Merlot

Merlot is a red wine grape variety that is widely planted throughout the world. With its medium body, soft tannins, and fruit-forward flavors, Merlot is a popular choice for both casual drinkers and serious wine enthusiasts.

Pairs perfectly to these recipes...

Savor the Napa Valley flavors with this Cabernet Butter Burger, featuring caramelized onions and a rich wine-infused butter.

Cabernet Butter Burger with Caramelized Onions

Succulent smoked quail with sweet figs and spiced apple purée is a delicious and unique main course. This simple recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal.

Smoked & Sauced Quail with Figs & Spiced Apple Purée

Fluffy ricotta gnocchi tossed in a rich Merlot bolognese sauce for a comforting and flavorful dish. Perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal.

Ricotta Gnocchi in Merlot Bolognese

These mini meatballs are packed with flavor and perfect for parties or a quick and easy meal. Made with ground beef, arugula pesto, and your favorite toppings, these sliders are sure to be a hit.

Arugula Pesto Meatball Sliders

Discover the Ultimate Chilmole-Braised Short Ribs Recipe with a Fresh Herb Garnish. A Delectable and Hearty Dish!

Chilmole-Braised Short Ribs with Fresh Herb Garnish

Savor the flavors of Napa wine country with these authentic wine-glazed onions. A delightful recipe for wine lovers and home chefs seeking healthy, farm-to-table summer dinner ideas.

Napa Valley Wine-Glazed Onions

This rich and flavorful steak sauce is made with merlot wine, mushrooms, and other savory ingredients. It's the perfect way to enhance the flavor of your favorite steak recipe.

Merlot & Mushroom Medley Steak Sauce

Humboldt Fog Cheese & Merlot Poached Pear Salad

Unveil the magic of Napa Valley Pinot Noir-Braised Short Ribs & Organic Root Vegetables. A recipe that brings wine vineyard elegance to your table.

Napa Valley Pinot Noir-Braised Short Ribs with Organic Root Vegetables

Elevate your home chef skills with Dry-Aged Ribeye, Porcini Mushroom Sauce & Truffle-Parmesan Fries. A valley chef's delight.

Dry-Aged Ribeye with Porcini Mushroom Sauce and Truffle-Parmesan Fries

Elevate Pork Tenderloin with Cherry-Balsamic Reduction & Roasted Root Vegetables. A recipe that adds Napa authenticity to your dinner.

Pork Tenderloin with Cherry-Balsamic Reduction and Roasted Root Vegetables

Elevate burger night with Marin Grass-Fed Beef Burger, Grilled Onions & Point Reyes Blue Cheese. A valley chef's delight at home.

Marin Grass-Fed Beef Burger with Grilled Onions and Point Reyes Blue Cheese

Unveil valley chef magic with Grilled California Quail, Fig & Port Sauce. An authentic recipe bringing wine vineyard elegance to your table.

Grilled California Quail with Fig and Port Sauce

Roasted Rack of Lamb with Herb Crust

Merlot Plum Reduction

Enjoy Lentil & Vegetable Soup, Hearty Greens & Homemade Croutons. A quick, healthy recipe perfect for any home chef seeking Napa tastes.

Lentil and Vegetable Soup with Hearty Greens and Homemade Croutons

Indulge in Slow-Cooked Short Ribs, Cabernet Sauvignon. Elevate comfort food with Napa Valley authenticity and culinary excellence.

Slow-Cooked Short Ribs in Cabernet Sauvignon

Elevate your dinner with Seared Duck Breast, Cherry Reduction & Pinot Noir. A valley chef's delight adding Napa's sophistication to your table.

Seared Duck Breast with Cherry Reduction and Pinot Noir

Elevate your meal with Grilled Rib-Eye Steak & Red Wine Sauce. A valley chef's authentic recipe, bringing Napa elegance to your table.

Grilled Rib-Eye Steak with Red Wine Sauce

Common Tasting Notes

black cherry, plum, raspberry, blackberry, vanilla, oak, tobacco, leather, chocolate, violet, blueberry, mocha, cinnamon, clove, licorice, black pepper, bell pepper, thyme, sage, rosemary

What does it pair with?

Merlot is a versatile wine that pairs well with a wide range of foods. Its soft, smooth texture and fruit-forward flavors make it a good match for grilled or roasted meats, such as beef, lamb, and pork. It also pairs well with dishes that feature tomato-based sauces or roasted vegetables. For a lighter pairing, try Merlot with pizza or pasta dishes with a tomato sauce.

Learn Something New in the Single Ingredient Series

Banana

The Versatile, Delicious, and Nutritious Fruit

Tomato

The Versatile and Flavorful Fruit of the Vine

Explore the Series

Explore Napa Valley

Explore the enchanting beauty and flavors of Napa. Discover wineries, culinary delights, and breathtaking landscapes in this iconic destination.

Napa 101: An Insider's Guide to the Heart of Wine Country

Discover the art of pairing wine with cigars. Explore the harmony of flavors and elevate your indulgence with expert tips. Unveil a new level of enjoyment.

Is Wine Good With Cigars? An Expert's Napa Valley Perspective

Experience luxury and comfort at Napa hotels. Discover a serene retreat amidst vineyards, offering a perfect wine country getaway. Book now!

Napa Hotels: A Local's Guide to Luxury and Comfort

Indulge in the ultimate wine experience at our premier winery. Discover exceptional vintages and elevate your palate with us. Cheers to excellence!

Discovering Napa’s Premier Wineries: A Local’s Guide

Hello and welcome to Napa Home Chef! We're thrilled you're joining us to explore the vibrant world of wine country cooking. Our team has crafted bold, creative recipes inspired by Napa Valley's lush landscapes, bountiful harvests, and world-renowned wines. We hope you enjoy the journey with us!

Get ready to experience the rich flavors and unique culinary delights that embody the essence of wine country living. Happy cooking!

About Me

Don't miss a recipe!

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Coming soon - Cookbook!

Loving Napa Home Chef Recipes and wishing for more? Discover print exclusives!