WINE PAIRINGS & SUMMER GRILLING

At Dobbes Family Winery, we find something to love in every season—whether it’s the promise of spring budbreak, the vibrant colors of fall harvest, or the cozy quiet of winter in the cellar. But if we had to choose just one season that captures our hearts a little more than the others, it would have to be summer in Oregon. There’s simply nothing like it. The days stretch long into golden evenings, the Willamette Valley bursts with fresh local produce, and the natural beauty that surrounds us—from lush vineyards to mountain views—is at its absolute peak. And of course, summer is the perfect time to enjoy everything we love most: good food, great wine, and gathering with friends under the open sky. The recipes below are a celebration of some of the best produce our state has to offer, especially when it comes from local farmers!

Wine bottle and filled glass on a rustic table, with sunlit vineyard rows in the background.

Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

The steak’s smoky char and rich, beefy flavor are balanced by the brightness and finesse of the 2022 Patricia’s Cuvée Pinot Noir,  while the chimichurri’s herbal punch and garlic kick elevate the wine’s earthy complexity. It’s a match that’s bold, refreshing, and distinctly Northwest.

Recipe
Sunlit vineyard rows stretch across rolling green hills beneath a blue sky.

Grilled Salmon with Fresh Herb Butter

With bright red fruit tones of the 2022 DUX Vineyard Pinot Noir, like raspberry and cherry,  lift the savory richness of the fish, while the wine’s natural acidity refreshes the palate between bites.

The fresh herb butter adds aromatic layers that echo the subtle floral and forest-floor notes found in many Willamette Valley Pinots. Grilling the salmon adds a touch of smokiness that mirrors the wine’s gentle spice, creating a pairing that feels effortless and refined.

Recipe
Sunlit rows of grapevines stretch across a green vineyard beneath a bright blue sky.

Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone and Honey

The warm, caramelized fruit plays off our 2023 Brassage’s vibrant acidity and subtle orchard fruit notes, while the creamy mascarpone mirrors the wine’s soft, elegant mousse. A drizzle of honey adds just the right touch of sweetness, highlighting the bright, celebratory character of the wine. Light, refreshing, and irresistibly seasonal, this pairing captures everything we love about summer: peak fruit, golden evenings, and something chilled in hand.

Recipe