstructed Honeycrisp Apple Pie — Deconstructed Apple Pie recipe by Madalaine McDaniel, via Lakeside Table

Slice of a Carter Mountain Orchard apple pie raised from the pie plate

So Many Apple Pie Recipes!

There are lots of ways to enjoy apples in desserts: cobblers, crumbles, crisps, tarts, cakes, donuts, sauces, and so on. Still, it’s hard to resist a good apple pie—even if it isn’t mile-high, miniature, or transformed in some way. If these apple pie recipes have you hankering for a slice, c’mon out to Carter Mountain and try one of our classic-style fresh-baked apple pies!

Holiday Pie Orders

The holidays are a busy time for everyone. Let us check one thing off your to-do list by making your dessert for you!

During select weeks leading up to the big holidays, stock up on apple pies, apple cider donuts, cider donut bread pudding, apple cider, apple caramel crisp cookies, and more seasonal treats.

We accept holiday pre-orders every November and December at Carter Mountain and Chiles Peach Orchard, or you can pre-order baked goods online for local pickup.

Stay in the know for our next round of dessert orders by subscribing to our email newsletter!

Summer Wine Pairings

Posted by :Kristen Dagli On : August 12, 2024

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Wine and food are a pair as old as time. Each is better with the other—especially when you intentionally choose what’s on your plate and in your glass. In fact, wine enhances the dining experience by elevating different foods’ unique qualities and flavors.

Summertime brings a rich bounty of seasonal produce. It also brings long, warm days perfect for savoring refreshing wines alongside just the right meal or snack. Our varied selection of Virginia wines offers plenty of paths to take when crafting your own summer wine pairings.

A Note on Wine Tastings

Small group asking about summer wine pairings with wine tasting flight

Before we talk about specific pairings, it’s important to address the tasting experience. Many people may feel an initial sense of trepidation when exploring the complex world of wine. If this sounds familiar, have no fear: our welcoming staff is eager to answer your questions and help spark your culinary creativity.

Understanding common tasting terms is the first step in developing a sharper palate. When tasting and describing wine, keep these things in mind.

Acidity is the degree to which a particular wine tastes sharp and crisp.
Body describes a wine’s heaviness from the first sip to the strength of the aftertaste.
Dry means that a wine consists of nearly no sugars.
Tannins create the bitter and astringent qualities of wine, typically in younger reds, that make your mouth feel dry after tasting.

Pairing is more of an art than an exact science, especially because everyone’s individual palate is different. When recommending which Chiswell wine matches best with specific foods, there are a few things we consider…

Flavor. When choosing wine and food, you want the flavors to either complement or contrast one another. A complementary pairing could mean choosing similar flavors, like the fruitiness of rosé with fresh-picked strawberries. Contrasting flavors are a bit more complex. For example, dessert wines like petit manseng taste wonderful with spicy flavors. This is because the sweetness of the wine cuts the food’s palatable burn.
Balance. Neither the wine nor the food should overpower the other. An adequate balance of strong and subtle flavors will ensure that the two work together to create one wonderful experience, rather than flooding your palate with overwhelming sensations.
Mouth feel. This element is particularly important because it encapsulates the physical components of the dining experience. Consider how the wine sits on the inside of your mouth after tasting, and whether that aftertaste will match well with certain foods.

Our Recommendations

Our family is deeply ingrained in Virginia’s farming community, so it’s only natural that we prefer fresh, local produce, especially in the summer. Whether packed for a picnic or hot off the grill, there are many delicious dishes to pair with our wines.

Chiswell Farm & Winery features local and seasonal snacks, including pimento cheese, chocolate, baguettes, and more. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food as well! We encourage scenic wine picnics that make the most of our expansive views.

Sauvignon Blanc Pairings

As our lightest wine on the menu, sauvignon blanc is a quintessential summer favorite. This vibrant white has a strong acidity that cuts the taste of fatty cheeses and hearty meats, balanced with aromatic qualities that accentuate vinegar-based dishes.

Considering that, the perfect partner for a bottle of our sauvignon blanc is a savory, strong-flavored charcuterie board featuring gouda, salami, or pickled veggies—we recommend Chiles Family Orchards’ very own zesty pickled asparagus.

Rosé Pairings

Our cabernet-sauvignon-based rosé is an ideal summer wine, with notes of pink grapefruit and raspberry. Its lively and aromatic qualities, while similar to the sauvignon blanc’s flavor profile, enhance flavor nuances in lighter foods like salads, prosciutto, and melon.

For a meal, consider pairing it with seafood or a simple pasta. One rule of thumb is that chicken-based dishes are classic matches for rosé. For a southern twist on this timeless pair, try it with chicken salad, where the wine’s fruity notes counterbalance the strong salty flavors.

Chardonnay Pairings

Our chardonnays feature the crisp and savory flavors of chardonnay grapes, which our family grows on the tallest point of Carter Mountain Orchard. Undergoing different aging conditions, however, changes their flavor profiles considerably.

Our 2020 Chardonnay is lightly-oaked, which accentuates vibrant fruit notes. The clean, light body of this white wine makes it the ideal accompaniment for mild-flavored fare. Seafood and fish, especially halibut or trout, are clear choices.

Meanwhile, our fully-oaked 2021 Chardonnay features a creamy mouthfeel and a grounded, delicate tropical flavor. Meals cooked with butter or cream let this chardonnay’s flavors sing, as can rich dishes (like lobster, risotto, chowder, alfredo) and nutty hard cheeses (Gruyère, Edam).

