She Curates Perfect Pairings at Mountain Brook’s Golden Age Wine
We caught up with Kady Wohlfarth — Wine Steward & Food Director at Birmingham's Golden Age Wine — to talk pairings, passions, and choosing the perfect bottle. Image: Instagram / Golden Age Wine
Birmingham wine lovers are well acquainted with Golden Age Wine. From the Mountain Brook wine bar to the 2nd Avenue North wine garden, the vibes, bites, and pours are hard to beat. As Wine Steward and Food Director, Kady Wohlfarth plays a major role in that magic. We chatted with her about what makes Golden Age so special, how to create the perfect wine-and-food pairing at home, and her go-to wine picks that impress (at every budget)!
How did you find your way to Golden Age Wine?
I found my way to Golden Age Wine as a patron in 2019, the year that we opened. I, like so many others, immediately recognized that it was a space born of passion. At the time, I mostly interacted with Trent and Brandon, and I was amazed by the passion they both had for the space they occupied in the industry. Plus, the wine was so clearly different from so many that I had tried before.
My current role includes many hats and titles. I am a wine steward, a manager, the food director, and most importantly, someone who cares for customers at (and beyond) the table! While I wear many hats, I still love being customer-facing. It makes my day-to-day interesting, and it provides me with the challenge of constantly meeting different needs.
Can you give us a peek behind the curtain? What’s your process for pairing the wine and food menus?
The nice thing about Golden Age is that we have a relatively limited menu, which allows us to execute several things at a high level. I have always been a fan of places that do several things well, rather than many things executed at half capacity. The entire food menu is designed to be paired with a wide variety of wines.
When I am picking out the meats and cheeses, I mostly lean towards things that are relatively neutral on the “funk” spectrum. We are never going to feature anything too wild, though I do like pushing the boundaries every once in a while. And don’t worry, if we ever choose to push the boundaries, we are going to have a pairing in our back pocket that will make both the wine and food shine!
What’s your top (novice-friendly) tip for pairing food and wine at home?
Speak to the people selling the wine about what you are making and keep an open mind! The only reason you like something is because you gave it a chance once upon a time. Lots of people think they don’t like sweet wines or wines with any residual sugar. I was once one of those people. I started trying well-made wines with some sweetness, which is balanced by bracing acidity, and realized how well they pair with food.
Trying a sweet, high-acid, and balanced Riesling with spicy food might just break your brain into two worlds — before and after. It surely did this to me! Plus, it was just a gosh darn delight to have something so new and exciting flavor-wise.
What are your go-to wine recommendations across price points?
Budget-friendly
Wine: Ferdinando Principiano Dolcetto d’Alba, $24
Origin: Piedmont, Italy
Why I love it: I think this wine is a fabulous, easy-drinking red perfect for Pinot Noir lovers. I love this wine for a great weeknight bottle that won’t break the budget. Lean on this producer, Ferdinando Principiano, for great budget finds that will never miss.
Moderate
Wine: Domaine du Gringet, $55
Origin: Savoie, France
Why I love it: Wines from Savoie, France, are lesser-known stunners. I love the lean, racy wines that feel like someone has captured lightning in a bottle. This bottle hits those notes for me time and time again. Savoie is an area of France that is known for its Alpine environment. The cool weather and natural characteristics of this grape variety (Gringet) do an exemplary job of showing off this region.
Luxe
Wine: Paul-Bastien Clergeot Pinot Noir, $110
Origin: Champagne, France
Why I love it: I have an affinity for Blanc de Noirs (white from black) Champagne. They have subtle red fruit notes, which add a wonderful level of complexity to this wine. Give it a go, and don’t be afraid to drink champagne without an occasion to celebrate!
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I love enjoying my time outside of work. I knit and sew regularly, and I love to snuggle up with a good book. Getting outside of my own head by traveling is the most enriching thing I do in my spare time. I adore getting to know people in their own environments, plus I love different languages and understanding how they affect each person’s perspective.
Who or what is inspiring you right now?
I am constantly, endlessly inspired by my friends. They have such wide-ranging interests and perspectives. There is never a dull moment when I am with them!
What is your best piece of advice?
Pursue the things you are passionate about, and don’t deny yourself the joy that comes from trying something new just because you won’t be great at the beginning. There is nothing better than wanting to learn a new process or skill and then being on the other side of learning the basics. I learned this from knitting recently, which also happens to have such a vibrant community that lifts up so many newcomers. Finding those who support you in learning something new is key!
Aside from faith, family, and friends, name three things you can’t live without.
My two dogs, my books, and the great outdoors.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Favorite wine and food pairing: Sweet wine and spicy Thai food — it’ll open your mind to something you didn’t know was possible!
Last delicious local meal: Bottega’s orecchiette bolognese. I am an enthusiastic Bottega fan, and this meal was a delight.
Favorite place to vacation: Italy. I lived there for a bit, and it always feels like I am living on stolen time when I am there.
Your go-to gift to give: A bottle of wine, but of course.
Favorite recent TV show binge: I am not really a TV show girly, though I did love Killing Eve, which I watched last year.
Book(s) on your bedside table:
Blue Pastures by Mary Oliver (All-time favorite), Grief Is For People by Sloane Crosley (devastating and shockingly funny. I started laughing uncontrollably at Thank You Books when I read the first few pages.) There is also always a cookbook on my bedside table. I currently have The King Arthur Baking Company Big Book of Bread as my source of inspiration.
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Katie Leigh Matthews
A Birmingham native, Katie is a lifelong waterfall chaser and is passionate about the outdoors. She also loves connecting with remarkable women in the Birmingham community and bringing their stories to life. Katie has been writing professionally for over six years; you can find more of her work at Moms.com and Islands.com.