Uncorking Durham’s Drink Delights
It’s a crisp autumn evening in Durham, North Carolina, and I’m making my way down Ninth Street, the heart of this vibrant city’s culinary scene. The air is alive with the tantalizing aromas of sizzling burgers, fresh-baked bread, and craft cocktails being shaken to perfection. As I stroll past the bustling restaurants and lively pubs, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement. Durham, known for its thriving food and drink culture, is about to reveal its greatest secret: the art of perfect drink pairings.
You see, this city isn’t just home to some of the South’s most incredible chefs and mixologists – it’s also a treasure trove of local wineries, breweries, and distilleries, each offering a unique liquid canvas to complement the flavors of the Durham dining experience. And as a self-proclaimed connoisseur of all things sip-worthy, I’m here to guide you through the ultimate Durham drink pairing adventure.
Raising a Glass to Local Libations
Let’s start our journey with a visit to Jones von Drehle Vineyards and Winery, a family-owned estate nestled in the rolling hills just outside of Durham. Here, winemaker Tanner Pardue and his team are crafting some of the most acclaimed wines in North Carolina, each one a unique expression of the terroir.
As I step into the tasting room, I’m instantly transported to the sun-drenched vineyards, my senses awakened by the aromas of ripe fruit and earthy minerality. Tanner eagerly guides me through a selection of their award-winning offerings, each one a revelation. The 2015 Cabernet Franc, with its complex berry and cherry notes, would be the perfect pairing for a juicy Durham steak, while the crisp, citrusy 2017 Petit Manseng would dance delightfully with a plate of locally sourced seafood.
But Jones von Drehle isn’t the only game in town. Just a few miles away, Black Twig Cider House is making waves in the Durham drink scene with its impressive selection of craft ciders. Owner and cider enthusiast Ricky Webster takes pride in showcasing the best of North Carolina’s apple bounty, from the bright and refreshing Farmhouse Cider to the bold, barrel-aged Bourbon Barrel Reserve.
“Cider has this incredible versatility when it comes to food pairings,” Ricky explains as he pours me a sample of the Bourbon Barrel Reserve. “The subtle oak and vanilla notes in this cider would be the perfect complement to a rich, smoky barbecue dish from one of Durham’s renowned pit masters.”
Craft Cocktails and the Durham Dining Experience
Of course, no discussion of Durham’s drink scene would be complete without mentioning the city’s thriving craft cocktail culture. Establishments like Alley Twenty Six have elevated the art of mixology, showcasing local spirits and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
“When it comes to pairing cocktails with food, it’s all about finding that perfect balance of flavors,” says bartender Hannah Stephenson as she mixes up a refreshing gin and tonic. “The botanicals in our house-made tonic work beautifully with the bright, herbaceous notes of this local gin, making it the ideal companion to a rich, umami-packed dish like a Durham meatball.”
And the creativity doesn’t stop there. Just a few blocks away, The Up & Under Pub is turning heads with its innovative cocktail menu, featuring unexpected pairings that challenge the traditional notions of what a drink can be. I’m immediately intrigued by the “Beet the Devil,” a vibrant concoction of beet-infused gin, citrus, and a hint of spice.
“The earthy sweetness of the beet pairs so well with the bold, peppery flavors of a Durham-style hot chicken sandwich,” the bartender tells me as I take my first sip, the flavors bursting to life on my palate.
Crafting the Perfect Pairings
As the sun sets over Durham, I find myself reflecting on the incredible diversity of the city’s drink scene. From the meticulously crafted wines of Jones von Drehle to the innovative cocktails of Alley Twenty Six, each sip has been a revelation, perfectly in harmony with the flavors of the local cuisine.
But what’s the secret to unlocking these perfect pairings? According to the experts, it all comes down to understanding the interplay of flavors and textures.
“When you’re pairing a drink with a dish, you want to look for complementary or contrasting elements that will heighten the overall experience,” explains Doreen Colondres, a certified WSET educator and Durham’s resident wine and food pairing guru. “A bold, tannic red wine might overpower a delicate seafood dish, but it would be the perfect match for a juicy steak. And a crisp, citrusy cider can cut through the richness of a creamy pasta, cleansing the palate and preparing it for the next bite.”
It’s a delicate dance, to be sure, but one that the Durham drink and dining community has mastered. And as I raise a glass to the city’s vibrant, ever-evolving drink scene, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement for all the sipping and savoring still to come.
So, whether you’re a wine aficionado, a craft beer enthusiast, or a cocktail connoisseur, Durham is the ultimate destination to explore the art of perfect drink pairings. So, let’s raise a glass to this culinary oasis and start uncovering the city’s liquid treasures, one sip at a time.
