Alex on the Road: North Carolina Mountains

The thick, steamy air was new to me. It was warm and heavy -not typically what a native Californian would be used to- yet comfortable and inviting. The creaks, chirps, and dull hum of the hickory forest further solidified that I was no longer home. The mountains of western North Carolina are a majestic place unlike anything I have seen or experienced throughout The Golden State. Rolling hills stretch as far as the eye can see and lush green forrest carpets every inch that is not a shear granite cliff face.

Mountain Air Country Club is by far one of the most unique clubs I have ever visited. For starters, it boasts a private runway capable of landing Learjets. It’s views fully encapsulate the expansive beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and are only overshadowed by the exquisite meal cooked by Chef Jared and paired with Cornerstone’s wine. Jared and I had been going back and forth for the better part of two weeks tweaking the menu to ensure that only the best food and wine pairings were created. We started off with an assortment of passed hors d'oeuvres and the 2010 Cornerstone Sauvignon Blanc. This was a great way to ease many of the gusts into the evening as they socialized & enjoyed our refreshing wine on that hot summer’s day.

After being seated we were served three fried oysters with compressed melon paired with the Stepping Stone 2011 Corallina Rosé. Many guests showed apprehension as this decidedly pink wine was poured into their glass. Fear turned into surprise and then into astonishment as the soft melon and strawberry notes from the wine along with it's bright acidity complimented the oysters. Grinning from ear to ear, we were ready for course three, poussin two ways paired with Cornerstone Oregon 2009 Pinot Noir. From there we went to grilled and braised lamb with the 2009 Stepping Stone Cabernet Franc. We finished the meal with both the 2008 Napa Valley and Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignons. We talked for hours about Cornerstone’s winemaking methods and philosophy before moving on to life in the Napa Valley.

Walking away from the club I felt as if I had truly gotten to know the food, the people, the culture, and how integrally linked all three were with our wines that evening. It was a night which we will all look back upon and smile. Just as we did when that pink wine was sipped after a bite of fried oyster.