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Dirty Laundry Vineyard
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    Celebrate Father's Day with Smoked Meats and Wine Pairing on Dirty Laundry Vineyard's Patio

    May 29, 2023

    Father's Day in Canada, like in many other countries, is a day dedicated to honouring and celebrating fathers and father figures. The idea of Father's Day is often attributed to Sonora Smart Dodd, a resident of Spokane, Washington, in the United States who advocated for a day to recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by fathers in raising their children. However, the credit for introducing Father's Day in Canada is generally given to a woman named Mrs. W. Smart, who organized a special church service to honour fathers in her community, believed to have taken place on June 19, 1910, in Vancouver, BC. 


    Following this initial celebration, the idea of Father's Day gradually gained popularity across Canada. However, it wasn't until 1924 when a formal attempt was made to establish Father's Day as a national holiday. A bill was introduced in the Canadian Parliament to recognize and observe Father's Day, but it did not pass.


    In subsequent years, various organizations and groups continued to promote the concept of Father's Day in Canada. The efforts to establish the holiday gained momentum, and finally, in 1957, a private member's bill was introduced in the Canadian Parliament to officially recognize Father's Day. The bill received widespread support and was passed into law on February 6, 1958, designating the third Sunday in June as Father's Day in Canada. On this day, people express their love, appreciation, and gratitude to their fathers or father figures, acknowledging the important role fathers play in the lives of their children and families through gifts, cards, special meals, and spending quality time together.

    Create your own Father’s Day Experience at Dirty Laundry in Summerland

    Est 1958 Father's Day - This year, enjoy smoked meat and wine with dad on Dirty Laundry Vineyard's Patio

    Father’s Day 2023 is on Sunday June 18th. This special day provides an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with your dad and create memorable experiences together. Nestled in sleepy Summerland, Dirty Laundry Vineyard is the perfect setting for a Father’s Day he won’t forget.


    Arrive early 

    When planning your day, remember that the winery will be busy, so we suggest you arrive early. We do not require or accept reservations for the patio with the exception of our Bordello Wine Club members, however when you arrive you can secure your place on the waitlist if applicable, and then head into the wine shop for a Father’s Day wine tasting.


    Sample some exceptional Father’s Day wines

    During a Dirty Laundry wine tasting you will learn all about the winery’s saucy past, the inception of the winery’s name, and where to look for hidden secrets throughout the winery. In the ambient setting, sample some of our award-winning wines before perusing the wine shop for a Fathers Day wine gift. From games to wine tumblers to socks, you’re sure to find the perfect wine gift for Dad to top off the perfect day. Dad’s tasting will be free of charge on Father’s Day and in addition he can request a complimentary 12 oz beer or a flight of three 4 oz beers at the Bottoms Up Saloon! He really is going to be spoiled! 


    Treat Dad to lunch on Dirty Laundry’s patio

    If you’re treating Dad to a Father’s Day lunch, head onto the stunning vine-covered, shaded patio overlooking acres of lush, green vineyards. The patio at Dirty Laundry Vineyard serves artisan Italian Forno pizza (referring to the traditional style method of baking pizza in a hot, wood-burning oven) and a variety of smoked meats crafted in house and smoked using locally sourced Canadian Maple and Cherry Wood. 


    If pizza is Dad’s go-to meal, check out our suggestions for pairing wine and pizza. If he is more of a smoked-meat lover, we are going to chew over the best wines to pair with BBQ and smoked meat dishes from our menu right here. From smoked brisket and pulled maplewood pork, to crispy pork belly bites and seasoned chicken thighs, Dad is sure to find something to tickle his taste buds on our menu! Note, all of our patio food and beverage offerings are self-serve.  When you're ready to order, simply proceed to the applicable kiosk to complete your order.


    Did you know, we also offer a take-out menu? If you’re picking up lunch and heading home for a Father’s Day BBQ, don’t forget to pick up a few bottles of his favourite wine!

    Why Do Wines Pair Well With BBQ and Smoked Meat?

    Wine pairs well with BBQ and smoked meat for several reasons:


    1. Flavour complement: Red wines with bold fruit flavours, such as Syrah, Malbec, or Cabernet Sauvignon, can complement the robust rich, smoky, and savoury flavours of smoked meats. The fruity and sometimes spicy notes in these wines can harmonise with the charred and caramelised flavours of BBQ.
    2. Balance of acidity: BBQ sauces and marinades can be tangy or sweet, and wines with a good level of acidity can cut through the richness of the meat and the sweetness of the sauce, providing a refreshing contrast.
    3. Tannin structure: Tannins are naturally occurring compounds found in the skins, seeds, and stems of grapes, and provide structure and mouthfeel to wines. BBQ and smoked meats, especially those with higher fat content, can be a good match for wines with moderate to high tannins which can help cleanse the palate and cut through the richness, providing a pleasant mouth-coating sensation.
    A wooden table topped with plates of food and wine glasses.



