Red White and Bubbly!!!

Everyone who knows me, knows that I love a good theme in all of my eating & drinking endeavors! I will come up with a theme for après-beach like ‘Rosé & Cheese’ on the porch with shimmering pink glasses in the late day sun; for a casual dinner at home, ‘Greek night’ with lamb meatballs, tzatziki, tomato & feta salad and Greek island wines is divine; or if I am helping plan a special party, I will create a unique wine line-up with a personalized theme that pairs really well with the menu and matches the hosts’ vibe for the celebration.

So… at your Memorial Day and/or 4th of July BBQ's, why not create a ‘Red White & Bubbly’ theme, serving all American wines? It will be a great way to be patriotic and discover new libations. Envision your menu as a blending of the classics like Tom Bailey’s burgers, Windmill hot dogs and creamy potato salad; along with easy-to-grill lemon ginger shrimp skewers, a tray of fresh clams and/or lobster tails from Spring Lake Seafood; as well as fresh salads like tomato basil tortellini and healthy quinoa with pine nuts & veggies that you can easily make ahead of time.

Serving a glass of bubbly is always a great way to get the party started, and Moules Marinières Blanc de Blancs Brut is from a sustainable vineyard in Lodi Valley, California. Bone dry and lemon citrusy with a crisp palate of green apple, nectarine and honeysuckle, it is produced with the true champagne method. ‘Moules’ Brut is the consummate partner for raw bar, all fishes and, bien sûr, with moules marinières. The beautiful label features a colorful mussel painted by local surfer Shayne Boyle of Bayhead. $36.99 retail

For the first white, Soléna Pinot Gris from Oregon has ripe stone fruit aromas and flavors like apples, pears and apricots, accented by honeysuckle, lemon zest and minerals with a pure, dry finish. Delicious for clams on the BBQ, shrimp skewers & cedar plank salmon. Made of 98% Pinot Gris and 2% Gewürztraminer, Soléna is named for owner/winemaker Laurent Montalieu’s daughter. A good Pinot Gris is a terrific white to please both the Italian Pinot Grigio and California Chardonnay crowd. The grape originates in Alsace, France. $24.99 retail

Faustini ‘Beach House’ Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley is made by bi-coastal Anthony & Michelle Faustini, NJ natives who have become known for their rich, velvety Napa Cabs. Their Sauvignon Blanc is juicy, ripe and scrumptious. Aged in 100% stainless steel, packed with ripe pear, melon, pineapple and clementine notes. An amazing value in Napa Sauvignon Blanc, this is also such a happy, sunny American alternative for folks who love New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. $29.99 retail

Onto the Reds! Marietta Cellars is a family-owned winery in Sonoma Valley, farming over 400 acres of their own vineyards. Their commitment to quality is evident in a wine they simply call ‘Old Vine Red’, made of mostly Zinfandel. This wine gives you a real taste of ‘old school Americana’, similar to when our farmers would plant a bunch of different grapes in one spot, and then make a tasty blend. First produced in 1982, OVR has a ripe and lively style, with plump upfront blackberries and black cherries followed by wild mint and a hint of mocha. Pair with Burgers & Ribs, or Pasta & Pizza! $16.99 retail

Grosgrain Vineyards Petit Grosgrain is a unique red blend from Washington State made by Matt & Kelly Austin who left their ‘corporate’ careers in 2014, for a new life in the Pacific Northwest. They own 5 acres at Grosgrain, championing ‘underdog grapes’ and sustainable farming. On a visit to the Walla Walla Valley last year, their sumptuous Rhône style blend was a highlight in addition to the luxury Cabernets being crafted there. Made of 53% Grenache, 45% Syrah and 2% Tempranillo, look for cherry, raspberry, marjoram and black tea notes. Washington State is such a fun red wine lovers’ playground so don’t miss it! $29.99 retail