Summer is the season of sunshine, shared meals, and spontaneous road trips. And for wine enthusiasts, it’s the perfect setting to indulge in their passion. Whether you're looking for fun summer activities, planning this season's events for your customers, or wanting to relax at home, this guide has something for every personality and budget. Let’s explore a curated list of activities for wine lovers for an epic season.
What You’ll Find in This Guide:
Outdoor Summer Wine Activities
It's the perfect time to enjoy your favorite wines and food under the sun (or stars). From the beginning of warmer months until early fall, whether you enjoy connecting with the wine community, listening to live music, exploring a vineyard, or planning for your winery business, you'll love these options:
1. Vineyard Picnics
Head to a local vineyard (walking distance or on a short road trip) that allows outdoor dining. Find a shaded spot with a view of the vines.
Setup tips:
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Bring a waterproof blanket or a low picnic table.
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Use portable wine glasses or tumblers with lids to keep bugs out.
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Don’t forget a wine opener, ice packs, and napkins.
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Bring finger foods or seasonal harvest.
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Take lots of pictures and create a lasting memory.
Food pairing tip: Try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with herbed goat cheese and citrus fruits. It’s a refreshing contrast that brings out the best in both.
2. Winery Tours & Tastings
Take a wine tasting road trip and explore the varietals of your region in a neighboring or famous winery. Many winery rooms now offer seasonal events with live music, food truck pairings, and vineyard tours.
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Budget tip: Search "free summer activities near me" online. Some local wineries host complimentary samplings on weekends or holidays like Memorial Day.
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Pro tip for businesses: Create memorable experiences for your customers. Provide exclusive flights, opportunities to meet winemakers, and arrange live music to draw in various groups and the targeted community.
3. Wine & Paint Al Fresco Event
Host an exclusive event with friends by having an outdoor paint party. Set up easels in the backyard or on a balcony, pour some chilled Chardonnay, play soft music (live music is a plus), and let everyone create their version of a vineyard landscape.
What to bring:
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Acrylic paints and canvases (no mess, fast-drying)
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Plastic drop cloths for easy cleanup
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A light-bodied white or rosé
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Food to keep everyone happy
Look online for a winery near you that hosts this kind of event. Also, ask local food truck vendors if they can cater for this exclusive activity.
4. Sunset Wine Walks
Bring a portable wine tumbler, your favorite chilled wine, and food, and head to a walking trail, beach path, or neighborhood winery with the perfect backdrop.
Activity suggestions:
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Organize walks with groups and assign each person a different vino.
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End the walk with a mini party at a viewpoint or park bench.
Great for: Couples who want to spend time together, solo travelers, and groups who want to socialize without hosting a full event.
5. Wine & Outdoor Movie Night
Set up a backyard projector and prepare exciting wine pairings so your guests feel cozy and entertained.
How to set up for the event:
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Hang a white sheet or use an outdoor screen
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Provide folding chairs, floor cushions, or picnic blankets
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Use citronella candles to ward off bugs
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Set up a bar for movie foods and drinks that different groups can indulge in (or hire a food truck)
Wine & movie pairings:
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Rom-coms + sparkling rosé
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Dramas + aged Merlot
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Comedies + crisp Pinot Grigio
Save our popcorn and wine pairing list.
6. Poolside Wine Spritzer Bar
Beat the heat with a wine spritzer station by the pool, a simple but exciting event for all.
DIY spritzer bar must-haves:
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Sparkling water or soda (citrus, berry, or ginger flavors work well)
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Fresh fruit: orange slices, frozen berries, cucumber ribbons
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Ice buckets (or an outdoor ice maker)
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Light wines like Grüner Veltliner or Moscato
Hosting tip: Pre-batch pitchers of different spritzers and label them for guests. Hire local artists for phenomenal live music in the background.
7. Garden Wine Tastings
Turn your backyard or patio into a mini sampling event.
Setup ideas:
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Create a flight of three wines: a dry rosé, chilled Gamay, and unoaked Chardonnay
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Use tasting cards or wine journals for guests to jot down flavor notes
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Add hanging lights or solar lanterns for ambiance
Pairing idea: Save our summer food and wine tasting suggestions.
Hosting tip: Prepare some light snacks and keep the atmosphere relaxed with soft live music to encourage conversation and enjoyment among guests.
8. Wine & Music Festivals
Check your city’s calendar for wine festivals with live music, food pairings, and events at local wineries and food trucks. These entertainments are excellent for discovering new favorites and connecting with fellow wine enthusiasts.
