the WINE GUY THE SWIRL: SOLSTICE SIPS AT SILVERSTAR

Yes, a burger and a beer is great. But a burger and wine goes just as fine. Since we're entering prime burger season, it's worth re-evaluating the old trope that a burger is best paired with an `ol brewski.

Here are a few options to help serve as inspiration for the weekend cookout.

The inaugural Solstice Sips tasting event is set to take place from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday at SilverStar Mountain Resort (123 Shortt St., Silver Star Mountain).

The perfect way to kick off summer in the Okanagan, the afternoon event features wine from 15 B.C. wineries alongside culinary partners and live entertainment.

Tickets are $65 and include four wine experience vouchers along with a commemorative GoVino wine glass, with additional tickets and food options available for purchase.

Shuttles will pick you up at the Village Green Mall Transit Loop, and for full details go to thewinefestivals.com/events/view_ event/2209/12820.

Viña Chocolan 2021 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc, Chile ($16.49, No. 16069)

Sauvignon Blanc is tailor made for patios. You know what else works great on a patio? A grill for cooking up some burgers. The plan is simple: on any sunny summer evening gather a few friends (or the family) for an al fresco affair. Next, crack open a bottle like Viña Chocolan's Sauv Blanc and enjoy its fresh and fruity stance — followed by a robust, floral and a touch of honey midpalate before a fruity, crisp and jalapeno-flecked finish. Then continue the conversation (and the wine) while you chefup Thai-inspired pork burgers or crab cake sandwiches on the grill.

Bottom line: B-, chicken burgers work too.

Stemmari 2023 Rosé, Italy ($21.98, available at select private wine stores)

Don't forget the rosé when burgers are on the menu. Rosé's food versatility is often touted, and it certainly shows when serving a bottle like Stemmari's bright and clear light-pink number. Hailing from Sicily and produced with sustainably farmed Nero d'Avola grapes, the crisp wine throws off red berry and floral aromas with a soft entry leading to a fresh and balanced finish — with evident fruit throughout. Sure it could be sipped solo on the piazza, but it's even better paired with an easygoing dinner of grilled salmon burgers. Or, solid vegetarian options would be a falafelstyle patty or portobello mushroom burger.

Bottom line: B, fun and fruity.

Domaine Montmartel 2022 Côtes du Rhône, France ($16.99 on sale until June 29, No. 355915)

Finally, when it comes to classic beef burgers — as well as robust veggie burgers — red wine gets the call. Côtes du Rhône is a solid option, and this example from Domaine Montmartel provides a compelling case study. A certified organic wine, it's unabashedly aromatic, with lifted berry and orange peel. It offers a robust entry while remaining taut, with juicy fruit complemented by savoury and spicy tones before an elegant yet fresh finish. It's a versatile red ready to take on a classic burger with all the fixings — and grilled onions and mushrooms would make the match even better.

Bottom line: B+, also great with a black bean patty.