When the air cools and gatherings move indoors, the right food and wine pairings can turn any evening into something memorable. At Oceano, every bottle—whether full, ultra-low, or zero alcohol—is crafted with the same care and coastal character.

These three seasonal recipes invite you to pair thoughtfully, creating fall and winter meals that highlight the depth and complexity of nonalcoholic wine. Each one is designed to complement Oceano Zero, a collection that sells out time and again for its clarity, nuance, and unmistakable coastal freshness.

1. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Sage and Hazelnuts

A silky roasted butternut squash soup is a seasonal classic, but the addition of fried sage and toasted hazelnuts brings layers of flavor and texture. The earthiness of the squash and sage pairs beautifully with the minerality and citrus notes of Oceano Zero Chardonnay. The wine’s freshness cuts through the richness of the soup, balancing every spoonful.

Ingredients

  • 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, whole
  • 4 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 cup coconut milk or cream
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 fresh sage leaves
  • ¼ cup toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Toss squash, onion, carrots, and garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 35–40 minutes until caramelized.
  2. Blend roasted vegetables with vegetable stock until smooth. Stir in coconut milk or cream. Adjust seasoning.
  3. In a small pan, fry sage leaves in olive oil until crisp.
  4. Serve soup topped with sage and toasted hazelnuts.

Pairing: Oceano Zero Chardonnay. Its crisp acidity balances the soup’s creaminess and enhances the nutty finish.

Bowl of roasted butternut squash soup beside a glass of nonalcoholic Chardonnay

2. Braised Short Ribs with Rosemary and Root Vegetables

For winter evenings, nothing feels more grounding than slow-braised short ribs. The dish’s richness and depth of flavor call for a wine with equal complexity. Oceano Zero Syrah offers layers of dark fruit and spice, making it an elegant complement to the savory, fall-off-the-bone meat.

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs beef short ribs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 parsnips, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup nonalcoholic red wine
  • 2 sprigs rosemary
  • 2 sprigs thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season short ribs with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil until browned on all sides. Remove.
  2. Sauté onion, carrots, parsnips, and garlic in the same pot. Deglaze with nonalcoholic red wine.
  3. Return ribs to pot, add broth and herbs. Cover and braise in oven at 325°F for 2.5–3 hours until tender.
  4. Serve with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta.

Pairing: Oceano Zero Syrah. Its subtle spice and coastal clarity elevate the dish without overpowering it.

Braised short ribs with root vegetables paired with ultra-low alcohol Syrah

3. Citrus Olive Oil Cake with Winter Herbs

Instead of a heavy dessert, this cake is bright yet comforting, perfect for winter gatherings when citrus is at its peak. Infused with orange zest and fresh thyme, the cake brings balance and subtle aromatics that pair beautifully with Oceano Zero Chardonnay. The wine’s minerality and stone fruit notes echo the citrus while cutting through the cake’s richness.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup whole milk or almond milk
  • Zest and juice of 1 orange
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, olive oil, milk, orange zest, and juice until smooth.
  4. Fold in dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in thyme leaves.
  5. Pour into pan and bake 35–40 minutes until golden and set.
  6. Cool, then garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Pairing: Oceano Zero Chardonnay. The wine’s crisp citrus and mineral-driven profile mirrors the orange zest and thyme while keeping the dessert light and refined.

Citrus olive oil cake with fresh thyme next to a pour of nonalcoholic Chardonnay

Elevating Seasonal Gatherings

Fall and winter meals invite warmth, intention, and the luxury of choosing how you want to experience wine. With Oceano Zero, you don’t have to compromise on flavor or complexity. Each pairing reflects our coastal character: fresh, layered, and refined.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or simply slowing down on a weeknight, these recipes show that nonalcoholic wine belongs at the table just as much as traditional expressions.