Sips, Chips, & Dips Recap: An Afternoon of Flavors with Candice, The Wine Guru

This past weekend, we turned up the flavor dial for Sips, Chips, & Dips, and what a tasty, fun-filled afternoon it was! With five outstanding wines, an array of delicious chips, naan bread, and dips, plus some surprising trivia, we mixed education with indulgence in the best way possible. Whether you came for the wine, the snacks, or to learn some new fun facts, this event had something for everyone. Let’s dive into all the highlights!

The Wines: A Global Tasting Adventure

We started with a lineup of five exquisite, hand-selected wines curated by Candice, The Wine Guru. Each one brought its own personality to the table, and every guest had their favorite by the end of the day!

• Nine Hats Riesling: Bright, slightly sweet, and perfectly refreshing—this wine lifted from the glass with a rich blend of lime zest, green apple, and subtle hints of pine. Its energetic and juicy profile was highlighted by an up-front salty mineral twang that beautifully contrasted its ripe orchard fruits and green citrus tones. The finish? Remarkably fresh and clean, with medium length and lingering hints of kiwi. It paired wonderfully with Osorio’s own salsa and crispy chips, creating a perfect harmony of tangy and zesty flavors.

• Groundwork Grenache Blanc: Zesty and floral, this Grenache Blanc was a breath of fresh air. Aromas of orange blossom, green melon, and a hint of white peach opened the experience, while the palate delivered refreshing citrus notes, balanced minerality, and a silky texture. The bright tropical tones in the wine made it an ideal pairing for the mango guacamole, highlighting both the wine’s floral elegance and the guac’s creamy tang.

• Alain de la Treille Pinot Noir: Light and silky, this Pinot Noir was all about elegance. Bursting with juicy red fruit aromas like cherry and strawberry, it offered a soft texture and subtle notes of earth and spice. On the palate, it delivered balanced acidity and a light, refreshing finish. Paired with the salmon dill dip, this combination highlighted the wine’s smoothness while complementing the savory richness of the dip.

• Protocol Tempranillo: Bold and earthy, this Tempranillo featured aromas of dark fruit—think blackberry and plum—layered with hints of tobacco, leather, and a whisper of vanilla. On the palate, it offered a structured tannic profile, with warm spice and a long, satisfying finish. When paired with the carrot hummus and veggies, the wine’s boldness brought out the earthy sweetness of the hummus, creating a beautifully balanced bite.

• Borsao Cabriola: Rich and smoky, this Spanish blend delivered layers of flavor with every sip. Aromas of black cherry, licorice, and a hint of toasted oak led the way, followed by a velvety texture and flavors of dark chocolate, ripe plum, and spices. The smoky finish was simply unforgettable. Paired with the chorizo Brussels queso, this wine elevated the rich, bold flavors of the dip while offering a luxurious, full-bodied contrast to the creamy texture.

The Pairings: Chips, Naan, and Decadent Dips

While the wines stole the show, the food pairings were a close second! This wasn’t your ordinary wine-and-cheese setup. Guests were treated to crispy chips, warm naan bread, and six irresistible dips that delivered bold flavors and pure indulgence. Each dip was thoughtfully crafted to provide a range of textures and tastes, from fresh and zesty to rich and savory. Here’s the lineup of deliciousness:

Here’s the flavor-packed pairing menu:

• Salsa: Classic and fresh with the perfect kick, matched with crispy chips.

• Mango Guacamole: Creamy and tropical with just the right touch of tang.

• Salmon Dill Dip: Luxuriously rich and savory, with a perfect balance of fresh herbs and creaminess.

• Carrot Hummus with Veggies: Sweet and earthy with a velvety texture, served alongside crisp veggies for the perfect bite.

• Spinach Poblano Dip: Creamy with a subtle spicy kick, made even better with warm naan bread.

• Chorizo Brussels Queso: Cheesy, smoky, and packed with bold, savory flavors that stole the show.

  
  

Each bite and sip brought a new combination of flavors that kept everyone’s taste buds on their toes!

Fun Facts and Trivia: Chips, Dips, and More!

What’s an afternoon of wine and snacks without a little fun? Throughout the event, Candice kept things lively with wine and snack trivia that surprised (and delighted) the crowd. Did you know…

• The world’s leading producer of potato chips is Pennsylvania.

• The first potato chip was called a Saratoga Chip, invented in 1853 by Chef George Crum in New York.

• To keep chips fresh and unbroken, manufacturers add Nitrogen to the bags. (That “extra air” isn’t what you think!)

• March 23 is National Chip and Dip Day—mark your calendars!

• In a recent poll, Americans in 45 states voted Doritos as their favorite chip flavor.

Guests loved sprinkling these fun facts into conversations, and a few people even took notes to use them as party icebreakers!

Shopping and Sipping at Home

No event is complete without a way to bring the fun home! Guests had the chance to purchase their favorite wines from the tasting, in addition to some other select choices from the Osorio's staff. It’s safe to say that almost no one left empty-handed—these bottles were just too good to pass up.

A Big Thank You!

To everyone who joined us for Sips, Chips, & Dips: thank you for making it such an incredible afternoon! From the flavorful pairings to the laughter over trivia, this event reminded us how much fun wine can be. Whether you came to discover new wines, learn some fun facts, or snack to your heart’s content, we’re so glad you were part of the experience.

If you missed it, don’t worry—there are more exciting events on the horizon! Stay tuned for the next opportunity to sip, savor, and celebrate with us. Check out our events page for more!

Until next time, cheers to great wine, great snacks, and great company!