Sparkling Wine Pairings

Our sparkling chardonnay and rosé have bright flavor profiles, making them refreshing palate cleansers. The dryness inspired by forced carbonation makes them easy picks for a day under the Virginia sun!

When choosing between sparkling chardonnay and rosé, note that the chardonnay is slightly brighter than the rosé. It features tasting notes of stone fruit and citrus, while the rosé’s profile more closely resembles tart berries.

The strong acidity in each of our sparkling wines stands up to bold flavors. For summer wine pairings, think pimento cheese or cured meats like prosciutto or salami. Conversely, those looking for lighter food options might pair their bubbly with fresh mozzarella or vegetables.

Specialty Drinks

Our specialty drinks can complement your food or serve as a unique treat all on their own. We keep things fresh by varying our specialty drinks regularly, so make sure to stop by and see what’s pouring!

Summer Sundown Spritz at Chiswell Winery

We love welcoming guests to our estate to learn about summer wine pairings, experience them in a beautiful setting, and create memories with friends. As always, let one of our team members know if you want any suggestions for the perfect pairing. No matter your preference—red, white, rosé, you name it—we’ll find a combination suited to your unique palate.

8 Berry Tasty Blueberry Breakfast Recipe Ideas (Blackberries Too!)

Posted by :Alex Griffith On : June 13, 2024

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There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a handful of fresh-picked blueberries or blackberries on a hot summer day—especially if you picked them yourself at Chiles Peach Orchard! Once you bring the basket home, though, the fun really starts. There are so many delicious ways to enjoy your berries, and we’re especially fond of starting the next morning with a homemade berry treat.

You don’t need to be a master chef to enjoy these blackberry and blueberry breakfast recipes. Take a look at some of our favorite easy ways to squeeze the most out of the berries you bring home!

Blueberry Pancakes

Blueberries especially are a mouthwatering addition to any pancake recipe. While frozen blueberries can stain your batter or add unwanted water, fresh blueberries mix in perfectly. If you haven’t tried making your pancakes with fresh-picked blueberries, you’re in for a treat! Try this recipe from King Arthur Baking.

Remember to top your pancake stack with some fresh berries, too! They’re sweet enough to dig in even without syrup—if you’re interested, though, we do have some great syrup recommendations!

Roasted Blackberry Breakfast Bowl

Yogurt is a healthy, reliable breakfast choice, and there are so many ways to tweak and customize it! No need to buy the flavored stuff with a bunch of added sugar: just a few seconds in the microwave can get berries juicy, gooey, and ready to stir in and flavor plain Greek yogurt.

Why not go all-out, though? Know Your Produce’s recipe combines oatmeal, cinnamon, blackberries, blueberries, and maple syrup in the oven to create a decadent and warm yogurt topper. Feel free to keep adding more stir-in favorites, your imagination’s the limit!

A roasted blackberry breakfast bowl. — Photo and recipe from Know Your Produce

Blueberry Oatmeal Bars

Let’s face it, it’s hard to find time for an elaborate breakfast during the work week. That’s why we love recipes that can last the whole week, like the blueberry oatmeal bars from Erin Clarke at Well Plated.

These bars are an easy, delicious blueberry breakfast recipe, and a healthy alternative to the storebought breakfast bars. Best of all, they last up to five days in the fridge! A quick bake on Sunday can set you up with a morning to look forward to all the way to Friday.

Blueberry oatmeal bars. — Photo and recipe from Well Plated

Blackberry Tart

If you’re looking for something special that can “wow” folks at a Sunday brunch, a blackberry tart absolutely does the trick. And if you get the chance to brag that you picked them yourselves, so much the better!

You can make the filling completely with blackberries, or your blackberries can pair nicely with other fruits. Consider this lemon and blackberry tart recipe from Lion’s Bread that combines sour lemon curd with sweet blackberry preserves and fresh topping for a beautiful and enticing contrast.

Lemon and Blackberry Tart — Photo and recipe from Lion’s Bread

Purple Blueberry and Blackberry Smoothie

Especially while it’s hot out, a smoothie is a perfect way to stay cool and savor all kinds of fruit. Any smoothie recipe is pretty straightforward: Blend your berries with milk until smooth and add protein powder or flavoring if you like. That’s it! Include as many or as few additional fruits or vegetables as you wish.

If you’re making a smoothie with fresh fruit instead of frozen, you’ll need to also add some ice to keep that cold, creamy consistency. It’s worth it! You’ll taste the difference fresh-picked berries make in a smoothie, with a sweeter, stronger flavor. If you’d like to freeze your blueberries for later, though, we have advice on our page all about blueberries.

Instant Homemade Jelly

Canning jams or preserves is a smart way to make fresh berries last. That can be a daunting hobby to get into, though, and is fairly time-consuming. Jelly, on the other hand, can be made quickly at home from fresh blueberries or blackberries in a matter of minutes! Enjoy it on a slice of toast or a biscuit and keep it in the fridge for a few days—nothing beats fresh jelly in a PB&J!

And if you want a jar of long-lasting jelly, jam, or preserves without the hassle, remember to pick one up at Chiles Peach Orchard when you visit, or find them in our online store.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Blackberries

Okay, this isn’t the most traditional breakfast idea, we admit it! Blackberries go very well with cheese, especially when they’re both warm and gooey. There are a lot of ways to savor this combination, like cheesecake, salad toppings, or spreads. We personally think a simple grilled cheese, like Tiffany McCauley’s at The Gracious Pantry, is the way to go.

