The perfect sips, trips and tips for a satisfying summer season
(BPT) - After a year like no other, everyone is seeking ways to celebrate the summer and enjoy those little things that make such a big difference. You don’t have to be a wine expert to know that the right wine or cocktail for the occasion can make any get-together truly outstanding. Whether you’re hanging out with friends around the grill or embarking on an epic road trip, here are tips for relearning how to enjoy the moment.
1. Stemware for everywhere
Or better yet — stemless wineglasses! Find unbreakable, shatterproof, insulated wineglasses online that are just perfect for your next patio party, beach day or glamping trip. There are plenty of choices for insulated tumblers and coolers to keep wine and other beverages chilled and safe, no matter where you go.
2. Choose wines that are bright, light and just right
Whether relaxing with friends on the beach or around your backyard fire pit, enjoy a light, refreshing white wine that’s fragrant, vibrantly fruity and crisp, like the 2020 Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. The vineyards are planted along the Wairau River’s edge, creating quality wines to help you enjoy the moment.
3. Keep cool
When you’re enjoying an outdoor get-together, you’ll want to prevent wine from getting too warm — even reds. One trick is to store wine bottles in a cooler or a bucket filled with ice, salt and water. The salt in the water helps bring the freezing point of water below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Inspire your inner mixologist
Did you know wines can be used to create refreshing summer drinks? Add seasonal fruit or herbs to transform a favorite wine into a cooling cocktail.
Create your own Moscato Moscow Mule with this easy recipe:
Ingredients
- 5 ounces Seven Daughters Moscato
- A few ounces club soda
- Lime
- Ginger ale
Instructions
Mix Seven Daughters Moscato and club soda.
Add squeeze of lime and top with ginger ale.
Garnish with lime wedge.
Makes 1 serving.
5. Rediscover wine country
When you’re itching to get away from it all, why not sip your way through a tasting flight at a winery? With over 11,000 wineries across the U.S., you have plenty to choose from. You can even find hidden gems in parts of well-known Napa, like the Maxville Winery in the Chiles Valley. This unique winery started as a summer camp, with its first grapevines planted back in 1974. Today, you can visit the winery and sample the Estate Maxville Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Red Blend and Petite Sirah.
6. Get paid to make history with Federalist Wines' "Cabinet of Summer"
The Federalist has opened applications for its first ever "Cabinet of Summer," giving three lucky fans the opportunity to receive $10,000 to make history as "secretaries" of summer activities. Each winner will use their reward to master a chosen craft by having the biggest, boldest summer since 1776:
The Secretary of The Outdoors has a passion for adventure and enjoys hiking and camping. They’ll have the opportunity to explore National Parks or raft down America’s mighty rivers — enjoying their favorite Federalist wine along the way.
The Secretary of Athletics is an ultimate sports fan equally passionate about backyard whiffle ball as cheering their favorite pro team — with bonus points for bold game-day rituals involving wine and snacks. They’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit historic baseball stadiums this summer.
Secretary of The Grill is the ultimate host, spatula in one hand, glass in the other. They could be a neighborhood grillmaster or top wine-pong player — and $10,000 can throw a heck of a barbecue.
Through July 6, apply at FederalistWines.com/CabinetOfSummer by sharing how you plan to make history if chosen as a Secretary of Summer. Propose how you would use the prize, including an example of your "epic summer itinerary," plus a link to a photo/video on your Instagram page illustrating your content creation skills. To be eligible, fans must reside in the U.S. and be 25 years of age or older. Winners will be announced through The Federalist Wines’ Instagram page July 9. See FederalistWines.com/CabinetOfSummer for official rules and regulations.
All wines can be found nationwide and can be purchased at select retailers, on Wine.com and through Uncorked.com.