We love the sights, the sounds and—most of all—the taste of a summer barbecue. Ribs, fresh fish, colorful roasted veggies and smoking marshmallows on sticks are all signs that the barbecue season is off to a great start.
With various vacation schedules, camps for kids and fickle weather forecasts, it’s not always easy trying to get friends and family together to enjoy one another’s company while chomping down on good grub and fine wines.
We want to share some menu pairing ideas with Black Walnut Winery wines—but first we’ve got a few tips to help you plan your warm weather event. Bear in mind that perfection is overrated; the idea is for everyone (including you) to have a good time.
Organize
Get a feel for the number of people attending and plan on about one pound of food per person (less for kids), according to the Food Network’s party calculator. Plan on grilling a main dish like salmon, sausages or chicken—or skip the meat altogether and go with an all-out veggie feast (and we have pairing tips later on).
Make sure there is plenty of seating as well (ask guests bring extra chairs if needed). Have umbrellas and shaded areas available for older adults and young children.
Make a Diverse Menu
Keep it easy on yourself and have folks bring dishes. Send a quick email to guests to figure out who is bringing what (salad, sides, dessert, beverages) so that the menu is well-rounded and not duplicated. Always Include favorite family recipes and integrate fun ethnic dishes as well.
Include Kids
If younger ones are coming (and make sure you indicate on the invite as such), have grabbable healthy snacks and fruit that can be eaten easily with little mess. Make energy-burning games like kickball or volleyball available to keep them entertained. You can’t go wrong with simple water balloon fights or games of hide and seek.
Add Touches of Decor
No need to spend a fortune on decorating for a barbecue. Grab a few colorful plastic food containers or Mason jars and fill with flowers and cuttings from your property. The place needs a little pruning anyway, right? Cover tables with discontinued fabrics or patterned blankets to serve as tablecloths. Mix and match plates and flatware for a casual, fun feel. Paper products are also acceptable and make for easy cleanup after a large crowd, but be sure to dispose of them in proper recycling areas.
Be Prepared
It’s summer and occasionally thunderstorms crop up unexpectedly. Have a contingency plan on grilling and where to put things should the party need to move quickly indoors. The key is not stressing about it. Some of our best memories are the ones that have happened when least expected.
Don’t Forget the Beverages
Never underestimate the importance of a great drink. Nothing takes a gathering to the next level like a well-rounded selection of wine. Here are a few ideas on basic food pairings with the award-winning wines of Black Walnut Winery:
- Red wine lovers will find a range of dry and earthy reds to pair with a thick ribeye or strip steak, such as the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon or 2011 Merlot.
- A slightly sweeter chilled red option like Bank Barn Red will pair splendidly with just about any beef, bison or BBQ pork selection, especially if your sauce has a little kick.
- Grilled fish and vegetables will be a hit if paired with the crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
- Try herb grilled chicken with the semi-sweet blush Sassy.
- The slightly sweeter Vidal Blanc is a great match with a pork kabob that features pineapple and bell peppers.
Father’s Day Is Just Around the Corner
With Father’s Day sneaking up on us, we also couldn’t resist giving you a few tips on how to shower your Pops with love.
You know he loves Black Walnut wines. Be sure to stop by either winery location to pick up a few bottles. Or grab Dad a gift certificate so he can choose his favorite. Gift baskets are also great ideas for the man who has everything.
Still undecided? Black Walnut Winery has much in store on Father’s Day weekend for Real Men Who Drink Wine:
Dads get the royal treatment with free wine tasting (five wines) at both locations on Saturday, June 18, and Sunday, June 19.- Sunday, June 19, at the Phoenixville location only: treat Dad to a wine and beef jerky pairing! Five Black Walnut classics will be paired with five fantastic all-natural beef jerky picks from Gnaw Jaw of York, Pennsylvania, and Krave of Sonoma, California. The cost is $8 for dads and $15 for all other guests. Pairings will occur at 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Call to reserve your space by June 17. 260 Bridge St., Phoenixville, (484) 924-8740
- Sunday, June 19, at the Sadsburyville location only, it’s Sunday funday: jam to live music by Scott DiNolfi of Firewater from 2–5 p.m. Play horseshoes, bocce ball, Kan Jam and Baggo on the lawn. Nancy and Walt Stock, Sly Fox Beer evangelists, will be on site to pour samples of their SRT ale. Look for local sausage and cheese plates for purchase. Enjoy two glasses of wine, a signature Father’s Day sausage and cheese plate and local chocolates for $30. 300 E. Lincoln Hwy., Sadsburyville, (610) 857-5566
- Grilling and flower photos: Kaboompics
- Veggie skewer and salad photos: Tookapic
- Remaining photos: Ed Williams
