Spring is here in force, and it has us heading straight for the wines that allow the season’s ingredients to shine. The abundance of this “green” season’s herbal flavors can make pairing a challenge—lookin’ right at you, asparagus!—but with morel mushrooms, fresh peas, favas, and fresh thyme and cilantro popping up, there’s no shortage of winning matches…when you’ve got the right wines, that is.
Food & Wine Pairings
Herbaceous salads with bold flavors. Start with some arugula, and then add on English peas, Morel mushrooms, dill, citrus, parsley, cilantro, fennel. Absolutely delicious!
Pair it With: Sauvignon Blanc, Gruner Veltliner, Verdicchio, Greco di tufo
Why it Works: The herbal, citrusy and lively acid-driven qualities of these varietal wines embrace the complexity of the greens, elevating the pairing.
Our Bottle Recommendations:
2023 Matthias & Emile Roblin Reserve de Maimbray Cuvee Terres Blanches Sancerre
2023 Zialena Sauvignon Blanc Geyserville Sonoma County
Fresh fish based dishes. For dishes from crudo and smoked trout, to branzino and grilled salmon.
Wine Varietal: Sake
Why it Works: Sake’s traditional best friend is fish; the Umami and silkiness that sake brings to the pairing is simply unbeatable.
2 Bottle Recommendations:
Kumaya Shuzo AN Tokubetsu Junmai Okayama
Heavensake Junmai Daiginjo Yamaguchi
Roasted vegetables with olive oil. Think asparagus, peppers, brussels.
Wine Varietal: Riesling
Why it Works: Dry Riesling has an excellent ability to complement grilled vegetables, including hard-to-pair items like asparagus, fennel, and brussels sprouts. Its chalky mineral notes and ensemble of stone-fruit aromatics make it ideal with the green, charred notes.
Bottle Recommendation:
2024 Vivier Wines Riesling The Other Ranch Anderson Valley
Lamb chops and other meat based dishes.
Wine Varietal: Rioja
Why it Works: With its balanced acidity, notes of dried herbs, and dried-fruit components, Rioja (especially with a little age) makes for a lovely match for gamy, fatty, and rich meats.
Bottle Recommendation:
2017 CVNE (Cune) Vina Real Rioja Gran Reserva Especial
Roast chicken with spring vegetables.
Wine Varietal: Pinot Noir
Why it Works: California Pinot Noir—from the Sonoma Coast to be more precise—is a proven ideal match for umami-rich roast chicken and spring vegetables. Fruit-forward, savory in nature, tinged with an herbal edge, it always makes a simply delicious pairing.
2 Bottle Recommendations:
2024 Montagu Pinot Noir Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast
2022 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
Fresh spring spritzer. For all the Hugo and Aperol Spritz lovers!
Wine Varietal: Prosecco
Why it Works: Prosecco brings bright acidity and lively bubbles that lift and refresh every sip of a spritz. Its delicate notes of green apple, pear, and citrus complement herbal or bitter liqueurs beautifully, making it the perfect light and effervescent base for springtime cocktails.
Bottle Recommendation:
Corazza Prosecco Extra Dry Treviso Italy
