With Dark Horse Wine and TV Chef Mike Reid

Forget traditional burgers, barbecued chicken and corn on the cob this summer with a host of unexpected pairings created by Dark Horse Wine and renowned TV chef Mike Reid.

The UK’s #1 Premium Wine brand and Mike are urging people to think outside the box when it comes to food and wine pairing this summer and try something new. Whether you’re firing up the barbecue, relaxing in the garden with finger foods, or cooking up a feast for extended friends and family, Dark Horse Wine and Mike will add a taste of the unexpected this summer.

Dark Horse Wine is all about constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and so is Mike’s cooking. To demonstrate this, Mike has created some exclusive recipes highlighting how unexpected combinations of food and wine can lead to better-than-expected results. Think Surf & Turf Tartare paired with Dark Horse Chardonnay, Tandoori Lamb Shoulder with Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon and Blackened Skirt Steak with a Cowboy Butter alongside Dark Horse Merlot. Now that’s a barbecue your friends and family will never forget!

Whilst stepping outside comfort zones can be rewarding, it can often be daunting so Dark Horse Wine and Mike have come up with their best tips for food and wine pairings and hosting the ultimate summer get-together:

1. Always be open to trying something new. Sometimes flavour profiles will surprise you, and you may discover a new favourite pairing.
2. Taste, taste, taste along the way, and be open to going off-recipe if you’re feeling adventurous.
3. If you have a lot of people to feed or entertain, don’t overcomplicate it. Stick to a few stand-out dishes that are full of flavour.
4. Make sure to have your wines picked out ahead of time. Dark Horse is always a fantastic choice as their award-winning wines never disappoint. Dark Horse has first choice of grapes from over 400 vineyards throughout California, and the winemaking team tastes each wine over 100 times before it reaches the bottle, meaning you’re getting only the best to serve to your friends and family.
5. Prep as much as possible before people arrive. Chop those courgettes, make that salad, and season your veggies. It’s just one less thing to worry about when people get there.
6. If you’re lighting the barbecue, utilise it! Don’t just cook your main dish there, throw on veggies, sides, even dessert!
7. Don’t just stick to conventional pairings. Dark Horse Chardonnay, for example, is an excellent addition to Mike’s Surf & Turf creation. White wine pairs with red meat dishes, just as well as red wines do. With its apple, stone-fruit and toasted oak flavours, Dark Horse Chardonnay can be a delicious match for red meats.
8. Always have a few drink options available for people, in case they want to try their own food and wine pairings. The Dark Horse range is great to have on hand. From the refreshing Chardonnay, to the delicious Merlot bursting with dark fruit flavours and the sumptuously smooth and rich Cabernet Sauvignon, the quality of wines is unparalleled.
9. Follow your own path. Don’t be constrained by what other friends, family – or even chefs – have served at get-togethers before. This is your gig and be proud of what you’re serving.
10. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun.

And there you have it – Dark Horse Wine and TV chef Mike Reid’s top tips for making this summer of food and wine one to remember. Try the Dark Horse range of wines today in all major supermarkets to taste the unexpected this summer.

Dark Horse Chardonnay

RRP £9.00, available from retailers nationwide

A rich, dry Chardonnay with notes of apple, ripe stone fruit, crisp peach and pineapple, layered with toasted oak leading to a soft, mellow finish. A glass of this Chardonnay is the perfect partner for a serving of smashed avocado with halloumi or to complement a creamy curry.

Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon

RRP £9.00, available from retailers nationwide

A bold Cabernet Sauvignon with complex notes of plums, dark chocolate, a hint of toasted oak and a smooth finish. Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon pairs exceptionally well with gourmet grilled steak, or indeed with homemade burgers smothered in melted blue cheese.

Dark Horse Merlot

RRP £8.50, available from retailers nationwide

A medium-bodied Merlot with flavourful and vibrant aromas of dark cherries, plums and an aromatic layered finish with toasted oak notes. It can complement everything from modest meals such as vegetable lasagne, all the way to exotic