Summer is finally here, and we couldn’t be happier! It’s time to jazz up your outdoor drinking with something light, refreshing, and easy to prepare – White Wine Sangria! Sangria is really simple, it’s fruit soaked in wine. Good for a party of two or a crowd and pairs well with just about anything.

We asked Janell Dusi, proprietor and winemaker, of J Dusi Wines to share her secret summertime recipe.

What You Need to Make Sangria

The beauty of this sunny day favorite is that it only takes a few ingredients and the flavor combinations are endless! And once you have the basics down you can add your own twist. The best news is there is no wrong way to invent your own signature sangria.

Ingredients

• Fruit – Any combination of your favorite fresh fruit
• Wine – A crisp white wine like J Dusi Pinot Grigio
• Juice – Endless possibilities – orange, grapefruit, white grape
• Mixer – Pick something sparkly – club soda, lemon-lime soda, sparkling wine
• Ice!
• Garnish – Fruit slices, mint, basil

Tools

• Large pitcher or punch bowl
• Stirring utensil

Choosing the Best White Wine for Sangria

When it comes to choosing the white wine for your sangria your best bets are dryer, more acidic, and crisp fresh whites like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, or Grenache Blanc. An Albariño, Moscato, or rosé would be nice too. But also, we live by the rule, pour what Paso Robles wine you like!

What Fruits Should I Use in White Wine Sangria?

Sangria is incredibly versatile. Recipes call for everything from diced strawberries and peaches, to apples and pears, and sliced citrus. We say choose what’s seasonal and get creative. Sangria benefits from a little bit of sweetness, so choose a fruit that is plenty ripe. The more colors of fruits you choose the more vibrant and fun. And the longer the fruit soaks in wine the better it will be.

How to Make White Wine Sangria

Step 1 – Start with a large pitcher or punch bowl.

Step 2 – Prep your fruit, 1-2 cups. You don’t need to worry about making sure it is in bite-sized pieces but keep the pieces as pretty as possible! No need to peel your citrus fruits, just give them a wash first. Add your fruit to the pitcher.

Step 3 – Add 1 bottle of your favorite Paso white wine.

Step 4 – Add ½ cup fruit juice, give it all a good stir. Chill and let the flavors meld for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5- Add some extra pizazz with a sparkling mixer, 1-2 cups.

Step 6 – Pour into a glass over ice and garnish with fruit and fresh herbs. Serve!

Check out Sangria Saturdays and try the signature sangria recipe from J Dusi, people will be fighting over that last drop.