At Van Duzer, we’ve always believed that the holidays are best celebrated with dishes that bring people together—recipes that feel warm, welcoming, and unmistakably rooted in our region. This season, we’re shining a light on a pairing that embodies Pacific Northwest hospitality: Oregon Coast Shrimp Cakes served alongside our beautifully expressive 2022 Estate Pinot Blanc.
Oregon bay shrimp are a true local treasure, and these shrimp cakes make the most of their sweet, delicate flavor. Crisp on the outside and tender within, they strike that perfect balance of comfort and elegance—exactly the kind of dish that disappears quickly at a holiday gathering. Whether served as a festive appetizer or as part of a cozy winter meal, they bring a taste of the coast straight to the center of your table.
To elevate the experience, we love pouring our 2022 Estate Pinot Blanc, a wine that’s as versatile as it is celebratory. If you’re new to Pinot Blanc, think of it as a rounder, softer, more aromatic cousin to Chardonnay—fresh, dry, and endlessly easy to enjoy with a group. Notes of peach, apricot, hazelnut, and lifted acidity make it a crowd-pleaser, the kind of wine everyone reaches for as soon as the bottle is opened.
Grown in a protected eastern pocket of our estate vineyard, the Pinot Blanc benefits from long hang time and gentle ripening. One year of lees aging adds depth, revealing layers of Asian pear, honeysuckle, lemon zest, and a delicate touch of brioche. During the holidays—when meals are rich, gatherings are plentiful, and palates crave brightness—this wine absolutely shines.
Paired with the shrimp cakes, its vibrant acidity and aromatic fruit complement the sweetness of the shrimp, while the wine’s subtle nutty undertones echo the golden-crisp edges of the cakes. It’s a pairing that feels both festive and effortless—perfect for intimate dinners, Friendsgiving feasts, or that moment during a holiday party when everyone crowds around the kitchen and the appetizers vanish one by one.
So as you plan your holiday menus, consider bringing a little taste of the Oregon coast and the Van Duzer Corridor to your celebrations. Together, this pairing captures everything we love about the season: warmth, generosity, and a sense of place.
Oregon Coast Shrimp Cakes
Serves 4–6
Ingredients
2 tablespoons diced red pepper
2 tablespoons green onion (white & green), finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound Oregon bay shrimp, thawed, drained & lightly chopped
1 cup panko bread crumbs, plus extra for dusting
2 eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
In a small saucepan, sauté the red pepper and green onion in olive oil until lightly softened and just beginning to brown. Set aside to cool.
In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, panko, eggs, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice.
Add the cooled pepper–onion mixture and gently fold to combine.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Shape into 4–6 patties and lightly dust with extra panko.
Brown in butter over medium heat, turning once, until crisp and golden.
Serve warm with lemon slices and spicy mayonnaise.
Spicy Mayonnaise
Ingredients
½ cup Kewpie mayonnaise (or regular mayonnaise if unavailable)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Sriracha
Instructions
Stir together until smooth. Adjust heat to taste.
