Father’s Day is just a couple days away and Sandra Guibord of Sandra’s Wine Life offers a few best pairings to enjoy alongside the barbecue with dad.

Sandra believes that when the weather warms up it’s the ideal time for lighter cheeses and chilled wines. She explains that white wines pair best with cheese because of wine’s acidity paired with the creaminess of the cheese ‘brightens up’ your mouth. Below are a list of suggestions for the ultimate wine and cheese pairings to enjoy as you celebrate this weekend!

• SPARKLING WINE (Champagne, Sparkling Wine, Cava, Prosecco, etc.): The bubbles in these sparklers refresh your palate between each creamy bite of soft creamy cheeses such as Burrata Mozzarella, Brie, Chèvre. 

• LIGHT AROMATIC WHITE WINES (Savignon Blanc, Albariño, Vermentino, Riesling, etc.): All of these bright fresh wines have notes of citrus and mouthwatering acidity that compliment cheese such as Feta, Goat Cheese, Havarti or Mozzarella.

• FULL FRUITY WHITE WINES (Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Viognier, etc.): From peachy, nutty Chardonnays, Fruity Pinot Grigio and the beautiful floral notes of Viognier. These full-bodied whites will carry the heavier cheeses such as Camembert, Gouda, Manchego.

• COOL SUMMER REDS (Pinot Noir, Grenache, Sangiovese, etc.): Be certain to serve these delicious reds nicely chilled in the summer. Don’t leave them out on a table in the hot sun. When they are chilled, not only are they refreshing in the heat, but you’ll notice all of the bright berry and spice that comes alive with the cooler temperature. The tannins in these reds will best pair with Gruyere, Cambozola, Smoked Gouda, Pecorino.