Weekends Are For Grilling And Chilling With Ancient Peaks Wines

Sunday is everyone’s favorite day to grill.  There is no better way to end the weekend than with a great burger and great company.  It’s a way to relax and not worry about firing up the kitchen stove.  Grilling can be intimidating but your burgers will be a sizzling success with my simple easy tips.

Tip For Grilling The Perfect Burger

Firstly choose the right cut, the fatter cut, the juicier and tastier the burger.  Keep in mind you don’t eat burgers every day so why not do it right and splurge on the flavors.  Then be sure to mix the meat gently while it is still cold.  Season it with your favorite spices to make it flavorful or just simply add salt and pepper. Slowly mix the ingredients together making sure not to overwork the meat.  Wet your hands slightly and then form 6-8 ounce-sized patties so they match the size of the bun.  Keep the meat cold until ready to cook.

When you are ready to fire up the grill add a slight dimple to the burger so that it cooks evenly.  Make an indentation to each patty before it goes on the grill so that it holds its shape.  Using a clean and very hot grill place the burgers on the rack,  Cook the burgers 3-5 mins on each side depending on how well done you want the burger.  Flip the burger only once while grilling.  When ready allow the burger to rest.  You can be assured these steps will ensure the best burgers you have ever made!

Ancient Peaks – A Taste of Santa Margarita Ranch

In the southernmost part of Paso Robles, you will find Santa Margarita Ranch.  An idyllic family-owned and-run ranch that spans 14,000 acres. The estate is dedicated to creating a sense of community, sustainability, quality, hospitality and capturing a true sense of place through their products.

Santa Margarita Ranch is one of the most historic cattle ranches in the state of California, but the owners set aside 900 acres of its best microclimates to growing grapes; the result is Margarita Vineyards and Ancient Peaks Winery. The vines unfold on a rare array of five distinct soil types—ancient sea bed, rocky alluvium, shale, volcanic and granitic. The resulting wines express flavors that are native to the region.

I was sent a very special care package from Santa Margarita Ranch.  The package included prime beef from the ranch, special seasoning and three bottles of Ancient Peaks wines.  These wines pair perfectly with summer grilling, most specifically Grandma Betty’s Burgers.

Ancient Peaks Wines For Summer Grilling

Ancient Peaks Chardonnay Paso Robles Santa Margarita Ranch 2020  (SRP $19)

This is a unique Chardonnay that has a splash of Viognier(4%).  It immediately impresses with its aromatic notes of papaya, peaches, lime and vanilla.  A round creamy texture fills the mouth with notes of pineapples, melons, spices and a hint of savoriness on the finish.  Ancient Peaks Chardonnay will pair perfectly with grilled salmon or grilled chicken.

Ancient Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles Santa Margarita Ranch 2019 (SRP $25)

There are attractive aromas of violet, black cherries and coffee on the nose.  On the palate, the wine is intensely textured and deep with notes of blueberry, blackberry cocoa and vanilla.  Plush velvety tannins and bright acidity keep you wanting for more. This is the perfect wine to pair with Grandma Betty’s Burger, a grilled rack of lamb or a juicy steak.

Ancient Peaks Renegade Paso Robles Santa Margarita Ranch 2018 (SRP $26)

Renegade is a unique blend of 38% Syrah, 36% Petit Verdot and 26% Malbec.  Rich and intense on the nose with aromas of violets, black currants, chocolate and toasted oak.  A textured and concentrated mouthfeel has flavors of black cherry, cola, tobacco, cocoa and cinnamon.  Serve with Grandma Betty’s Burgers.

Grandma Betty’s Special Burger Recipe 

Grandma Betty’s special burger recipe is simple and easy.  This homemade family recipe from Santa Margarita Ranch will surely please. The famous Grandma Betty’s sauce was served at the California Mid-State Fair for 30 years.

Ingredients

• 1/3 LB Santa Margarita Ranch Ground Angus Beef Burger Patty
• Iceberg Lettuce
• Sweet White Onions
• Simple White Hamburger Buns
• Large Tomato

Betty’s Sweet Sauce

• Ketchup
• Mayo
• Relish
• Mustard (just a tad)
• Blend to Taste

Preparations

• First, sprinkle a seasoning blend of salt and pepper on top of burgers.
• Preheat your grill or a skillet to medium heat, approximately 350 – 400 degrees.
• Grill for 3-4 minutes per side. Top with cheddar cheese and let melt.
• For the special sauce – Combine the ketchup, mayo, relish, and just a tad of mustard in a blender. Blend until smooth.
• Melt butter and lightly toast the hamburger buns.
• Stack your burger with the bottom bun first.  Then add patty melt, lettuce, sliced sweet onion, sliced tomato, and Grandma Betty’s special sauce on the top bun.
• Serve this perfectly juicy burger with Ancient Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon or Renegade.

CHEERS!!!