Experiment with breads and cheeses to see what you like the most. Soft cheeses like brie are common favorites that absorb the blackberry flavor, while a sharp cheddar gives a tasty contrast (and who doesn’t love that classic grilled cheese look?).

Griller cheese sandwiches with blackberries. — Photo and recipe from The Gracious Pantry

Blueberry Muffins

How could we forget! There’s no more iconic blueberry breakfast recipe than the good old blueberry muffin. If you’ve mostly baked with the dried blueberries in pre-packaged mixes instead of ripe, fresh-picked blueberries, you’d be surprised how big of a difference they make.

The secret to a good blueberry muffin is the warm, oozy blueberries inside, regardless of how you choose to flavor your batter. Sarah Kieffer’s blueberry muffins get a little fancy with nutmeg, lemon zest, and sour cream all adding small, tasty twists. There are thousands of blueberry muffin recipes out there to try, and any of them will taste even better with fresh blueberries.

Pick-Your-Own Blueberries and Blackberries

Of course, the best part of these recipes is picking the ingredients yourself! So come enjoy the fresh orchard air with us out in Crozet, VA and hand-pick a basket of blueberries or blackberries (or a bucket, now that you have a plan for them!). Check Chiles Peach Orchard’s pick-your-own fruit page for seasonal availability, guidelines, and information to plan your visit.

For even more breakfast treats, don’t forget to pick up some of our famous homemade peach cider donuts after you pick your berries! They’re only around during peach season, so get them while you can!

Add some orchard goodness to your breakfast with these specialty foods available at shop.chilesfamilyorchards.com!

How to Build a Simple Fall Charcuterie Board

Posted by :Ivy Group Developer On : October 27, 2023

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Charcuterie boards can be intimidating when you don’t know where to start. The pressure to create the most pristine presentation or to know everything about flavor combinations distracts people from what charcuterie boards are really about: gathering together.

A simple charcuterie board lets you share your favorite fall flavors with your closest friends. Try these tips for a delicious, no stress fall charcuterie board!

Start with a variety of cheeses

Picking out a few kinds of cheese gives you a solid foundation for the rest of your board. Here are some seasonal ideas to get you started.

Cheddar cheese is a bold, classic flavor. If you’re looking to try something new, branch out with a flavored cheddar like apple cheddar, cranberry cheddar, or even pumpkin cheddar.

Gruyere is an alpine-style cheese that balances earthiness and slight sweetness to give you that warm, fall feeling. Gouda is a satisfying alternative to gruyere with its nutty, caramelized flavor.

Baked brie is a gooey, crowd-pleasing centerpiece. For extra decadence, add on some honey, jam, nuts, or cinnamon apples (fresh from Chiles Peach Orchard, of course).

Pumpkin goat cheese offers another tasty, soft cheese option sure to appeal to anyone on a pumpkin kick!

Pick local apples

When it comes to a fall charcuterie board that everyone will love, fresh apples are really what your board is all about. Apples bring out the flavors in cheese, serve as a healthy side, and can even be used as palate cleansers in between bites.

Find out which pick-your-own or pre-picked apples are in season at Chiles Peach Orchard so you can be sure to get the local produce that will make your board pop.

Gala is crisp, sweet, and light, making it a go-to for pairing with cheddar.

Pink Lady has a rich, fine flavor that goes well with pungent cheeses.

Fuji pairs with mild cheeses and high-sugar wines, thanks to its balanced flavor and classic crunch.

Granny Smith’s famous tartness makes it suited for a range of cheeses, from cheddar to brie.

Golden Delicious is a creamy and mellow apple that pairs well with most white wines. Plus, its unobtrusive taste makes it a suitable choice for a palate cleanser.

Add in the meats

Now that you know which cheeses catch your eye, you can pair them with the meat of your choice. Classic charcuterie cured meats include pepperoni, salami, mortadella, and prosciutto, but it’s all about what you want to be snacking on!

Italian Salami pairs well with just about any cheddar. Its peppery, acidic flavor mixes nicely with the rich cheese.

Prosciutto is the way to go if you love gouda. The nuttiness of the gouda mellows prosciutto’s salty flavor.

Mortadella has a savory and smokey flavor and can be tailored to the season with nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves.

Plant-based salami, sliced wild mushrooms, and vegan prosciutto are tasty and accessible alternatives if meats aren’t for you.

Spread something sweet

A good jam or preserve can take a bite of meat or cheese to new heights. From apples to pumpkins, the fall season is chock-full of earthy, robust options for spreads.

Apple butter pairs especially well with flavorful and pungent cheeses. Of course, its thick and creamy texture and spiced, caramelized flavor goes wonderfully with almost anything on your charcuterie board.

Local honey is a lovely addition to drizzle on fruits and cheese, and our Farm Market stocks the best local honey around!

Four Pepper Jelly spread on a cracker might just be the flavorful twist you’re looking for. It will add a kick to spice things up.

Pumpkin butter is another seasonal delight that you can add to a meat and cheese cracker or spread on some bread all by itself. Packed with pumpkin pie flavor, our Chiles Family Orchards pumpkin butter is a must-have for any fall charcuterie board.

Choose your bread and crackers

Bread and crackers bring new textures and flavors, AND they give your guests fun options for stacking, sandwiching, and otherwise bringing together the other ingredients.

Typically, just like with your cheeses, you’ll want a range of textures.

Wheat crackers or three-seed crackers have a hearty, rich flavor and a toasty crunch that make a great base for your meats and cheeses.

