Summer entertaining in wine country is all about easy - pull together some simple foods, good friends and great wines and you've got the perfect summer party.

Bold Summer Colors

  • Take advantage of summer flowers to make a bold statement. Set a black and white table, then accent with bouquets of different types of flowers in one color for a modern monochromatic look. We love dazzling summer sunflowers or fragrant full-bloom roses.
  • Outdoor lanterns make every evening festive. Choose big, bold shapes and bright colors.
  • Set the mood of your party with music. Soft funky jazz or a light Latin beat will set the tone you're looking for.
Simplicity is Key
  • Start with a simple "food and wine pairing" of sliced pears and apples, several artisan cheeses, drizzled truffle-oil infused honey, crispy flatbread and roasted nuts. Serve Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir for a versatile selection.
  • Shop the local farmers market to find the amazing vegetable selection of the summer season. Serve them fresh on a big platter with simple herb-infused vinaigrette dipping sauce.
  • As summer tomatoes arrive, sample some of the amazing heirloom varieties that are now available. Slice a platter of various colors, sizes and textures, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and top with sea salt. Or, go Italian and add some chopped fresh basil and fresh mozzarella slices.
  • Summer is barbecue weather - all over the country. Try BBQ ribs with Syrah or Zinfandel; New York Steak or Lamb Chops with Cabernet Sauvignon or rosemary BBQ chicken with Merlot.
  • Remember, for barbecue, it's the sauce that can change the wine pairing. If your BBQ sauce is especially sweet or spicy, you may want to try a Riesling. Here are some of our favorite BBQ recipes:
Entertaining with Wine
  • Celebrate the return of warm weather with a reds-only wine tasting - great for a simple evening at home or a Saturday afternoon get together. Set out 3-4 different red varietals and let your guests sample and compare.
  • For warmer evenings, chill red wines slightly before serving. Pinot Noir should be served at around 55 ° F and other reds at 60-65 ° F. The wines will be more refreshing, and the cooler temperature will highlight the wines' natural bouquet and flavor profile.
  • For an open label tasting, place these wine descriptions in front of the bottles and let them select a "winner" from your wine sampling.
  • To change it up, do it "blind," covering each bottle with a paper bag and letting your guests guess from these descriptions which wine they are sampling.
  • For more information on Wine Tasting, click here.