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‘Tis the Season for Rosé: Toast to the pink wine of summer at Trixie’s food and wine bar

Any conversation about summer sipping would be remiss without mentioning rosé. The light pink wine has become synonymous with sun-soaked socializing and the carefree lifestyle that serves as inspiration for the ever-growing hashtag #roséallday. A quick search on social media presents an array of sunny patios, lavish picnics, poolside toasts, and plenty of pink drinks.

Quickly becoming the rosé headquarters of the peninsula is Trixie’s food and wine bar in Ephraim. Open the menu and at the top of the wine list is a category titled SPARKLING PINK. Rosé leads the list intentionally, subtly prompting diners to order a glass before giving one glance to the appetizers. With a glass in hand, the mood is set to match the environment – bright, rosy and inviting.

I found a seat at Trixie’s first come, first serve bar the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend, which is deemed the unofficial start to rosé season. Coincidentally, it was also the eve of Trixie’s one-year anniversary. Indeed a toast was in order.

Trixies Restaurant in Ephraim, Door County, Wisconsin. Sarah Holmes owner, Erin Murphy head chef and Matt Chambas executive chef. Photo by Len Villano

The wine menu offers two sparkling and two non-sparkling rosés by the glass. Feeling bubbly, I asked bartender Lucy Hodkiewicz to choose for me. “This one is definitely the top seller, and my personal go-to,” said Lucy as she presented a bottle of Juvé y Camps, a pinot noir brut rosé from Catalonia, Spain. “All of our rosés are more dry than sweet, allowing the grapes to be extra crisp and feminine.” As Lucy popped the cork and poured a glass, I reviewed the wine on the menu, noting its status as female made and organic.   

As each new season approaches, the wine menu at Trixie’s is completely revamped. The wine selection is the result of a coordinated effort between owners Mike and Sarah Holmes, who then educate lead staff, including manager Gretchen Geurts-Kummer and Chef Ryan Klawitter. The careful curation aims to keep sustainability top of mind, along with selecting organic, biodynamic and female made varieties whenever possible.

The menu this season features 52 wines, some offered by the glass and some by the bottle. A staff favorite bottle selection is Tribute to Grace, a gorgeous rosé grenache from Santa Barbara, California. The delicate coloring and floral nose lead you to a crisp, refreshing taste that evokes soft notes of starfruit and nectarine blossom while the minerality adds complexity with notes of clove and star of anise.

But beyond the exquisite taste, the story of the wine fits perfectly with the story behind Trixie’s namesake. Tribute to Grace is simply a tribute to the winemaker’s grandmother, Grace. Trixie, was Sarah Holmes’ great-grandmother and the inspiration for the food and wine bar concept. Known for being female-driven and exuding a warm, welcoming feel, Trixie’s is truly an ode to the beautiful women that inspire us daily.

You will have a reason to seek out a glass of your own on National Rosé Day Saturday, June 9. If you would like to dine at a table at Trixie’s, reservations are highly recommended and can be done online at trixiesfoodandwine.com or by phone at 920.854.8008. Alternately, dine al fresco on the two picnic tables at the entrance to Trixie’s, which are first come, first serve, same as the bar seats inside.

 

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