Homemade pumpkin bread is a tasty DIY that can be served on the side. If you’re looking for a new recipe, let us know how you like our Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread.

Cranberry pumpkin crackers are just the right amount of spicy and fruity, with a satisfying crunch to add variety in texture to the soft cheeses and spreads.

Pumpkin in a pumpkin patch field — Give your pumpkin bread that home-cooked flair by making your own puree from our farm-fresh pumpkins.

A sliced and toasted baguette is an easy, DIY alternative to crostini. These crispy delights are up to the task of holding all the cheese, meat, and spreads you can stack. You can also opt for a sweet and soft bread, like brioche, or a salty and savory bread, like focaccia.

Select complementary sides

When you’re not crafting a heavenly bite on a cracker, you’ll want to have complementary sides throughout your board to turn to. Side snacks can range from super sweet to savory. Nuts? Seeds? Pickles? Cookies? Fudge? Popcorn? Anything goes as long as you love it!

Chocolate snacks like homemade fudge, chocolate-covered pumpkin seeds, or chocolate-covered nuts can bring a board heavy in savory items back into sweet-and-savory harmony.

Pickled items like our kickles or zesty pickled asparagus will add some much-needed vinegary contrast if your board is leaning on the sweeter side.

Pumpkin seeds are undoubtedly the best fall seeds. Consider picking up your very own pumpkin, so you can harvest the seeds fresh from the source. There are tons of interesting ways to season pumpkin seeds that can only make your charcuterie board better!

Candied nuts create symmetry across the board by providing a sweet and salty combo. If you’re in the market for a finger-licking-good option, we roast our own candied nuts right here at Chiles Peach Orchard.

Pour the wine

Bring out the best flavors on your plate by adding a bottle of wine or cider to the spread. Selecting the right wine enhances flavors by making salt-rich food taste mellow and lighter food taste rich. Luckily, we have you covered with our selection of Carter Mountain wines.

Some good rules to go by are to always pick a wine that is more acidic than the food, has low tannins to avoid bitterness, and matches the plate in its boldness.

Carter Mountain 2021 Sweet Albemarle Petit Manseng pairs well with pumpkin and apples, and it will highlight the salty nuttiness in your gruyere.

Carter Mountain 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon has a very drinkable, fruity quality made for enhancing all of those bold, flavored cheddars and tart apples.

If you’re looking for more wine to pair with your board, head on over to Chiswell Farm and Winery to peruse the full selection of our award-winning wines.

Craft your presentation

Charcuterie boards are a whole lot more about tasty treats than looking neat. Don’t stress about making the perfect-looking charcuterie board. Still, if presentation is your thing, then go for it! A few tips and tricks are all you need to have a charcuterie board fit for sharing.

Pre-slice your cheese and roll your meat. This easy preparation tip will make your charcuterie board look far more put together. Also, it’ll make grabbing a few things for yourself easier.

Put the items that pair well next to each other. Though you’ve done your homework thinking through all of these flavor combos, your guests might not have. Make it easy for them to pick up the items on the board that pair best with one another.

Keep it colorful. Remember that we often eat with our eyes, and one of the ways to ensure your board looks delectable is to select fruits, spreads, and vegetables with a variety of colors. You can also keep things cute with any of our colorful kitchen supplies, merchandise, or harvest-themed centerpieces from the Farm Market.

Try not to leave empty space on the board—fill it all up! Spread all of your scrumptious snacks out to take up the most room possible. Put small items, like pickles or nuts, in bowls to take up space and keep running juices and seasoning at bay.

friends sharing a charcuterie board on Chiswell lawn

Serve and share!

The hands-down most important part of your fall charcuterie board is sharing it. You selected the food, arranged it on the board, and had fun while doing it. Now show it off!

Don’t have an event to attend? Then make one for yourself! Pick up your favorites from our Farm Market & Bakery and have a party at home, or bring your board as a picnic down the road to Chiswell Farm & Winery!

After making your own easy and delicious fall charcuterie board, make sure to tag us on Instagram (@chilespeachorchard) when you post!

The Best Wines for Fall

Posted by :Franziska Matiuk On : September 29, 2023

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The best wines for fall pair beautifully with the changing weather and seasonal cuisine.

During summer, many people favor light, refreshing wines. As the air cools, and we begin eating all those rich foods you might see in a Thanksgiving feast, wines with bolder flavors have their chance to shine.

While everyone’s taste is unique, we have some great suggestions for choosing wines to bring out the best of the season.

Our Winery & Tasting Room Manager, Kephany Powell, is an expert at helping guests choose from among our award-winning wines. When you’re looking for your best wines for the fall, there’s no better place to begin than her three favorite recommendations.

“For fall, my favorite Chiswell wines are the 2021 Chardonnay, the 2021 Petit Manseng, and the 2021 Cabernet Franc.” – Kephany

Chardonnay

“I start embracing richer dishes as autumn rolls around, and a cheesy risotto or a chicken alfredo pairs wonderfully with the 2021 Chardonnay. Our Chardonnay is completely oak-aged, so it has a rich flavor with a good amount of oak and notes of yellow apple, lemon curd and crème brûlée—perfectly balanced!”

Petit Manseng

“The 2021 Petit Manseng is also oak aged, with tropical fruit notes on the nose and palate with a hint of vanilla and a luxurious mouthfeel. Many Petit Manseng wines are sweet, but this one is off-dry with very little residual sugar which is unique.

“It’s my wine of choice for Thanksgiving dinner. Its medium body and full flavor complement roasted turkey, and the many richer dishes that happen to land on the table such as mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, and green bean casserole.”

