Recipes Archives

Cranberry Baked Brie

September 25, 2025/in Recipes /by jodie

The Cranberry baked brie (made with our Cran-Merry wine) is the perfect appetizer for your upcoming holiday parties!

After all, who can resist its gooey deliciousness – and with the luscious cranberry sauce on top, it brings it to a whole new level. Full of flavor and texture, this app will have your guests raving long after it’s gone! Enjoy!

The Cranberry baked brie pairs perfectly with our Cran-Merry wine! It is a seasonal wine that this recipe is made with. A delightful and approachable wine, the Cran-Merry bursts with a beautiful and bright Cranberry flavor. It is the perfect wine for both casual gatherings and festive occasions! The Cran-Merry is bright and vibrant, with its balance of tartness and sweetness, making it versatile and enjoyable on its own as well as with a variety of dishes. It is sure to add joy to your table!

Baked Brie made with Grinder's Switch Winery Cran-Merry wine

Cran-Merry Baked Brie

The Cran-Merry baked brie is the perfect appetizer for your upcoming holiday parties!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

1 cup fresh cranberries
1 cup Cran-Merry wine
1/4 cup honey
1 wheel brie
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Method

In a saucepan combine the cranberries, Cran-merry wine and honey.
Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes until the cranberries have softened and the sauce is thick.
Pour into a container and refrigerate.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place wheel of brie in an oven-safe serving dish and bake until soft and gooey - about 15 minutes.
Top with cranberry sauce (you probably won’t need all of it) and chopped walnuts. Drizzle with extra honey if desired.
Pair with Grinder’s Switch Cran-Merry wine!

Blackberry Sweet Tea Sangria

July 30, 2025/in Recipes /by jodie

Blackberry Sweet Tea Sangria Wine Cocktail: A Southern Sip of Summer

When the Southern heat turns all the way up, there’s nothing quite like an ice-cold glass of sweet tea—or maybe something a little more spirited. Enter our Blackberry Sweet Tea Sangria Wine Cocktail: a fruity, refreshing twist on two Southern staples that were practically made for front porch sipping.

This vibrant sangria starts with our fan-favorite Blackberry Express wine, known for its bold berry flavor and just the right touch of sweetness. It’s then blended with classic iced tea (sweet or unsweet—your call!), a splash of orange juice for a citrusy kick, and a hint of simple syrup to round everything out. The result? A smooth, juicy sangria that’s equal parts easy-drinking and downright delightful.

Not in the mood for blackberry? You can easily swap in our Cou Rouge strawberry wine for a fresh, sun-kissed strawberry version that’s just as perfect for poolside lounging or backyard get-togethers.

Whether you’re hosting friends or just looking to beat the heat with something a little more exciting than your usual glass of tea, this sangria is your new go-to. It’s quick to mix up, easy to enjoy, and tastes like summer in a glass.

Scroll down for the full recipe and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite Southern sip!

Looking to try more wine-inspired cocktails?

You might also enjoy our Blackberry Mojito Spritz, bursting with juicy berry flavor, or our refreshing Strawberry Basil Bramble! You can even switch it up with our Piña Colada Wine Cocktail, a tropical twist that’s perfect for beachy daydreams.

All recipes are available now on our blog — give them a try and discover your favorite!

Sweet Tea Wine Cocktail made with Grinder's Switch Winery Blackberry Express wine

Blackberry Sweet Tea Sangria with Grinder's Switch Winery Blackbery Express

Blackberry Sweet Tea Sangria made with Grinder's Switch Winery Blackberry Express

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Prep Time 2

Cook Time 2

Total Time 4

Servings: 1

Course: Drinks

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

4 oz Blackberry Express
1-2 oz Simple Syrup
4 oz Unsweetened Tea (Can use sweetened if you like really sweet)
2 oz Orange Juice or Fresh-Squeezed Orange
1 cup ice

Equipment

1 Cocktail Shaker
1 Glass of choice

Method

Add ice to glass of choice, frosting the glass
Add the ice to the cocktail shaker
Add Blackberry Express (or Cou Rouge if you want a strawberry flavor instead)
Add the remaining ingredients (Simple syrup, orange juice, tea) and shake it up until it is nice and cold.
Pour it back into your glass and enjoy!

