Beach-Friendly Wines

By Food & Wine
Updated January 11, 2017
These beach-friendly wines taste even better when paired with light, packable picnic dishes such as grilled salmon sandwiches and seafood salad.
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2010 Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas

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It’s smoky, Syrah-based and from an acclaimed producer—yet on the right side of $20.

Pairing: Sausage-and-Pepper Heros

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2 of 10

2010 Beckmen Vineyards Santa Ynez Valley Estate Sauvignon Blanc

Credit: CON POULOS
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Juicy ruby-red grapefruit flavors mark this wine from one of the Central Coast’s top producers.

Pairing: Grilled Miso Shrimp

3 of 10

2010 Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Gris

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Ponzi, one of Oregon’s most respected wineries, makes textbook Pinot Gris. That means fresh nectarine and white peach flavors and zesty acidity.

Pairing: Tofu-and-Vegetable Tacos with Eggplant-Ancho Spread

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4 of 10

2010 d'Arenberg The Stump Jump Grenache-Shiraz-Mourvèdre

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Named for a 19th-century plow invented in South Australia, this fresh wine is berry-driven.

Pairing: Gouda Burgers with Grilled Onions and Pickled Peppers

5 of 10

2011 Domaine le Garrigon Côtes-du-Rhône

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Importer Wineberry packages several of its wines in attractive wooden boxes, among them this meaty, spicy, Grenache-based red from the Rhône valley.

Pairing: Grilled Glazed Salmon

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NV Pepperwood Grove The Big Green Box

People who like big, dense California Chardonnays will love this one for its caramel-vanilla notes and superrich texture.

Pairing: Creamy Oyster Stew with Fennel and Brown Bread Toasts

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7 of 10

2009 Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir

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From vineyards in the Wairau and Awatere valleys, this displays lively berry, savory herb and cedar notes.

Pairing: Buttermilk Chicken with Crispy Cornflakes

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2010 Bota Box Chardonnay

Credit: PHOTO © PAUL COSTELLO
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This lightly oaked, appley Chardonnay from California comes in boxes made from recycled cardboard printed with eco- friendly soy inks.

Pairing: Crab Rolls with Lemon Aioli

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2010 Wineberry Château du Chatelard Bourgogne Blanc

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It's unusual to find good white Burgundy in a box (much less a cool wooden box). This sleek white justifies its higher price.

Pairing: Octopus Salad with Potatoes and Green Beans

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10 of 10

2009 Andrew Rich Prelude Pinot Noir

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Andrew Rich makes this fragrant, silky Pinot at the Carlton Winemakers Studio, a LEED-certified co-op winery that currently houses 11 different boutique producers.

Pairing: Focaccia Reubens

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