As the seasons pass and the leaves of the trees turn golden, it’s time for a rich outdoor dining experience, such as one you can have in your backyard. A beautiful backyard gathering paired with seasonal food and delightful wines can be a great way to get together with those who are near and dear to you. If you’re planning to host a backyard gathering this time of the year, check out a few quick tips to elevate your outdoor dining with the perfect wine pairings.
Tried and True Pairings, Unique Alternatives
Add a few crisp white wines such as Pinot Grigio or a classic Sauvignon Blanc to your shopping cart. Alternatively, you could opt for wines with fruit forward flavors including a refreshing Rosé, Beaujolais, or Pinot Noir. If you’re in a celebratory mood, add a touch of sparkling wine or Champagne to your backyard gathering.
If you or your guests are new to the experience of wine and food pairing, begin with lighter bodied wines such as a crisp white or light rosé. Some of the finest pairings include a plate of raw oysters or crab cakes with white wines from Chateau d’Yquem, Maison M. Chapoutier, and Henri Bourgeois. If you’re craving a beautiful rosé with an array of tacos or salads, try Whispering Angel Rosé by Chateau d’Esclans or The Pinot Project Rosé.
For a unique experience as lovely as your backyard gathering, try some under-the-radar wines like snappy Grüner Veltliner, bubbly Lambrusco, dry Chablis, or an Orange Wine, a white wine made like a red. These unique alternatives are perfect for times when you’re hosting special guests or want to take your outdoor dining up a notch.
Once you’ve chosen the wines, the next thing on the menu is…well, the food! You need to pick out dishes that will not only pair well with your wines but the ambiance and aesthetics of your outdoor backyard gathering. Just ensure that the choices are varied enough to appeal to your guests.
Pair Wine with Food
Consider dishes with a hint of seasonal spices, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. You could also decide upon appetizers and small plates with seafood and fresh farm ingredients. Appetizers that pair well with an outdoor backyard gathering could include lobster bisque, steamed mussels, roasted branzino, and crispy crab cakes. The celebration will be a success with these timeless delicacies.
For a menu including white wine, try the following foods:
- Leafy salads, oysters, and shrimps, or a classic cheese such as chevre or brie with a Sauvignon Blanc.
- Roasted chicken, salmon, and grilled lobsters or other grilled seafood of your choice with a lightly oaked Chardonnay.
- A light cheesecake with cherry topping and dessert confections with a sweet Riesling.
If you’re planning to serve rosé wines, the following foods pair well:
- Bolder rosés of Grenache and Syrah with all types of Mediterranean foods.
- Dry rosés with tomato based dishes like tomato tart or even a tomato based pasta.
- A light rose from Provence with salads and appetizers.
For an unconventional culinary experience, try the following food and wine pairings. Your guests may never leave the backyard!
- Pour a red Malbec with a bacon covered chocolate for a surprising treat. The fruity notes of Malbec pair well with the chocolate, while the robust flavor of the wine are perfect for a smoky treat of bacon.
- For a gorgeous and low key combo, pair your effervescent glass of Champagne with French fries. An unlikely pairing, but it’s effective for a taste sensation. The texture and flavor of the fries go well with the acidity and notes of the Champagne. A simple gathering will turn into a fun affair.
- Everyone knows how well a glass of rosé pairs with Mediterranean delicacies, but what about with spicy Mexican flavors? The vibrant acidity and flavors of Rosé perfectly complement the spicy and fiery taste of Mexican classics such as tacos and salsa.
To elevate the food and wine pairing experience, go one step further and create food and wine pairing stations. Just remember to match the dishes to a wine that complements and enhances their taste. Be sure to mind the suggestions above!
Focus on the Ambiance
Once you’ve sorted out the food and wines to be served, focus on the decor. Your ambiance should match the exquisite outdoor fine wine and food experience that you choose.
For a fall celebration or gathering, try the following ideas:
- Add decor that goes with the aesthetic of your backyard whether it’s rustic, contemporary or traditional.
- Choose tablescapes that match the fall season by adding earth tones.
- Use seasonal decorations including pumpkins and apples.
- Add golden accents throughout the venue to lighten the décor and make it an experience as fine as your wine pairings.
Create An Engaging Experience – Add Entertainment
No backyard gathering is complete without a source of entertainment. Try creating experiences that bode well with your guests and the theme of your backyard gathering. Select live music or play seasonal tunes on the stereo system to set the scene.
Encourage your guests to dance, add fun outdoor activities and games, or even add a magician to the gathering. However, if you plan to have a big setup outdoors with heavy equipment, invest in ground protective mats and other essential instruments to keep your backyard free of clutter. Moreover, make use of felt landscaping fabric to block out weeds and have a backyard that’s ready for an extravagant outdoor dining experience
Capture The Moments
After putting in the effort to create a splendid outdoor backyard gathering, you can’t miss the chance to photograph these memorable moments.
- Set up a dedicated photo booth or get a videographer to capture the day.
- For a more personalized experience, try creating a hashtag for the party and ask all your friends and family to post their pictures on the social media handles with the same hashtag.
Encourage Responsible Drinking
Drinking can be fun, as long as your guests are taking care of themselves. Just ensure that those who are drinking have designated transportation available, so that they don’t have to drive themselves home.
Pro Tip: Add non-alcoholic beverages to the menu to accommodate those who don’t drink and to avoid anyone from drinking more than they can handle. Experiment with infused waters, mocktails, no-alcohol spirits, and artisanal sodas. Make sure there is enough water to keep everyone’s hydration levels in check.
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy delicious wine pairings in your backyard with your friends and family. To host a wine and food pairing backyard gathering that everyone will remember, pick the right wine, food, ambiance, and activities. You’ll create an unforgettable experience.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
Guest author, Benjamin Grennan, is a passionate gardener and DIY enthusiast with a knack for home improvement. He loves transforming spaces, both indoors and out, with his green thumb and innovative projects. From cultivating lush gardens to crafting unique home decor and building furniture, Benjamin’s expertise and creativity shine through. His deep knowledge of horticulture and hands-on skills make him a go-to source of inspiration and practical advice for fellow gardening and DIY aficionados.
