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Food & Wine Pairings and Recipes

Pumpkin Spice & Red Wine? Here’s the Unexpected Fall Pairing We’re Loving

September 14, 2025

It happens every year: before we’ve even had the chance to put our white pants back in the dresser after Labor Day, pumpkin spice suddenly takes over everything.

Coffee? Pumpkin spice.
Candles? Pumpkin spice.
Cookies, muffins, oatmeal, yogurt? Also pumpkin spice.

And honestly? We’re not mad about it.

Fall on the North Fork practically begs for warm spices, cozy recipes, crisp evenings, and richer red wines. While we may not be making a pumpkin spice wine anytime soon (hard pass on that one), we are fully embracing seasonal pairings—and one of our favorites is surprisingly simple:

A glass of Teroldego paired with homemade Pumpkin Spice Roasted Squash Seeds.

It’s savory, slightly sweet, crunchy, warming, and exactly the kind of snack that belongs on the table during harvest season.

Why Red Wine Pairs So Well with Fall Flavors

As temperatures cool down, wine preferences naturally start to shift too.

Crisp summer whites and Rosés slowly make room for:

  • medium-bodied reds
  • earthy flavors
  • warming spices
  • roasted vegetables and comfort foods

That’s where wines like Teroldego shine.

With dark fruit, spice notes, bright acidity, and earthy undertones, Teroldego pairs beautifully with seasonal ingredients like roasted squash, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and toasted seeds.

It’s one of those wines that feels especially at home during fall on the North Fork.


Don’t Toss Those Squash Seeds

If you’re cooking with acorn squash, butternut squash, or pumpkin this season, save the seeds.

Roasted squash seeds are:

  • easy to make
  • incredibly snackable
  • and perfect with red wine

Plus, it’s a great way to reduce kitchen waste while getting a delicious seasonal snack out of it.

Easy Pumpkin Spice Roasted Squash Seeds Recipe

Ingredients

Roasted Butternut Squash Seeds

  • Seeds from 1–2 squash or pumpkins
  • Olive oil
  • Pumpkin spice seasoning
  • Sugar (just a little)
  • Optional: pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Clean the Seeds

Scoop the seeds out of your squash or pumpkin and rinse away any pulp.

2. Boil for 10 Minutes

Boiling helps soften the shells and improves texture when roasting.

3. Let Them Dry

Drain and allow the seeds to air dry thoroughly before roasting.

4. Season

Toss with:

  • olive oil
  • pumpkin spice blend
  • a little sugar
  • optional pinch of salt

5. Bake

Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

The seeds should become lightly golden and fragrant.

The Best Wine Pairing for Roasted Squash Seeds

While you could absolutely snack on these with a pumpkin spice latte, we’d argue they’re even better with a glass of red wine.

Our pick? Teroldego.

Its balance of fruit, spice, and earthiness complements the roasted flavors perfectly without overwhelming the sweetness of the seasoning.

Other great fall wine pairings include:

Fall on the North Fork = Peak Cozy Season

This time of year on the North Fork is all about slowing down:

  • vineyard colors changing
  • harvest activity in full swing
  • cool evenings outdoors
  • and seasonal food everywhere you look

Whether you’re hosting friends, heading to a bonfire, or just opening a bottle on the couch, simple seasonal pairings like this are what fall is all about.

A Toast to Fall

So no—we probably won’t be making pumpkin spice wine anytime soon.

But pumpkin spice snacks with a glass of Teroldego?
That’s something we can absolutely get behind.

Cheers to cozy season. 🍷🍂