From (winery based in): Newberg, Oregon
Blend: 66% Verdelho and 34% Sauvignon Blanc

Taste: The dominant Verdelho leads with its crisp, lemony zest and pear notes, while undertones of fresh green herbs and a subtle powdery texture reflect the grape's Atlantic heritage. The Sauvignon Blanc introduces a compelling counterpoint, drawing you in with its classic grassy hints and more esoteric notes reminiscent of gooseberries and star fruit. On the palate, the wine is a lively dance of acidity and freshness. The Verdelho once again takes center stage conjuring tastes of ripe apricot and stone fruit. This richness is wonderfully balanced by the Sauvignon Blanc's high acidity, which brings forward flavors of green apples and a touch of tropical fruit. The wine's finish is clean, with lingering flavors of citrus fruits, a testament to its 9% abv and the winemaker's light-handed approach.

Pairing: The Long Weekend's light body, vivacious acidity, and myriad of fruit flavors make it an incredibly versatile food partner. Its natural affinity for seafood makes it an excellent accompaniment to a dish of shellfish (scallops, oysters, clams, shrimp) served with a tangy dill and lime vinaigrette, the bright acidity and citrus notes of the wine cutting through the rich, briny flavors of the shellfish (or white fish).

For a vegetarian option, consider pairing it with a broad bean and chèvre salad. The wine's grassy undertones and citrus zest will complement the fresh beans, while its lively acidity will contrast beautifully with the creamy, tangy goat cheese.

Alternatively, grilled asparagus with hollandaise is another great choice. The wine's crisp acidity and citrus notes will balance the rich, buttery hollandaise sauce and highlight the earthy flavors of the asparagus (or, check out this awesome sheet-pan recipe below!).

Sheet-Pan Gnocchi With Asparagus, Leeks and Peas
By Susan Spungen

About. A refreshing breeze is blowing through the winemaking world. It hails from the Pacific Northwest, and its name is Swick Wines. The brainchild of winemaker and proprietor Joseph Swick, the brand is rewriting the history of West Coast winemaking, favoring raw, naked wines that are as fun and delicious as they are organically farmed and ecologically responsible.

One of Swick's latest creations, the 2022 Long Weekend sparkling wine, is a testament to this approach. This natty, skin-contact sparkling wine is a captivating blend of 66% Verdelho and 34% Sauvignon Blanc, coming in at a light and friendly 9% abv. It promises an experience as joyous and buoyant as your first Seafair weekend.

The Art of Swick Wines
Joseph Swick, an Oregon native, returned to his home state in 2013 after gaining a decade of experience across the globe, honing his craft in world-renowned winemaking regions. With an ethos deeply rooted in showcasing the unique cold climate terroirs of the Pacific Northwest, Swick uses a hands-off approach to let the grapes express themselves as authentically as possible.

Swick's dedication to organically farmed vineyards and biodynamic practices is evident in every bottle. The wines are vibrant and fresh, mirroring the winemaker's passion for wines with lively acidity. No conventional additives are used, only occasional modest amounts of SO2 when absolutely necessary for stability.

Swick Wines embraces minimal intervention techniques, experimenting with skin-contact, field blends, and Pét-Nats. The portfolio includes historically farmed regional varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc, and Grenache, and experiments with non-native grapes like Verdelho, Melon de Bourgogne, and Touriga Nacional. The result? Energetic, thirst-quenching wines that reflect their artist, terroir, and unique moment in time.

The 2022 Long Weekend Sparkling Wine
The 2022 Long Weekend sparkling wine is a testament to Swick's experimental approach. This blend primarily features Verdelho, a grape most associated with Madeira's fortified wines. Verdelho typically buds and ripens early in the growing season, allowing it to avoid mildew diseases and making it well-suited to warmer climates. The grape's aromatic profile is crisp, offering vibrant citrus and pear notes that dovetail beautifully with the light, powdery phenolic texture on the back-palate.

Complementing the Verdelho is Sauvignon Blanc, a grape hailing from western France but now grown in wine regions worldwide. Sauvignon Blanc is known for its high acid levels and moderate alcohol, making it an ideal partner for the early-ripening Verdelho. The variety's flavors are rarely hidden, ranging from grass and nettles to tropical fruits in warmer climates. Its palate profile of light to medium body and high acid levels creates a beautiful counterbalance to the Verdelho's rich, Old World style.

The Swick Wines Experience
The 2022 Long Weekend sparkling wine delivers an experience that encapsulates the Swick Wines ethos. This organic, biodynamic, and minimal-intervention wine captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest's cold climate terroirs. Its refreshing acidity, vibrant flavors, and light body make it the perfect wine to accompany a broad bean and chèvre salad or grilled asparagus with hollandaise.

So, the next time you're planning for a long weekend or a special occasion, consider Swick Wines' 2022 Long Weekend sparkling wine. It's an ode to the magic of the Pacific Northwest, a celebration of organic farming, and a testament to the beauty of minimal intervention in winemaking. Its light, fresh profile makes it an ideal accompaniment to a range of light dishes, from a tangy Bluff oysters with dill and lime vinaigrette to a vibrant citrus salad.

Swick Wines' 2022 Long Weekend sparkling wine is a sparkling revelation in the world of wine, offering an alternative to the heavy, additive-laden wines that have dominated for far too long. It is a wine that invites conversation and contemplation, bringing a touch of the unexpected to your wine-drinking experience.

Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a novice looking for something different, the 2022 Long Weekend sparkling wine is a delightful discovery. Its playful blend of Verdelho and Sauvignon Blanc creates a unique flavor profile that is both intriguing and accessible. Its relatively low alcohol content means it's a wine you can enjoy all day long, from a sunny brunch to a starlit dinner.

Above all, the 2022 Long Weekend sparkling wine embodies Swick Wines' mission: to create wines that are not trophies or status symbols, but living, breathing expressions of their terroir. Wines that are as unique and surprising as the people who drink them. As Joseph Swick himself says, "Wine is a fermented beverage that should not be a trophy or a status symbol." With the 2022 Long Weekend sparkling wine, you're not just drinking a wine, you're participating in a revolution - one that values authenticity, creativity, and the sheer joy of discovery.

So, this year, let's raise a glass to the Long Weekend. Let's celebrate the unexpected, the experimental, and the artisanal. Let's toast to the wines that float our boats, that make our weekends feel longer, and that remind us of the beauty of the world around us. Here's to Swick Wines, and here's to the Long Weekend. Cheers!