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Wise Villa Winery Bistro serving Award Wining Wine in Lincoln

Jan 27, 2016 10:25AM ● By Jennifer Resnicke

Pappardelle

With an impressive lineup of award-winning wines, the drinks alone would be worth a trip to Wise Villa, but add to that the pairing possibilities at the onsite bistro, and you’ve got a match made in heaven (or Lincoln, as it were).

Pulling into the tasting room we were welcomed by an adorable golden retriever, which made my dog-loving husband happy, and were quickly seated at a dark, cherry-wood table next to large windows overlooking the vineyards. 

Before long our appetizer of salmon sliders arrived: the moist and hearty fish formed into patties and fried until perfectly crispy, then settled into soft buns with a perky lemon-dill aioli and peppery arugula. It was a fantastic blending of flavors and artfully avoided the common pitfall of too much dill overwhelming the delicate flavors. 

My husband dug into a classic wagyu burger with house-ground beef, spinach, tomatoes and aioli. The patty was generously portioned and perfectly seasoned with just enough salt to spotlight the natural flavor of the meat. 

I originally ordered a roasted beet salad, but soon after the waiter came out to inform me that the chef decided the beets weren’t in prime condition, so I would need to pick an alternate. Luckily, I had been eyeing the pasta as well, and found it refreshing that the chef chose to stick to his high standards rather than serve sub-par vegetables. 

As it turns out, it worked out perfectly. The delectable pappardelle pasta—tossed with red onion, sweet cherry tomatoes and spinach in a white wine and butter sauce with toasted pine nuts and Parmesan—was addictively enjoyable. The name pappardelle is derived from the Italian verb “pappare,” which means to gobble up—a fitting moniker for my dish with wide, ribbon-like noodles that soaked up the delish sauce.  

We couldn’t pass up the chance for a sweet treat and opted for the chocolate, caramel and vanilla panna cotta. Although the house Port was a natural pairing, the rich, creamy dessert would go equally well with a cup of coffee.

While there’s plenty of seating in the bistro, we wouldn’t blame you for grabbing a glass of the fruity and peppery Tempranillo and settling in on the patio for a little chat (and belly rub) with the canine-welcoming committee.

Wise Villa Winery Bistro, 4200 Wise Road, Lincoln, 916-543-0323.

By Jennifer Resnicke  //  photos by Dante Fontana