As the weather warms up, the birds start chirping, and the sun stays out later, there’s one thing on every wine lover’s mind: it’s time to restock for spring!
Think Outside the Box
But where do you start? Instead of scouring the shelves to find as many bottles of pink wine as you can fit in your basket, begin by thinking of which wine would be ideal for the event you’re hosting.
While rosé is perhaps the most popular wine in the springtime, the season hosts its fair share of occasions and events — and even though this go-to spring wine is perfectly crisp and refreshing to enjoy at any outing, there are plenty of other fruity, fresh, and light wines to indulge in. After all, if you’re planning to attend a lot of events this season, you’re not going to want to drink the same thing every time. So we’ve decided to introduce you to a new set of spring go-tos.
Plan Out Your Events
Pick your wines based on the event you’re attending. Is it a national holiday? Is your nephew playing a little league game? Or are you having a date in the park? Each event comes with its own type of celebration, attire, and delicious food staples, so it should have its own wine to complement it as well.
Find Your Guide
We know it’s not easy to automatically know which wine pairs perfectly with every spring event, so we’re here to help. We lined up all of the major seasonal events and holidays to help you decide what to choose for your next celebration. After reading this guide, we hope you’ll be all set to sip on some new and exciting wines all season long.
Spring Holidays
Let’s get started with the easy stuff — upcoming spring holidays. While many of these days can get overlooked in the aftermath of winter holidays, they deserve to be celebrated with a bottle (or three) of wine. Here’s how to make each of these days memorable with the perfect bottle:
Passover
Passover is the perfect time to spend time with family, embrace tradition and rituals, and eat classic Kosher meals. And for every great meal, there is a delicious Kosher wine to go with it.
The go-to brand of wine for Passover seders is Manischewitz, which is on the sweet and syrupy side. But if you’re up for enjoying different types of wine, there are plenty of Kosher options available.
Pick up a bottle of Pinot Noir, Syrah, or Cabernet Sauvignon to enjoy over the holiday. Or, if you’re looking for a white wine, try a Chardonnay. Keep a lookout for wines with the Kosher seal of approval. There are many more out there than you may think!
Easter
Easter has its fair share of traditional dishes, so it’s important to find the perfect wine to complement these mouth-watering meals. If your family is one of the many that eat ham on Easter, try pairing it with Riesling, Gewürztraminer, or Chardonnay. If you prefer red wine, pick a fruitier one like Zinfandel.
Or if you’re opting for lamb instead, enjoy the dish with red wines like a red Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Malbec.
Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to summer. Many celebrate by having a barbecue at home, at the beach, or at their local park. And in this case, rosé is definitely the way to go. It perfectly complements the weather and puts everyone in a summery mood. Not to mention it goes well with grilled shrimp, chicken breast, and vegan dishes.
But if you’re looking to switch it up, many white wines taste great with classic BBQ dishes. Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc pair well with pork, smoked vegetables, grilled chicken, and grilled fish.
If you’re looking for a more full-bodied wine, go with reds like Grenache, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah to go with grilled steak, hamburgers, ribs, and other red meats.
Sporting Events
Looking to score the perfect wine for a sporting event? While many people are pounding back some beers at your local game, there are plenty of delicious wines to sip on as you watch your favorite team knock it out of the park.
Tennis
Serve up the perfect wine at a tennis match by picking up a bottle of Barolo. This wine adds the perfect classy touch to this sophisticated sport. If you’re looking for something different, try another classic option like Champagne.
Baseball
Wine is a great drink to sip on at a baseball game— especially when it’s red. Different varietals have their fair share of fruity and deep flavors, which go great with hotdogs, burgers, and even Cracker Jacks. Enjoy America’s favorite past time with a glass of Mourvedre or another classic red.
Soccer
Sit on the sidelines, cheer on your favorite team, and relax with a glass of wine during your next soccer game. When it comes to this sport and the time of year it’s played, the weather is always a gamble, so plan accordingly. If it’s a hot day, try a refreshing Sangria or rosé. If it’s on the chilly side, opt for a red Zinfandel.
Outdoor Gatherings
And of course, we can’t forget the outdoor events that every spring season brings. Pack your basket with these favorites to be the talk of your next party or picnic:
Picnics
We’ve already discussed what to bring to a barbecue, but what about picnics?
The best choice for picnics are light and fruity wines. Riesling and rosé in particular are the ideal choices — they are crisp and food-friendly, helping them pair well with sandwiches and other finger foods that are typically served at picnics.
Graduation Parties
No college graduation would be complete without a Champagne toast. If you’re attending a ceremony at a university, be sure to pack a bottle of bubbly to pop after the grad has received their diploma.
After the ceremony, it’s time for the party. You can either stick with the Champagne or bring out some celebratory dinner wines that you save for special occasions. These include the classics like Pinot Noir, Malbec, and red blends.
Bring On the Wine This Spring
Hopefully, this guide gave you enough insight to spring into the season with your old favorite wines and some new discoveries. Whether you’re gathering around the table for a holiday with your family, heading to a major league baseball game for the day, or celebrating a milestone, there’s a wine that goes with every occasion.
Impress guests by bringing a bottle to the party, or just sip on a glass while others drink beer at the barbecue. However you decide to drink wine this spring, do it the right way by matching the ideal wine to every event.
If you’re starting to stock up for spring, find all the varietals we discussed right here on our site. Prepare for your seasonal outings all at once by purchasing your wine online today.
I like dry Rose wine