Hello, my name is Lisette and my middle name is “I love me some wine and cheese.” If by the title of my blog you guessed correctly, I am from the North and I now live in the South. It’s treated me well, and while I will always love the North, Florida is my new home.
I’ve learned a few new words since moving to Florida. Noseeums being one, and lanai being another. Now, I’m no expert, but my guess is that the word lanai is Hawaiian. In Florida, lanais are any covered patios attached to the house. Whether it’s enclosed by walls or screen, or completely open, in Florida they’re called lanais. Really, it’s just an über fancy word that makes me feel like a goober for even saying it aloud.
We recently screened in our lanai because of the noseeums, mosquitos and other annoying insects cramping our lifestyle (more on that in another post). Before, I never had the pleasure of enjoying the iconic warm-weather lifestyle Northerners covet about Florida. Now, after a week or so of screening in the lanai, I’ve moved one of my favorite moments outdoors: wining and dining. Entertaining is something we both enjoy doing, especially when our friends enjoy wine as much as we do. My perfect sip is sharing a Merlot or Riesling with friends.
The other night I went to our local supermarket to buy ingredients for the perfect antipasto plate. I’d say it was a successful trip! Everyone was very impressed with the cheese plate (and it was delicious!).
In order to have a successful perfect sip al fresco, it’s important to balance out the wines and the platter you serve your guests. I purchased both reds and whites, in both sweet and dry varieties for all palates. Also, every wine has different floral or earthy notes, so it’s a good idea to have different types of cheeses and other antipasti to complement those undernotes. I chose Parmesan cheese because it’s almost like a palate cleanser–it goes well with either reds or whites. I also added a Manchego cheese to the mix and a Gouda/Parmesan blend which were hits.
Also, make sure to have different types of charcuterie (cold meats) to accompany the cheeses. The sweeter prosciutto provided a nice balance to the saltier salami and the spicy capocollo. Salty meats and crackers also aid in providing a smooth transition between whites and reds, especially those of us that like both types. The grapes helped sweeten the dry whites while providing a refreshing side.
It should be no surprise that the wine aisle is my favorite aisle in our supermarket. While I favor bold, rich reds, warmer weather calls for refreshing whites. I picked up a nice mixture of Chateau Ste. Michelle reds and whites, just in case one struck my fancy. You may have seen their wines in your local supermarket or liquor store.
I should have known that I was going to gravitate to the Columbia Valley Merlot, and its smooth taste did not disappoint! My friend enjoyed the Pinot Gris (I learned it’s the same grape as Pinot Grigio, with the former being how the French call it). We had so much antipasto that we skipped a formal meal and just opened up the Columbia Valley Harvest Select Sweet Riesling for dessert. I can honestly say it is now my favorite Riesling wine, and it is perfect for the hottest Florida evenings in our lanai.
Learn more about Chateau Ste. Michelle on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. As for me, you’ll find me enjoying my perfect sip on my lanai.
I plan to get more summer ideas from Chateau Ste. Michelle’s 10 Perfect Sips lists. Check it out for inspiration including amazing getaways, summer party themes, and other moments that pair perfectly with wine.
Where do you like your perfect sip? Leave a comment below for the chance to win a $100 gift card!
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 21 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the [email protected] email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
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Be sure to visit the Chateau Ste. Michelle brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!
Kate says
I don’t have any outdoor space, so I borrow my friend’s porch for happy hour sometimes. It’s great to be outside for an after-work drink
Lisette says
Our friends come over all the time! That’s the best!
Will G says
I like my perfect sip at home.
Will G says
https://twitter.com/willgriesmer/status/733418432239042561
heather says
My perfect sip is a nice chilled pinot grigio on the front porch watching the sunset.
Mami2jcn says
I like my perfect sip on the beach.
Mami2jcn says
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/733457742803947520
Rosa says
A glass of a good wine is great when entertaining in your home patio.
Elena says
I like to enjoy a sip on my porch
Elena says
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/733473009973874688
Steve Weber says
I like my perfect sip on my back patio area
groogruxking40 @ gmail dot com
Steve Weber says
tweet-
https://twitter.com/groogruxking40/status/733477001655291904
Caroline L. says
While I’m enjoying a new episode of a TV show at home, or better yet – while wine-tasting at a winery w/ lots of outdoor space!
Kelly D says
I like my perfect sip when dining out with my husband.
Julie Wood says
My perfect sip is out on the back patio watching the sunset!
Kelly D says
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/733622038879961092
Julie Wood says
tweet-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/733622152084119552
tammy shelton says
https://twitter.com/QueenB_Tammy/status/733675099203751936
tammy shelton says
I like to enjoy a sip on my porch watching the sunset.
Jessica To says
My perfect sip is on my back patio.
Madeline says
My perfect sip is some kind of slightly dry red wine like their 2012 Cold Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.
Madeline says
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/734092537841868800
ann says
i love lemonade and tea
Kelly says
Oh my goodness, what an awesome promotion from my favorite brand of wine, I am in!
xx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
CR Williams says
I love to perfect my sip while having a romantic dinner.
CR Williams says
https://twitter.com/mommysweetiepie/status/735227205404368896
Jessie C. says
I like my perfect sip by the beach.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Jessie C. says
tweet-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/735266975958466561
Rebecca says
I enjoy chilled lemon water during a nice hot soak in the bath tub.
Rebecca says
https://mobile.twitter.com/Michael64263870/status/736013639702962176
Amy Tong says
I like my perfect sip at my backyard….although it needs an upgrade/TLC by now. By I like it there, quiet with the sunset. :)
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy Tong says
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/736365544215957505
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Lisa Brown says
I like my perfect sip out on the backyard deck, so quite and lovely.