Tip for businesses: To attract groups that appreciate entertainment, schedule evenings for rock music, jazz, and any other live music you believe your customers would enjoy, encouraging them to return or drawing different crowds every time.
9. Outdoor Wine Yoga
Attract health-conscious groups. Sip wine and stretch. Create wine yoga events that combine movement, mindfulness, and Merlot.
What you’ll need:
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Yoga mat
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Soft towel or blanket for the grass
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Light-bodied wine that won’t overwhelm post-session
Hosting tip: Provide groups with chilled washcloths soaked in rose water and set up a post-flow bar with reds, whites, and non-alcoholic alternatives.
Indoor Wine Activities
Not every balmy day calls for sun-basking events. For those who can't stand the heat or are simply in the mood for a cozy stay-in, these indoor wine-centric events offer plenty of enjoyment without standing under the scorching sun.
1. DIY Wine Cocktails Night
Create a mini wine cocktail bar at home. From sangrias to frozen frosés, this is a great activity for groups or an exciting evening with a partner.
Wine Cocktail Recipes:
White Wine Sangria
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Serves: 4
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Prep time: 10 min + chill 1–2 hours
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Ingredients:
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1 bottle dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc)
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½ cup orange liqueur
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1 orange, sliced
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1 lemon, sliced
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1 cup strawberries, halved
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½ cup club soda (add before serving)
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Mix all ingredients in a pitcher, refrigerate, and add club soda before serving.
Frozen Rosé (Frosé)
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Serves: 2
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Prep time: 10 min + 6 hours freeze
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Ingredients:
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1 bottle rosé
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½ cup strawberries
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp honey
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Freeze rosé into ice cubes. Blend with other ingredients until slushy.
Red Wine Slushie (Summer Mulled Remix)
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Serves: 4
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Prep time: 5 min
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Ingredients:
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2 cups bold red wine (Zinfandel or Shiraz)
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1 cup frozen cherries
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1 tbsp maple syrup
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1 cinnamon stick (optional)
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Blend all until smooth. Garnish with a cherry.
Hosting Tips:
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Set up a bar with labeled mixers and garnishes, allowing guests to create their own concoctions.
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Live music in the background creates a relaxing atmosphere for a cocktail evening.
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Invest in a quality wine maker for stress-free hosting and convenience.
2. Wine & Cheese Pairing Class at Home
Bring the pairing event to your kitchen. Create themes like “California vs. France” or “Whites & Soft Cheeses.”
Pairing suggestions:
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Chardonnay + Brie – Creamy textures echo each other beautifully.
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Sauvignon Blanc + Goat Cheese – The acidity complements the tang.
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Pinot Noir + Gruyère – Light reds and nutty cheeses balance well.
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Malbec + Aged Cheddar – Tannins match the sharpness.
Scorecards and optional blindfolds make this activity perfect for groups of enthusiasts and sommeliers looking to sharpen their palates.
3. Wine-Themed Game Night
Invite friends for an evening of themed games and challenges.
Games to play:
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Wine-opoly – A Monopoly spin-off for enthusiasts.
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Wine Trivia Night – Use flashcards or trivia decks based on wine regions, varietals, and pairings.
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Wine Bottle Ring Toss - A classic carnival-style lawn game that's easy to set up, perfect for yards, patios, and sand.
Hosting tip: Keep wine chilled and fresh throughout the night in a freestanding wine fridge and offer a water break to the group between rounds.
4. Movie + Wine Pairing Marathon
Pair your favorite films with the perfect vino.
Pairing examples:
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Sideways + Pinot Noir
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The Hundred-Foot Journey + Gewürztraminer
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Julie & Julia + French Burgundy
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Clueless + Sparkling Rosé
Here are other movies that are set in vineyards, focus on, or heavily feature wines or winemaking that your group will enjoy:
Romantic Escapes & Feel-Good Films
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A Walk in the Clouds - – A dreamy tale of love and tradition set against Napa Valley’s vineyards.
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A Good Year - Russell Crowe finds more than wine in the French countryside.
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French Kiss - Wine, romance, and charming in France with Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline.
- Uncorked - A modern story about chasing dreams and honoring family legacies, set in Memphis and Napa
Dramas & Documentaries for the Curious Connoisseur:
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SOMM - Go behind the scenes with master sommelier candidates during the toughest wine exam on earth.
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Mondovino - A thought-provoking doc exploring global wine culture and the battle between tradition and globalization.
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Blood into Wine - Rock meets wine as Tool’s Maynard James Keenan explores winemaking in Arizona.
- Sour Grapes - True crime meets the wine world in this story about one of the biggest wine frauds ever.