Piña Colada Wine Cocktail

July 9, 2025/in Recipes /by jodie

Blackberry Mojito Spritz with Grinder’s Switch Winery Blackberry Express

May 2, 2025/in Recipes /by jodie

As summer settles in and the heat and humidity start turning up here in the South, we’ve got just the thing to keep you cool: our Blackberry Mojito Spritz.

Light, refreshing, and full of bold berry flavor, this wine cocktail is made with our best-selling Blackberry Express — a rich and juicy blackberry wine that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Paired with fresh mint, lime, and a little sparkle, this spritz is easy to make, even easier to sip, and guaranteed to become your new warm-weather favorite.

Whether you’re spending the evening on the porch, hosting a backyard gathering, or just looking for a break from the heat, the Blackberry Mojito Spritz delivers a crisp, cooling experience in every glass.

And if you’re loving wine-based cocktails as much as we are, don’t miss our other two signature cocktails: the Strawberry Basil Bramble, made with our Cou Rouge, and the tropical Piña Colada Wine Cocktail made with our Blondy wine. Both are perfect companions for sunny days and long evenings.

Try them all and let us know your favorite!

Pina Colada Wine Cocktail made with Grinder's Switch Winery Blondy wine

Piña Colada with Grinder's Switch Winery Blondy

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Prep Time 2

Cook Time 1

Servings: 1

Course: Drinks

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

5 oz Blondy
4 oz 100% Pineapple Juice or can of Pineapple
1-2 oz Coconut Milk
1 oz Simple Syrup
1/2 a lime, squeezed
1 oz sprite, to top off
1 piece Cherry and pineapple for garnish optional
1/2 cup ice

Equipment

1 Cocktail Shaker (or blender if you would prefer a blended drink)
1 Cocktail strainer
1 Glass of choice

Method

Fill up a glass halfway with ice.
Put the ice in a cocktail shaker (or blender if you want it blended).
Add pineapple juice, coconut milk, simple syrup, Blondy wine, and lime juice.
Shake it all up in the shaker until it's nice and cold. (If you want it blended, blend it all together in the blender).
If using a shaker, strain the blend all into a glass.
Top off with sprite and add a cherry and piece of pineapple for garnish.

Strawberry Basil Bramble with Grinder’s Switch Winery Cou Rouge Strawberry Wine

May 2, 2025/in Recipes /by jodie

A Fresh Twist on Summer – The Strawberry Basil Bramble

There’s nothing like a cold, refreshing cocktail to take the edge off a hot summer day — and our Strawberry Basil Bramble does exactly that.

Made with our Cou Rouge, a vibrant and fruity strawberry wine, this cocktail is the perfect balance of sweet, herbaceous, and refreshing. Fresh basil adds a crisp, garden-fresh twist that elevates the natural strawberry flavor without overpowering it.

The result? A light, flavorful drink that’s easy to sip and hard to forget.

Whether you’re hosting friends on the patio, relaxing after a long day, or just looking for a new way to enjoy our Cou Rouge, the Strawberry Basil Bramble is sure to become your new go-to.

Looking to try more wine-inspired cocktails?

You might also enjoy our Blackberry Mojito Spritz, bursting with juicy berry flavor, or the Piña Colada Wine Cocktail, a tropical twist that’s perfect for beachy daydreams. Both recipes are available now on our blog — give them a try and discover your favorite!

Print Recipe

Strawberry Basil Bramble with Grinder's Switch Winery Cou Rouge

Prep Time2

Cook Time2

Course: Drinks

Keyword: strawberry basil, strawberry cocktail, strawberry wine, wine cocktail

Servings: 1

Equipment

1 Muddler or wooden spoon
1 Stirring spoon
1 Glass of choice

Ingredients

5 oz Grinder's Switch Winery Cou Rouge Strawberry Wine
2 spoonfuls Frozen strawberries with syrup
1 handful Fresh basil chopped
1 leaf Basil for garnish (optional)
1/2 oz Orange Bitters

Instructions

Grab your glass of choice, add a round lime slice to the bottom of your glass.
Chop some fresh basil and add to your glass.
Add a couple scoops of frozen strawberries to your glass and muddle the strawberries and basil together.
Add 5 oz of Grinder's Switch Winery Cou Rouge Strawberry Wine, then add ice and 1/2 oz of orange bitters.
Stir it all together and top it off with club soda.
Add a lime wedge and a basil leaf for garnish.
Enjoy!!

