Sun, sip, repeat! Whether you’re enjoying a solo moment lounging under an umbrella or planning a get together with friends, pair your backyard oasis with the perfect bottle of wine or a refreshing wine cocktail, like a rosé wine spritzer or a delicious red or white sangria garnished with fresh fruit.
It’s official – Spring is here. However you’re welcoming the warm-weather season, there’s a wine to suit the occasion, the activity and the foods you love!
Rosé is a genre of wine like red or white, and colour-wise, it runs form pale blush to salmon-pink. (FYI, it’s contact with grape skins that gives the rosy hue.) Ranging from dry to slightly sweet (off-dry), there’s a pink to suit every taste, occasion and personality.
Notes and flavours of lemon and lime, apple, peach, white flowers and petrol dominate – this is one seriously aromatic wine! It can range from dry to sweet too.
Tip: Match dry styles with rich dishes, while sweeter Rieslings are delicious with both spicy foods and desserts.
Sparkling wine comes in a wide range of styles, from dry and crisp to off-dry, fruity and floral. Its typical flavours – citrus, apple, vanilla, toast and nuttiness – also mean there’s a bubbly for every occasion, palate and personality.
The sum is greater than the parts. That’s the idea behind a well-crafted red-wine blend. By combining the best of different grapes, you achieve a richly nuanced, flavourful wine with just the right amount of tannins for maximum sipping enjoyment.
Happy hour spent on a backyard patio is always a welcomed occasion! Whether you’re inviting friends to join, toasting to a special occasion, or enjoying the warm sunshine, backyard hangs are a spring must! Here are some perfect food and wine pairings to try:
A great happy hour snack? A healthy bowl of hummus with pita chips! Try classic garlic or a beet-style hummus with a medium-bodied rosé for a deliciously light pairing that won’t spoil your dinner.
Riesling in Spring is always a fantastic idea! Pair this light-bodied varietal with a light, fresh and slightly spicy dish, like Vietnamese spring rolls. For a sweet pairing, mini tarts and cupcakes are a dream with Riesling.
Who doesn’t love a cheesy pizza? Red Blend wines make the perfect pairing as it has enough acidity to stand-up to the tomato sauce as well as the tannins help to cleanse your palate.
Sweet and salty - what a combination! A glass of bubbly with a plate of prosciutto and melon is the perfect leisurely snack. Sparkling wines with a hint of sweetness will complement the dry-cured ham.
Whether you’re having an intimate get-together or a backyard bash, each guest should have a seat or comfy place to perch. Group chairs together with a small table between to hold drinks, and long benches can add additional seating.
Self-serve drinks in a cooler are handy as it frees up the host and keeps guests from going in and out. Add a pop-up tiki bar or a DIY table with wine options, non-alcoholic beverages, garnishes, outdoor glassware, and ice!
Make a red, white, or rosé wine spritzer, add ice and fruit then put it into a pitcher or a beverage dispenser so it’s ready to go! When the weather gets hot, try homemade sparkling wine popsicles.
Little details go a long way! A welcome cocktail when your friends arrive, bright table settings or a centrepiece make the whole experience memorable. Ditto, yard games, like ring toss or cornhole, and a basket or bucket filled with essentials: bug spray, sunscreen, and easy snacks.
Bring in potted containers overflowing with mixtures of flowers or herbs – it’s the perfect solution for balconies, small yards, when there’s little to no garden space. Plants add colour and ambiance to your outdoor seating area making it super inviting for guests.