Wine-Centric Stories with a Twist
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Wine Country - A hilarious girls’ trip gone slightly off-course in California’s wine country.
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The Secret of Santa Vittoria - A small Italian town hides a million bottles of wine from the Nazis—cheers to resistance!
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A Year in Burgundy - A beautiful look into the lives of seven winemaking families over the course of a year.
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A Heavenly Vintage / The Vintner's Luck - A poetic film about a winemaker and his quest for perfection, love, and meaning.
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A Year in Champagne - A sparkling behind-the-scenes look at the iconic French bubbly.
5. Wine & Book Club
Start a book club this season! Discuss titles like Cork Dork by Bianca Bosker or The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil in the group with your favorite wine.
Pairing tip: Choose wines based on the book’s region or theme. For example, Italian wines with Under the Tuscan Sun or bold Napa reds for The Judgment of Paris.
6. Host a Blind Tasting Event
Blindfold your guests or wrap bottles in foil to test wine recognition skills.
Instructions:
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Select 4–5 varieties from different varietals or regions.
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Label them A–E.
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Provide tasting cards for aroma, body, acidity, and flavor notes.
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Reveal the answers after.
7. Revamp Your Wine Storage
Warmer months are the best time to audit your wine storage setup.
Tips to keep your wines safe in the heat:
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Upgrade to a wine cooling unit or a dedicated wine fridge to maintain 55°F.
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Rotate your collection and move aging reds away from direct sunlight.
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Add wine racks or wine pegs for easy visibility and airflow.
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Opt for glass-enclosed wine cellars or wine cabinets for temperature control and aesthetic appeal.
This is also the season to reorganize your labels and separate season-ready wines (rosé, white, sparkling) from long-term cellar dwellers.
Do you need a wine cellar makeover this season? Contact our team of experts for a FREE custom design estimate.
8. Build a DIY Wine Bar or Cart
Turn a small corner or rolling cart into a wine station fit for the hot days.
Include:
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Ice bucket
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Cocktail shaker
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Opener
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Wine glasses and chillers
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Seasonal décor (lemons, fresh herbs, citrus napkins)
9. Host a Virtual Wine Night Event
Distance doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy together. Invite friends or clients to a virtual tasting.
Ideas:
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Ship mini wine flights to each attendee
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Use a shared PDF for notes
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Host trivia breaks or virtual cooking classes
This works well for long-distance couples, remote teams, or clients you want to treat to a tasting room experience from home.
10. Crafting with Corks
Don’t toss those corks. Turn them into functional décor.
Craft ideas:
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Coasters or trivets (glue corks to a corkboard base)
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Standing framed cork art (heart shapes, initials, etc.)
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Cork magnets (cut into discs and glued to magnet backs)
Make it a group project with wine and snacks to keep the creative juices flowing. Check out our Pinterest board for easy DIY cork craft ideas.
Wine Date Ideas for Wine Enthusiasts
Looking for date ideas with the wine lover in your life? These charming, low-key, and indulgent options for the bright months are made for romance.
1. Sunset Beach Wine Picnic
Grab a cooler, your favorite chilled white, and a blanket.
What to bring:
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Canned or screw-cap wine (no opener required)
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Reusable utensils
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LED candle or fairy lights
Food & Snacks:
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Easy-to-Eat Finger Foods:
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Cheese & Charcuterie Board: Pre-sliced cheeses (soft and hard), cured meats (prosciutto, salami), olives, crackers, breadsticks.
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Fresh Fruit: Grapes (pair well with cheese!), berries, sliced melon.
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Dips & Veggies: Hummus, guacamole (if you're okay with potential mess), carrots, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips.
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Dessert: Chocolate-dipped strawberries, small cookies, or truffles.
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Watch the sunset with your toes in the sand. Bring a portable speaker and a “rosé & chill” playlist for extra flair.
2. Couples Wine & Cooking Night
Pick a cuisine (Spanish tapas, Italian pasta, or French bistro fare) and cook together with paired wines.
Suggested pairings:
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Tapas + Tempranillo
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Lemon pasta + Pinot Grigio
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Coq au Vin + Pinot Noir
Find quick recipes you can pair with wine on our Pinterest board.
3. Wine + Stargazing Date
Drive to a quiet spot, lay out a blanket, and bring a red or velvety Merlot. Bring binoculars or a stargazing app to identify constellations.
4. Wine & Board Games
Break out casual, light-hearted games and pair with light pours.
Game ideas:
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Codenames
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Ticket to Ride
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Sushi Go
Stick to low-alcohol or chilled wines like Lambrusco or Albariño to keep things balanced.
