Elevate Your Summer: Sparkling Wine and Food Pairings for Picnics, Cookouts, and Outdoor Parties

Summer is just around the corner, and that means picnics in the park, backyard cookouts, and outdoor parties are on the horizon. What better way to elevate these warm-weather gatherings than with the perfect sparkling wine and food pairings? Sparkling wine isn’t just for toasts, celebrations, and making delicious summer spritzers; it’s a versatile beverage that can complement a wide range of summer foods.

Let’s explore some delicious sparkling wine and food pairings that will take your summer entertaining to the next level. (Head to our summer parties blog for more entertaining inspiration!)

Why Sparkling Wine?

Sparkling wine is a fantastic choice for summer gatherings for several reasons. Its effervescence and acidity can refresh the palate, making it an excellent counterpoint to rich or fatty foods commonly found at picnics and cookouts. Additionally, the celebratory nature of sparkling wine adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outdoor gathering.

Pairing Sparkling Wine with Seasonal Summer Foods

Le Grand Courtage and Tres Chic Rosé Food and Wine Pairings

Summer Picnic, Food and Wine Pairings. We believe that bubbles and rosé go with virtually everything.  They are subtle, have a nice level of acid and a balance of dryness with a hint of fruit on the finish. 

Recommended Pairing for our Sparkling Wines & Rosé

Très Chic Rosé  (TCR) – Delicate with balanced acidity, our Rosé is exuberant with flavors of red berries, citrus, and tropical fruit. Pairs stunningly with shellfish, grilled meats, salmon, sushi, charcuterie, pizza, creamy sauces, mild cheeses and spiced dishes such as Asian or Latin cuisine. Great for any summer picnic.

Le Grand Courtâge Blanc de Blanc  (LGC Blanc) – Crisp and refreshing sparkling wine with a perfect balance of dryness and acidity with flavors of Meyer lemon, apple, and honeydew. A versatile accompaniment that is very cuisine & cocktail friendly. Try it with savory hors d’oeuvres, buttered Popcorn, creamy pasta dishes, fried chicken, spicy Asian dishes, seafood, fruit-based desserts or semi-soft cheese.

Le Grand Courtâge Brut Rosé  (LGC Rosé) – Deliciously smooth and seductive, a courtship of delicate flavors and red berry aromas. This sparkling rosé compliments an array of foods.  Try it with spicy Asian dishes, risotto, BBQ, beef, lamb, duck, game, chicken, prosciutto, seafood, pizza or soft cheese (like brie or goat). 

Use code (LGCPROMO) for 15% your first purchase of Sparkling Wine from us.

1. Grilled Chicken- LGC Blanc de Blancs, Tres Chic, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel
2. Steak– Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Bordeaux, Zinfandel, LGC Blanc
3. Burgers- LGC Rosé, Syrah, Beaujolais, Cotes du Rhone, Cava
4. Hot Dogs- LGC Blanc de Blancs, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Noir
5. Grilled Seafood– LGC Blanc de Blancs, LGC Rosé, Tres Chic, Muscadet, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Semillon
6. Charcuterie- LGC Blanc de Blancs, LGC Rosé, Pinot Gris
7. Olives – LGC Blanc de Blancs, LGC Rosé, Tres Chic
8. Fruit Salad or Melon/ Proscuito – LGC Blanc de Blancs, LGC Rosé, Tres Chic

Cheese Pairings

• LGC Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon- Aged Gouda, Edam
• LGC Blanc de Blanc/ LGC Rose– Parmesan
• Tres Chic- Gruyere
• Riesling- Ricotta
• Malbec- Aged Cheddar
• LGC Rose, Tres Chic, Pinot Noir- Brie, Camembert
• LGC Rose, Tres Chic – Soft Goat Cheese
• LGC Blanc – Gorgonzola, Baby Swiss
• Tres Chic – Feta

3 Tips for Serving Sparkling Wine

1. Chill Properly: Sparkling wine should be served chilled, but not too cold. A temperature of around 45-50°F (7-10°C) is ideal.
2. Use the Right Glassware: Flute or tulip-shaped glasses are best for capturing and showcasing the wine’s effervescence and aromas.
3. Open with Care: Always point the bottle away from yourself and others when opening to avoid any accidents due to the pressure.

Learn more about how to safely open and serve sparkling wine here.

1. BONUS Courtâge Tip: Grab an infusion carafe. Our acrylic Infusion Carafe will hold an entire bottle of Le Grand Courtâge Sparkling Wine + whatever fun and festive mixers you might desire to keep that champagne state of mind Breakfast to Dessert. This is perfect poolside or for picnics and you can fill the bottom section with fruit and make the perfect fruit infused seasonal mimosas, sparkling or rose sangrias and/or sparkling cocktails! This makes a wonderful summer hostess gift as well.

This summer, take your picnics, cookouts, and outdoor parties to the next level with these delicious sparkling wine and food pairings. Whether you’re enjoying a casual picnic in the park or hosting an elegant outdoor soirée, the right sparkling wine can elevate your summer entertaining and create unforgettable moments with friends and family. Cheers to a sparkling summer! Enjoy responsibly.

Thirsty for more?

Embrace the French spirit of joie de vivre (joy of life). Our award winning wines were created to be approachable, affordable, and versatile to elevate the everyday and cultivate JOY. Each scoring over 90 points and priced under $25, they are an amazing value you can trust to serve up fun and quality at the next BBQ.

Both cuisine and cocktail friendly, these wines pair easily breakfast to dessert and make great wine spritzer cocktails. Low carb, low calorie, keto approved and vegan wines – they are also inclusive to most lifestyles and diets.

Discover the world of French sparkling wines: we’ve curated a collection of free downloadable ebooks which include guides for foolproof seasonal food & wine pairings, sparkling and rosé cocktail recipe booklets, elevated holiday parties, easy entertaining ideas, bridal look book, bubbly brunch party ebook, wine lover gift guides, fun party playlists, and more here.

Browse dozens of sparkling wine spritzer cocktail recipes in our free downloadable ebooks!

Sparkling wine is amazing in cocktails. Even a small splash of bubbles can brighten up a drink, enlivening or lifting its flavors and making it feel an awful lot more festive.   Whether you are looking for cocktails for Brunch, a shower, a cocktail party, or an aperitif with friends, we have you covered with cocktails that go from brunch through to dessert.

• Sparkling Cocktails – Spring & Summer Sparkling Cocktails
• Cocktails for any Occasion & Theme LGC Cocktails by Spirit Type or LGC Healthy/Low & Lite Cocktails,   Spritzer Alternatives &  Frosé Cocktails
• Weddings/Events – As our name means ‘the great courtship’ we are perfect for bridal-related events, and our 187ml “mini wine bottle” offers a perfect party favor or guest amenity. LGC Signature Cocktails by Color/Theme
• Rosé Cocktails – A pink drink for every occasion in our LGC Rosé wine Cocktail booklet.