Cabernet Franc

“Our Cabernet Franc is my personal favorite of the reds we are currently pouring. I love its smoky, peppery quality, and sometimes I get hints of fresh ground coffee when I drink it! I’m looking forward to making the first chili recipe of autumn and enjoying it with the Cabernet Franc!”

The selection of wines beautifully suited to fall doesn’t stop there. The pairing possibilities are as rich and varied as a Thanksgiving menu!

Merlot

With its tasting notes of allspice and nutmeg, our 2021 merlot makes a perfect choice for the start of the holiday season. Kephany also suggests it as part of a unique pairing for fall’s first big holiday.

“I will definitely have a bottle of our 2021 Merlot on hand at Halloween just in case I can ‘steal’ some chocolate from my daughter’s trick-or-treat bag!”

Sauvignon Blanc

When you need a wine as crisp and refreshing as the first days of fall, reach for a bottle of our 2022 Sauvignon Blanc. The tasting notes of tropical fruit add a delightful, lingering hint of summer, and it pairs wonderfully with seafood or fall vegetables.

Sweet Albemarle Petit Manseng 2021 at Chiswell Farm & Winery

Sweet Petit Manseng

Sometimes you need to match sweetness with sweetness. Our 2021 Sweet Albemarle Petit Manseng makes a perfect dessert wine to pair with fall’s after-dinner treats, with its pronounced flavors of guava, coconut, and pineapple.

CiderMosa

When fall hits, that first cool breeze feels so invigorating! You just want to celebrate, and our signature specialty drink delivers the effervescence and fresh fall taste you need to do it right.

“It’s made with fresh pressed apple cider and our Sparkling Chardonnay, garnished with cocktail sugar and cinnamon on the rim, and topped with an apple slice. Delicious!”

Sangria

Why not bring our wine home and make your own specialty drinks? Sangria is one of our favorites, with many versatile options for using your favorite Chiswell wines.

For the warm early days of fall, a nice chilled sangria hits the spot. Toward the later stages of autumn, when the temperature really drops, you’ll want a drink that can warm you up.

Luckily, we have all your sangria recipes covered, including red, white, sparkling, and warm varieties.

Bring a picnic and enjoy the best fall wines in the perfect setting to savor the season

At Chiswell Farm & Winery, we have everything you need to make the most of autumn, from award-winning wines to a delicious selection of gourmet snacks and beautiful mountain views. As the leaves turn color and the air cools, we invite you to come spread out on our lawn or cozy up in one of the rooms in our historic estate.

If you still have trouble deciding which wine to choose, we can make it easy for you. Just ask for a tasting flight or a recommendation from our friendly and knowledgeable staff!

Fall foliage and guests at Chiswell Farm & Winery

10 Creative Ways to Savor Cider Donuts

Posted by :Ivy Group Developer On : September 27, 2023

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If you asked our visitors to pick our most delicious offering, our apple cider donuts would surely be near the top of every list. With a dusting of cinnamon and sugar on the outside and that soft, chewy interior, it’s easy to see why they’re a fan favorite. If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy this treat, try a unique recipe that uses cider donuts or find a pairing that brings out the best of its flavor.

Though our homemade cider donuts are easy to freeze and enjoy later, a creative dessert can be a crafty and delicious solution to leftovers. From savory to extra sweet, our apple cider donuts can be transformed to fit a party of one or to feed a crowd.

Apple Cider Donut Ice Cream Sandwich

Transform your apple cider donut with just a slice down the middle and a scoop of ice cream.

Cider donuts classically pair with a good scoop of our Country Store & Bakery’s soft-serve vanilla ice cream, but if you’re enjoying your treat at home, you might want to try another flavor. Caramel, cranberry, or chocolate ice cream sandwiched by a cider donut create a flavor combination you’ll have to have a bite of.

Apple Cider Donut Cake Pops

This recipe that uses apple cider donuts is fun to make with the whole family, and they can turn just a few cider donuts into a treat to share with a crowd.

Crumble apple cider donuts into a bowl.
Fold donut crumbles and white chocolate ganache into a batter.
Chill mixture until firm.
Scoop out and form into even-sized balls.
Roll donut balls in cinnamon sugar.
Add a toothpick or bamboo skewer for a cake-pop look, or serve them without the stick as donut holes!

cake bite recipe that uses cider donuts — Photo and recipe from Food Network.

Donut Sundae

Chiles Peach Orchard’s donut sundae is a can’t-miss variation on the classics. Dip your donut or mix it in to make that perfect bite of apple cider donut and soft serve for this incredible duo. It’s quick, easy, and so, so good.

If you’re making one at home, just put together some ice cream, whipped cream, and a cider donut. Don’t forget the seasonal fresh fruit from the orchards on top!

Waffled Cider Donuts

Another easy and delicious option to spice up your apple cider donuts is to throw them under a waffle iron. With its crispy edges and easy excuse for more maple syrup, this recipe can be enjoyed in the morning or as a special snack!

Place your cider donuts in a waffle iron.
Let press until well-toasted.
Serve with syrup or powdered sugar.

waffle recipe that uses cider donuts — Photo from Southern Revivals.

Cider Donuts Dipped in Cider

One of the simplest and most satisfying ways to enjoy one of our apple cider donuts is to pair it with its flavorful companion, apple cider.

