Spring in Canada is like a soft reset – still a bit unpredictable, but full of hints that better days are ahead. Here in Toronto, after months of grey skies and slushy sidewalks, the first day that hits double digits feels like what I would imagine spiritual enlightenment to be like. Spirits are uplifted, and the people are ready to bloom.
My friends and I treat this as a sign to start planning for summer, which means the classic springtime ritual of planning and hyping ourselves up for the upcoming season.
The second a patio cracks open, we’re there testing out rooftop patios that are just starting to shake off their winter covers. To match the season, there’s something hopeful about orange wine in the refreshing air of spring.
We sit there, wrapped in light layers because we’ve finally packed our parkas, sipping on rosé while words start to flow about what concerts we have lined up, how we’re planning the cottage weekend, and whether or not we’re doing a beach trip or doubling up on camping this year.
As many Ontarians know, we have to get the dates finalized and booked ASAP because we’re all thinking of the same thing – it’s time to enjoy the outdoors. So, we need to sit there until we can settle on our plan, which can be challenging when syncing different calendars. But, it’s the best feeling in the world when we figure it out – and all we have left is to look forward to the brighter, hotter days ahead. That means, it’s time to bring out the pet-nat to celebrate.
With an invigorating cup of bubbles in our hands, we start to get excited about the beach. Woodbine or Turkey Point usually gets brought up, as one of us starts a scouting mission, eyeing out spots before the summer rush hits. Memories of dancing to the music from a bluetooth speaker, playing beach volleyball with strangers, snacking on the boardwalk, and sipping on some chardonnay and viognier while sunbathing come to mind.
We build up anticipation, way too hyped for a time that isn’t coming for a couple of months – but it’s all part of the ritual. Spring is a warm-up, a time to shake off the chill, test the waters, and prepare for the excitement of summer. As plans start to take shape, it’s the perfect time to explore the wines that will make the season special. Whether you’re planning a cottage weekend, prepping for that first BBQ of the season on Victoria Day, or just stocking up for Friday night get togethers, there’s a wine for every moment.
