Craft & Cork >> Wine

The beauty of summertime long weekends can’t be overstated. Whether you’re toasting the country at a friends-and-family Canada Day backyard barbecue, exploring nature or enjoying a quiet Sunday by the lake, we’re of the firm belief that wine makes the moment more memorable. At RJS, we’ve got a wide range of wine styles to suit aspiring oenophiles who love not only making their own creations, but hosting their favourite people to try their wines too. So, let’s start prepping for the long weekend festivities!

Backyard Barbecues and Crowd-Pleasing Wines to Match

No summer long weekend is complete without firing up the grill. As you gather with friends and family for a sizzling barbecue feast, assemble an assortment of crowd-pleasing wines to please your guests. RJS Heritage Estates’ dry, unoaked California White (light and fruity) and fruity, medium-bodied dry Merlot wine styles both match well with a wide range of grilled favourites. And for those who can’t get enough of seared steak, lamb chops or Texas-style ribs, count on the deeply coloured Vieux Chateau du Roi wine style. French-inspired, it’s dry and medium-bodied with tannins and acidity to match perfectly with the richness of that smoky fare.

 Lakeside Getaways Call for a Crisp Cool Glass of Wine  

Picture yourself basking in the sun on a dock, toes dipping into the cool water. If you think it doesn’t get any better, it can. Elevate that serene lakeside moment with a crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. RJS’s take on the classic varietal is an unoaked style that celebrates the grape’s vibrant acidity and citrus flavors. How perfect for that tranquil vibe.

Pack a Picnic That Lets You Stop and Smell the Flowers

The past few years have renewed our love of the great outdoors and the joy of picnicking. What better way to elevate that experience than with a chilled glass of Riesling? This style is off-dry with vibrant acidity and a gorgeous blend of floral, ripe fruit and mineral notes. It’s ideal for a picnic basket full of fresh fruit, cheese and summer salads. If an outdoor dinner party in on your long-weekend agenda, you can also add a splash of Riesling to juicy ripe fruit for the most fresh and delightful summer dessert!

Wines for Bonfires, Campfires and Patio Fire Tables

The crackle, scent and occasion of an outdoor bonfire is a quintessential summer experience. Whether camping in the woods or lounging in your own yard or terrace, a delicious bottle of your go-to wine adds to the memory-making moment. Classics like our dry and crisp, lightly oaked Chardonnay style, and its dry, Rhone-style Pinot Noir with its cherry and berry notes, light body and tannins, are made for sipping and for savouring all of those soul-satisfying moments under the stars.

Inspired? Let’s get winemaking and prepping for those long weekends – moments that are exponentially enhanced with wine. Whether you prefer crisp, refreshing or floral whites; juicy, fruit-forward or complex, elegant reds, there’s a wine style to suit every occasion. So, raise your glass and savour the beauty of summer, one sip at a time.