Seasonal Wine Pairings: Best Wines for Summer and Winter
It’s always a great time to have wine. Regardless of the season, wine is a mysterious, social, and enjoyable beverage to be shared anytime with friends and family or as a treat to yourself. And the best part of enjoying wine year-round is pairing it with the weather and seasonal foods to elevate the experience. As we enjoy the tail end of winter and look forward to summer’s warm, sunny days, learn more from Cornerstone Cellars about the best wines and food to pair them with to bring out the best flavors.
Best Wines for Winter
Characteristics of Winter Wines
There’s something truly unique about enjoying wine during the cold and snowy months. After a day out skiing, settle in with a cozy and warm bottle of wine that’s full-bodied and offers bold flavors of fruit and spice. Their high tannin levels give them even more depth, ideal for sipping slowly and swirling into their complexity. Often served at room temperature or slightly warmed, it’s best to let them breathe a bit to bring out the complete flavor or aroma of the wine.
Top Wine & Food Pairing Recommendations for Winter
Should winter wines go with pasta or a salad? If you’re looking for wine and food pairing recommendations and not sure where to start, consider these options:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its richness and bold dark fruit flavors like blackberry and cherry, this wine goes well with hearty meats. You can’t go wrong with a grilled steak or a tender roasted lamb. Cabernet is obviously a favorite of Cornerstone Cellars as we offer an entire portfolio of single vineyard Napa Valley bottlings.
- Syrah/Shiraz: Spicy and full of flavors such as peppers, tobacco, or coffee, a Syrah/Shiraz is ideal for pairing with a stew or potato gnocchi with red sauce.
- Malbec: A favorite in the winter, this type of wine is known for its smooth, dark fruit flavors such as plum. Savor this wine with a roasted pork or skirt steak.
- Chardonnay (Oaked): Don’t pass on a white wine during the winter. Often buttery and toasty, this delectable wine is best paired with chicken alfredo or even a creamy mac and cheese.
- Port and Dessert Wines: Sweet, rich, and perfect for holiday desserts, enjoy a glass of Port or Riesling to cap off the night.
Best Wines for Summer
Characteristics of Summer Wines
Swap full-bodied wines for light, refreshing wines as the days become longer and warmer. For the ultimate summer experience, sip on an acidic, crisp wine by the pool or pour yourself and your friends a glass while enjoying a picnic by a lake. Best served chilled and typically fruity, summer wines are the perfect refreshment and turn any day into a celebration.
Top Wine & Food Pairing Recommendations for Summer
Exchange hearty meals for light, fruit-forward dishes that bring out the flavor of each wine. Draw some inspiration from these wines and foods to pair with them:
- Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp, citrusy, and known for its vibrant flavors of honeydew and grapefruit, this wine is an excellent choice with summer salads, chicken, or even an eggplant dish. Our Sonoma Mountain Sauvignon Blanc has long been a club member favorite for its versatility and palate-pleasing presence.
- Rosé: Iconic for a hot summer day, rosé wines are versatile, ranging from light and minerally to rich and savory. Pair these wines with a nice pesto pasta dish or a lobster roll.
- Pinot Grigio: Bursting with fruit flavors of lime, lemons, and more, this wine pairs perfectly with slightly roasted vegetables and would be an excellent choice for a charcuterie board.
- Sparkling Wines: Perfect for celebrations, toast with a glass of sparkling wine. From Prosecco to Champagne, these wines range anywhere from dry and zesty to fruity and floral. They’re great to pair with a wide selection of food, such as oysters, smoked salmon, salted nuts, and more.
- Beaujolais: A rustic red, this easy-to-drink wine gives off notes of pomegranate and blackberry. This versatile partner can go along with roast chicken, fish, or even cooked sausages. Look for Beaujolais Nouveau right before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Explore Seasonal Wine Pairing at Cornerstone Cellars
Maximize each season with unique varieties of wine. Experimenting with different styles throughout the year can be fun and an opportunity to bring out flavors in the food you pair it with. Although you may be excited for warmer weather and summer wines, enjoy these last weeks and months of winter by popping open winter wines and relishing hearty meals.
At Cornerstone Cellars, we want you to taste the best wine every season. Browse our range of wines to find your favorite for summer, winter, and everything in between. From Cabernet Sauvignons to Pinot Noirs to Sauvignon Blancs, we offer delectable holiday wine selections sourced from acclaimed AVAs across California. Discover our Yountville tasting room, where creative and exciting experiences await. Book a tasting today to reserve your spot. We can’t wait to give you a taste of Yountville.