Summer Wines & Light Bites for the Season

Summer is the season of effortless entertaining, and we’re so excited it’s here! From backyard dinners to impromptu get-togethers, Canadians are embracing the season of warmer days and longer evenings hosting casual gatherings, backyard barbecues, and more.

For those looking to elevate their summer menus in a tasteful yet approachable way, Rewild Wines offers pairing inspiration rooted in both flavour and sustainability. Crafted 100% vegan and rooted in regenerative farming practices that actively heal the soil and protect biodiversity, Rewild Wines is a natural complement to seasonal dishes that celebrate the best of summer produce.

Rewild Pinot Grigio

Light, crisp, and refreshing, with vibrant notes of pear, citrus, and green apple. It mirrors the freshness of the season, creating a delicate, approachable match for casual bites like bruschetta with ripe tomatoes, basil and toasted bread will highlight the wine’s light character. For a sweeter option, try Rewild Pinot Grigio with grilled peaches topped with brie and fresh thyme.

 TOMATO PEACH PANZANELLA SALAD

Serves 4

Total Time:  20 minutes
Prep Time:  15 minutes

Ingredients

2 thickly sliced bread, large cubed, drizzled with olive oil and rubbed with a ½ garlic clove
2 -3 large heirloom tomatoes, cubed
1 large peach, cubed
1 medium cucumber, peeled & cubed
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
A handful of basil leaves, torn into small pieces
2 Tbsp capers, drained
Maldon sea salt

Vinaigrette Dressing

1 clove, finely minced garlic
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
3 Tbsp Champagne vinegar
1/2 cup good extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Method

Toast olive oil drizzled bread cubes in a cast iron pan at medium heat until golden brown.

Instead of a salad bowl, you can use a platter to ensure even distribution of dressing and for visual impact. It is so darn pretty!

Toss ingredients together on the serving platter and drizzle with vinaigrette, top with Maldon sea salt to taste. Let set for a few minutes to give the bread time to absorb the delicious juices.

Finish with crispy croutons and basil. If you want to make it more of a lunch meal, add a ball of luxurious burrata or fresh mozzarella from a local vender at the Farmer’s Market and fresh bread.

Rewild Cabernet Sauvignon

Smooth and fruit-forward with dark berry notes and subtle dried herbs. Richer in style yet beautifully balanced, it grounds warm summer evenings when paired alongside heartier dishes like grilled eggplant with tahini dressing or mushroom sliders.

MUSHROOMS and GOAT CHEESE CROSTINI

Also known as bruschetta, these crisp toast rounds can be made ahead and are an ideal base for countless canapés.

Ingredients

1 baguette (the skinnier the better)
2 to 3 Tbsp olive oil
Optional: Sea salt to taste
Mushrooms
Butter
Thyme
Goat Cheese or Cream Cheese *
Parsley, chopped
Balsamic glaze (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Slice the baguette into ¼-inch-thick rounds. Brush with olive oil, then arrange on the baking sheet. If you like, sprinkle with sea salt.

Meantime fry the coarsely chopped mushrooms in butter and Thyme, add salt if desired, and cook until golden and the juices have evaporated.

Bake the bread slices until crisp and golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes. If one side isn’t browning, flip and bake another couple of minutes.

Spread the goat cheese onto the toasted bread, top with the mushrooms and drizzle with Balsamic glaze if using and garnish with chopped parsley.

* you can sub in any cheese you prefer

ABOUT REWILD WINE

Rewild Wines is dedicated to creating exceptional wines that don’t compromise the planet. Rooted in the philosophy of regeneration, they go beyond sustainability to renew and restore the earth with every bottle. As a leading member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, Rewild is at the forefront of research and innovation, focusing on regenerative agriculture to boost soil health, ramp up biodiversity, and reduce carbon emissions. Their wines are vegan-friendly and crafted with minimal intervention, paying homage to our home in the Southern Murray Darling. From planting over 20 different trees and shrubs to recycling up to 150 million litres of water annually, their commitment to the environment is unwavering. Rewild is proud to partner with the NSW Government’s Office of Energy and Climate Change as a Bronze Partner of Sustainability Advantage, continuing its journey to strengthen environmental performance. Rewild Wines – for you, for future generations, and for nature. For more information, visit rewildwine.com.

ABOUT ANDREW PELLER LTD.

Andrew Peller Ltd. is Canada’s largest premium wine producer, with a rich heritage dating back to 1927 when Andrew Peller arrived in Canada with just five dollars and a dream. Today, the company stands as a leader in the Canadian wine industry, producing and marketing an extensive portfolio of award-winning wines, spirits, craft beverages, and home winemaking products. With nine acclaimed wineries across British Columbia and Ontario, including Peller Estates, Trius, and Wayne Gretzky Estates, Andrew Peller Ltd. offers best-in-class wine and dining experiences that attract thousands of guests each year. The company’s diverse range of brands, including No Boats on Sunday and Wayne Gretzky No. 99, reflects its commitment to innovation and quality. As a publicly traded company, Andrew Peller Ltd. continues to execute its vision of “Pouring Extraordinary into Everyday Life” by expanding its product portfolio, embracing new technology, and ensuring excellence across its operations. For more information, visit andrewpeller.com.

Recipes (adapted), salad and crostini images courtesy of WineBC website.

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