Take a trip up the mountain to dunk your cider donuts in a hot cup of Carter Mountain Orchard’s apple cider in the colder months, or have it on the side of one of our cider slushies in the warmer months.

cider donut next to mug of carter mountain orchard cider

Cider Donut Bread Pudding

An inviting bowl of bread pudding is sometimes all you need to turn a good day into a great one. This warm, gooey recipe that uses apple cider donuts is packed with an amazing apple cinnamon flavor.

Lucky for you, we’ve perfected this dessert. Follow our cider donut bread pudding recipe to make this amazing treat.

bread pudding recipe that uses cider donuts

Cider Donut Tiramisu

Cider donut tiramisu offers another fun take on a classic dessert. With this recipe, you can jazz up day-old donuts in an elegant, tasty way!

Dunk a donut (or two) in hot coffee and place in a stemless wine glass or bowl.
Top with whipped mascarpone and whipped cream.
Garnish with cocoa powder, cinnamon, and chocolate sticks.

donut tiramasu recipe that uses cider donuts — Photo and recipe from Food Network.

Cider Donuts Smeared with Apple Butter

Maybe you’re looking for a simpler way to shake things up?

Nothing pairs better with our apple cider donuts than a nice, creamy slathering of our Chiles Family Orchards apple butter. If you’re looking to branch out into more fall flavors, try our rich and scrumptious pumpkin butter.

A good tip for this dessert is to heat up your apple butter and toast your donut.

Apple Cider Donut Panini

If it’s time for lunch, you’re in luck! An especially creative recipe that uses cider donuts is this cider donut panini. Your friends will thank you on your next lunch date for introducing them to this savory and sweet combination.

Cut your apple cider donut in half.
Spread ricotta cheese, a drizzle of honey, and some cinnamon onto one side.
Line the other donut half with a few apple slices.
Cook apple cider donut sandwich in a panini press until golden brown.

The Classic

Last but certainly not least, we can’t forget that our apple cider donuts are delicious all on their own. We make our cider donuts fresh daily for visitors to enjoy. One bite and you’ll immediately know what all the fuss is about.

This must-try treat is sure to be a highlight of your visit to Carter Mountain Orchard, Chiles Peach Orchard, or the Charlottesville City Market.

After trying these cider donut recipes at home, make sure to tag our Instagram page (@cartermountain) to show off your tasty treats.

Easy Peach Daiquiri Recipe (Plus 4 Fun Variations)

Posted by :Ivy Group Developer On : July 20, 2023

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As a farming family, we love showcasing the rich flavor of our juicy peaches in unique ways, including this peach daiquiri recipe! From the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Chiles Peach Orchard to our sky-high perch atop Carter Mountain, we know the nuances of growing (and enjoying) summer’s favorite fruit.

Few things compare to enjoying a sun-ripened peach at the peak of picking season, especially in a frozen peach daiquiri. At its core, a daiquiri is a cocktail with rum, sweetener, and citrus juice. Scale this easy peach daiquiri recipe to fit your needs—it just takes five minutes, after all!

Ingredients

Servings: 4-5 daiquiris

4 cups of fresh peaches, peeled
3 limes, juiced
8 ounces white rum
3 cups ice
3 Tbsp honey
Mint to garnish

Adding fresh peaches allows the fruit to shine, much more so than your run-of-the-mill frozen or canned varieties, which can be loaded with preservatives and extra sugar. Of course, if you want to enjoy this recipe later, you can freeze your local pickings for up to a few months.

When picking up your fresh-picked peaches, remember to stop by our Country Store & Bakery for all your entertaining necessities, too! In fact, we used our very own pitchers, reusable silicone straws, and peachy tea towels to make this recipe video.

Mint, honey, peaches, limes, and rum all in a row

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients

First, peel, pit, and chop your peaches to make sure everything will blend evenly. Our tips for cooking with peaches will help you peel them in a jiffy,

Second, juice the limes and measure 8 ounces of rum, 3 cups of ice, and 1 tablespoon of honey.

The key to this peach daiquiri recipe is testing and adjusting to your taste buds. Ripe, juicy peaches are very sweet. Consider trying a sip of your daiquiri before adding the honey!

2. Add ingredients to a blender

Start with freshly picked peaches, followed by rum, lime juice, ice, and honey.

If you’re looking for locally-sourced honey, we’re big fans of Falling Bark Farms from our Country Store & Bakery!

3. Blend

Blend your mixture for about 30 seconds or until smooth. The ideal daiquiri should have a smooth texture that coats the palate without being overly thick or watery. This allows the bright, zingy flavors of your fresh peaches to star in every sip.

If your mixture is a tad too thick, add some water or extra rum. If it’s too thin, add more ice.

4. Serve

When it comes time to serve up your peach daiquiris, you have plenty of options for glassware. While traditionally served in a hurricane glass, we’re happy with a few trusty mason jars. To garnish, add a sprig of mint. You can add a slice of peach or lime to the rim of your glass, too!

5. Enjoy!

Now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Of course, remember to drink responsibly! This recipe makes five servings, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Two peach daiquiries in mason jars, with limes on their rims and a ripe peach for company

Excited to make this peach daiquiri recipe yourself? See today’s peach availability.

Peach Daiquiri Recipe Variations

There are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own, so don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen! To turn this peach daiquiri recipe into a mocktail, simply substitute 1 cup of orange juice for the white rum.

When experimenting with different fruits, we’ve got a few suggestions!

#1 Strawberry Daiquiri

For this springtime variation, switch out peaches for strawberries. Sip this sweet strawberry daiquiri as early as April, when the first pick-your-own strawberries often ripen at Chiles Peach Orchard!

