Adding Wine To Your Outdoor Entertaining

As the calendar finally gets ready to turn to May, people are getting ready to start using their outdoor living space again. The official kickoff of the summer season has always been Memorial Day, but after such a long and cold winter, people will certainly be making a few early plans. With wine being more popular than ever, it is time to think about offering some selections along with the typical spring and summer beverages.

Springtime is a perfect opportunity to start introducing wine because the weather is typically that perfect mix of temperature. Many people still adhere to the old adage of "red wine when it's cold, white wine when it's hot," so with the medium cool/warm of spring, it is easy for people to go either way. The holdover red wine drinkers will still be in the mood for a Merlot or Cabernet, while people who prefer Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio will be ready to open a bottle of white.

Since outdoor entertaining is usually about being casual, it is important to pick wines that match the mood. A relaxed atmosphere is not the time to try to introduce a Petite Sirah or Red Zinfandel to people who do not commonly drink wine. These and many other varietals are certainly exceptional, but there is a better time to bring them out during the spring and summer. That is when the grill is fired up and the menu is steaks and pork and lamb.

Just because the days may be longer and the weather warmer does not mean that you should stop pairing your wines with your food. If it is a salad and appetizer buffet set-up, sticking with light wines like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Merlot is always a great call. These same wines, however, will get lost if the food is rich, hearty and spicy. People who know wine and food pairings will appreciate being able to have something that will stand up to what they are eating.

Another reason why wine is great at any party and especially when entertaining outdoors is because it is a social object, a built in conversation starter. People will pick up the bottle and read the label. They will ask other people who are drinking it how it tastes. They will taste a little themselves and inevitably talk about it with the people around them. It is a natural icebreaker, it introduces people, gives them something to talk about and helps create a relaxing atmosphere, even before the first glass is finished.

There is no reason to think that since the party is going outside that the wine cannot come along. There are too many great California wines out there that get released this time of year. It would be a shame if you made yourself wait until the fall to drink them.

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