Labor Day is a celebration of all of America’s workforce and the advancements that have made our jobs safer and a more balanced part of our lives. In many ways, it has come to be a celebration of the end of summer. A long weekend to enjoy the outdoors and cookouts with family and friends. Wine can be amazing addition to these cookouts, but many people feel uncomfortable pairing wines with informal meals. Jenny Dawn Cellars is here to help! This blog contains our top three suggested wine pairings for your Labor Day cookouts.
Union Station
Jenny Dawn Cellars’ Union Station is our first suggestion. This crisp, light Kansas Chardonnay is dry and approachable. It is the perfect companion for chicken in any of its different forms from chicken salad to grilled chicken breast. Serve well chilled for a refreshing compliment to all your chicken dishes.
Black Locomotive
Our next recommendation is Black Locomotive. This rich deep red wine pairs well with red meat. With its flavors of the lush fruits, black cherry, and elderberry with delicate fig, basil, and cedar spices, it is robust enough to stand up to steak or hamburgers but will even go great with hot dogs! Black Locomotive is a medium bodied wine so can be served room temperature or chilled, whichever better fits your gathering.
Red Caboose
Finally, we would like to suggest that Red Caboose is the perfect way to end your meal. This slightly sweet rosé is the perfect partner for many summer desserts, especially anything with whipped cream and fruit. May we suggest a Strawberry Shortcake? Red Caboose is dry, delicate, slightly fruity, and savory. Serve well chilled to toast the finish of a perfect cookout!
Food and wine pairings can improve your appreciation of both and help you enjoy special moments even more! You can find these three wines along with Jenny Dawn Cellars’ other wines on our Shop Page or our Where to Buy Page can help you locate a retailer in Kansas or Nebraska.
Wishing you and yours a Labor Day Weekend full of wonderful moments!
Founded in 2016 by Jennifer McDonald, Jenny Dawn Cellars has grown from the dream of an at-home winemaker into Wichita’s first urban winery.
In 2017, Jenny Dawn Cellars established a working partnership with a wine facilitator in Napa, California. In 2019, Jenny Dawn Cellars opened a winery and tasting room in the heart of downtown Wichita located at Union Station. Jennifer now crafts and bottles her wines on-site, with grapes and juice sourced from the finest growers in California and Kansas.
As of 2021, Jenny Dawn Cellars has 14 handcrafted wines.
Our winery and tasting room at Union Station offers charcuterie and small bites, venue rentals, private wine tastings, wine locker memberships, and Winuecation – a monthly educational class. We also offer virtual tastings for those who cannot join us on site. Along with a Wine Club that provides members with a special selection of our wines each month.