Labor Day Wines: Sip Into the Long Weekend

There’s no better way to start a celebration than with bubbles. Zardetto Prosecco pours with refined, elegant bubbles and aromas of white flowers, ripe apricot, and subtle herbs. It’s lively yet balanced, finishing crisp and clean and it’s ideal for a holiday toast.

Food Pairing: Enjoy it as an aperitif or with light seafood and garden-fresh salads for a refreshing Labor Day kickoff.

For something with a little color and charm, this Brut Rosé shines bright with its pale salmon hue. Expect notes of rose petals, fresh strawberry, and lemon zest, along with savory depth from a touch of barrel-aged wine. Its creamy bubbles lead into a long, textured finish.

Food pairing: A versatile rosé sparkler that works just as well at a backyard cookout as it does at a more elegant holiday spread.

When the sun is high, this Pinot Grigio is the wine to reach for. It glows lemon-green in the glass, with aromas of Key lime, white peach, green apple, and a touch of spice. Smooth and refreshing, it ends with a long, clean finish.

Food Pairing: A crowd-pleasing white that excels with hors d’oeuvres, vegetable soups, fresh salads, or grilled sole, making it one of the best Labor Day wines for casual cookouts or relaxed dinners.

This Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc bursts with the freshness of the Awatere Valley, showing vibrant notes of lemongrass, jalapeño, and herbs. From the warmer Wairau Valley, it gains richness with layers of ripe citrus, passionfruit, and tropical fruit. The palate is crisp and zesty, with bright acidity leading into a refreshing, lingering finish.

Food pairing: A natural match for summer gatherings, grilled chicken, or creamy pasta, making it one of the most versatile wines for Labor Day.

This best-selling Chardonnay is a standout among Labor Day wines, offering both quality and value. Barrel fermented and aged for nine months in 20% new oak, it delivers the perfect balance of richness and freshness. The palate opens with soft tropical fruit flavors, layered with gentle oak influence and lifted by bright natural acidity. The finish is subtle, crisp, and elegant, making this Chardonnay an ideal choice for summer gatherings and holiday tables.


Food Pairing:
Pairs beautifully with butternut squash risotto, mild cheeses, or lemon-garlic roasted vegetables, making it a versatile choice for summer gatherings and holiday tables.

This wine strikes a perfect balance between richness and elegance. You’ll taste juicy red plum and bright cherry, with just a hint of earthiness and sweet tobacco adding depth. The tannins are soft and smooth, giving it a polished finish that makes every sip feel effortless.

Food pairing:
It’s the kind of labor day wines that fits in anywhere making an excellent pairing choice for grilled meats on the barbecue, roasted veggies straight from the oven, or a simple cheese board with friends.  

Deep and inviting, this Verdejo shows an intense blackberry color with aromas of liquorice, black pepper, ripe blackberry, and cherry. On the palate it’s bold and full-bodied, with juicy fruit and well-integrated tannins.

Food pairing: Built for hearty dishes and robust flavors, it’s a red that can stand up to grilled meats and rich holiday spreads. 

This wine captures the spirit of Alto Adige in every glass. Its deep garnet color hints at the richness to come, while the nose reveals subtle spice and a touch of cocoa. On the palate, vibrant flavors of wild berries and sweet cherries mingle with rustic tannins, giving it depth and character without being overwhelming. The finish is smooth, long, and juicy, making it one of the best labor day wines you’ll want to linger over.

Food Pairing:
Pairs beautifully with grilled lamb chops, braised short ribs, or hearty beef stew, where its rustic tannins shine against rich flavors. For a lighter match, try it with wild mushroom risotto, roasted root vegetables, or aged cheeses like pecorino or asiago, all of which highlight its smooth, juicy finish. 

The Tessellae Old Vines is the kind of red that feels made for sharing. A collaboration between Eric Solomon and Jean-Marc Lafage, it’s crafted from old-vine Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grown in the rocky soils of the Upper Agly Valley. The wine bursts with ripe dark fruit, spice, and earthy minerality, all smoothed out by supple tannins and a layered finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs effortlessly with grilled steaks, barbecued ribs, roasted lamb, or even a big platter of charcuterie and aged cheeses. 

This wine opens with pronounced floral and cedar aromas, complemented by layers of red and black berries, a character enhanced by partial carbonic maceration. On the palate, it offers a medium-plus body with well-integrated tannins, delivering a soft, juicy mouthfeel that leads to a flavorful, lingering finish.

Food Pairing: Approachable yet complex, it’s an excellent pairing for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or charcuterie, making it a standout among Labor Day wines for gatherings and celebrations.