As you prepare for Memorial Day weekend, don’t overlook the essential element that can truly elevate your festivities: wine. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, enjoying a picnic, or simply relaxing with loved ones, the right selection of wines will enhance your gathering. From crisp, chilled whites to juicy reds, there’s a wine to suit every taste and occasion. We have curated a selection of wines perfect for indulging in this holiday weekend and all summer long.
Mackenzie Lesher
Bouvet Ladubay
"Saphir" 2021
Pop a bottle of Bouvet Saphir to open the holiday weekend! This French sparkling wine is refreshing and bright with notes of sliced apples, grapefruit, pears, and biscuit. Whether your weekend is booked with barbeques, parades, or relaxing with family and friends, this bottle of bubbly is perfect for all occasions. I plan on dusting off the grill and pairing this wine with grilled chicken and shrimp.
Jennica Ossi
Villa Matilde
Greco di Tufo 2021
Villa Matilde Greco di Tufo is the perfect choice for the warm weather holiday weekend. Its bright, racy notes of citrus and tropical fruits will complement any outdoor gathering, enhancing the enjoyment of delightful food and good company. Raise a glass of Villa Matilde Greco di Tufo to honor the unofficial opening of summer and savor the essence of the wine’s Italian terroir in every sip.
Hailey Giordano
Craggy Range Chardonnay
"Kidnappers Vineyard" 2021
Craggy Range Chardonnay is the perfect wine for Memorial Day because its vibrant, citrusy flavors perfectly complement the fresh, summery dishes we love and missed since last year. The screw cap makes it incredibly convenient for beach, boat, or poolside gatherings—no need to remember a wine key! This weekend, I’ll be pairing it with a light summer salad for a truly refreshing evening.
Vesselina Stoyanova
Medici Ermete
Phermento 2022
Talk about Rose all day or all weekend; Phermento, Lambrusco di Sorbara should be your go to wine this Memorial Day! This exquisite gem of a wine produced by the Medici family from the lightly colored Sorbara Lambrusco grapes, fermented in the bottle using the Ancestral Method, and with only 11.5 ABV will keep you fizzing all weekend. With deep pink color, dry yet fruit forward with hints of red fruit and raspberries, it is perfect served at 45-50F, as an aperitif, or paired with charcuterie or spicy BBQ.
Chloe York
Château des Jacques
Moulin-à-Vent, "Le Moulin" 2020
Celebrate the weekend with a bottle of Château des Jacques Moulin-à-Vent “Le Moulin”. Whether you’re picnicking in the park or firing up the barbecue, this wine will add a touch of sophistication to your long weekend. Its crisp notes of ripe cherries and blackberries pair perfectly with burgers fresh off the grill. You can enjoy this wine chilled for an extra refreshing escape from your warm-weather festivities.
With our curated list of wines, each offering its own flavor profile and charm, you’re ready to kick off the summer of unforgettable gatherings. To ensure your gatherings remain cool and refreshing throughout the season, we’ve included some pro party tips guaranteed to keep the wine flowing and the good times rolling all summer long.
Pro party tips for entertaining with wine to last you all summer long:
1) Fill your ice bucket (or cooler) with ice and add a generous sprinkle of iodized salt and a few cups of water. The salt will reduce the ice to freezing point, keeping your ice from melting and your drinks cool for longer.
2) Freeze grapes or blueberries to use as ice cubes. They will keep your wine cool on summer days without changing the flavor of wine or watering it down.
3) Chill your red wines to taste the fruit notes in every sip.
Click here to purchase any of our recommendations. Cheers to a season filled with laughter, love, and the perfect pour!