Crispy Buttermilk Potato Salad

January 27, 2025/in Recipes /by jodie

As soon as grilling season begins we get really excited about the side items! This tangy Crispy Buttermilk Potato Salad is a great addition to burgers and dogs on the grill! This potato salad comes together quick, is served warm – or cold! – and is mayo-free (in case you are against mayonnaise). The fresh herbs keeps this dish nice and summery and goes great with something sweet like our Cou Rouge!

Cou Rouge is a Strawberry Chardonel blend that is a lovely homage to summer!

Cran-Merry Baked Brie

The Cran-Merry baked brie is the perfect appetizer for your upcoming holiday parties!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

1 cup fresh cranberries
1 cup Cran-Merry wine
1/4 cup honey
1 wheel brie
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Method

In a saucepan combine the cranberries, Cran-merry wine and honey.
Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes until the cranberries have softened and the sauce is thick.
Pour into a container and refrigerate.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place wheel of brie in an oven-safe serving dish and bake until soft and gooey - about 15 minutes.
Top with cranberry sauce (you probably won’t need all of it) and chopped walnuts. Drizzle with extra honey if desired.
Pair with Grinder’s Switch Cran-Merry wine!

Everything Smoked Salmon Bagel Dip and Grinder’s Switch Winery Ivory Mist

January 27, 2025/in Recipes /by jodie

A springtime brunch is the perfect time to breakout this quick and easy Everything Smoked Salmon Bagel Dip and a bottle of cold Ivory Mist! This light and fluffy ricotta and cream cheese spread is topped with all of your favorite bagel toppings and served with crunchy bagel chips (or pita chips if you don’t have any bagel chips handy!)

We lovingly call our Ivory Mist “champagne without the bubbles” and it is the perfect accompaniment to this brunch dish! Feel free to add a splash of orange juice and a bit of club soda for a Mimosa Spritz!

Everything Smoked Salmon Bagel Dip

A quick and delicious no-cook brunch appetizer - perfect for a crowd!

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Prep Time 10

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

Ingredients:

2 cups 16 ounces whole milk ricotta
8 ounces cream cheese softened
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Toppings:

4 ounces smoked salmon chopped
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 tablespoon capers
1 teaspoon lemon zest from 1/2 of a large lemon
1/2 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

For Serving:

Lemon wedges
Bagel crisps
Cucumber slices

Equipment

food processor

Method

Add the ricotta, cream cheese, lemon juice, and salt to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Spread the whipped cheese onto a serving platter.
Top with the chopped smoked salmon, sliced red onion, capers, lemon zest, everything bagel seasoning and chopped fresh dill.
Serve with lemon wedges, bagel crisps and cucumber slices.

Baked Apple Brie Tart and Grinder’s Switch Winery Blondy Wine

January 27, 2025/in Recipes /by jodie

There isn’t much better than a warm tart with sweet apples and gooey brie cheese to start or end your day. This delicious Baked Apple Brie Tart has layers of apples and brie piled on flaky puff pastry and topped with salty bacon and a drizzle of honey (we love our local Duck River Honey!).

This sweet treat pairs beautifully with our Blondy – a Muscadine and Cayuga blend that has a delightful peachy sweetness to it. The trick to pairing sweet wine is to make sure your wine is just as sweet or sweeter than your dish and our Blondy is the perfect match.

Baked Apple Brie Tart and Grinder’s Switch Winery Blondy Wine

Feel free to change up your fruits and cheeses to match the season you are in! This would be delightful with a little goat cheese and berries for a summertime snack!

Baked Apple Brie Tart

An easy and delicious beginning or ending to any day. Pairs perfectly with our Blondy!

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

1 14 oz sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 cup fig preserves
½ lb wedge of brie halved crosswise + sliced ¼”
2 small apples cored + thinly sliced
olive oil
kosher salt
freshly cracked black pepper
1 tsp fresh thyme
1 egg beaten
6 oz bacon diced
honey to drizzle
flaky sea salt

Method

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Unfold the puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface & roll it out until even, pressing slightly. Transfer the dough to the sheet pan. Spread the fig preserves evenly onto the dough, leaving a 1” border.
Arrange the brie and apples over the apple butter. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Top with the fresh thyme.
Fold the edges of dough over the apples and pinch the corners together. Brush the egg wash onto the border of the dough.
Bake the tart for about 30 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Meanwhile, heat a 10″ skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to render the bacon until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain.
Let the tart sit for 2-3 minutes to cool. Transfer it to a cutting board. Cut into 12 pieces. Serve immediately with the bacon, a drizzle of honey, and a pinch of flaky sea salt over top.

