Hello readers, I thought it would be fun to write a little bit about pairing wine with your favorite snacks or quick dinners. It does not have to be a big event to enjoy a bottle of your favorite wine. In fact, you don’t really have to pair wine with anything to enjoy it. Grab your bottle, glass and yourself — and that is really all you need.

Want to plan a movie night in with your significant other and popcorn is on the menu? Hmmm, what wine will go best with that, you wonder? Grab a beautiful bottle of Syrah! The buttery, salty, flavor of the popcorn will complement the deep smokey taste of the Syrah. Right here in the Valley, we have beautifully crafted Syrah’s from Orenda, William Grassie, Pearl & Stone, Convergence Zone, Mt Si Winery and Sigillo.

A person does not always have to have a full-blown charcuterie board with French cheeses, artisan crackers or Swiss chocolate to impress. A simple “cheddar and crackers” pairs wonderfully with a nice bottle of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. The Snoqualmie Valley possesses some of the best Pinot Noir in the state from Chateau NoElle on the Ridge — or William Grassie has a fresh Chardonnay that will pair nicely with your simple offerings.

Throwing together a little hash for a quick dinner with your friends and need a yummy wine to enjoy? What is in that hash? If you are thinking on the spicy side, then grab a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling from any of the local wineries, or Convergence Zone has a nice Chenin Blanc. If you are leaning more toward the savory side, all the local wineries make a great Cabernet. You just get to know your favorite.

A Malbec always goes well with dessert because of its deep, dark mixed flavors. From a wild fruit concoction to a tasty chocolate dream. Our bountiful Valley offers plenty of Malbec from any one of your favorite wineries.

Pairing can be simple and doesn’t have to be mysterious. It really comes down to your palate and how you want to complement the flavor of what you’re serving. Have fun, be creative and enjoy your surroundings

A little word of advice: you can never go wrong beginning and ending an event with a nice bubbly. Both William Grassie and Sigillo offer a gorgeous sparkling wine. Also, Rose is highly versatile and should never be under-estimated.

Cheers!

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Kimberlea Miller owns Wildflower Bistro in North Bend. Send comments to editor@valleyrecord.com.