Share & Pair Sundays is a national springtime initiative launched by Karen MacNeil, author of The Wine Bible. The campaign encourages people to gather on Sundays to share wine and food—celebrating the joy of togetherness through simple, thoughtful pairings. Keep it simple with a glass of bubbles and popcorn or enjoy a Sauvignon Blanc with shrimp tacos. Remember, it’s not the pairing is not what matters. At its heart, it’s about building community and connection through the pleasure that wine and food can bring.
Italian Wine Discovery: Share & Pair Sundays Begin
We kicked off our first Share & Pair Sundays with a lineup of Italian wines that offered a delicious glimpse into three distinct regions: Lombardy, Campania, and Sicily. These bottles were enjoyable on their own, but really came to life when paired with the right food.
Here’s what we opened—and what we served alongside them:
Contadi Castaldi Brut Franciacorta DOCG (Lombardy)
If you haven’t explored Franciacorta yet, this sparkling wine is a great place to start. Made in the traditional Champagne method, this bottle offers impressive quality at a fraction of the price you’d pay for Champagne. Crisp, bright, and refreshing, it paired beautifully with dried fruit and almonds—simple, satisfying, and a reminder that good pairings don’t have to be complicated.
Donna Paolina Greco di Tufo DOCG (Campania)
This white wine was a standout. With notes of apricot, pear, and a touch of honey, it was lively and aromatic without being overpowering. If you enjoy Sauvignon Blanc, this is a wine to try. We paired it with prosciutto-wrapped buffalo mozzarella, topped with basil, honey, and a hint of lemon zest. The pairing brought out the wine’s brightness and played well with the creamy texture of the mozzarella. To learn more about Greco di Tufo, check out my series, Wines Worth Exploring.
Graci Etna Bianco (Sicily)
Grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, this wine reflects its origin—mineral-driven, balanced, and expressive. It’s medium-bodied with ripe fruit, floral notes, and a firm mineral core. We served it with caponata, a sweet and savory eggplant dish from Sicily, and the match was spot on.
Focus on Simple for the Perfect Share & Pair Sunday
Whether you’re gathering with friends or just exploring on your own, this kind of tasting is an easy and fun way to travel through wine. No need to overthink it—just open a few bottles, make some thoughtful pairings, and enjoy!
For more Wines Worth Exploring, check out my blog on Greco di Tufo from Italy. Or, click here to discover more about the Loire Valley.
