Once again, we find ourselves on the precipice of that sacred annual tradition that pays homage to all the dads out there: Father’s Day Month. For those unfamiliar, this celebration takes place throughout June but crescendos on the third Sunday with praises, pampering, and maybe a perfectly grilled ribeye.

A whole month of patriarch-centric appreciation demands a carefully curated wine strategy. Don’t make the rookie mistake of cracking open your rarest bottle on day one. Father’s Day Month is a marathon, not a sprint. Choose your wines to match not just the mood and the food, but the generous gestures your loving family performs in your honor. Consider these chore-to-glass pairings for optimal celebration.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc grabbed the limelight when the pendulum of public consumption swung from the clunky, high alcohol, and over oaked Chardonnay wines to those that were light, bright and refreshing. Most of the Sauvignon Blanc have a commonality of aromas of flavors, especially that pungent, trimmed boxwood hedge element, leading to our first wine and chore pairing.

As you sit back in your lawn chair listening to the hum of the mower, your better half stripes the sun-drenched yard with PGA precision. The aroma of the fresh cut grass aids in your contemplation of the Sauvignon Blanc terroir as you take a sip with each lap of the mower. You may also want to remind her that the driveway will not edge itself.

Alvarinho

When thinking of the ocean or seafood my mind instantly gravitates to the Spanish Albariño grape. Colloquially named Alvarinho in neighboring Portugal, this variety is often seen in slender bottles with the accompanying name “Vinho Verde” on the label. The term not only applies to the region in norther Portugal, so-called for the verdant landscape, but also to the style of wine produced. These “green wines” tend to be youthful, fresh and oftentimes with a slight pétillance.

This zippy, sea-breeze white wine is the perfect pool-side sipper as you watch your betrothed elbow-deep in skimmer cleaning and pool chemicals. As she balances the chlorine levels and water pH, you can contemplate the minerality and acidity of your slightly chilled Alvarinho. As the heat and sun can be brutal at times, make sure she reapplies your sunscreen to prevent any sunburn.

Riesling

Riesling remains one of the most misunderstood white wines due to some of the poorly made jug wines of decades past. This noble variety thrives in cooler climates where the grapes have time to develop all those wonderful phenolics and retain its signature acid structure. Although often still associated as cloyingly sweet wines, Riesling can be found on all levels of residual sugar. The quality-driven examples leave just enough sugar in the final wines to balance what would otherwise be bracing acidity.

Watching your wife put together your new outdoor lounge chair has off-dry Riesling written all over it. The bright acidity offers clarity, something she will need as she deciphers 42 pages of hieroglyphics, better known as the instruction guide. The slight residual sugar will soften your frustration when you become compelled to inform her that you think “that piece is backwards.”

Sangiovese

Sangiovese dominant wines remain one of the most versatile, food-friendly and sip-able of all the reds. The Chianti region of Italy has been churning out these gems, with varying quality, for multiple centuries. The mix of red and black fruits, varying spice notes (depending on barrel usage) and tertiary aromas of elements like coco powder and dried herbs contribute to the seductive nature of these wines.

The earthiness and slight rusticity of Chianti make it a delightful pairing while watching your spouse clean out and reorganize that beast of a garage. The saw dust that fills the air from her sorting the scrap lumber and sweeping the floor will mirror the wonderfully dusty tannins of your Sangiovese. After all, a wine born in Tuscany surely understands rustic synergy: the value of hard work combined with the wisdom of supervising from a safe and shaded distance.

Nero d’ Avola

Although there are some scattered minute plantings of Nero d’ Avola over many of the world’s viticultural regions, the spiritual home remains Sicily. This ancient variety thrives in the intense heat of the Mediterranean producing wines that are big, bold and deeply colored. Just a few decades ago this grape was exported to improve sturdiness and depth for the wines of Piedmont and Tuscany. Thanks to the efforts of some quality-conscious Sicilian producers, Nero d’ Avola varietal wines are some of the most interesting they’ve ever been.

All that supervising can work up a father’s appetite and serendipitously, Nero d’ Avola works extremely well with grilled meats. I recommend opening to savor a glass while the better half loads and lights the charcoal for your well-deserved steak. This still leaves two glasses to enjoy with that perfectly cooked ribeye and one glass to sip on for your post-meal foot rub.

Father’s Day Month isn’t just a time for honoring dads — it’s a time for optimizing gratefulness of that underappreciated patriarch. A well-selected wine does more than complement the moment; it enhances the splendor of being served, celebrated, and serenely still. Whether you’re poolside, patio-bound, or simply pontificating from your partially constructed lounge chair, let each pour reflect the effort being exerted on your behalf. After all, the best pairing for gratitude is a full glass.

Suggested Wines:

Stags Leap Cellars Aveta Sauvignon Blanc 2023       Napa Valley, California   ($30)

Fresh-cut hedgerow and pungent boxwood? Absolutely. This Sauvignon Blanc delivers all the classic green-and-citrus flair—think pink grapefruit, pineapple, cucumber skin, and a bright herbal snap. It’s crisp and zesty, with a cooling effect perfect for mowing supervision and reminding others to edge the driveway properly.

Arca Nova Alvarinho 2023                 Vinho Verde, Portugal                        ($18)

Saline and zing with just enough texture to feel indulgent. This wine smells like pear and brined citrus rolled in blossom petals. A pop of tropical fruit nectar rides in behind the coastal freshness. This poolside gold is especially good when someone else is wrist-deep in skimmer baskets and chemical testing kits.

David Bruce Estate Riesling 2021      Santa Cruz Mountains, California      ($40)

Aromas of honeydew, orchard fruit, baking spice, and a developing whisper of petrol make this off-dry Riesling as complex as the lounge chair instructions your wife is decoding. High acid keeps the sugar in check, letting the wine balance delicately between refreshing and decadent. Like watching a one-woman assembly miracle while you imbibe from the sidelines.

Sensi Dal campo Chianti DOCG Riserva 2020            Tuscany, Italy  ($17)

A 100% Sangiovese classic Chianti with structure and soul: ripe red fruit, dried herbs, violets, a dusting of cocoa powder. The tannins are chalky, the acid snappy, and the whole thing feels just rustic enough to match the vibe of a mid-garage deep clean. As she sorts lumber and reorganizes bins, the Sangiovese reminds you how noble disorder can taste—when paired with the right partner (and wine).

Tenuta Regaleali Nero d’Avola Sicilia DOC 2021       Sicily, Italy       ($17)

This Sicilian classic leads with rich aromas of black cherry, sun-ripened plum, and a touch of elderberry, framed by savory hints of dried herbs, pipe tobacco, and cracked pepper. On the palate, it strikes a beautiful balance—medium-bodied with well-integrated tannins and a lift of freshness that keeps things lively. Dark fruit flavors return with a whisper of bitter chocolate and a trace of citrus peel on the finish, adding depth without weight. Perfect for grilled meats, bold spices, and that magical moment when the charcoal smoke clears and dinner is served.