When the sun is shining and temperatures rise, there’s nothing like a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to cool down. These light, crisp wines are perfect for backyard gatherings, beachside barbecues, and al fresco dining during Canada’s fleeting summer months. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a seasoned winemaker to enjoy a handcrafted bottle of wine. In-store winemaking makes it easy, affordable, and fun to create your own wine.
Why Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay are Perfect for Summer
Both Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay are synonymous with summer sipping. Their vibrant, fruity flavours and refreshing crispness make them the ultimate warm-weather companions. Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Bright, Fruity Flavors: Pinot Grigio (also known as Pinot Gris) boasts refreshing notes of green apple, pear, and citrus, while Chardonnay often features tropical hints of pineapple, melon, and subtle vanilla undertones.
- Food-Friendly Pairings: Both wines pair beautifully with fresh seafood, summer salads, grilled chicken, and light pasta dishes.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: From casual backyard barbecues to upscale garden parties, these wines fit right in. Serve them chilled for the ultimate summer experience.
How to Make Your Own Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay with Wine Sense
In-store winemaking is easy! Our winemakers do all the work! You just have to add the yeast and bottle your wine with our winery grade bottle washers, fillers and corkers. Here’s a simple step-by-step overview:
- Stop by one of Wine Sense’s 6 convenient locations and choose your wine.
- Wine Sense staff quickly prepare it for you to add the yeast.
- Our Winemakers take care of, ferment, clear and filter your wine and have it ready for your bottling appointment.
- You come for your bottling appointment and bottle. You can use your own bottles or we sell them. Like to tap your wine by the glass? You can bag your wine and dispense from the box- just like from the liquor store! Most customers bottle in less than 30 minutes!
- IF you wish you can dress up your bottles with stock labels, custom labels and shrink tops!
- Go home and enjoy your wine!
Elevate Your Summer Wine Experience
Crafting your wine is just part of the process. Here’s how you can make your summer wine experience unforgettable:
- Host a Summer Wine Tasting: Invite friends to sample your handcrafted Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. Compare flavour notes, pair them with summer bites, and turn them into a memorable event.
- Personalize Your Wine: Add a unique twist by infusing it with natural fruit flavours like peach, lemon, or apple. This customization turns a simple bottle into a signature creation.
- Label Your Bottles: Make your wine look as good as it tastes by designing custom labels. This makes your wine feel extra special and is a great gift for friends and family.
- Chill to Perfection: Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay are best served between 8°C and 12°C. To achieve the perfect chill, place your bottle in the fridge a couple of hours before serving.
Tips for Summer Enjoyment
Rather than focusing on the technical process, think about how you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labour. Here are some ideas to make the most of your homemade Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay:
- Perfect Pairings: Serve with summer charcuterie boards featuring fresh fruit, cheeses, and nuts. These simple combinations highlight the fruity notes of the wine.
- Sunset Sips: Enjoy your wine at golden hour for a truly picturesque summer experience.
- DIY Summer Spritzers: Mix your wine with sparkling water, fresh fruit, and herbs to create a refreshing summer spritzer that’s light, fizzy, and perfect for the patio.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make wine with Wine Sense?
Winemaking kits typically take 3-6 weeks from start to finish, depending on the level of wine you choose.
What’s the best way to store homemade wine?
Store your bottled wine in a cool, dark place to preserve its freshness. Laying bottles on their side keeps the cork moist, ensuring a proper seal.
The Joy of making Your own Wine with Wine Sense
Making your own wine is about more than the final product. It’s about the experience of creating something unique, personal, and tailored to your taste. From sipping on a crisp Pinot Grigio during a beachside barbecue to savouring a glass of Chardonnay as the sun sets, your wine becomes a part of your summer story.
Making wine with our in-store winemaking service is your ticket to this experience. Easy to use, fun to customize, and rewarding to share, they offer a chance to create something truly your own. Don’t let summer slip away without trying it for yourself.
Start Your Summer Wine Adventure Today!
Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay make it easy to create a refreshing summer wine perfect for sunny days and cool evenings. Creating your wine with Wine Sense is fun and easy- It’s like having your own personal winery! Remember- you always save 50% or more on great wine compared to the liquor store!