The Ultimate Labor Day Recipes and Menu Ideas from La Crema

Say farewell to summer in style with this four-course menu that emphasizes grilling, fresh produce and being outside with a glass of La Crema.

As the golden days of summer wind down, there’s no better way to celebrate than by gathering around the grill, soaking up the sunshine, and raising a glass of something delicious. Whether you’re planning a backyard bash or a laid-back afternoon with friends, this Labor Day menu brings together everything we love about the season—smoky flavors, vibrant produce, and the kind of wines that make every bite even better. I’ve put together a four-course spread that pairs beautifully with La Crema wines, from juicy pulled pork and grilled veggies to refreshing salads and sweet summer desserts. Let’s toast to the season’s last hurrah—La Crema style. 

Savoring Summer’s Best Flavors 

Summer is the perfect time to embrace the season’s freshest produce, bringing vibrant flavors to your BBQ. Here are some standout ingredients that shine in your grilling dishes: 

• Peaches & Stone Fruits: Sweet, juicy fruits like peaches and plums add a natural sweetness to grilled meats and salads. 

• Tomatoes: Heirloom tomatoes are perfect for fresh salads, or grilled to top burgers, offering rich flavor. 

• Corn: Grilled corn on the cob brings out its smoky sweetness, a great addition to salsas and salads. 

• Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries bring a burst of sweetness and work well in desserts or savory dishes. 

• Herbs & Greens: Fresh herbs like basil and mint brighten up salads and grilled veggies, adding aromatic depth. 

• Summer Squash & Zucchini: These veggies are perfect for grilling, offering a light texture that pairs beautifully with Chardonnay. 

These ingredients not only highlight the best of the season but also pair perfectly with La Crema wines for an unforgettable BBQ. 

Grilling Perfection: Showstopping Main Dishes for Summer 

Fire up the grill and prepare to impress with these bold, flavorful main dishes that will be the highlight of your BBQ. 

• Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Blackberry Pinot BBQ Sauce 

• • This slow-cooked pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser, featuring tender Boston butt seasoned with a smoky-sweet rub and topped with a homemade Blackberry Pinot Noir BBQ sauce. The sauce combines the fruitiness of blackberries, the depth of La Crema Pinot Noir, and a hint of smoky heat from chipotle peppers, creating a rich and flavorful complement to the pork. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this dish brings together the best of summer grilling and bold flavors.​ Pair with: La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir or Green Valley Pinot Noir

• Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Steak 

• • Grilled steak + vibrant chimichurri sauce? A culinary match made in heaven. The combination of juicy, grilled steak and the zesty, herbaceous sauce creates a delightful balance of flavors. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s an ideal dish for summer gatherings.​ Pair with: La Crema Sonoma Coast or Monterey Pinot Noir 

• Lamb Burgers with Garlic Aioli 

• • There’s something undeniably satisfying about a well-crafted lamb burger, and this recipe hits all the right notes. The patties are seasoned with just salt, pepper, and a hint of cumin, allowing the rich flavor of the lamb to shine. Topped with a quick and zesty lemon garlic aioli—made with minced garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and parsley—and a few thin slices of red onion, these burgers are both simple and sophisticated. Perfect for a summer cookout, they pair beautifully with a glass of La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, whose earthy notes complement the savory lamb.​ Pair with: La Crema Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 

• Grilled Lamb Meatballs with Mint Yogurt 

• • Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with these flavorful grilled lamb meatballs. Infused with aromatic spices like cumin and coriander, and mixed with onion, garlic, parsley, and crumbled feta, each bite is a delightful blend of savory and tangy flavors. Grilling the meatballs imparts a smoky char that contrasts beautifully with the cool, creamy mint yogurt sauce served alongside. This dish is a crowd-pleaser at summer gatherings and pairs wonderfully with La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir, whose citrus and pepper notes enhance the herbs and spices in the meatballs.​ Pair with: La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir​ 

• Yogurt-Marinated Apricot Chicken Skewers 

• • Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a mixture of yogurt and apricot preserves, then grilled to perfection. The yogurt tenderizes the meat while the apricot adds a subtle sweetness, resulting in juicy, flavorful skewers. These skewers are a delightful addition to any summer BBQ menu.​ Pair with: La Crema Monterey Chardonnay​ 

Sides that Steal the Show: Fresh, Flavorful Accompaniments 

From fresh salads to grilled delights, these sides are the perfect balance of flavor and freshness to complement your BBQ feast. 

