Spring. It's a celebration of everything fresh, light, and bright. So, I'm thinking, a spring wine & appetizer pairings gathering is a fun way to show off how wines can complement the fresh new flavours of spring.
In the spring and summer, we love looking to fresh, bright, white wines. Wines to go along with the first new produce and foods from the sea that show up in our gardens, farmers markets, and shops.
This post is sponsored by Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Wines. As always, all opinions are my own. Please enjoy wine responsibly.
So, for this post, I'm partnering with Woodbridge Wines by Robert Mondavi. I have created some delicious spring appetizers to pair with their wonderful white wines in celebration of the delectable tastes of spring.
Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi white wines have bright, fruit-forward flavours and smooth finishes. Which makes them ideal for celebrating everyday moments with family and friends this spring and summer.
On the patio, out on the deck, around a campfire, or at the cabin or cottage, those spring and summer memories are the best memories, aren't they?
White wines are great for sipping with a meal, or even in a recipe, like these delicious Pan Seared Scallops in Chardonnay Butter Sauce. Appetizer pairings, on the other hand, can really showcase the individual wines unique compatibility with foods.
So, I'm celebrating spring with three of these delicious wines, and pairing them with the tastes of spring in the form of appetizer bites.
 White Zinfandel & Cajun Crab Cakes
About White Zinfandel
The Pairing:Â Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Wines, 2016 California White Zinfandel with these mini Cajun Crab Cakes. This lovely, pink pastel-hued White Zinfandel is refreshingly bright and crisp.
And, this White Zinfandel has a very slightly sweet note. With fruity hints of citrus, strawberry and sour cherry, this is a versatile wine for pairing with spring bites. For me, It's the perfect wine for enjoying just by itself with friends on the patio this spring and summer.
However, because of it's fruity personality, this White Zinfandel works beautifully with spicy foods, like these Cajun Crab Cakes. The slight sweetness balances the heat and spice of Cajun flavours. While the citrus notes in the wine pair so well with the crab.
Spring Wine & Appetizer Pairings: Cajun Crab Cakes
And, don't stop there, because this White Zinfandel is also perfectly paired with a board of fruit and tangy cheeses.
Sauvignon Blanc & Asparagus Puffs
About Sauvignon Blanc
The pairing:Â Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Wines, 2016 California Sauvignon Blanc with Asparagus Puffs. The compounds in asparagus that give it its distinctive flavour can make it difficult to pair it with many wines.
Because of this, a lighter, white wine with citrus and grassy notes is a good choice for pairing with this beloved spring veggie.
And Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements these delicious asparagus puffs. It has just the right amount of refreshing acidity. This wine is crisp and bright and, as with all of these featured wines, has a fruit-forward profile.
Spring Wine Appetizer Pairings: Asparagus Puffs
Besides asparagus, This Sauvignon Blanc from Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi is also a delicious match for seafood, vegetables, and spring salads.
Pinot Grigio & Cucumber Radish Crostini
About Pinot Grigio
The pairing:Â Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 2016 California Pinot Grigio with a fresh and simple Cucumber Radish Crostini.
Radishes are a quintessential taste of spring. And this Pinot Grigio is light and crisp with intense citrus flavours and notes of peach and nectarine. It adds a nice acidity to balance the creamy cheese and peppery radish in this fresh and simple appetizer.
In addition, this delicious Pinot Grigio pairs well with seafood, roast chicken, and many kinds of cheese.
Spring Wine & Appetizer Pairings
So, my Spring Wine & Appetizer pairing party was a perfect way to make those everyday moments worth sharing. And, I would love to hear how you make your everyday moments special. Who do you share them with, and what do you do to make those times special?
Also, guess what? You can find Woodbridge Wines by Robert Mondavi in the California section of your local liquor store. You may even want to try them all, to find your favourite.(Not telling mine :-))
Finally, visit Woodbridgewines.com for more wine information. Â And you can follow on Twitter @Woodbridge_Wine and Facebook and on Pinterest, too!
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food
I have never tried Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Wines, but pinot grigio and cabernet sauvignon are my jam—I'll definitely be trying them in the near future. Then again, those Cajun Crab Cakes look amazeballs, so I guess I'll be trying the White Zin as well!
Colleen
Hey Michelle, I think you'll love these white wines. The Pinot Grigio is my fave, but I love the White Zinfandel too. And I hope you try these crab cakes. You'll be glad you did, just saying....
Heather
This would be fun to do as a girls night. Everyone brings a bottle and an appetizer 🙂 Thanks for the idea!! 🙂
Colleen
Heather, this would be so fun for a girls night! I think I see one in my near future.....
Kelly
These look easy and delicious! Yum!!
Colleen
Thanks so much, Kelly!
Daniela
Those asparagus puffs look to die for! And I bet they compliment the wine so well. I have soft spot for Sauvignon Blancs, so I can't wait to try this combination.
Colleen
Hi Daniela! I think you will love them. They are a perfect complement to this delicious Sauvignon Blanc. So good! Enjoy!
Dina
Colleen, delicious sounding appies and I love that you partnered eith Mondavi. Way to go.
Nicole | Nourishing Wild
You're making me hungry! Wine and appetizers is my JAM! Thanks for the recommendations!
Colleen
You're welcome Nicole! Happy to hear I'm making you hungry, too. 🙂
Tiffany La Forge-Grau
This is one of my favorite things about summer and warm months! These apps sound so yummy and the flavor profiles are so good with the wine pairings. Well, consider my weekend plans set lol!
Colleen
Thanks so much, Tiffany! There's nothing better than patio time in the summer! I hope that you enjoy these wine & appy pairings!
Lizzy
ohhh this is perfect for planning all of the summer parties!! Thank you for sharing!!
Colleen
You're Welcome Lizzy! I think you'll love these appies, and the wines, too!
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking
I want to sample all the wine and all the appetizers! It all sounds amazing! Great pairings Colleen!
Diane Galambos
COLLEEN! Regrets that I mis-typed Elaine - saw that she commented and my brain went into a gof... oops - fog...
Colleen
Ha ha, I figured that, no worries, Dianne. 🙂
Diane Galambos
Love this post, Elaine! Great wine pics and mouth-watering apps that sound do-able. Ok - party time soon! Diane | Kitchen Bliss
Colleen
Hi Diane! These apps are all very do-able, and they are perfect with these wines. Party on!
Gabby
Wow these recipes have got me swooning for summer! We've had so summery weather yet here in St. John's so I'll just have live vicariously through this post! I will definitely have to try those crab cakes they look so yummy!
Colleen
Hi Gabby, we are in full swing summer here in the BC interior. I hope yours comes soon over there, you deserve it! All of these appys were so good, but my fave was the crab cakes.
Jessica
I feel like I can have a great summer party with all of these appetizers and wine pairings! So many delicious recipes to try - can't wait!
Kortney
So many wonderful summer pairings! I see a wine party in the making 😀
Colleen
Hi Kortney. Wine & appies are such a simple, but fun way to entertain. Enjoy!
Elaine
Wow! Three delectable appetizers and three fabulous wine choices! Can't wait to try them all, but I'm definitely starting with the Cajun Crab Cakes. Great post!
Colleen
Hi Elaine, thanks so much! I think you'll love them all, but the Cajun Crab Cakes are my favourite, too. 🙂