Summer’s Last Hurrah: Top Wines to Celebrate the End of the Season

As summer winds down, it's the perfect time to throw unforgettable gatherings with friends and family. What better way to celebrate than with the right wine?

Whether you're planning a laid-back BBQ, an elegant dinner party, or a fancy wine and dine evening, choosing the right bottle can make all the difference. Let’s dive into three wine recommendations that will elevate your end-of-summer festivities.

Zinfandel and Backyard BBQ with Friends

There’s nothing quite like a backyard BBQ to savor the last days of summer. The smell of the grill, the sound of laughter, and the relaxed vibe make it a perfect way to unwind with friends.

Set up a casual outdoor dining area with string lights to create a magical ambiance. Serve a menu that includes grilled meats, tangy BBQ sauces, and hearty sides. A robust Zinfandel is the ideal choice for this event. Its bold flavors and rich fruitiness complement the smoky and spicy flavors of BBQ dishes.

Why Zinfandel?

Zinfandel is known for its bold and fruity character with notes of blackberry, cherry, and spice. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, tangy BBQ sauces, and robust side dishes. The wine’s vibrant acidity and smooth tannins make it a versatile choice that enhances the BBQ flavors without overpowering them.

Top Picks

 Zinfandel and Backyard BBQ with Friends-pic 1

🍷2021 Barbanera Ngudra Primitivo del Salento. 99pt Primitivo, the OG Zinfandel

🍷2022 Turley Wine Cellars Juvenile Zinfandel. There is no better way to gauge the classic character of old-vine Zinfandel in California than through this wine.

Chardonnay for an Elegant Dinner Party

An elegant dinner party is a wonderful way to enjoy a refined evening with close friends or family. Use your best china and crystal glasses for a formal table setting, and add candles and soft music to create a sophisticated tone.

The menu could feature gourmet dishes like lobster, roasted chicken, or creamy pasta. A well-balanced Chardonnay is the perfect wine for this occasion, whether oaked for a rich, buttery experience or unoaked for a clean, crisp taste. Serve the Chardonnay slightly chilled to highlight its flavors.

Why Chardonnay?

Chardonnay is incredibly versatile. An oaked version can enhance the richness of dishes like lobster or roasted chicken, while an unoaked Chardonnay provides a refreshing contrast to creamy pasta dishes.

Top Picks

Chardonnay

🍷2021 Keenan Chardonnay Napa Valley Spring Mountain District. 93pt Napa Chardonnay, this is the real deal.

🍷2017 Metrick Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley. This is a vibrant white wine that will immediately make you fall in love from the very first sip.

Bordeaux Blend for a Formal Wine and Dine Evening

For those special occasions that call for something truly exceptional, a formal wine and dine evening is perfect. Transform your dining room with elegant décor and consider adding a wine-tasting element to highlight the nuances of the Bordeaux blend.

Feature a menu with refined dishes like filet mignon, duck, or a gourmet cheese course. A classic Bordeaux blend is the perfect choice to complement such a sophisticated event. Don’t forget to decant the wine for at least an hour before serving to let it breathe and reach its full potential.

Why Bordeaux Blend?

A Bordeaux blend typically combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other varietals, resulting in a wine with rich tannins, deep fruit flavors, and a long finish. It pairs wonderfully with refined dishes like filet mignon, duck, or a cheese course.

Top Picks

Bordeaux Blend

🍷2011 Chateau Grand Village Bordeaux Superieur. It’s charming and perfect for enjoying now, but also has the potential to age gracefully.

🍷2020 Chateau Les Pagodes de Cos Saint-Estephe. “It’s Shockingly Good and up With the Top Second Wines Out There.” ~ JD

Celebrate the End of Summer With Top Quality Wines

Summer is coming to a close. End summer with a bang. You’ve got three fabulous wines to make your end-of-summer celebrations unforgettable.

Whether you're hosting a casual BBQ, an elegant dinner, or a formal wine and dine evening, these wine choices will add that perfect touch of magic to your event. Here’s to celebrating the last days of summer with great wine, good food, and even better company.

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