With the unprecedented cheese renaissance in this country, this old war horse of the 60’s and 70’s is making a huge comeback. Time to unearth that old fondue pot and long forks or wooden skewers and treat your sweetie to something special. Serve with any of the Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay’s.

Emmental and Gruyère are the most commonly used cheeses in a classic fondue, but Appenzeller, Comté, Beaufort, Tête de Moine — all relatively low in moisture — also work fine. The addition of cornstarch keeps the cheese and wine from separating.

As an additional treat, when you are almost done eating the fondue, leave a thin coating of cheese on the bottom of the pot. Lower the flame and allow the coating to turn into a brown crust, then break it into pieces and share it with your guests. The crust is considered a delicacy in Switzerland.

Invented at Antoine’s in New Orleans in 1899, the dish was named after John D. Rockefeller, the richest American at the time, for the richness of the sauce. Antoine’s has kept the original recipe secret but all kinds of interpretations exist. Basically it includes a rich cream sauce with spinach and other greens and flavored with Pernod or anisette. This version omits the rich sauce but is still full of flavor. This would be wonderful with Sonoma-Cutrer Les Pierres Chardonnay.

Spread this reduction on a bed of cream cheese smeared on a round rice cracker and enjoy a glass of Sonoma Cutrer Pinot Noir. For a wonderful way to complement your meal.

This is one of the classic recipes using clams. Try to get smaller clams since they are more tender. You can also use this same approach with fresh oysters. The Sonoma Cutrer Rosé of Pinot Noir would be delicious with these.

This is a fun little appetizer or hors d’oeuvre. It can be made as much as a day ahead, refrigerated and then grilled at the last minute. You can also finish this in a hot (450 degree) oven. The bonus in this recipe is that you also get the mussel stock, which is a delicious base for seafood soups and sauces. Strain it through a fine strainer and freeze for use later on. It cries out for a chilled glass of Sonoma-Cutrer Rosé.

A fall favorite, this cheesecake highlights the rich spiced flavors of pumpkin.