Dundee Hills Sommelier Series: Barbecue and Summer Fare

This summertime menu from Winderlea’s DeAnna Ornelas, WSET-III, brings a fresh spin and an unexpected elegance to backyard barbecue with a trio of dishes designed for the grill and your wine glass. From creamy, lime-dressed esquites to a wine-paired hot dog (yes, really), to a sweet, stonefruit finale, each course celebrates bold flavors and the joy of casual outdoor dining. Fire up the grill and raise a glass to summer in the Dundee Hills!

Course 1 – Summer Esquites

Corn holds significant cultural importance and is a staple for DeAnna’s family. They live by the rule that it’s not summer unless you’re enjoying corn in one of its many forms! This recipe offers a flavorful and textural punch with ingredients including mayonnaise, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime, and garlic. 

RECIPE: Summer Esquites from Winderlea Vineyard & Winery

Wine characteristics: Both Rosé and white wines will pair nicely with these esquites. Look for options that are medium-bodied and have high to medium acidity to cut through the richness of the dish. 

• 2024 Winderlea Rosé of Pinot noir – The wine’s acidity and medium body help cut through the richness of the mayo. The rosé has a hint of strawberry and citrus zest on the finish that cozies up nicely to the fresh lime juice and cilantro that’s used to finish the dish. 
• 2023 Cramoisi Estate Field Blend Chardonnay – The wine’s 25% new oak enhances the savoriness from the butter. The oak can be perceived as sweet on the finish, quelling the spice from the jalapeno (if you did not remove the seeds).

 

Course 2 –  Grilled Glizzies

Are we all ready to admit how much we secretly love a grilled hot dog? Add them to the menu with an upgrade by pairing with wine instead of beer. DeAnna recommends Hebrew National hot dogs, mustard, ketchup, relish, Mama Lil’s mildly spicy peppers in oil, and grilled onions. 

Wine characteristics: When transitioning from whites to reds, DeAnna recommends starting with a lighter red featuring low tannins and acidity that will balance the bold flavors of mustard, peppers, and grilled onions. On a hot summer day, Gamay Noir makes for a nice chillable red. 

• Stoller Family wines 2022 Chehalem Gamay Noir – This wine undergoes semi-carbonic maceration, which produces light-bodied, fruit-forward wines with lower tannins, resulting in a refreshing palate. The bright acidity, cranberry, and strawberry notes are an excellent match for the savory, slightly salty flavors of the hot dog, especially when balanced with the tang of mustard and sweetness from the grilled onions.
  
• 2022 Winderlea Whole Cluster Imprint Pinot Noir – The 100% whole cluster fermentation allows the stems to release a bit of potassium, upping the PH in the wine and providing an almost creamy mouthfeel, making this wine versatile enough to handle anything from a simple summer hotdog or a complex duck confit. The fine tannins offer enough structure to carry the dish through to the savory finish. 

Course 3 – Grilled Peaches with Strawberry Compote 

Summertime dessert sings with this recipe from one of DeAnna’s favorites – Chef Carlos Perez of Maya’s Kitchen in Forest Grove, Oregon. Ingredients include grilled peaches topped with a compote made from fresh Hood strawberries, and lemon crumble over top.

RECIPE: Grilled Peaches with Strawberry Compote from Maya’s Kitchen 

Wine characteristics: End your menu on a bright note! Whether still or sparkling, look for crisp and refreshing white wines with stonefruit notes that complement rather than contrast the sweet strawberries and caramelized peaches.

• 2014 Native Flora 10-year Cuvee Loetscher – This 10-year methode champenoise from Native Flora absolutely sparkles. Aged Oregon sparkling wines typically develop notes of toasted pine nuts, brioche, and an element of stone fruit. This harmonizes with the grilled apricot’s caramelization and natural sweetness. 
• 2022 Holloran Riesling Le Pavillon – Their practice of dropping a significant amount of fruit helps reduce the crop to ensure a completely ripened Riesling that offers notes of apricot and orange zest. With 12% alcohol content, it’s considered off-dry, so there will be some noticeable sweetness that helps highlight the strawberry compote.

 

Meet DeAnna Ornelas

DeAnna is a WSET Level 3 certified wine professional who left a career in health insurance to pursue a more meaningful path rooted in community, storytelling, and her love of food and wine. Originally from Kansas, DeAnna found her home in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where she’s spent the last decade at Winderlea, sharing beautiful wines and warm hospitality. 

A leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion, she helped launch the region’s first DEI training and served five years as president of AHIVOY, a nonprofit that empowers vineyard stewards through education. DeAnna is passionate about creating space for others to fall in love with wine, just like she did.