When you farm with a good earth mindset, you discover that every season tells its own story.
Understanding how the seasons shape our cravings and celebrations throughout the year is the starting point for selecting the perfect wine. From summer’s sun-drenched gatherings to intimate dinners during the winter season, each season’s celebrations bring opportunities for detailed hospitality – and showstopping specialty wines to elevate every occasion.
From light, vibrant white wines that complement spring’s freshest market finds to richer, complex pours that recall the bounty of fall’s harvest, the following selections comprise your insider’s guide to drinking in perfect rhythm with the seasons.
Springtime Pairings
As winter ends, our palates gravitate toward lighter-bodied wines that mirror spring’s freshness and floral ambiance. This is the season for wines that are bright and crisp, with lively aromas and fruit-forward notes that echo spring’s freshest fare.
At Bonterra, spring brings bud break in our vineyards, ushering in a sense of optimism for what’s ahead. We suggest mirroring this sense of anticipation in your seasonal wine pairings.
Sauvignon Blanc: Spring’s Perfect Companion
Sauvignon Blanc is the quintessential spring wine, thanks to its light body and bright acidity that make it perfect for vibrant dishes and outdoor entertaining. Our Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc captures spring’s essence with zesty citrus, kiwi, and melon notes, making it an ideal partner for pairing selections, especially if you’ve been wondering does food pairing matter with wine. The answer is absolutely, as pairing the right wine can elevate any dish! Here are some ideas:
Early Spring Vegetables
- Tender asparagus drizzled with olive oil: Sauvignon Blanc’s natural acidity stands up to viscous olive oil, while grass and citrus notes brighten.
- Baby lettuces with fresh herbs: Kiwi notes enhance greens’ delicate flavors, while Sauvignon Blanc’s subtle herbaceousness perfectly harmonizes with fresh herbs.
- Fava beans with mint: Sauvignon Blanc’s melon notes find a delicious foil in mint, while its crispness balances favas’ deliciously chewy texture.
Seasonal Seafood
- Pan-seared halibut with spring herbs: Crisp acidity cuts through halibut’s hallmark richness, while fresh herbs play nicely with Sauvignon Blanc’s signature herbal notes.
- Grilled prawns with citrus: Our Sauvignon Blanc’s citrus notes are a natural complement to the subtle sweetness of prawns.
- Fresh oysters with mignonette: Often referred to as an ideal aperitif wine for its palate-livening qualities, Sauvignon Blanc makes for a classic oyster pairing. An aromatic nose and crisp palate pair perfectly with salty, oceanic brine.
Rosé: Embracing Spring’s Blossoming
The magic of rosé wine lies in its versatility. Sometimes called the chameleon of seasonal wines, rosé is equally at home paired as a sophisticated wine and charcuterie board or a casual beach picnic. Making a delightful bridge between red and white wine styles, rosé is ideal for diverse palates and dining scenarios. Our Bonterra Rosé wine ushers in notes of watermelon, grapefruit, blood orange and cherry that perfectly capture spring. Here’s how we love to pair it:
Light Spring Fare
- Fresh chèvre with honey and herbs: Bright acidity balances this goat cheese’s signature tanginess, while nuanced flavors of cherry and blood orange complement the herbs.
- Spring pea risotto: The brightness of our rosé and its hallmark light- to medium body stand up well to the richness of buttery risotto.
- Strawberry and arugula salad: Rosé’s red fruit-driven notes and delicate palate weight are tailor-made for this seasonal dish featuring piquant greens and fresh berries.
- Pasta dishes: Light pasta dishes adorned with seasonal vegetables or seafood shine alongside a chilled glass of our Bonterra Rosé.
- Salmon, chicken & tuna: Given its rare capacity to bridge the styles of white and red wines, rosé is a go-to for pairing with lighter-bodied proteins.
Summer Pairings
Summer’s warmth invites reimagining your dining experience, taking a cue from the outdoors for seasonal spontaneity alongside sustenance. Summertime is an exuberant time in our vineyards, with the grapes approaching veraison and the air filled with anticipation for the harvest to come. This energy is echoed in choices we recommend for summer entertaining, when we celebrate the connections the season invites—while spotlighting the delicious abundance of nature.
Chardonnay: Summer’s Sophisticated Refresher
Summer sipping and al fresco dining would not be complete without the balanced richness and inviting citrus-pear flavors of Chardonnay. Incredibly popular, Chardonnay sings alongside summer’s grilled seafoods, elevates plant-based dishes and cheeseboards alike, and is the obvious choice for sun-soaked gatherings. Our Estate Collection Chardonnay offers poached pear, cantaloupe, apricot and white flower notes that shine in summer settings:
Grilled Summer Fare
- Cedar-plank salmon with herbs: Subtle tropical notes complement the smoky elements of this flavorful salmon preparation.
