Hosting Occasions & Wine Pairings
Backyard BBQ Bash
Nothing says summer like a good old-fashioned BBQ. Fire up the grill, invite your friends, and serve a delicious and flavourful outdoor feast.
Wine Pairing: Jackson-Triggs Proprietors' Selection Sauvignon Blanc. This Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, refreshing, and the perfect accompaniment to your favourite grilled chicken and seafood as well as a variety of fresh salads.
Easy Snack Pairings
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: A summer favourite, grilled shrimp skewers are bursting with flavour and simplicity. Marinate large shrimp in a zesty mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Grilled to perfection, they turn a beautiful pink with a slight char, making them an irresistible addition to backyard BBQ spreads or on top of a summer salad.
- Caprese Salad: A classic Caprese Salad is easy, vibrant, and so satisfying this time of year. Arrange fresh mozzarella slices and halved cherry tomatoes beautifully on a platter and then sprinkle with aromatic fresh basil leaves. A drizzle of balsamic glaze and olive oil enhances the flavours, while a touch of salt and pepper ties it all together.
Sophisticated Soirée
Elevate your summer hosting game with a chic soirée that oozes elegance and charm. Feature sophisticated decor, tasty appetizers, and refreshing drinks to impress your guests.
Wine Pairing: Sandbanks Sparkling Secco. The bubbly nature of this sparkling wine adds a touch of sophistication to your gathering, pairing beautifully with a variety of hors d'oeuvres.
Easy Snack Pairings
- Smoked Salmon Canapés: Canapés are the epitome of elegance. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for a chic summer soirée. Have fun with toppings! One of our favourites is thin slices of rye bread spread with cream cheese, then topped with silky smoked salmon. A garnish of fresh dill and zesty lemon adds a burst of flavour, while a crisp cucumber slice provides the perfect finishing touch.
- Stuffed Mini Peppers: A vibrant and flavourful addition to any summer hang is colourful sweet mini bell peppers. Cut them in half and hollow out the seeds, then fill with a creamy mixture of goat cheese, fresh herbs like thyme, chives, parsley, and a dash of good olive oil. Offering a burst of freshness with every bite, they’re perfect for a sophisticated soirée or garden brunch and pair excellently with a glass of bubbles.
Pool Party Perfection
Beat the heat with a refreshing pool party. Floaties, fun, and fabulous drinks are a must! Enjoy lively music, splash-worthy games, and an array of delicious poolside snacks to keep everyone smiling ear to ear.
Wine Pairing: Saintly Non-Alcoholic Rosé. Keep the poolside vibes light and breezy with the elegant and refreshing non-alcoholic rosé. It's perfect for sipping all day long.
Easy Snack Pairings
- Watermelon Feta Skewers: Refreshing and savoury, salad skewers are a fun and easy way to entertain. Add a blend of juicy watermelon cubes and creamy feta cheese with the freshness of mint leaves and a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze. Each skewer offers a balance of flavours from sweetness to a hint of saltiness, making it a light and elegant appetizer or snack.
- Avocado and Crab Salad: A blend of creamy avocado chunks and tender crab meat, delicately enhanced with zesty lime juice, fresh cilantro, and the subtle bite of red onion. This light and fresh salad is a contrast of textures and flavours, perfect for a quick lunch or as an elegant starter. The richness from the avocado to the sweetness of the crab, it’s all wonderfully balanced with a tang of lime and herbaceous cilantro.
Sunset Picnic
There's something magical about enjoying a picnic as the sun sets. Find a scenic spot, lay down a blanket, and savour the moment. For an elevated touch, you can even add wine and tasty snacks.
Wine Pairing: BASK Pinot Grigio. This versatile wine complements the array of flavours in a picnic spread, from cheeses to fruits and beyond.
Easy Snack Recipes
- Cheese and Fruit Platter: Elevate your picnic with a platter of various flavours and textures. Feature a selection of cheddar, Brie, and Gouda cheeses paired with an assortment of fresh fruits – crisp grapes, juicy apples, and plump berries. For another level of crunch, add your favourite salted nuts. Pro tip: Bring a mini jar of honey to add a hint of sweetness and serve alongside crisp crackers or artisan baguette slices.
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon: Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and savoury with Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon. Delicate slices of cantaloupe or honeydew melon are elegantly wrapped in salty prosciutto. For herbaceous freshness, add a flourish of basil as you wrap the prosciutto around the melon. Ideal as an appetizer or a light, sophisticated snack full of delightful tastes.
Garden Brunch
The garden is an idyllic setting for leisurely conversation and cherished moments that capture the essence of summertime. Set up a charming table outdoors with a linen tablecloth surrounded by blooming flowers.
Wine Pairing: Jackson-Triggs Reserve Sparkling. A garden brunch calls for bubbles, and Jackson-Triggs Reserve Sparkling is an elegant choice to elevate the occasion.
Easy Snack Recipes
- Mini Quiches: Using pre-made pie crust, eggs, cream, spinach, bacon, and a blend of cheddar and Gruyere cheese, these bite-sized quiches are super handy for those brunching in the garden moments. Preheat your oven and roll out the pie crust, cutting it into small circles to fit into a mini muffin tin. Whisk together eggs and cream, then mix in chopped spinach, crispy bacon bits, and grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper, pour the mixture into the crusts and bake until set. Serve warm and enjoy!
- Berry Parfaits: Start with creamy Greek yogurt as the base, then layer it with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Add a crunchy layer of granola for texture. Finish with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to enhance the sweetness of the berries while balancing the tanginess of the yogurt. Serve these parfaits in elegant glasses for a visually appealing and delicious garden brunch treat.
