Making a classic, classy- you can never go wrong with hot dogs and hamburgers on a sunny day.  But adding a simple wine to the meal can make an ordinary day instantly unforgettable.  Hamburgers and hot dogs pair easily with most wines, but we recommend a Rose.  Served chilled, a Rose will bring the refreshing characteristics of a white wine, while also contributing the depth and richness of a red wine.  This is a wonderful summer barbeque beverage, and it is priced perfectly for everyday enjoyment.  Below we have provided some suggestions.

Our Recommendations:

Goose Watch, Cayuga Lake, 2006-- One of the first grapes ever planted in the Finger Lakes, Isabella produces an exceptionally fresh and fruity wine.  The unique flavors and semi-sweet finish are especially refreshing when served well chilled on a warm summer day... [more]

Ravines, Pinot Rose, Keuka Lake, 2006--Strawberries and orange flower aromas paired with a bright acidity and a velvety texture make this Rose a real complement to most meals. Serve chilled... [more]

Sure to please Veggie Kabob—Thread your favorite summer vegetables like peppers, mushrooms, onions, zucchini, squash, etc onto skewers, drizzle with oil, and grill for approximately 20 minutes.  This simple dish is delicious as a side or as the main course, but you may want to add tofu or salmon to make the meal more complete.  Marinade the tofu or salmon in your favorite sauce before threading them onto the skewers.  The delicate flavors of the vegetables, tofu and salmon find their perfect match in a light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc.  The crisp and refreshing flavors of the wine bring out the natural herbaceous essences of the vegetables, without overpowering the meal with flavor.  Below we have suggested some wines for you to try. 

Our Recommendations:

Red Newt Cellars, Seneca Lake, 2006--Delicate aromas of honeysuckle are complemented by a vibrant palate of star fruit and lemon. This Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and supple, lean and voluptuous... [more]

Ceviche, California, 2006--Sauvignon Blanc offers bright fruit and crisp acidity that makes it an idea companion to almost all seafood dishes. Serve this crisp, dry white slightly chilled... [more]

Grown under ideal Marlborough conditions, the vines produce intensely flavored fruit with distinctive varietal character. This is an elegant, aromatic wine with appealing fruit and crisp acidity... [more]

Hearty Flame-Broiled Steak--classic sides of corn on the cob and roasted potatoes go perfectly with tender, juicy steak.  If you prefer a red wine, a rare steak pairs wonderfully with a Cabernet Sauvignon.  The meat softens the wine’s mouth-drying tannins, exposing a smooth, full texture and intense dark fruit flavor.  Adding a black peppercorn rub to the steak further extenuates the robust and fruity flavor of the wine. 

Our Recommendations:

Mollydooker, Australia, 2006--This powerful Cabernet Sauvignon displays a beautifully concentrated blackberry, plum, and licorice nose. With fine dusty tannins combined with lovely bacon and cashew oak characters, the purity and refined structure will linger and amaze you… [more]

Sebastiani, Sonoma County, 2005--This vintage was long and cool, offering a complex wine that is full-bodied with lots of varietal character. It is an excellent match for hamburgers, steaks, and pasta Bolognese... [more]

Villa Mt. Eden, Napa Vally, 2005--This rock-solid and reasonably priced Napa Valley Cabernet is a rare value, with its dark cassis fruit, smooth tannins, and just a touch of the Napa dustiness that has made this wine region world famous... [more]

A backyard adventure, mon—The sweet and spicy combination typical of a Caribbean Jerk recipe gives chicken, pork, or fish an exciting new flavor.  You can easily complete the meal by serving the chicken over a bed of rice with corn on the cob on the side.  When pairing a wine with this meal, we recommend a Gewurztraminer or a Riesling.  These sweet wines will balance the sauce’s spiciness, and will taste drier and richer when combined with the sweet flavors of the sauce.  Your mouth will be exploding with flavor! 

Our Recommendations:

Hermann J. Wiemer, Dry Gewurztraminer, Seneca Lake, 2006--This medium dry, distinctive Gewurztraminer has a beautiful nose, full of peaches, apples and melons, and perfumed with rose petals. A light citrus touch to the taste and finish make this an excellent example of "Spicy Traminer"... [more]

Lamoreaux Landing, Dry Riesling, Seneca Lake, 2006--Tank aging on the yeast lees gives this tropical flavored wine a rich and round presence despite a crisp structure and dry finish. The well-balanced acidity makes this an extremely food-friendly wine, tempering salty, spicy or rich foods... [more]

August Kesseler, Riesling Spatlese, Rhein, Germany, 2006--A whiff of pine is followed by fresh peach and apricot notes in this lush spatlese. It's balanced on the rich side, with submerged acidity, but the two components should merge well over time. Drink now through 2022... [more]