If you’re looking for a farm-to-table experience with bold, hearty flavor, Virginia bison short ribs deliver. Grass-fed and locally raised, these tender ribs offer a richer, slightly sweeter taste than traditional beef, perfect for slow braising, roasting, or smoking. Pair them with seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs, and Virginia wines to create a meal that’s both rustic and elegant—showcasing the best of the state’s farm-fresh offerings. This recipe comes from Chef Matty Hart of The Local Charlottesville, featuring his favorite braised bison short ribs with a red wine sauce.
Chef Matty Hart
Chef Matthew Hart is a Charlottesville-based chef and Virginia native known for his ingredient-driven cooking at The Local, one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants. He grew up surrounded by home-cooked meals, which sparked his early passion for food. He began his culinary career washing dishes, drawn to the energy of the kitchen, and honed his skills through hands-on training with talented mentors. Chef Matty champions local Virginia ingredients, collaborating with regional farmers and creating seasonal menus that highlight the freshest ingrediants. His cooking blends Southern influences with clean, straightforward flavors, often turning humble cuts into standout dishes like his signature slow-braised short ribs. He takes pride in The Local’s longevity, its role in the Charlottesville food scene and the strong kitchen team he leads.
The Local Restaurant
Nestled in Charlottesville’s Belmont neighborhood, The Local restaurant has been a favorite dining destination since 2008, known for its farm-to-table cuisine and commitment to seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. This Charlottesville eatery offers a diverse menu of contemporary American dishes, including fresh seafood, hearty entrees, and creative small plates, all crafted to highlight the region’s best flavors. Guests can enjoy a full bar featuring local Virginia wines, craft cocktails, and beers from nearby breweries in a cozy, art-filled atmosphere that reflects the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Perfect for dinner in Charlottesville, date nights, special occasions, or weekly wine and beer specials, The Local combines exceptional food, welcoming service and a true taste of Virginia dining culture.
Perfect Virginia Wine Pairings for Short Ribs
When serving bison shortribs, pairing them with the right Virginia red wine elevates the meal to a gourmet experience. Rich and tender, bison shortribs pair beautifully with hearty Virginia reds like Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot or Bordeaux-style blends. Chef Matty’s personal go-to pairing for this recipe is Barboursville Vineyards’ award-winning Octagon wine. Red blends offer dark fruit flavors, earthy undertones, and firm tannins that perfectly complement the bold, slightly gamey taste of bison. For a softer option, a Virginia Merlot balances the richness of slow-braised bison shortribs while enhancing savory spices. Pairing locally made Virginia wines with bison shortribs not only highlights the region’s terroir but also creates a truly memorable dining experience.
Where to Find Local Virginia Bison
Across Virginia, farm-to-table bison meat is gaining attention as chefs and home cooks seek sustainably raised, nutrient-dense alternatives to beef. In Northern and Central Virginia, bison are raised on open pasture using humane, low-impact practices that prioritize animal welfare and land stewardship. Southwest Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley are known for smaller, family-run operations where pasture-raised bison thrive on grass-based diets, producing meat with clean flavor and consistent quality. In Southeastern Virginia, bison meat often reaches consumers through regional farm-to-table supply chains, making it helpful to ask whether the bison was grass-finished, properly aged and locally processed, key factors that affect tenderness, flavor, and performance in classic bison short rib recipes.
When shopping for bison short ribs, look for a deep red color, visible marbling along the bone and a fresh, neutral aroma—all indicators of well-handled, high-quality meat. Because bison is naturally leaner than beef, short ribs should still have enough fat to protect the meat during slow cooking, making them ideal for braising.
Bison or Beef?
When comparing bison short ribs vs. beef short ribs, the differences are clear in flavor, texture and cooking style. Beef short ribs are known for their heavy marbling and rich, fatty depth, making them a classic choice for long braises and indulgent comfort dishes. Bison short ribs, however, offer a leaner, more refined alternative. With less fat and a naturally cleaner, slightly sweeter flavor, bison allows the true character of the meat to shine. When slow-cooked with care, bison short ribs become deeply tender while maintaining a lighter finish that feels satisfying rather than heavy. They also require slightly shorter cooking times and careful moisture management, rewarding attentive cooks with nuanced flavor and elegance. For those seeking a health-conscious, sustainable alternative to beef short ribs, bison delivers richness without excess and a modern take on a timeless cut.
Short Ribs
Ingredients
Short Ribs
- 10 lbs bone-in bison short ribs
- 3 stalks celery
- ½ yellow onion
- 2 medium carrots
- 4 sprigs of thyme
- 1 tsp peppercorns
- 1 ¾ cups red wine
- water as needed
- salt and pepper
Red Wine Sauce
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups demi-glace
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups reserved braising liquid, fat skimmed
Instructions
Short Ribs
- Cut bison short ribs into 1-bone portions. Dice vegetables.
- Coat short ribs evenly with salt & pepper and sear in sauté pans until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to a roasting dish.
- In a pot, reduce red wine until alcohol is cooked off. Deglaze sauté pans with this as needed.
- Add celery, onion, carrot, peppercorns, thyme, reduced wine, and enough water to cover meat in the pan. Cover with foil and braise at 325°F until tender for 3–4 hours.
- Reserve braising liquid for sauce.
Red Wine Sauce
- Place all ingredients in a medium pot.
- Simmer until desired consistency, approximately 15 minutes.