    Father's Day BBQ and Wine Pairing Suggestions


    When it comes to your Father's Day BBQ and wine pairing you'll want to consider the rich, smoky flavours of the meat and choose wines that can complement and enhance those flavours. Check out these Father's Day wine pairing suggestions that can be paired with the BBQ smoked meat dishes served on our patio:


    • Syrah is a bold and robust red wine with flavours of dark fruits, pepper, and spices.The medium-soft tannin structure of this wine leads to a full and round mouthfeel with a silky lingering finish. It is certainly one of the best wines for Father's Day BBQ smoked meat as it has the intensity to stand up to the smoky flavours of smoked beef or pork and can provide a nice contrast. 


    Suggested food pairing: Smoke House Trio     - A half a pound each of our delicious smoked meats, with an extra generous helping of our house-made corn bread and creamy coleslaw. 


    • Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine with rich flavours of red currant, ripe cherry and capsicum. Its firm tannins and structure can complement smoked beef and add depth to the pairing. 


    Suggested food pairing: SmOkanagan Brisket     - Certified Alberta Beef lightly seasoned, thinly sliced into half pound portions with a minimum 12 hour smoke, releasing the flavour that is unmistakably Alberta Beef. 


    • Malbec is a medium to full-bodied red wine with ripe dark fruit flavours of black plum and red cherry, with a pronounced earthy finish. It can work well with the smoky flavours of beef or pork while providing a plush and fruity profile.


    Suggested food pairing: Bao Bun Tacos     - Two steamed bao buns stuffed with sesame soy coleslaw, spicy pork belly, sesame mayo, topped with pickled carrots and toasted sesame seeds


    • When the main protein in a meal is smoked chicken, a bright yet full Chardonnay with oak ageing is one of the best wine pairings. With flavours of light vanilla wafer, lemon  curd, lime zest, and apple blossom, the richness and creaminess of this Chardonnay can complement the smoky flavours of the chicken.


    Suggested food pairing: Hen House     - A half pound of delicately seasoned chicken thighs, enhanced with the smokey flavour of our locally sourced smoked Okanagan Cherry Wood.


    • A crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with herbal, tropical and citrus notes can also provide a nice contrast to smoked chicken. Its acidity can cut through the richness of the meat and provide a clean and vibrant pairing.


    Suggested food pairing: Razzle Dazzle Chicken Sandwich     - Delicately seasoned smoked chicken thighs on a fresh ciabatta bun enhanced with goat cheese, arugula and Salt Spring Island raspberry habanero aioli. 


    • In addition to white wines, a dry and fruity rosé can be a versatile choice for smoked chicken, complementing the more delicate flavours of the poultry. Alternatively, a slightly off-dry rosé can be a refreshing choice for smoked pork. Dirty Laundry’s Rosé with flavours of strawberries, rhubarb and watermelon provides enough acidity and fruitiness to balance the richness of the pork.


    Suggested food pairing: Little Pig Town Pulled Pork Sandwich     - Slow smoked pulled pork with house made BBQ sauce and coleslaw on a ciabatta bun, served with an arugula salad with a balsamic dressing.


    • Pinot Noir: This is one of the best wines for Father's Day BBQ meat due to its versatility to pair with so many different flavours. The soft tannins, aromas of black cherry, vanilla and clove, with a subtle hint of cedar, and hint of savoury barrel spice in our Pinot Noir can complement smokey and savoury flavours of chicken or pork without overpowering the food. 


    Suggested food pairing: Pulled Maplewood Pork     - Smoked pork shoulder covered in our secret recipe Pork Rub. Pulled gently by hand to ensure the perfect flavour and texture.


    • Riesling: For those who enjoy off-dry wines, a slightly sweet Riesling is another of the best wines for a Father's Day BBQ featuring smoked chicken or pork. The sweetness can counterbalance the smoky flavours, while the acidity can provide a refreshing palate cleanser.


    Suggested food pairing: Spicy Pork Belly Bites     - Crispy pork belly bites topped with tomato jam crème fraiche. Served with a honey balsamic arugula salad


    Remember that personal taste preferences can vary, so feel free to explore different wine options and experiment with your own palate to find the perfect Father's Day BBQ and wine pairing. 


    Father's Day holds significant importance as it provides an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the role of fathers in our lives. It is a day dedicated to honouring their love, support, guidance, and sacrifices, and serves as a reminder to express gratitude and celebrate the bond between fathers and their children. What better way to show how much you love and appreciate Dad than treating him to sumptuous smoked meat, exceptional Okanagan wine, and hours of quality time with his loved ones. Cheers to Dad!



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