This is a big weekend for both Canada and the United States – Canada Day on Friday and Independence Day on Monday. As most of us enjoy a long weekend, this time of the year also brings more outdoor gatherings like BBQs, picnics and patio parties. It is a great time of year to get together with friends and family to share amazing food along with great wines. It is even nicer when we can sip these same wines in the middle of the afternoon or after dinner. These two amazing medium-bodied wines can be paired with food and/or enjoyed as is for under $20.00 each.
 
Until I moved to British Columbia, I rarely had the chance to enjoy its wines from the Okanagan Valley. As internationally renowned for its wines and the second largest Canadian wine region & producer, this Hester Creek Pinot Blancbeautiful area offers a vast variety of grapes. The one I want to introduce to you is the Hester Creek Pinot Blanc 2014. With a long, cool fermentation just like ice wine, this late harvest wine has a fresh and crisp taste with low acidity which makes this wine quite smooth. It has a beautiful flavor of ripe peach, apple and apricot. Although fruity, this Pinot Blanc is nicely dry as a medium-bodied. With its beautiful aromas, you can get this wine for around $14.99. I’ve had this great dry, smooth wine several times and my food pairing suggestions would be with seafood, chicken with fresh herbs or simply with a nice salad. It is the perfect wine to serve along with a diversified cheese tray as it will elevate each selected cheese to its own individual level. This Pinot Blanc from Hester Creek is perfect for an afternoon gathering on the patio.
 
There are many great vineyards in California and one that is distinct from all the others is Beringer, loBeringercated in St Helena and Lodi. Another great smooth wine I’ve selected for you is Beringer Founders ‘Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014. With its nice aroma of red currant, cassis, black cherry and a hint of oak spice, this fruity dry medium-bodied wine brings a soft taste to the palate. The soft tannins pair well with red meat or other grilled foods. I like to pair this wine with a stuffed blue cheese burger or beef short ribs with polenta and charred vegetables. This versatile wine can be found for under $16.00
 
Happy Canada Day & Independence Day
Cheers!
 
Francine Lizotte
Wine & Restaurant Aficionado
 

About Francine Lizotte

I personally welcome our members to Club Foody. Without you, the site has no meaning and I am so glad to share my passion for cooking and great food with you ! Have fun and let's get cooking!

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