- Grilled stone fruit and ricotta: Chardonnay’s signature pomme fruit and richer apricot tones echo grilled stone fruit, while notes of white flowers bring complexity.
- Fresh corn risotto: Toasty notes harmonize with richly sweet corn kernels, while balanced acidity brings structure to rich risotto.
Outdoor Entertaining
- Lobster rolls: Balanced acidity cuts through this dish’s richness while fruit notes complement lobster’s heartiness.
- Heirloom tomato tart: Subtle mineral qualities enhance while Chardonnay’s naturally rich palate stands up to heartiness of pastry.
- Summer squash carpaccio: Chardonnay’s floral elements complement the most delicate of vegetable preparations.
Pinot Noir: Summer’s Versatile Red
Lighter-bodied reds such as Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Pinot Noir are shoe-ins for lighter summer fare given their ethereal structure and mellow tannins. Served slightly chilled (55-58°F), our Pinot Noir offers berry notes accented with oak spice that create perfect summer pairings:
From the Grill
- Grilled portobello mushrooms: Pinot Noir’s signature subtle earthiness complements while berry notes add brightness.
- Mediterranean vegetables: Oak spice enhances texture from grilling, while Pinot Noir’s deeper fruit flavors create a layered palate perfect for the nuance brought on by grilling.
- Pizza from the outdoor oven: Pinot Noir’s versatile structure complements various toppings, while its red fruit-driven flavor profile finds a home alongside pizza sauce.
Fall Pairings
As temperatures cool and leaves turn, our wine choices gravitate toward structure and complexity. With fall bringing harvest to our vineyards, this pivotal moment in the winegrowing calendar invites us to pause and reflect. At Bonterra, we delight in gathering for our annual harvest celebration, raising our glasses to the craftsmanship and dedication our team pours into each unique vintage.
Merlot: Fall’s Elegant Red
The plush and velvety texture of our Bonterra Merlot is the perfect accompaniment to fall’s changing weather. Just as you swap your sandals for sweaters, we change our lighter wines for the cocoa cashmere mouthfeel and dark fruit focus of Merlot. Ours has rich boysenberry and plum notes accented by dried herbs—making it the ideal accompaniment for fall pairings:
Harvest Offerings
- Wild mushroom pasta: Dried herbs complement Merlot’s inherent earthiness, while the wine’s opulent fruit notes introduce depth that’s perfect for this heartier dish.
- Herb-roasted chicken: Merlot’s signature plum notes enhance roasted flavors while polished tannins maintain elegance without overpowering lighter-bodied chicken.
- Butternut squash risotto: The structure Merlot brings supports richness, while the wine’s juicy dark fruit flavors brighten the rustic heartiness squash brings to any dish.
Red Blends: Fall’s Special Occasion Wines
With their layered character and juicy complexity, red blends are the consummate wines of autumn. Captivating the senses with its deep purple hue and complex bouquet, our Rhône-style The Butler red blend delivers detailed notes of dark fruit, wild herbs and intriguing minerality ready to elevate impeccable fall gatherings:
Seasonal Celebrations
- Thanksgiving: Mixed berry notes complement cranberry while our Red Blend’s fuller body, chiseled tannins and earthiness echo notes in gamey, richly flavored turkey.
- Braised short ribs: Our Red Blend’s subtle spice and deep red-black fruits enhance this traditional hearty dish that’s perfect for fall, while spice adds complexity.
- Roasted root vegetables: Wild herbs like thyme complement our Red Blend’s mineral-driven earth tones, which find a natural partner in warming root vegetables.
Winter Pairings
Winter arrives with a welcome chill that makes the festive indoors seem more inviting than ever—and calls for wines that match the season’s heartier dishes and celebratory moments. By wintertime at Bonterra, we’ve barreled down last season’s reds and are anticipating bottling our lighter whites, which will be ready for release in early spring. This pause offers a moment to reflect on the rhythms of nature and indulge in the best winter wines and their indelible flavors.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Winter’s Soul Mate
Set the stage for an unforgettable evening with a bottle of our Bonterra Estate Collection Cabernet Sauvignon. This richly textured and highly acclaimed red wine is layered with dark fruits including black cherry and blackcurrant, along with spice and toast—making it the perfect cold-weather companion. We love it paired with the following:
- Prime rib: Cabernet Sauvignon’s structured tannins are softened when paired with the richness of prime rib.
- Wild mushroom risotto: Earthy notes in Cabernet Sauvignon come to the fore, while fruit adds depth of character and elevated acidity cuts through the dish’s hallmark weight.