5. Couples Wine & Spa Night
At-home spa? Yes, please.
What to set up:
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Foot soak with Epsom salt and lavender
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Face masks
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Candles
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Soft playlist
Pairing:
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Moscato d’Asti with strawberries dipped in dark chocolate
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Or a chilled Prosecco with herbal cheeses
Summer Foods and Wine Pairings
No hot day wine experience is complete without the right food. Whether you're planning a backyard get-together, hosting an intimate dinner, or attending a grand tasting, these seasonal pairings strike the perfect balance between flavor and refreshment.
1. Grilled Shrimp Skewers + Albariño
The crisp acidity and citrus notes of Albariño cut through the richness of grilled seafood. Add a mango salsa on the side for a sweet contrast.
2. Caprese Salad + Sauvignon Blanc
A classic salad—tomato, mozzarella, and basil—pairs beautifully with the herbal freshness of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
3. BBQ Ribs + Bold Reds (Zinfandel)
For heartier fare, go bold. Zinfandel’s spice and fruitiness perfectly complement sticky barbecue sauces, especially at wine and food festivals.
4. Watermelon Feta Salad + Rosé
This refreshing dish finds a match in dry rosé, with both offering bright acidity and subtle fruit notes.
5. Grilled Peaches + Riesling
Try lightly grilled peaches with honey and mascarpone alongside an off-dry Riesling for an easy dessert with perfect contrast.
Hosting Tip: Use a wine preservation system to keep your pairings tasting fresh from start to finish.
How to Host a Summer Wine Tasting Party
Are you planning to host this season? A wine-tasting party is a fantastic way to entertain friends, explore new varietals, and showcase your wine collection.
Step 1: Choose a Theme
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Whites & Rosés
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Wines of California (tie in a nod to San Francisco or San Diego wineries)
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Blind Tasting Challenge
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Natural & Organic Wines (appeals to eco-conscious guests)
Step 2: Set the Scene in Your Tasting Room
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Use a backyard, patio, or rooftop for outdoor ambiance.
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Include tasting cards, water pitchers, spit buckets, and crackers.
Step 3: Curate the Wine Lineup
Offer 4–6 bottles max to avoid palate fatigue. Go from light to bold:
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Sparkling Wine
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Rosé
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Unoaked Chardonnay
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Pinot Noir
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Syrah or GSM blend
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Dessert Wine (optional)
Step 4: Pair Light Bites
Small food pairings make a big impact. Try:
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Goat cheese crostini
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Cured meats
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Grilled veggies
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Mini fruit tarts
Provide pairing cards to guide guests through the experience.
Best Wine Party Games for the Summer
Make your season's wine events interactive with fun, approachable, and educational games.
1. Wine Tasting Bingo
Create bingo cards with tasting notes like “buttery,” “oak,” “citrus,” and “herbal.” Guests mark what they taste as they sip.
2. Guess the Price
Pour a series of wines at different prices and have guests guess the cost. Reveal the answers at the end.
3. Trivia Nights
Divide guests into teams and quiz them on varietals, regions, wine history, and quirky facts (like which country invented a specific vintage). Offer small prizes for the winning team.
4. Aroma Challenge
Place spices, fruits, and herbs in small containers. Guests sniff and guess, then compare to the aromas in their wine.
5. Somm Says
Like "Simon Says" but with wine. “Somm says swirl your glass. Somm says Describe the finish. Don’t sip unless Somm says!”
Summer Wine-Themed Activities for Restaurants & Bars
Bars and restaurants can draw a community with seasonal promotions that go beyond the usual tasting flight.
1. Wine & Painting Evenings
A “sip and paint” night adds an artistic flair. Schedule during weekdays to attract off-peak traffic.
2. Monthly Blind Tasting Battles
Let patrons enjoy exclusive access to great wines and guess the varietals. Winners get a prize or bragging rights.
3. Wine & Small Bites Pairing Menu
Offer rotating weekly pairings or intimate dinners with winemaker stories and regional themes.
4. Build-Your-Own Wine Spritzer Bar
Let guests mix and match wines, fresh juices, herbs, and garnishes. Ideal for rooftops and patios.
5. Wine Passport Programs
Stamp a guest’s card for each wine they try from your curated list. After 10, they get a free vino or exclusive access to the next event.
6. Host a Food Truck & Wine Garden Night
Partner with a local food truck (or several!) and local vendors, and set up outdoor seating or a wine garden. Offer small bites with curated wine pairings and light live music to boost foot traffic and ambiance.
