July is a “fair” time to be in Northern California—and we’re not referring to the weather—it’s HOT! July in Northern California means it is state and county fair time. The Amador County Fair, with a history as far back as 1887, just closed last week.
Origin of County Fairs
Originally, state and county fairs were held for the purpose of exhibition and competition of livestock, produce and other agricultural goods and equipment. While the agricultural competitions are still the foundation of our state and county fairs, over the years the events and entertainment at fairs have risen to an entirely new level. Our fairs today have food eating competitions, concerts, rodeos, destruction derbies, carnival rides and games, beer and wine competitions, vendors selling the next best product…and of course there’s the food! Fried anything, and usually on a stick!
Food Pairings for Fair Food
COTTON CANDY & SLIGHTLY SWEET ROSE
Originally dubbed “Fairy Floss” at its introduction at the 1904 World’s Fair, cotton candy, as it later became known in 1921, is fluffy ball of nothing but spun sugar. This melt-in-your-mouth sweet treat pairs magically with our fun and oh-so-yummy Tickle Me Pink Rose. The surprising finish on both will surely make you smile. Fun Fact: Machine spun “Fairy Floss” and “Cotton Candy” were both invented by dentists!
BBQ & BIG BOLD REDS
From smoked turkey thighs to smothered steak sandwiches, savory, rich, and spicy barbecued foods such as these pair well with a variety of our Amador County Reds, including our Mountain Selection Barbera, Zinfandel, or Syrah. The wines’ bold flavor and balanced tannins complement grilled and smoked meats.
EGG ROLLS & RIESLING
Bursting with mouth-watering flavor and Asian spices, egg rolls can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including carrots, cabbage, scallions, ginger, pork, chicken or shrimp, rolled in wonton wrappers and fried to a crisp. The flavors in spicy egg rolls, and any accompanying dipping sauce, are nicely complimented by the acidity and hint of sweetness in our Jana Old Vine Riesling. If you really want the “fair feel” stuff a skewer into the egg rolls before serving.
MEXICAN STREET CORN & SAUVIGNON BLANC
Mexican Street Corn (Elotes) is a summer treat not to be missed. Corn on the cob is grilled or roasted then slathered in a creamy sauce spiced with garlic, chili and lime juice, and rolled in cotija cheese. This tangy and flavorful appetizer or side dish is best paired with a wine bursting with citrus flavors and balanced enough to stand up to bold flavors of the dressed up corn. Our Jana Winery Sauvignon Blanc from Clarksburg is the perfect match.
With so many different and unique fair foods, we could only choose a handful of our favorites. What’s your favorite fair food? Does your county or state fair have an exclusive food not found elsewhere?