Grapes & Petals

I recently came across a visually rousing project by Lauren Sabo of Botany and Co., who fastidiously paired flower arrangements alongside wine bottles, mirroring the stylistic nature of the label. Although this project lends itself more toward the "how-tos" of wines and flowers in social situations, Sabo essentially conceptualized a gift of the senses, conquering beauty, aroma and taste—with absolutely perfect timing.

With May flowers and Mother’s Day in mind, I was inspired to borrow from this collaboration and reverse the scheme to make some pairings of my own! Everyone has a favourite fleur so, this year, why not arrange a stimulating delight by pairing an exciting wine with your (or mom’s) most-beloved bloom? For full impact, go monochromatic with your bouquets (skip the pre-bundled sprays) and remember: the flower choice should take centre stage. —Laura Starr

lovers of lilies. Look for Muscadet (France) or Torrontés (Argentina)—crisp and citrus-driven white wines that often express aromas of lilies and white blossoms. If you want to take mom on a flavour adventure, blow her mind with this Finca Nueva Viura Rioja ($21): an intensely aromatic Spanish wine made from the grape Viura that is textural, crunchy and charmingly floral.

wildflowers, wild wines. If she likes blooms of the rambunctious sort, opt for Chenin Blanc or Marsanne—two very different varietals that uniquely offer aromas of untamed flora and fauna. Chenins are often textural, tropical and spicy while Marsannes are rich, nutty and floral. This Pierre et Catherine Breton "La Dilettante" Vouvray Brut from the Loire Valley in France ($46) is a delicious example of a CB sparkling wine.

inimitably rose. If tradition wins mom’s favour, choose a dry Alsatian Gewürztraminer (such as this $38 bottle of Trimbach Gewürztraminer from Alsace, France), which will deliver on the promise of a dozen long-stemmed red roses in addition to lychee fruit and sweet spices.

cherry on top. If your mother’s heart lies under the blooming petals of Vancouver’s cherished cherry trees, show her some doubly local love with Serendipity’s 2012 Estate Merlot ($40), which boasts a candied cherry blossom nose amid a strikingly dark, rich and elegant B.C. Merlot.

colour co-ordinate. Finally, from the cellar of Sabo herself: Why not match the hue of your wine with your flowers? Use creamy yellows for whites and, for summer reds like Meiomi Pinot Noir, pair with burgundy Red Charm peonies to accent the deep colour of the wine.