Easy Chicken Risotto with Zucchini

January 30, 2021/in Recipes /by jodie

Easy Chicken Risotto with Zucchini is an elegant and easy weeknight meal for family and friends! Try one of our variations on this dish to use up whatever veggies you’ve got in your fridge.

Risotto is unique in that all of the starch in the rice grains makes it’s own creamy sauce. The best way to achieve the creamy consistency that risotto is famous for is by SLOWLY adding in your cooking liquid (in this case, chicken broth).

When I say “add it slowly”, what I mean is to add in a ladle of hot stock, then stir stir stir until the liquid is mostly absorbed and then adding your next ladle full.

You don’t want to add all of the stock at once because you will miss out on the creaminess of risotto and it will take longer for all of the rice to cook.

Wine Pairing

This dish pairs well with any dry white (such as Chardonnay) or lightly sweet wine (such as our Ivory Mist). Add a little to the dish and then add the rest your glass with dinner.

Easy Chicken Risotto with Zucchini

Easy and delicious pantry meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings: 4 people

Course: Main Course

Calories: 655

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons olive oil separated
1 1/2 cups Risotto
1 cup dry white wine such as Chardonnay or Vidal Blanc
4 cups chicken broth hot
1 small onion chopped
2 cloves garlic crushed
1 large zucchini quartered and sliced
1 large red bell pepper diced
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
salt and pepper
1 cup grated parmesan

Method

In a large skillet, heat 1 T oil over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and peppers and season with salt and pepper. Cook veggies until they have softened. Add chicken to the pan and cook until heated through. Turn heat to low until risotto is ready.
In a large saucepan, melt butter and oil over medium-high heat, saute onions and garlic until onion is translucent. Add in rice and cook for 1 minute until the rice has absorbed some of the liquid and has turned opaque.
Gradually add wine then add in chicken stock, 1 ladle at a time. Stirring until the liquid has been absorbed before adding another ladle.
Continue ladling stock and stirring until all of the broth has been incorporated and the rice is tender. Add chicken mixture and Parmesan into the pot.

Red Wine Braised Beef

March 6, 2019/in Recipes /by jodie

Whether the weather is hot or cold, sometimes you just need a hearty meal. Red Wine Braised Beef is the epitome of heartiness with all of the soul-warming flavor a tender roast provides.

Our braised beef recipe gets a flavor boost by cooking low and slow in a generous helping of our Barrel Select, a Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend that has been aged in Tennessee oak barrels for over 12 months.

If you don’t have any Barrel Select on hand, any of our other dry reds will do nicely (especially our 3-8-2 !)

Here’s a handy tip: a half bottle of dry red wine that is beginning to oxidize (read: not taste as great as it did two days ago) works fantastically in this recipe.

Give yourself plenty of time to make this dish. It’s perfect for a Sunday supper.

Are you a local Tennessean? Check out one of our tasting rooms!

Out-of-state wine lover? You can order online. We ship to over 30 states!

Beef Braised in Red Wine

Red Wine Braised Beef is a hearty, savory dish that perfectly showcases a the complex flavors of our dry red wines.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 3

Total Time 3 30

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

2 Tbls. olive oil
3 lb. boneless beef chuck roast
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 lb bacon finely chopped
1 medium onion finely chopped
1 medium carrot finely chopped
2 celery ribs finely chopped
4 garlic cloves thinly sliced
4 sprigs thyme
2 sprigs rosemary
3 Tbls. tomato paste
2 cups of Barrel Select or other dry red wine
2 cups water

Method

Put oven rack in the middle and preheat oven to 325
Heat oil in a large dutch oven until hot but not smoking.
Meanwhile, pat meat dry and season with salt and pepper.
Brown meat on both sides for about 10 minutes total.
Remove meat from pan and let rest on a plate. Add bacon to pan and saute until browned.
Add the veggies and cook until they are softened and golden brown.
Add garlic, thyme, rosemary and saute for 1 minute. Then add tomato paste and stir in and cook for 1 minute. Add wine and boil until liquid is reduced by half.
Add water to the pan and bring to a simmer. Return meat and any juices to the pan. Cover the pot with the lid and transfer to the oven.
Cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until meat is very tender.
Remove from pan and slice across the grain. Serve on top of potatoes or grits and top with sauce from pan.