#2 Blueberry Daiquiri

Simply substitute four cups of blueberries for your peaches to make this recipe a reality!

A peach daiquiri beside a bottle of Crescent Simples peach hibiscus simple syrup

#3 Crescent Simples Daiquiri

Add an ounce (or more, if you’d like) of Crescent Simples peach hibiscus simple syrup for a floral spin on our original recipe! Made with our very own sun-ripened peaches, you can find this syrup in our Country Store & Bakery.

A chili lime spice rimmed peach daiquiri beside a bottle of Tajin spice blend

#4 Chili Lime Rim Daiquiri

Add a sugar and chili lime spice rim (we like Tajin) to the glass of your peach daiquiri to bring some extra kick.

Mix your favorite variations together to create your very own daiquiri experience! It’s sure to be as delicious as it is gorgeous. Snag a photo and tag us on Instagram @cartermountain!

Two blended daiquiris, plus blueberries, strawberries, and lime slices

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Carter Mountain Orchard (@cartermountain)

Sangria Recipes for Every Occasion

Posted by :Ivy Group Developer On : November 15, 2022

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Sangria is a rich and festive drink that complements any celebration. Since it hails from sunny Spain and Portugal, you might think of it as a summertime treat. In fact, it’s a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed year-round in many delectable variations.

While the key ingredients are simply wine and fruit, you’ll find plenty of room for experimenting and adding your personal touch. Let these recipes be the inspiration you need to discover your own perfect sangria for any occasion!

Sangria Recipe Basics

Most recipes use 5 main ingredients. While you can vary each according to your taste, we’ll give you the average ratios:

Wine (1 bottle, 750 ml)
Fruit (2 cups)
Brandy or Orange Liqueur (1/4 to 1/2 cup)
Juice or Club Soda (1 cup)

What’s the final main ingredient? Time! Sangria needs time so that the fruit has the chance to release its flavor.

So how long should you let yours steep? A few recipes call for just 1 or 2 hours, most recommend that you leave it overnight, and some say 24 hours. Really there’s no wrong answer. Just know that a longer steep let the flavors mix more fully.

Red Sangria

There are endless paths to crafting a festive and refreshing red sangria recipe, and all of them lead to a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving day table. (Just imagine that vivid red pitcher set alongside the cranberries.)

You’ll begin with a fruity red such as Garnacha or Cabernet Franc—though any red you love will do—then add your choice of fresh fruit, brandy or orange liqueur, and juice. Let it steep in the fridge for up to a day, and then, voila, your beverage is ready to be savored!

Any recipe has plentiful opportunities to experiment along the way. For added fall flair, toss in a cinnamon stick before chilling. For a bevvy of bubbles, add club soda instead of juice before serving.

Our 2021 Cabernet Franc has tasting notes of black currant and makes a lovely red sangria.

White Sangria

While sangria gets its name from its traditional rich red color—sangria means ‘bloodletting’ in Spanish and Portuguese—white sangria is just as stunning. White wine lets the fruit shine through, in both appearance and in the crisp and fruity flavor. That makes it the perfect choice for any gathering when berries, cherries, or peaches are in season.

Besides starting your white sangria recipe with a dry white wine, the process and possibilities are much the same as with a red sangria. Try out different fruits and additions to find your favorite combination, and remember that the longer you let it sit, the more flavor you’ll get.

With its floral notes and crisp finish, our 2021 Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with your chosen fruit.

Sparkling Sangria

You can always add a cup of club soda or sparkling wine to a sangria before serving. If you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary, though—or if you just really love bubbles—why not let the sparkling wine take center stage? Food Network’s sparkling sangria recipe does just that.

So how do bubbles and steeping mix? The above recipe actually skips the hours-long steeping period. Other sparkling sangria recipes use a bottle of non-sparkling wine to steep with the fruit, then add a bottle of sparkling wine just before serving.

Which makes a better sangria: our Sparkling Chardonnay or Sparkling Rosé? You’ll just have to try both to find out!

Rosé Sangria

What if you’re celebrating the start of summer and need the perfect drink to set out beside the grill? Or what if you’re having a BBQ and need a beverage that’s bright and refreshing to help you ring in the Fourth of July?

Then it would be the perfect time to explore a sangria with rosé wine.

The BBC offers a delicious rosé sangria recipe. We’re especially keen on one of their suggested additions: mint!

Our 2020 Rosé is the perfect place to start. And maybe you’ll add in some Sparkling Rosé for an extra dose of effervescence?

Warm Sangria

If it’s cold out and you’re feeling hesitant about anything ‘chilled,’ you’ll be delighted to know there are sangria recipes especially for warming your winter bones. That makes them perfect for any gathering during the holiday season.

As an added plus, the cooking you do for a warm sangria blends the fruit and wine flavors beautifully. No need to wait while it steeps overnight! You can simmer your sangria in a sauce pan, or you can try using your slow cooker, like this warm winter sangria recipe suggests. Add in some fresh-from-the-orchard fruit, liqueur, sugar, and juice, and you’ll be good to go!

Chiswell Wine bottle - Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

With a full-bodied yet drinkable flavor profile, our 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is the ideal base for your warm winter sipper.

Let the Festivities Begin

Every recipe can be adjusted to your taste and the ingredients on hand. Each time you come home with some fresh-picked fruit, whether apples, peaches, strawberries, or even blueberries, you can put them to good use in concocting a delicious, fruity sangria. Maybe you’ll even have to invent an occasion to celebrate your latest creation!

