Summer Wine Pairing with Rietvallei Wine Estate

Find the perfect wine to complement your meals with the summer wine pairing tips from Rietvallei Wine Estate. As the weather gets warmer, outdoor dining, lighter meals and white wine varietals become par for the course. Whether you are looking for wine ideas for your braais, deciding on the perfect white for your family brunch or choosing something refreshing that pairs with seafood, our summer wine pairing guide will help you find the right wine.

Summer Wine Pairing Guide

In this summer wine pairing guide, we will be featuring a selection of white wines that are made for lazy summer days and warm evenings. Here are some ideas of how to pair your favourite whites.

Sauvignon Blanc

This wine is crisp and refreshing. It is made from green-skinned grapes. Typical notes include passion fruit, citrus, grass, tropical fruits, green fig, and, in some wines, touches of spicy capsicum. As a light wine, it pairs best with chicken, seafood, fish, salads, and soft flavoursome cheeses such as goats cheese, feta or ricotta. Rietvallei Sauvignon Blancs include the Estéanna Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Rietvallei Classic Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Burger Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2020, and John B Sauvignon Blanc 2021. 

Chardonnay

There are two types of chardonnay – wooded and unwooded. Some are more buttery while others are crisp. This wine varietal is one of the most popular types in the world. It is also one of the best wines to pair with seafood dishes of all kinds, shellfish to grilled seafood or fish cooked on the braai. It also pairs well with chicken, light pasta dishes, and salads. As a versatile wine, Chardonnay pairs well with everything from fresh cheeses to aged gruyere or gouda. Top Rietvallei picks include the JMB Chardonnay 2020, Classic Chardonnay 2020, Burger Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2021, and, for a sparkling varietal, the John B Brut Chardonnay 2021. 

Looking for more pairing ideas? View our food pairing and recipes page to find the ideal summer wine pairing with Rietvallei Wine Estate.