A Donelan Summer
A Donelan summer consists of three key components — Nantucket Island, Donelan wines, and family. Everything else is an added bonus that helps keep the tradition alive and enables new memories to flourish. For us, summer is the best time of the year. It gives us an excuse to connect with customers and friends we don’t typically see throughout the year, travel to new places (even if it’s by RV), and most of all, be together in one place. This summer might look a little different but some things never change.
Beach Days
You wouldn’t be indulging in everything Nantucket Island has to offer if you didn’t have your toes in the sand the majority of the time. Joe enjoys the beach 365 days a year, but it’s much more fulfilling for him and Christine when his children and grandchildren are there to enjoy it with them. The kids can spend hours digging, boogie boarding, running around, and frolicking in the ocean. Quite frankly, so can the adults as long as wine is involved. Nothing pairs better with the beach than family and Donelan wine. Some of the favorites include the crisp 2019 Donelan Rosé, which, if you haven’t tried, is an instant summer essential; the 2016 Nancie Chardonnay is the hot day go-to; and the 2018 Kobler Viognier is a light, smooth, and flavorful option. Bring your favorite bottle of Donelan to your next summer beach adventure and tag us on social media so we can “cheers” with you from afar.
Boat Trips
There’s something about being on a boat in the open ocean that calms the soul — add award-winning wine to the mix and you have an ideal summer day. Two summers ago Joe, Cushing, and Tripp set out on the water to talk about future wines, current events, and spend quality time together. Last year they decided to make it a family affair, kids and all! They shucked oysters, paired them with the perfect Donelan wines, and enjoyed the fresh ocean air while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Firing up the Grill
You may have heard Joe Donelan say that his favorite meal to pair with his award-winning Syrahs is a big, grilled rack of lamb — that, a summer night, and the family is Joe’s recipe for happiness. This dish has become a summer classic for the Donelan family whether they’re drinking it with the 2016 Kobler Family Vineyard Syrah, 2014 Richards Family Vineyard Syrah, or the 2015 Cuvée Christine Syrah. With savory flavors from the meat paired with the smooth, yet bold notes of all of the Donelan Syrahs, you really can’t go wrong. If you’re more of a simple barbecuer, such as hamburgers and hot dogs, then we recommend going with a Pinot Noir like the 2014 Two Brothers or the 2016 Tripp’s Block Pinot Noir. Whenever and wherever we may be, the smell of grilled meats and vegetables while sipping great wine and listening to the kids enjoy life brings us back to those special moments each and every time.
It warms our hearts to be able to share these favorite summer pastimes with all of you and hope Donelan can have a special place in yours this summer. Right now we’re offering 50% off overnight or two-day shipping on 6-11 bottles using promo code SYRAH and complimentary overnight shipping on 12+ bottles using promo code SHIPPING12. We’d love to be part of your summer occasions as well! If you’re interested in us virtually hosting you and your loved ones for a tasting, email us at reservations@donelanwines.com or see our visit us page! Whether you’re making a trip to your summer destination or staying home, we hope it’s special. In the meantime, stay safe, healthy, and cheers to a memorable summer 2020.