- Aged cheeses (like Manchego): Cabernet Sauvignon’s complexity and chiseled tannic structure complement aged cheese’s rich, nutty flavors and crystalline texture.
Our Guide to Choosing Wine by Seasonal Occasions
Now that we’ve explored what seasons have to offer for your palate—and shared a bit on Bonterra’s favorite seasonal moments—here’s a quick guide to some of our top seasonal entertainment meals and pairings. They’re perfect for everything from decadent spring brunches to challenging Thanksgiving feasts and rewarding New Years’ toasts.
Spring Brunches
As the earth awakens, so do our palates, making it the perfect time to indulge in light, refreshing seasonal wines that complement classic brunch dishes. From savory benedicts to sweet treats like French toast, spring brunch calls for an equally diverse wine selection. At Bonterra, we love:
- Sauvignon Blanc: High acidity balances the richness of egg-based dishes.
- Rosé: Crisp, fresh acidity pairs well with smoked salmon and fresh berries.
- Pinot Gris: Notes of citrus and floral pair beautifully with seafood (think: crab benedict) and light salads.
Summertime Barbecues
With dishes centered on everything from smoky grilled meats to zesty radicchio salads, wine is the perfect companion to balance barbecues’ bolder flavors. Opt for refreshing whites and fruit-forward reds, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and chilled Pinot Noir, which can stand up to everything from grilled chicken and pork spareribs to vegetable skewers. We love:
- Chilled Pinot Noir: Adaptable and acidic, this refreshing, fruit-forward crowd-pleaser goes well with grilled meats and vegetables.
- Chardonnay: A balanced yet rich, creamy texture pairs well with grilled scallops, vegetable risottos and summer pastas.
A Thanksgiving Feast
From traditional takes to Friendsgivings, potlucks and vegan-style soirées, a winning Thanksgiving wine selection is as festive as the occasion. Thanksgiving brings challenge and opportunity, with a sometimes confusing array of flavors and dishes that blend sweet and savory elements with a rich heaviness.
Wine offers the perfect counterbalance thanks to bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the meal, and a generous variety of flavors to choose from across varietals. Choose richer whites and lighter reds for winning food-and-wine combinations. We recommended:
- Chardonnay and Pinot Gris: The rich buttery texture of Chardonnay complements traditional dishes like roasted turkey and hearty, creamy sides. Pinot Gris brings a bright, refreshing profile to cut thorough the richness of the holiday menu.
- Pinot Noir and Zinfandel: Pinot Noir harmonizes with diverse flavors, offering bright acidity that balances richness without overpowering turkey, while Zinfandel features a fruit-forward profile with a hint of black pepper, making it perfect for savory sides and heartier dishes.
Winter Holiday Dinners
As the festive season unfolds, it’s time to reach for wines that embody the spirit of celebration. Whether it’s a special bottle you’ve been saving or a vinous splurge you’ve recently acquired, wines for your winter holiday are all about indulgence. With winter dishes leaning toward cozy stews, indulgent cuts of meat, and festive roasts, let your wine selection reflect the richness of the occasion:
- Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon: Dark fruits shine through, enhancing the richness and savory elements of winter dishes including roast meats.
- Zinfandel: black pepper notes and jammy, indulgent red fruit tones make our Zinfandel the ideal accompaniment to cold-season stews.
- The Butler Red Blend: The interplay of fruitiness and earthiness—blackcurrants and mushrooms—pairs perfectly with the season’s elevated offerings.
New Year’s Eve
We love this final celebration—a perfect way to pay homage to the year, honoring both its challenges and triumphs. It’s a moment to savor the experiences that shaped our collective journey, enhanced by enriching wines and a few bubbles. Whether you serve a lavish lobster dinner, elegant oysters or an inventive spread designed for plant-based palates, let your last meal of the year reflect your favorite flavors and intentions for what’s ahead:
- Sparkling wine: Exceptional when paired with oysters, the effervescence of the bubbles lends a striking contrast to the smooth brininess of oysters.
- Chardonnay: The creamy, buttery texture of the wine complements the sweet meat of seafood—and our anticipation for the new year to come.
- The McNab Red Blend: Notes of kirsch, grilled herbs and a hallmark minerality signal to celebratory dishes on the richer side.
Throughout the year, our delicious organically farmed wines tell a story— both of their terroir and the moment they’re enjoyed. Each bottle of Bonterra wine offers an opportunity to enhance seasonal flavors while celebrating what the good earth has to offer. More than just a pairing— it’s an invitation to celebrate nature’s gifts and create moments that honor both the season’s bounty and our connections to the land and each other. We invite you to explore our wine collection for perfect seasonal selections.
