Spring in Birmingham means longer evenings, patio dinners, weekend brunches, fresh seafood, and lighter meals after the heartier foods of winter. Whether you’re hosting Easter lunch, grilling with friends, or enjoying dinner on the back porch, the right bottle of wine can make every meal even better.
At Piggly Wiggly Birmingham, voted Best Place to Buy Wine in Birmingham by the readers of About Town for eight consecutive years, Birmingham Wine Specialist Scott Atkinson helps shoppers choose wines based on what they’re serving instead of making wine more complicated than it needs to be.
From sparkling wines and rosés to crisp whites and seafood-friendly bottles, here are a few of Scott’s favo
rite recommendations for spring.
Sparkling Wine Is Perfect for Brunch and Spring Gatherings
Many people save sparkling wine for holidays, but Scott believes it belongs on the table much more often.
“Sparkling wine is way more versatile than people think.”
Whether you’re serving brunch, gathering with friends on the patio, or celebrating Easter with family, sparkling wine pairs beautifully with a wide variety of foods. It works well before the meal, alongside appetizers, and throughout the main course.
If you’re not sure what everyone will be eating, Scott offers simple advice:
“If you don’t know anything else about the food or anything, sparkling.”
It’s one of the easiest bottles to bring when you’re headed to a spring gathering.
Rosé Belongs on Every Spring Table
As the weather warms up, rosé becomes an easy choice for everything from lunch on the porch to casual dinners with family.
Scott encourages shoppers not to think of rosé as just a seasonal trend.
“Rose is more versatile than I think a lot of people realize.”
Dry rosé pairs comfortably with grilled chicken, salads, charcuterie boards, vegetables, lighter pasta dishes, and many of the fresh flavors that define spring cooking. It’s equally at home during an afternoon gathering or an evening meal outdoors.
Dry Riesling and Crisp White Wines Make Spring Meals Easy
When lighter meals return to the menu, refreshing white wines become natural companions.
One of Scott’s favorite recommendations is easy to remember.
“Dry Riesling… is very, very versatile.”
Dry Riesling works well with grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, sandwiches, spicy dishes, and many everyday spring meals. It’s approachable, food-friendly, and an excellent bottle to keep on hand throughout the season.
Other crisp white wines are also great choices for salads, lighter dinners, and warm evenings when you’re looking for something refreshing without overwhelming the meal.
Seafood and Spring Are a Natural Pairing
Fresh seafood is one of the highlights of spring, and Scott has practical pairing advice that makes choosing wine simple.
“Scallops, sparkling wine, shrimp cocktail, champagne.”
Whether you’re serving shrimp, scallops, oysters, or seafood appetizers, sparkling wine is a dependable choice that complements delicate flavors beautifully.
For grilled or baked fish, Scott points shoppers toward white wines.
“Flaky fishes… white wines with some acidity.”
A crisp white wine pairs naturally with flaky fish, allowing the seafood to stay the star of the plate while adding freshness to every bite.
Ask The Pig Before the Weekend
Choosing wine doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re planning Easter dinner, hosting brunch, grilling on the patio, or putting seafood on the table, The Pig’s wine department is here to help.
Scott’s advice is simple:
“Ask us. Just ask us and we’ll help you out.”
Browse the selection anytime at Pig Wine Online.
You can also stop by your neighborhood Piggly Wiggly Birmingham and tell us what’s on the menu. We’ll help you find a bottle that fits your meal, your taste, and your budget.
For more wine inspiration, explore our Wine Pairing Guide, Shop by Taste, and Best Wines by Occasion resources.
Welcome spring with great food, great company, and the perfect bottle from The Pig. #thepigbham