Perfect pickled. As in the process of pickling food for preservation, is something we humans have been doing for about 4,000 years. A staple back in the days before refrigeration, many are finding joy in this process again. New to pickling or looking for some new ideas and/or tricks for pairing pickled foods with wine? We’ve got you covered.
2 Ways to Pickle
Vinegar – This provides a stealthy acidic environment in which few bacteria can survive. Looking to give this method a try? “How to Quick Pickle Any Vegetable” is a great starting point.
Salt Brine – Salt kicks the pickled item into the fermentation process. Go old school with this method and try “Old-Fashioned Brine Fermented Pickles“.
Pickled Pairings
Pickled foods are notoriously challenging to pair. Our team came up with these suggestions and guidelines, along with recipes and pairings.
Anything pickled is going to need to be paired with something crisp, fresh and fruity. It’s all about matching acidity levels.
For the more tart like pickled cukes, go with a dry Riesling like Lighthouse Riesling VQA or red such as Pinot Noir VQA.
Pickled Beets – Since fresh, Ontario beets have a nice sweetness to them, you want a wine that is crisp and offers a freshness with some good fruit. Give LOLA Cabernet Franc Rosé VQA or Cabernet Franc VQA a go with these.
Pickled Beans – These have a lot more texture so you’ll want a wine with more mouthfeel to match. For that try J.S. Hamilton Pinot Gris VQA or Vinedressers Chardonnay VQA. Both have more weight in the mouthfeel to match the beans.
Spicy Garlic & Dill Pickled Bean Recipe
Local Gets Pickled
On Pelee Island, it’s all about simplicity with a focus on local. When we had friends visit from Wine Country Ontario, we wanted to share all that local goodness with them. We tapped into many of our favourite local resources and served up a Local Lunchbox.
Included in the Local Lunchbox, was a selection of pickled and preserve offerings from Pelee Island Pickles, available only at the Pelee Island Farmers Market in the Quarry. This is a must-stop by summer destination when on Pelee Island. Just down the road from the Pelee Island Winery Pavilion on East West Road, The Pelee Island Farmers Market in the Quarry takes place every Saturday from mid-June through mid-September from 10am to 1pm. The market features fresh organic produce, preserves, local artisans’ wares, and café espresso. Note: this year the last Farmers Market will be held Saturday, September 4th from 10am-1pm.
After our guests raved about them, we asked Patricia of Stone & Sky her tips for pickling. She has graciously shared.
Tips from Patricia
-Always start with the freshest ingredients.
-Allow yourself enough time-have lots of extra containers on hand, bowls, food grade buckets etc.
-Make sure you have everything you need before you start-prep whatever you can the day before (washing jars and produce, eg.).
-Keep detailed notes of amounts, what worked, and what didn’t work for future reference-love the process, it makes the food healthier.
Upcoming Quarry Live Performance Event:
A co-production between Stone & Sky Music & Arts Series and Pelee Unplugged, a concert (free to the community, proof of vaccination and validation required) is being planned for Saturday, Sept. 18th at 6:00 pm. Finalizing details, but the date and time will hold. Confirmed – Allison Brown, Tina Newlove, and Christina Sealey.
Cheers!
Pssttt… Don’t forget! While you’re here to sign up for our Birthday Club and receive a $20 Gift Voucher for your birthday!