August is a wine-lover's kind of month! August 3rd is National White Wine Day, and August 28th
is National Red Wine Day. For most places in the US, August is the beginning of Harvest Season. We all know that Missouri can sometimes have unpredictable weather, but even if the harvest is pushed back, August is still a wonderful month to drink some wine!
Seasonal Wines
Some wines just go hand-in-hand with a particular season. You can drink whatever wine you want whenever you want, but certain wines really pop depending on the time of year. Is your favorite wine "in season?" Take a look at our suggested seasonal wine pairings!
Summer Wines
Missouri summers are HOT! Despite the
heat, Missourians like to be outside during this time boating and barbecuing, among other things. Throughout the summer months, popular wines tend to be the kinds that are refreshing, chilled, crisp, vivacious, and juicy!
Summer White Wines
Pinot Grigio
Muscadet
Sauvignon Blanc
Albarino
Picopul de Pinet
Summer Rosé
Zinfandel Rosé
Provence Rosé
Summer Red Wines - Best served chilled
Pinot Noir
Grenache
Beaujolais
Autumn Wines
Fall is harvest season, and wineries are very popular around this time. The weather is mild, and the wine is flowing! Traits of popular autumn wines are rich, substantial, fuller-bodied, and spicy.
Fall White Wines
Oaky Chardonnay
Rioja
Chenin Blanc
Garganega
Fall Rosé
Grenache Rosé
Tavel
Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé
Fall Red Wines
Pinot Noir
Cabernet Franc
Tempranillo
Merlot
Winter Wines
Sweater weather means lots of reds to warm the soul! The winter months are often associated with specific foods that tend to be heavier and savory. Because of the cold weather and heavy meals, classic characteristics of winter wines are rich, savory, robust, complex, full-bodied, and high in alcohol.
Winter White Wines
Oaky Chardonnay
Grillo
Winter Rosé
Tempranillo Rosé
Syrah Rosé
Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé
Winter Red Wines
Sangiovese
Claret
Malbec
Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah
Spring Wines
Everyone in Missouri understands the unpredictability of spring. It's always best to plan for a middle-of-the-road kind of wine as the weather changes. Springtime wines are usually versatile, bright, fresh, medium-bodied, and textured.
Spring White Wines
Dry Riesling
Bacchus
Grüner Veltliner
Pinot Grigio
Chablis
Spring Rosé
Sangiovese Rosé
Tempranillo Rosé
Provence Rosé
Pinot Noir Rosé
Spring Red Wines
Young Pinot Noir
Cabernet Franc
Beaujolais
Sources: House of Townend & Wine Folly
Summer Food Wine Pairings
The kinds of fruits and vegetables that are harvested in the summer are usually citrusy, sweet, or acidic. We always associate summer with very fresh foods like melons, cucumbers, lemons, cherries, peaches, and tomatoes. Additionally, you'll see more fish dishes on the menu as certain popular fish are in abundance after spring. Summer is also the time for backyard barbecues which bring smoky, savory, and sometimes sweet flavors. When you set out to find the perfect wine to pair with your favorite summertime meal, look for crisp, acidic, and sweet wines. Take a look at our graphic below for some examples of delicious summer wine & food pairings!
Source: WTSO
Autumn Food Wine Pairings
As we reach the end of August, we are getting closer and closer to autumn. You'll start to notice a change in menus -- more than just the pumpkin takeover! Flavors like cinnamon, apple, ginger, caramel, maple, and pear start to reappear. Furthermore, meals will start to get a bit heavier with dishes like chili, savory pasta, pot roast, soup, and casseroles. Of course, Thanksgiving gives us the ultimate menu to find your favorite fall wine pairing. Autumn, being a transitional season, leaves room for well-rounded flavors in your wine. To see the recommended wine and food pairings for autumn, see our graphic below!
Source: WTSO
Wineries
If you're waiting for your chance to visit a winery, this is your sign to go! You don't have to be an expert to visit a winery or wait for your favorite wine to be "in season." There are no rules when it comes to having a good time! Drink what you like when you like, and take some buddies to the winery with you. We want you to be safe, so we recommend that you utilize our chauffeured services for your next winery tour! Take a shuttle with your friends to a nearby winery and sober up on the way home. Bring snacks on board to help absorb some of your adult grape juice, and forget about nominating a DD!