Sweet & Smokey Acorn Squash

A fall garden favorite paired with Joie de Vivre Chardonnay

This recipe is special to us—not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s homegrown. After planting acorn squash in our garden this season, we finally harvested our first little squash and decided to turn it into a side dish worth sharing.

Crystalyn roasted it simply with butter, brown sugar, and our Spicy Vines Sweet & Smokey Seasoning—a proprietary rub that’s aromatic, hickory-smoked, and built to bring out the best in autumn veggies. One bite, and we knew it had to be paired with something equally elegant: our Joie de Vivre Chardonnay.

Why It Works with Joie de Vivre Chardonnay

Sweet + savory + creamy = perfection
The acorn squash’s soft texture and caramelized flavor bring out the smoothness and subtle oak in the Chardonnay.

Hickory spice & white wine
The Sweet & Smokey Seasoning adds complexity that echoes the floral and nutty notes in the wine.

Seasonal balance
This pairing feels like fall on a plate—warm, welcoming, and full of subtle surprises.

Sweet & Smokey Acorn Squash Recipe

Total Time: 1 hour
Serves: 2
Paired Wine: Spicy Vines Joie de Vivre Chardonnay

Directions

Preheat Your Oven
Set oven to 400°F (204°C).

Prep the Squash
Cut squash in half lengthwise (top to stem). Scoop out the seeds and pulp. Score the flesh in a cross-hatch pattern with a paring knife.

Season the Squash
Place squash halves flesh-side up in a roasting pan. Sprinkle evenly with Sweet & Smokey Seasoning, brown sugar, and salt.

Add Butter
Melt butter in a small dish (5–7 seconds in the microwave). Drizzle over the squash halves, letting any excess pool in the centers.

Roast
Bake for 1 hour, or until the tops are golden and the flesh is soft and tender.

Finish & Serve
Spoon any remaining melted butter over the squash. Let cool slightly, then serve warm.

Behind the Dish

We created our Sweet & Smokey Seasoning to bring out the best in fall produce and smoky-sweet dishes. It’s earthy, aromatic, and versatile—just like the wines we love to pair it with.

Try it with Rosé, light reds, or any floral white—and definitely with our Joie de Vivre Chardonnay, which highlights the roasted notes beautifully.