When you need another bottle of wine to fuel your culinary explorations, come on by to the winery. You can explore a variety of different sangria recipes by taking advantage of our 5% discount when buying three bottles of wine.

And when you find the perfect sangria recipe for your gathering, be sure to tag us on Instagram (@chiswellwinery) to let us know!

What can I do with a lot of apples?

Posted by :Kristen Dagli On : November 4, 2022

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Strolling through the apple orchard is one of our favorite things to do each year. Time seems to stand still, and we do what we can to make these special moments last as long as possible. And how do we do that? By picking as many apples as our arms can carry!

With more than a dozen types of apples ripe in the trees at the peak of picking season, there’s even more reason to keep reaching up for just a few more. Apple pickers return home to find that they have more fruit than they know what to do with. Sure, crisp apples keep for a month or two when following the best apple storage tips, but it’s more fun to find new ways to enjoy this versatile fruit!

As a rule of thumb, one pound of apples is approximately four small apples, three medium apples, or two large apples.

Consider using your abundance of apples in one of these recipes…

Apple Juice

To attain that fresh-from-the-orchard taste in your apple juice, make it yourself! Our favorite part about this apple application: you can mix and match as many varieties as you want.

A juicer will obviously make your task easiest. However, there are still other ways to make a cup of apple juice when you’re in a pinch…

Peel (optional), core, and chop three to five apples.
Add apple pieces to a blender and mix with a half cup of water.
Enjoy as-is or use a cheese cloth to filter pulp.

Apple Sauce

Juice isn’t the only apple product best prepared at home. After tasting homemade apple sauce’s natural sweetness, you’ll never want to buy it from the supermarket again (sorry, Motts!).

Pureeing apples is one of the easiest ways to use as much fruit as possible. Before you get started, know that one pound of fresh-picked apples yields roughly one cup of apple sauce.

Peel (optional), core, and chop six pounds of apples.
Add apples to a large pot with lemon juice, one cup of apple cider from the Farm Market & Bakery, and your favorite spices.
Cover and cook over medium heat for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Remove from pot and blend to a smooth consistency.
Seal in mason jars, chill in the fridge and enjoy.

Apple Soup

Homemade Apple Curry Soup from Martha Stewart

On the savory side of apple cooking, soup is an especially unique way to turn your pickings into a meal. Some may crave the spicy flavors from Martha Stewart’s Curried Apple Soup recipe, while others may prefer a savory Apple-Cheddar Soup with Bacon from the Food Network.

No matter what recipe you choose, the general idea is the same. If you’re an expert butternut squash soup chef, then apple soup will be a breeze! First, roast your ingredients until both the apple skin and flesh are tender enough to scoop with a spoon. Then, blend your concoction in a food processor or blender to get a creamy soup texture. Serve in your favorite mug or bowl on a chilly autumn day, and you’re good to go!

Apple Chips

Apple chips are an easy snack for many reasons: they’re healthy, easy to take on-the-go, and nearly effortless to make. Plus, they’re a solid way to ensure your pickings have a longer shelf life!

Turning your apples into chips couldn’t be easier: slice thinly, sprinkle on some toppings, and bake them at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour on each side. Common toppings include cinnamon and sugar, although you can be as creative as you’d like.

Apple Sugar

You read that right… apple sugar! Fall’s favorite fruit is easily dehydrated to create a seasonal sweetener. Whether you’re adding it to your morning cup of coffee or baking it into a treat for some added flavor, this is a wonderful way to make the most of your apple supply.

You’ll need roughly four cups of pureed apples to make a cup of apple sugar.

Wash, core, and slice the apples into small pieces. No need to remove the skin!
Add the apple pieces to a food processor with a dash of water to puree. The less water you use, the quicker your apples will dehydrate.
Spread a thin layer of pureed apples onto a sheet and place in the dehydrator or oven at 140 degrees Fahrenheit for about 24 hours (or until crisp).
Remove from the dehydrator and cool.
Grind into sugar using a food processor.

Have these recipes left you with a hankering for some fresh-from-the-orchard apples? If you still need to go picking this season, we’ve got you covered. Visit our pick-your-own page for today’s availability!

After trying these apple recipes at home, make sure to tag our Instagram page (@chilespeachorchard) to show off your culinary creation.

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Pick-Your-Own Blueberries and Blackberries

Start with a variety of cheeses

Pick local apples

Add in the meats

Spread something sweet

Choose your bread and crackers

Select complementary sides

Pour the wine

Craft your presentation

Serve and share!

The best wines for fall pair beautifully with the changing weather and seasonal cuisine.

Chardonnay

Petit Manseng

Cabernet Franc

Merlot

Sauvignon Blanc

Sweet Petit Manseng

CiderMosa

Sangria

Bring a picnic and enjoy the best fall wines in the perfect setting to savor the season

Apple Cider Donut Ice Cream Sandwich

Apple Cider Donut Cake Pops

Donut Sundae

Waffled Cider Donuts

Cider Donuts Dipped in Cider

Cider Donut Bread Pudding

Cider Donut Tiramisu

Cider Donuts Smeared with Apple Butter

Apple Cider Donut Panini

The Classic

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients

2. Add ingredients to a blender

3. Blend

4. Serve

5. Enjoy!

Peach Daiquiri Recipe Variations

#1 Strawberry Daiquiri

#2 Blueberry Daiquiri

#3 Crescent Simples Daiquiri

#4 Chili Lime Rim Daiquiri

Sangria Recipe Basics

Red Sangria

White Sangria