Vintages - A grand garden gathering

The weather outside has finally warmed up, so the time is right to pull out a few bottles of white, rosé and sparkling wine for chilling and sipping. We’ve taken all the stress out of finding the perfect wines for alfresco enjoyment, so all that’s left to do is select your favourites. Whether you’re planning a wedding reception, hosting a baby shower, toasting a university grad or just relaxing in the backyard with friends or family, a garden party paired with these wines is a brilliant solution.

Matching the wines to the menu is key when planning a summer gathering. This quick guide will get you started pairing summer-sipping wine styles – white, rosé and sparkling – with foods.

Appetizers: Artichoke dip and fresh veggies; scallop skewers; feta or goat cheese.
Mains: Grilled fish with lemon and herbs; fish tacos; pasta primavera.
Why it all works: Fresh flavours and briny bites suit the wine's crisp, vibrant acidity.

Appetizers: Prosciutto and cantaloupe; shrimp skewers; brie or mozzarella cheese.
Mains: Grilled chicken cordon bleu; cedar-planked salmon; barbecued eggplant pizza.
Why it all works: Slightly heartier foods suit rosé's bright flavours and gentle tannins.

Appetizers: Fried zucchini blossoms; crab cakes; Edam or Gouda cheese.
Mains: Grilled lobster tail with butter; crispy barbecued duck; seafood or veggie tempura.
Why it all works: Sparkling wine's piercing acidity and lively bubbles cut through rich, fatty foods.

Want to check out some of the other wines in this release? Here are some clues that a wine will be great for summer sipping.
1/ Lighter body: Light, breezy clothes are more comfortable than big, heavy clothes in peak summer heat. Similarly, lithe, elegant wines are easier on the palate than big, rich wines when the heat is on.
2/ High acidity: Acidity in wine cleanses the palate and literally makes your mouth water. This is especially important on hot days to cut through richer foods and keep your palate primed.
3/ Low tannins: Tannins feel chewy on the palate, which can make big, tannin-heavy red wines feel less summery than lower-tannin white, rosé and sparkling wines.
4/ Low (or no) oak: Heavily oaked wines have higher tannins, richer flavours and fuller body, all of which are less suited to summer sipping than crisp, nervy low/no-oak wines.