How To Pair Food And Wine In Late Winter And Early Spring

(BPT) - As the seasons change, so much of everyday life does, too. During the in-between months - when winter's chill is still in the air, but thoughts of spring are, too - it can be hard to figure out daily rituals like how to dress for the weather, manage busy calendars, and decide what's on the menu. Thankfully, this seasonal transition offers the perfect moment to delight in cozy food and wine pairings that celebrate this unique time.

Playful snacking Snacks can be a great way to a take a breather during the day and refuel your body. Especially when wintery days seem to drag on, snacking can bring some muchneeded fun to your day, if you make it an intentional activity. Try your hand at sweet and savory combos with homemade trail mix, and, of course, there's always wine and chocolate.

Pairing: Bonterra 2021 Rosé, California - Rosé is bottled in the winter and released early in the new year, making this the freshest time of year to enjoy it. This vibrant rosé showcases a delicious bouquet of organic grapes including Grenache, Mourvèdre and Malbec. Sip it with chocolate-dipped strawberries to complement the wine's refreshing notes of blood orange, watermelon and maraschino cherry.

Cheese, yes please As seasons change, so should your cheese board. They are an easy go-to for entertaining, and are much more versatile than you might think (truffle fries board, anyone?). They're ideal for early spring nibbling, when it may still be too early for outdoor picnic fare, and are also perfect for a smorgasbord-style brunch, lunch or afternoon ballgame viewing session.

Pairing: Fetzer NV Riesling, California - Spoiler alert: While wine and cheese may seem like a no-brainer together, this classic pairing is actually tricky, since cheese coats your palate and makes wine difficult to taste. Fortunately, it's Riesling to the rescue, thanks to the varietal's crisp acidity and balanced sweetness that cut through cheese's richness. Fruity and floral, this aromatic wine pairs perfectly with a variety of cheeses. This wine features a lively palate of peaches and bright citrus with a semi-sweet and savory finish.

Retro inspired With a chill remaining in the air, cozy nights at home are still on the agenda this time of year. Warm up while indulging your nostalgic side with a fondue pot Dip your toes into this tradition with Gruyère cheese from Switzerland. From there, the possibilities of melty cheese options are endless: try raclette next, then beer cheese dip.

Pairing: 1000 Stories 2020 Bourbon Barrel-Aged Chardonnay, California - Thanks to aging in bourbon barrels, this rich Chardonnay brings distinct flavors of baked apple, lemon, wood spice and vanilla that deepen alongside notes of butterscotch and crème brûlée.