Where did spring go? Like the butterflies in your garden, this temperate season has a way of enchanting your senses before fluttering off into the ether. Grasp the last bit of magic spring has to offer this Memorial Day weekend with a clutch of good friends and equally good wines. The hills may have turned from green to gold in Paso Robles Wine Country, but you can still have a smashing soiree on the lawn with these water-wise spring garden party tips:
1. Greenery is Easy
How can you bring the greenery to the party when every PSA is telling us to go from “green to gold?” Easy! Stop by your local florist and pick up a few bunches of flowers. OK—a lot of flowers. Even if your landscape is decidedly brown, you can still create the feeling of lush, green foliage with a collection of well-placed vases and flower boxes. Tip: Spread out blankets and pillows in your garden, where you probably water most. Surrounded by spring veggies, raised beds, and fruit trees, you’ll feel like you’re in a cool oasis, or at least a scenic picnic spot. Got extra flowers? Grab some floral wire and tape and invite your guests to make their own flower crowns.
2. Host a Fresh Blind Tasting of Local White Wines
Spring is a time for effortless fun. Kick off your shoes, turn on the tunes, and allow your friends to bring the wines to your door! Ask each guest to bring a different Paso Robles white wine, new releases only. Be sure to tell your friends to wrap each chilled bottle of wine in tinfoil before coming over—that way, no one will know just what’s in store. This spring has brought in a rainbow of fresh whites, including Peachy Canyon’s alluring 2014 Concrete Blanc, a mix of viognier, grenache blanc , a refreshing pick aged in stainless steel. Add a cheese plate to the mix and you’ll all be guessing and nibbling until the cows come home.
Mapping and Directions:
Peachy Canyon: speedfind.com/PeachyCanyonWinery
3. Blush Among the Blooms
Could there be a more perfect time of year for sipping a fresh new Paso Robles rosé on your patio, backyard or porch? Wherever your garden party is hosted, you’ll want to stock up on plenty of blushing wines. We especially like Sculpterra Winery’s 2014 Paso Pink Rose, which showcases strawberry, raspberry, and ripe tropical fruit goodness. Another luscious spring pick? Hearst Ranch’s 2015 Rose “Julia,” which is as playful as it is approachable.
Mapping and Directions:
Hearst Ranch San Simeon: speedfind.com/HearstRanchWinery
Hearst Ranch Cholame: speedfind.com/HearstRanch
Sculpterra: speedfind.com/SculpterraWinery
4. Go Water Wild
Tip: It’s important to stay hydrated on hot afternoons! Turn ho-hum H20 into a magical spring elixir fit for a garden nymph: Add chunks of fruit from your garden or farmer’s market (strawberries are in season and won’t clash with the delicious rosés). You can also grab handfuls of chopped herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary, and perhaps even forage a few flowers like drought-tolerant lavender. Now all you need is ice. How easy breezy is that?
5. Have Fun with Succulents
They’re not only water wise: they make beautiful and unique garden party gifts! Up the creative ante of your shindig by inviting guests to make a truly Californian floral arrangement: a wine bottle succulent garden. Pick up the cut bottles online or use local company Chop Top Bottle Co. for personalized bottles showcasing your favorite local winery label. Tip: Got lots of extra corks left over from your spring wine tasting exploits? Use them for your smallest succulents. The best part? Each cork is a little reminder of that delightful spring vintage!
This blog post was written by Hayley Thomas, food and wine writer for SLO New Times, Edible SLO, and PasoRoblesWineries.net. She can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram @flavorslo.
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