Beginning with the 2010 vintage, we made the pioneering decision to bottle our acclaimed Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs using twist-off caps. To our knowledge, we were the first Sonoma Coast winery to put all of our wines under twist-offs. Back then, some experts estimated the failure rate of wine corks to be as high as 10% to 15%. While the quality of many cork products has improved over the past 12 years, whether the failure rate due to cork taint, oxidation, or other cork-related faults is 2%, 5%, or more, there is no other industry selling luxury products that would accept the product failure rates that the wine industry accepts with cork closures.

The data is global, extensive, and conclusive. Twist-off closures deliver a consistent wine in every bottle. They also preserve the quality, craftsmanship, and terroir of the wines. The one argument that traditional cork supporters suggest is that twist-offs are not ideal for aging. However, now that pioneering countries like Australia and New Zealand have decades of wine under twist-offs, there is compelling evidence that they may even do a better job of preserving a wine’s freshness, purity of fruit, and nuance over years of aging.

“Corked wines afflicted with the musty, moldy, wet-basement smell ruin up to 15% of all wine.”

Robert Parker, in Food & Wine, 2015

The final argument against twist-offs is that customers don’t embrace them—that they aren’t romantic and don’t impart a sense of luxury. We live in a time when there is more information about what we eat and drink than ever. Consumers seek out quality and authenticity, and in this pursuit, they are willing to learn what they don’t know—especially when it comes to wine. Just as we, as winemakers, share with our customers the character of specific wine regions and the distinctive charm of special vineyards, it’s also our job to educate others on how best to preserve the quality and integrity of the wines we produce. Here are four facts every wine-lover should know about twist-off caps:

1. Under twist-offs there is no chance for cork-related TCA – a scientific term that means a wine is ‘corked’ or that it tastes musty.
2. Twist-off enclosed wines have dramatically reduced oxidation – oxygen is most often the enemy, not the friend, of wine.
3. Under twist-offs there is little-to-no bottle variation, whereas corks may have different permeability thresholds – our wines under twist-offs taste uniformly consistent from one bottle to the next.
4. Twist-off closures are far more resistant to temperature change during shipping.

“Corks versus screw caps? Using corks is a marketing decision. Using screw caps is a winemaking decision and a quality decision. We choose quality.”

Steve MacRostie

When planning a special occasion dinner, selecting the best wine to pair with food is just as important as the menu itself. At MacRostie Winery, Pinot Noir has long been celebrated for its elegance, balance, and exceptional versatility at the table. Sourced from celebrated vineyard sites throughout Sonoma County, MacRostie Pinot Noir is the definition of a food-friendly red wine—ideal for meaningful gatherings and celebratory meals.

With Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day approaching, now is the perfect time to begin planning a thoughtfully paired dinner that brings people together over great food and wine.

Why MacRostie Pinot Noir Is Perfect for a Celebration Dinner

Founded by Steve MacRostie and guided today by winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen, MacRostie is widely recognized as a leading Healdsburg winery known for expressive, vineyard-driven wines.

MacRostie’s Pinot Noirs—from Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir to Russian River Valley Pinot Noir—are celebrated for their bright acidity, layered red-fruit character, and silky texture. These qualities make them some of the best Pinot Noir pairings for a multi-course celebration dinner, allowing each dish to shine without overpowering the palate.

For guests exploring what to do in Healdsburg, a visit to MacRostie—often noted among the most scenic wineries in Healdsburg and praised for its vineyard views—is the perfect complement to a wine-focused weekend.

Best Pinot Noir Pairings for a Special Occasion

Duck Breast with Cherry or Berry Sauce
Wondering what wine to pair with duck? Pinot Noir is the classic answer. A MacRostie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir mirrors the dish’s red-fruit elements, while its acidity balances the richness—making it one of the best Pinot Noir pairings for an intimate Valentine’s Day dinner.

Herb-Roasted Chicken or Turkey
If you’re asking what to serve with Pinot Noir, herb-roasted poultry is a timeless choice. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary highlight the savory undertones found in Sonoma Coast wines, making this pairing ideal for family-style Mother’s Day celebrations.

Salmon (Grilled or Roasted)
Pinot Noir is one of the few red wines that pairs effortlessly with fish. For hosts considering what wine to pair with salmon, a MacRostie Russian River Valley Pinot Noir offers freshness and finesse that complement salmon’s natural richness.

Mushroom Risotto or Wild Mushroom Pasta
Earthy mushroom dishes bring out Pinot Noir’s forest-floor nuances. This pairing is especially fitting for vegetarian menus and underscores why Pinot Noir is considered one of the best wines to pair with food across a wide range of cuisines.

Cheese Pairings That Complement MacRostie Pinot Noir

Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert soften Pinot Noir’s acidity, while nutty, medium-firm cheeses such as Gruyère highlight its subtle spice. Goat cheese—fresh or aged—pairs beautifully with both Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, enhancing the wine’s natural vibrancy.

Pinot Noir and Dessert: A Thoughtful Finale

For those wondering what wine to pair with dessert, Pinot Noir shines alongside treats that aren’t overly sweet. Dark chocolate, chocolate-covered strawberries, or berry-forward desserts create a refined ending to a celebration meal.

Valentine’s Day & Mother’s Day Celebration Menu Ideas

MacRostie Pinot Noir makes planning seasonal gatherings effortless:

• Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas: Duck breast with cherry sauce, mushroom risotto, and chocolate-covered strawberries paired with Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.

• Mother’s Day Celebration Ideas: Herb-roasted chicken, spring vegetables, artisan cheeses, and a vibrant Russian River Valley Pinot Noir enjoyed with family.

A Final Toast

From elegant entrées to refined desserts, Pinot Noir remains one of the best wines to pair with food. We hope you enjoy these pairings for the upcoming Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day celebrations—and raise a glass with a bottle of MacRostie Pinot Noir.