Perfect Pairings: Local Cuisine and Brick Barn Wines
Wine and food are a timeless pairing — and in Santa Ynez Valley, where world class wines meet a fresh, seasonal culinary scene, there’s no better place to explore the harmony of flavor. At Brick Barn Wine Estate, we believe the best wine pairings start with local ingredients and expressive wines. Whether you’re sipping in the tasting room or enjoying a bottle at home, let this guide inspire your next pairing.
Why Wine and Food Pairing Matters
Pairing the right food with wine brings out new dimensions in both. Acidity, tannins, sweetness, and body can all be enhanced (or clashed) by what’s on your plate. Here at Brick Barn Wine Estate, we take pride in crafting wines that are vibrant, balanced, and perfectly suited for food — especially dishes that highlight Santa Ynez Valley’s rich agricultural roots.
Local Flavors That Complement Brick Barn Wines
Santa Ynez Valley is home to fresh caught seafood, artisan cheeses, seasonal produce, and pasture raised meats. These local ingredients are a natural match for our wines, which reflect the character of our estate vineyards in Buellton.
Looking for a few ideas? These pairings highlight some of our favorite wines from the Brick Barn portfolio:
Albariño + Grilled Halibut with Lemon Herb Butter
Bright, citrusy, and mineral driven, our Albariño pairs beautifully with seafood. A fillet of grilled halibut topped with lemon butter and fresh herbs brings out the wine’s crisp acidity and coastal flair.
Pinot Noir + Duck Breast with Cherry Reduction
Our Santa Ynez Pinot Noir is light bodied yet complex, with notes of red cherry and earth. It’s a fantastic match for rich meats like duck, especially when paired with fruit forward sauces that echo the wine’s profile.
Cabernet Franc + Tri Tip with Chimichurri
A Central Coast staple like Santa Maria-style tri tip is ideal for our spicy, structured Cabernet Franc. Add a drizzle of fresh chimichurri, and you’ve got a bold pairing that celebrates local flavor.
Grenache Rosé + Watermelon & Feta Salad
Dry, fruity, and refreshing, our Grenache Rosé is picnic-perfect. Try it with a watermelon and feta salad — a mix of salty, sweet, and crisp textures that dance alongside the wine’s bright strawberry notes.
Where to Try These Pairings Nearby
Even though we don’t operate a kitchen at Brick Barn, there are incredible local spots where you can enjoy similar dishes that complement our wines:
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Industrial Eats – A Buellton gem with farm to table plates, charcuterie, and wine friendly fare
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S.Y. Kitchen – Rustic Italian style cooking with fresh California ingredients
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The Hitching Post II – Grilled meats and local wine pairings in a casual setting
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The Lucky Hen Larder – Artisan cheese boards and gourmet market goods perfect for wine picnics
Bring the Experience Home
Ready to try your own pairings? Stop by the tasting room and talk to our team — we’d love to help you pick the perfect bottle for your next dinner or celebration. Not local? Order online and we’ll ship your favorite wines directly to your door.
Follow Along for More Pairings
Love food and wine inspiration? Follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes vineyard shots, seasonal pairing ideas, and updates from Santa Ynez Valley.
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