Lisa Brown says
tweet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/736536952258727937
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
Jeffrey says
My perfect sip involves family and friends. You can’t go wrong with a selection of meats, cheeses and wines! I also like to prepare pizza at gatherings, everybody seems to love it, myself included!
Jeffrey says
I shared on Twitter; https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/736637821511929857.
amy rouse says
Where do you like your perfect sip? Sitting on the porch at my condo in Florida looking out at the pool
amy rouse says
https://twitter.com/dropastitch/status/737019821703888896
Margaret Smith says
I like to enjoy mine while sitting on our patio in our yard. Thanks so much.
Margaret Smith says
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/737024854793281538
Thanks again.
Angela Saver says
I love to enjoy my perfect sip out on our back deck or patio! So, so relaxing!
[email protected]
Angela Saver says
I tweeted
https://mobile.twitter.com/saverang/status/737158098800910336
[email protected]
Erika says
My perfect sip is a glass of white wine, anywhere with my husband.
Elle says
My perfect sip is on the back porch in a lounge chair watching the sunset with a nice breeze.
Elle says
Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/738458226757406720
Tina M says
I like my perfect sip on my couch!
Tina M says
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/743621624814002177
Cindy says
My perfect sip is looking at the ocean in Monterey.
Cindy says
https://twitter.com/benz1171/status/746455293236764673
OFG says
Anywhere as long as it’s with the ones I love.
OFG says
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/746555954645336064
Stephanie Phelps says
I love my perfect sip in the bath with a great book!
Stephanie Phelps says
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/747600827494211588
Ellie Wright says
My perfect sip is a crisp white wine out on the patio.
Ellie Wright says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/747611628615536640
Cheryl B. says
My perfect sip is taken on my deck, as I listen to the river flow by.
Cheryl B. says
https://mobile.twitter.com/arress83/status/747615961201639424
maria cantu says
The backyard.
Melissa says
I love my perfect sip while sitting in my living room with the windows open and a nice breeze blowing through.
Melissa says
https://twitter.com/cheesylife1/status/749414824870711296
Kristen says
I enjoy my perfect sip while sitting outside at a restaurant on a lovely summer evening.
Kristen says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/750401379835850752
Allison Swain says
My perfect sip would be at the beach with a good book.
Thanks for the chance to win this
Allison Swain says
Tweet:
https://twitter.com/allisonrswain/status/750449887913926656
Tamra H says
My perfect sip takes place on my back deck overlooking the garden!
Tamra H says
tweet: https://twitter.com/Twenteries/status/750763956877205504
Natalie says
My perfect sip involves drinking a cold glass of wine on my deck overlooking the lake!
Natalie says
tweet https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/760944627650293764
J says
I never tried Chateau Ste. Michelle. My perfect sip is hot chocolate before bed
Maggie Smith says
I adore Chateau St Michelle Riesling and brie with carmelized onions on my patio!
Cynthia C says
It’s always nice to have a perfect sip with friends over a nice dinner on vacation.
Cynthia C says
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/765226114813980672
Denise L says
My perfect sip is on the patio of my favorite winery on a beautiful Fall day.
Denise L says
tweeted – https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/766372977604694016
Debbie B says
my perfect sip is in my living room – relaxing after a long day
Debbie B says
i posted a tweet here;
https://twitter.com/purplepanda1966/status/766471483577110529
Kerry says
Several places – but preferably outdoors by water – pool, lake, ocean….I’m not too picky!
Kerry says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/767165498677202948
Tina W says
I think my perfect sip would be on a beach somewhere, with a cool breeze and a large glass!
Tina W says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/tinawoo21/status/767640882354884609
Barbara Montag says
I like my perfect sip out on our balcony watching the birds.
thank you
Barbara Montag says
Tweeted https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/767963580306067456
Susan Smith says
My perfect sip is a glass of sweet red wine with my hubby.
Susan Smith says
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/768230410564153344
Stephanie Phelps says
I love my perfect sip sitting on the couch with my husband!
Stephanie Phelps says
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/768837537955778560
Erica Best says
MY perfect sip is Moscato
Elizabeth Pergande says
My perfect sip is with friends. truckredford(at)Gmail(Dot)com
Elizabeth Pergande says
https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/769751949734387712
Betty C says
My perfect sip would be at the lake watching the sunset.
Betty C says
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/770161057922822144
Thomas Murphy says
I like my perfect sip in my back yard.
Thomas Murphy says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/770729792689831937
Susan Christy says
I like my perfect sip on my friends beautiful deck overlooking their lake.
Tabathia B says
I enjoy my perfect sip of a glass of southern ice tea on my couch
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B says
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/771024605377097728
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Kathryn C says
my #SweepstakesEntry #Sweeps tweet:
https://twitter.com/thrincor/status/771046869451563008
Kathryn C says
my #SweepstakesEntry #Sweeps tweet:
https://twitter.com/thrincor/status/771046869451563008
Kathryn C says
(oops sorry about the duplicate tweet entry, page crashed and when it re-loaded I didn’t see tweet so I listed it again)
#SweepstakesEntry #Sweeps – comment
my perfect sip is a glass of Moscato- I am eager to try Chateau Ste. Michelle’s wines though- love trying new wines
Anastasia Falling says
Being with the right people in a pretty place and drinking something tasty is the perfect sip!
Jerry Marquardt says
I like my perfect sip to be with a perfect steak dinner.
Jerry Marquardt says
I publicly Tweeted this giveaway: https://twitter.com/versatileer/status/771091514680156160