🍝 Pasta Nights, Mother-Daughter Style: Susanne & Cate Explore Unexpected Pairings at Vineyard Grant James

Ashley
Nov 11, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Nov 18, 2025

At Vineyard Grant James, we’ve always believed that great wine should be shared — with friends, with food, and often with a healthy dose of curiosity. For winemaker Susanne Sapier and her daughter Cate, that philosophy has recently led them into the kitchen for some delicious (and sometimes delightfully surprising!) wine-pairing adventures.

The two share a favorite ritual: trading recipes from the New York Times

Cooking newsletter. What started as a fun way to test weeknight dinners has quickly become a creative journey in discovering how VGJ wines can complement even the most unexpected dishes.

The Peanut Butter Pasta That Started It All

It all began with the now-famous Peanut Butter Noodles recipe. Skeptical but intrigued, Susanne gave it a go — and to her surprise, it worked weirdly well with the 2019 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.

“The fruitiness in the Cab was such a nice complement to the salt and fat in the peanut butter,” Susanne said. “It reminded us of that classic combo — salted peanuts at a bar and a glass of Cabernet. Simple, salty, and so satisfying.”

That unexpected success gave the pair the confidence to keep experimenting.

🍷 A Carbonara to Remember

Next up was a comfort classic: spaghetti carbonara. The creamy texture, smoky pancetta, and richness of the dish found its perfect partner in the 2023 Malbec.

“The intensity and aroma of the cheese really stood up to the boldness and tannins in the Malbec,” Susanne said. “It made the meal dark, rich, and honestly — I think we all ate too much pasta and drank too much wine that night!”

Garlic Noodles Meet Sauvignon Blanc

Then came something entirely different — San Francisco–Style Vietnamese American Garlic Noodles. Cate had all the ingredients ready in her San Francisco kitchen (her husband’s love for Asian food made it an easy pick), and this one quickly earned a spot in their regular rotation.

The pairing? The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc — crisp, clean, and lively.

“The acidity and brightness of the Sauvignon Blanc added this refreshing lift to the meal,” Susanne shared. “It cut through the richness of the oyster sauce, balanced the salt in the soy sauce, and softened the heat of the garlic. It was spot-on.”

🍾 The Wine Club Twist

They would’ve tried more, but — in true Vineyard Grant James fashion — Cate’s Wine Club stash didn’t last long. “We drank all the VGJ wine before we could test the next recipe!” Susanne laughed.

These kitchen experiments perfectly capture the spirit of Vineyard Grant James — approachable, creative, and full of heart. Whether you’re opening a bottle for a fancy dinner or a casual weeknight meal, there’s always room to play, taste, and discover new favorites.