Recreate Our Stonemason Cellars Valentine's Winemaker Dinner: Recipes & Perfect Wine Pairings

As promised, we're sharing the complete recipes from our recent Valentine's Winemaker Dinner! We've put together this comprehensive recipe guide from the vibrant purple sweet potato hummus that visually stole the show to our rich duck ragu and decadent chocolate fondue finale, each dish was carefully crafted to complement our award-winning Sonoma County wines. Whether you're planning a romantic evening for two (because love can be celebrated any day of the year!) or simply want to elevate your next dinner gathering with friends, these recipes are designed to create memorable moments around the table.

Amuse-Bouche | Purple Sweet Potato Hummus

Purple Sweet Potato Hummus

This stunning, vibrant hummus isn't just beautiful to look at—it's a total crowd-pleaser. Creamy, colorful, and packed with flavor, this eye-catching starter is guaranteed to impress your guests before the main courses even begin.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked purple sweet potatoes (cooled)

• 1½ cups cooked chickpeas (reserve a few for garnish)

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• ¼ cup lemon juice

• ¼ cup tahini

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more for garnish)

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Microgreens for garnish

  
  

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients except olive oil, microgreens, and garnish chickpeas in a food processor.

2. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to reach desired consistency.

3. Transfer to a bowl, garnish with reserved chickpeas, a drizzle of olive oil, and microgreens.

4. Serve with root vegetable chips for the perfect color contrast and crunch.

   
   

Recipe Notes: Absolutely perfect with Trader Joe's root vegetable chips for both flavor and presentation.

Wine Pairing:

• Rock Rose 2021 & 2023  (Gold - Harvest Fair) - The floral aromas and bright fruit notes of these vintages perfectly complement the earthy sweetness of the purple sweet potato and the creamy texture of the hummus.

First Course | Asparagus and Potato Salad with Riesling-Tarragon Vinaigrette

Asparagus and Potato Salad with Riesling-Tarragon Vinaigrette

Delicate fingerling potatoes paired with tender spring asparagus in a vibrant Riesling-Tarragon vinaigrette. Fresh herbs add brightness to this sophisticated starter that's perfect for beginning your romantic evening.

Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs fingerling potatoes, halved

• Kosher salt

• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 small shallot, minced

• 2 tbsp tarragon, chopped

• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Fresh lemon juice

  
  

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (about 20 minutes). Drain and let cool.

2. Blanch asparagus in salted water until tender-crisp, then transfer to ice water. Drain.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together shallot, tarragon, vinegar, mustard, and lemon juice.

4. Slowly whisk in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Add potatoes and asparagus; toss gently to coat. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Recipe Notes: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt elevate the flavors in this elegant salad, best served slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Wine Pairing:

• Elevate 2022  (92 points Wine Enthusiast, Silver SF Chronicle) - The crisp acidity brings freshness and vibrancy to the asparagus, creating a refreshing balance of flavors.

• Harmon Reserve Chardonnary 2022  (Best of Class SF Chronicle, 92 points Wine Enthusiast) - Rich, buttery notes highlight the creamy texture of the potatoes while complementing the herbal notes in the vinaigrette.

Main Course | Duck Ragu with Pancetta and Green Olives

Duck Ragu with Pancetta and Green Olives

Hand-crafted duck ragu slow-simmered with crispy pancetta and quartered Castelvetrano olives, served over fresh pappardelle pasta and finished with aged Parmesan and fresh herbs. This hearty, luxurious dish creates the perfect centerpiece for your Valentine's dinner.

Ingredients:

• 3 duck legs

• Salt and pepper

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 oz pancetta, diced

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 carrots, finely chopped

• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup dry white wine

• 1 cup chicken stock

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 bay leaf

• ½ cup green olives, quartered

• Fresh pasta, for serving

Instructions:

1. Season duck legs with salt and pepper. Brown in olive oil over medium heat; remove and set aside.

2. In the same pot, cook pancetta until crispy. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic; cook until soft.

3. Deglaze with white wine; cook until reduced by half.

4. Add chicken stock, tomatoes, and bay leaf. Return duck legs to the pot.

5. Simmer, covered, for 1½ to 2 hours, until duck is tender.

6. Remove duck, shred meat, and return to sauce with quartered olives. Simmer for 10 more minutes.

7. Serve over fresh pasta.

   
   

Recipe Notes: Quartering the olives (rather than using them whole) distributes their flavor throughout this indulgent main course.

Wine Pairing:

• 2021 Pinot Noir (Double Gold Harvest Fair) - Bright red fruit flavors and silky tannins perfectly complement the rich, savory duck and pancetta in this luxurious main course.

• 2022 Cabernet Franc (Silver Harvest Fair) - Adds a touch of spice and herbal notes that enhance the depth and complexity of the ragu while balancing the richness of the dish.

Dessert | Chocolate Fondue for Two

Chocolate Fondue for Two

Dark Chocolate Fondue served with an assortment of dippers we included fresh local strawberries, blackberries, dried mango, mini palmiers, pecans, and mini croissants. The perfect interactive dessert to share with your sweetheart.

Ingredients:

• Use chocolate of your choice, we used chocolate chips instead of bars (50% dark / 50% milk)4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

  4 oz milk chocolate chips

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 tbsp wine (Hammer Time works perfectly)

• Dippers: dried mango, palmiers, pecans, blackberries, strawberries, mini croissants

Instructions:

1. Heat cream in a saucepan over medium heat until just starting to bubble.

2. Remove from heat, add chocolate chips, and let sit for 2 minutes.

3. Stir until chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

4. Stir in liquor.

5. Transfer to a fondue pot and serve immediately with dippers.

Recipe Notes: A simple but stunning dessert using a blend of 50% dark and 50% milk chocolate chips for the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

Wine Pairing:

• Hammer Time 2021 (Silver Harvest Fair) - Adds a playful, spirited kick that enhances the chocolate experience and creates a memorable finish to your romantic meal.

• 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (Silver Harvest Fair, 90 points Wine Enthusiast) - Deep, dark fruit flavors and velvety texture complement the luxurious chocolate fondue, creating a decadent finale to your Valentine's dinner.

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All wines featured in this menu are hand-crafted by Stonemason Cellars, a family-owned boutique winery producing award-winning, limited-production wines from vineyards across Sonoma County. Founded in 2019, each bottle reflects their passion for creating wines with "as much character as the people who make them."