Summer Event Ideas for Wineries & Vineyards
If you're a winery, the sunny season is your stage. These ideas attract both casual visitors and dedicated wine festival goers looking for a full sensory experience.
1. Sunset Sips & Live Music
Most wineries host weekly sunset tastings with live music. Guests can sip local varietals while watching the sky glow golden in the scenic trails.
2. Summer Wine Festival
Organize a wine and music festival featuring food trucks, tasting tents, and booths from local artisans. It’s perfect for local vendors looking to fill their calendars. Best for bigger crowds who enjoy live music.
3. “Meet the Winemaker” Series
Hold small, intimate dinners or tasting events where guests can chat with your winemaker and try unreleased vintages. This is one of the best educational experiences you can offer your customers.
4. Wine & Movie Nights Under the Stars
Set up a projector and screen cult classics or vineyard-themed films with lawn seating, popcorn, and plenty of your guests' favorite wines.
5. Barrel Room Dining Experiences
Many wineries offer multi-course meals with wine pairings in their cellar or barrel room. A cool escape from the warm weather. It's also a luxe draw for sophisticated guests who want to get their hands on limited edition wines.
6. Cooking Classes with Wine Pairings
Host on-site classes featuring seasonal ingredients lessons from a local chef. Each course should include a wine pairing from your collection.
7. Memorial Day Weekend Wine Festival
Mark the holiday with live entertainment, local food vendors, and wine tasting flights. Offer discounts on products or club memberships for attendees.
Budget-Friendly Wine Fun That Delivers Big Flavor
You don’t need a vineyard estate or a cellar full of vintage reds to enjoy the good life. With careful planning, these fun, low-cost wine activities are perfect for wine enthusiasts who prefer to sip smart.
1. Two-Buck Tasting Night
Host a budget wine showdown! Pick up inexpensive vino (under $10), cover the labels, and taste blind with friends. You’d be surprised how many hidden gems appear in a brown bag.
2. Watch Free Wine Documentaries
Make it a movie night with documentaries that both entertain and inform:
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SOMM (explores the Master Sommelier exam)
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A Year in Burgundy (follows a full growing season in France)
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Sour Grapes (true crime meets fine wine)
3. BYOB Backyard Potluck
Invite friends for a bring-your-own-bottle and dish night. Encourage regional pairings (e.g., Spanish tapas + Tempranillo) and share wine stories or trivia between bites.
4. Chill and Read on the Porch
Sometimes the best wine moments are the quiet ones. Pour a glass of dry rosé or Vinho Verde, grab a book, and soak in the sun.
Indulgent Wine Experiences Worth the Splurge
When you’re ready to treat yourself or someone special, these premium experiences bring the wine lifestyle to its luxurious peak. Wine lovers celebrating milestones or planning a dreamy Memorial Day weekend would love these suggestions.
1. Luxury Wine Retreat or B&B Stay
Escape to a vineyard villa or countryside inn. Look for curated packages in places like San Francisco’s Napa Valley or San Diego’s nearby Temecula region. Most include:
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Private vineyard tours
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Multi-course wine dinners
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Spa treatments with grape seed oils
Pro Tip: Book during off-peak weekdays for better rates and fewer crowds.
2. Custom Wine Cellar Build or Upgrade
The golden season is a great time to give your collection the storage it deserves. Consider:
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Installing a built-in wine fridge or cooling unit
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Upgrading to a luxury wine cabinet
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Creating a glass-enclosed wine cellar
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Adding wine racks or pegs for display
Tip: Heat and humidity can quickly spoil wines. Opt for a wine cooling system that offers stable temperature and humidity control.
3. High-End Pairing Dinner
Whether at home with a private chef or a Michelin-starred restaurant, go all out with a multi-course pairing menu. Themes to try:
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Wines of France (Chablis, Bordeaux, Sauternes)
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Classic reds of Italy (Barolo, Brunello, Amarone)
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Seafood and Champagne
For a home-hosted event, rent stemware, use printed menus, and dress the table like a wine tasting event.
4. Helicopter Wine Tour
Yes, it's real and it’s extraordinary. Companies in Napa, Sonoma, and other luxury wine regions offer exclusive tastings and helicopter tours that land at remote vineyards for private tastings and food pairings.
It is perfect for festival goers looking to step up their experience, or anyone planning a date weekend or proposal.
Key Takeaway
There’s a fun wine-themed summer experience for everyone! Whether you’re hosting at home, relaxing solo, managing a vineyard, or running a bustling business, you can make the most of this season. With some creativity and the right accessories, your summer can be full of lasting memories from beginning to end.
