Parker-Binns Vineyard Rosé

Parker-Binns Vineyard is a charming winery located in Mill Spring, NC with beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We were fortunate to visit Parker-Binns recently for a family celebration, which included quite a few guests. Setting up our picnic in the gardens, we were surrounded by gorgeous flowers and carefree butterflies. Our celebration felt private, but we were still able to easily see the tasting room, rows of vines, and the busy animals. Yes, there are animals at Parker-Binns. Our kids really enjoyed making friends with Lulu (vineyard dog) and interacting with the goats and alpacas. Giggles echoed across the venue when our kiddos watched Lulu run in circles around the other animals.

The lively, relaxing, and entertaining atmosphere of Parker-Binns is fun for the whole family, yet it is still a perfect spot for an intimate date. Leisurely stroll around the grounds. Take a tour. Enjoy brick-oven pizza on Sundays. Talk to the animals. Dance to live music. Sip award-winning wine. You’re sure to have a great time!

Although Parker-Binns Rosé is a drier Rosé than we are used to, it is still a refreshing wine to enjoy as the summer comes to a close. The nose of this Provençal style wine has a subtle floral aroma, dancing with notes of apple. Strong citrus and grapefruit flavors play on the palate and lend to a strong finish.

What they say: Merlot and Cabernet Franc-based with a delicate light salmon hue. Big notes of citrus and apple on the nose, with a silk, supple grapefruit and citrus finish. A nice dry summer wine, best served well chilled.

Tasting Info:

Friday–Sunday: 12:00 pm–5:00 pm

Pairing Recipe:

ABC Sandwich (Avocado-Bacon-Cucumber Sandwich)

This is easily one of my favorite sandwiches. You have the crunch factor with the cucumber and bacon, a bit of heat from the spread (a chipotle mayo), and a little creaminess from the fatty avocado. When all these ingredients are put together in a sandwich, it’s a magic moment. Of course, slathered on some quality bread, the sandwich goes up a notch. I suggest a multigrain, whole wheat or sourdough bread for these ingredients. They’ve all proven themselves great pairings with these sandwich ingredients. Want to make that magic moment even better? Pair it with the Parker-Binns Vineyard Rosé—so good! This citrus summer wine pairs lovely with the summer sandwich.

—Chef Katie Picher

Ingredients:

1/2 Chipotle Pepper, from the Canned Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce
2 Tbsp. Mayo
1/2 Cucumber, peeled & sliced lengthwise (thin slices)
2–3 pieces of Bacon (Bacon of your choosing, cooked)
1/2 Avocado, pitted & sliced
2 Slices Multigrain Bread

Method of Preparation:

Make the Chipotle Mayo Spread by pulsing up or finely dicing the Chipotle pepper from the can. I highly recommend the Canned Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce because the flavor is amazing. By mixing the mayo with the diced pepper and a little bit of juice from the can, a spicy, delicious, and fast spread is created. If you like a little more heat, then feel free to dice up another pepper and throw it into the spread. If you like a little less, then start with a quarter of the pepper.
Peel and thinly slice the cucumber.
Cut the avocado in half and take the pit out. Using a spoon, take the avocado out of the skin and thinly cut into slices.
Heat a pan over medium heat. Cook 2–3 slices of bacon on one side for a couple of minutes. No oil is necessary in the pan since bacon is so fatty. After the backside of the bacon looks like it’s getting crispy, simply flip the bacon and finish cooking the other side. This should just take another minute or two. Make sure to place the bacon on a plate lined with a paper towel or napkin to soak up the remaining grease from the bacon.
Slather the spread on one piece of the multigrain bread. On the other piece of bread, shingle stack the slices of avocado. Place a couple of slices of the cucumber on top of the spread avocado, followed by the bacon and top with chipotle mayo bread.

Enjoy your delicious and refreshing sandwich!

Until our next glass…

Go local. Drink Carolinas. 🍷