Art & Aperitif: Painting Springtime Appetizers and Wine Pairings
Pairing the painting experience with spring wine and appetizer combos adds an extra layer of enjoyment, as participants indulge in refreshing white wines paired with light and fresh appetizers that celebrate the flavors of the season. Bringing snacks into the painting and wine class enhances the experience, allowing participants to nibble on delicious treats while unleashing their creativity. Whether it's a crisp crudité platter, a tangy cheese board, or a decadent dessert, the combination of art, wine, and appetizers creates a sensory-rich experience that stimulates the palate and inspires the imagination.
Whether you’re painting in one of our studio classes, enjoying a private class with loved ones or coworkers, or hosting a virtual class at your home, wine and apps are a match made in Heaven and we have the perfect pairings for you!
As you paint, sip on a selection of crisp, refreshing white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which pair beautifully with light and fresh appetizers like spring salads and seafood dishes. For richer and more indulgent appetizers like charcuterie boards and creamy dips, opt for a medium-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or Merlot, which balances the flavors and enhances the overall dining experience.
Springtime Appetizers + Wines To Pair:
What better way to celebrate the arrival of spring and a fun day of painting with friends than some handheld apps?! Pair them with the perfect wine and you’ve got yourself a fabulous experience that you’ll never forget!
Here are some ideas for some handheld apps that will make it easy to paint with one hand and snack with the other. **We’ve also listed some wines that pair perfectly with each dish :)
Enjoy!
Arugula and Fava-Bean Crostini
Fresh arugula, both puréed and roughly chopped, adds texture and a peppery bite to creamy fava bean spread.
https://www....ostini-352852
PAIR IT: Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with arugula, and Pinot Noir pairs well with lava beans, so either wine will be light and fresh enough to pair!
Cheddar and Herb Gougères
Everyone loves a savory cheese puff. The choux dough for these herby gougères can be shaped and then frozen, so you can have these ready to bake for a tasty vegetarian appetizer whenever you want.
https://www....herb-gougeres
PAIR IT: These pair amazingly well with Champagne, or Pinot Noir and Chardonnay-based wines.
Spring Vegetable and Goat Cheese Dip
Old-school artichoke dip gets a fresh spring spin with the addition of asparagus, just-dug-up leeks, sweet peas, and fresh goat cheese. Serve with slices of baguette or crudités.
https://www....at-cheese-dip
PAIR IT: A Bordeaux. Crémant de Bordeaux is made in both white and rosé styles– and either one would be delightful as a pairing
Artichoke and Feta Tarts
If you just don’t have it in you to prep fresh artichokes when you’re entertaining, but you still want those spring veg vibes, make this impressive tart with store-bought puff pastry and jarred marinated artichokes.
https://www....ts-Epicurious
PAIR IT: Feta is really easy to pair with wines as it is very flexible. A Sauvignon Blanc, a Chardonnay, or a Riesling could be put with it.
Caramelized Fennel and Brie Dip
This warm dip pairs sweet fennel with gooey cheese. It’s a cozy option to include among your Easter appetizers.
https://www....k_cheese_dip/
PAIR IT: Served it with some chilled bubbles or a Chardonnay.
Saffron and Lemon Toasted Pistachios
Tart lemon and fragrant saffron transform these nuts into something extraordinary.
https://sepc...-pistacchios/
PAIR IT: Enjoy these with a chilled white wine like Chardonnay or a fruity rosé, pairing it with the nutty goodness of pistachios adds a delightful textural element to your summer snacks.
Smoked Salmon Tartines With Fried Capers
Frying capers turn them into a wonderfully crunchy, salty topping for salmon tartines.
https://www....pers-51235900
PAIR IT:
Ham and Cheese Hand Pies With Honey Mustard
Tasty Ham and Cheese Hand Pies are a great way of using leftovers. These hand pies are filled with ham, béchamel sauce and vegetables, but you can use any leftover meats and vegetables you like.
https://eatl...pastry-puffs/
PAIR IT:
Embracing Creativity and Connection:
Our classes aren't just about painting and wine; They’re about embracing creativity, connection, and the joy of shared experiences. Whether you're painting solo, with friends, or as part of a group event, the act of creating art together fosters a sense of camaraderie and camaraderie. It encourages collaboration, conversation, and laughter as you bond over brushes and bites, sharing stories, and swapping tips and techniques.