• Grilled Avocado Cups: 

• • These grilled avocado cups are a delightful blend of smoky and creamy flavors. Halved avocados are charred to perfection and filled with a zesty mix of charred corn, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, then topped with crumbled queso fresco. It’s a vibrant, crowd-pleasing side that pairs beautifully with a crisp rosé.​ Pair with: La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir Rosé​ 

• Rainbow Carrots with Yogurt and Pistachios  

• • Roasted rainbow carrots bring a natural sweetness that’s enhanced by a tangy orange-infused Greek yogurt sauce. A sprinkle of chopped pistachios adds a satisfying crunch, while fresh tarragon provides a hint of anise flavor. This colorful dish is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.​ Pair with: La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 

• Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Crispy Brussels Sprouts  

• • This isn’t your average mac and cheese—it’s elevated with crispy bacon, finely sliced Brussels sprouts, and a touch of grainy mustard for depth. The creamy cheddar and parmesan sauce envelops the pasta, creating a rich, comforting dish. A perfect side for those seeking indulgence with a gourmet twist.​ Pair with: La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir 

• Summer Squash Apple Slaw 

• • This refreshing slaw combines julienned summer squash, zucchini, and apples with a light dressing of olive oil, cider vinegar, and a touch of mayonnaise. Fresh tarragon and basil add herbal notes, making it a crisp, clean side dish. Serve it in sweet pepper halves for an elegant presentation.​ Pair with: La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay or Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 

• Shrimp Ceviche with Citrus and Fennel 

• • Succulent shrimp are marinated in a citrusy blend of lime and orange juices, then tossed with thinly sliced fennel and red onion for a refreshing crunch. A hint of jalapeño adds just the right amount of heat. This light, zesty ceviche is a perfect starter for warm-weather gatherings.​ Pair with: La Crema Monterey Pinot Gris 

Fresh from the Garden: Salads That Pair Perfectly with BBQ 

These vibrant, garden-fresh salads bring a crisp, refreshing contrast to the smoky, savory flavors of your BBQ. 

• Asian Pear Salad 

• • This refreshing “farm-to-table”  salad’s crisp flavors compliment the bright acidity and fruit profile of our new Pinot Gris. Fresh, raw fruits and vegetables are the star of the dish with a light sprinkling of olive oil, lime and a hint of fresh ginger. Pair with: La Crema Monterey Pinot Gris​ or Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc 

• Summer Zucchini Salad 

• • This salad showcases the versatility of zucchini, transformed into delicate ribbons that mingle with a medley of summer ingredients. A citrusy dressing ties everything together, enhancing the natural flavors without overwhelming them. Paired with La Crema’s Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, it’s a dish that embodies the essence of summer dining.​ Pair with: La Crema Monterey Chardonnay 

• Grilled Romaine Salad 

• • Grilling romaine transforms this everyday green into something extraordinary. The high heat imparts a smoky char to the outer leaves while keeping the core crisp, creating a delightful contrast in textures. Finished with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this salad is both simple and sophisticated, making it a perfect addition to any summer gathering.​ Pair with: La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and Monterey Chardonnay​ 

• Baby Lettuce Salad with Goat Cheese & Strawberries 

• • A celebration of simplicity and freshness, this salad combines tender lettuces with the sweetness of strawberries and the tang of goat cheese. A light vinaigrette adds just the right touch, allowing each component to shine. Enjoy it alongside La Crema’s Monterey Rosé for a pairing that’s both refreshing and indulgent.​ Pair with: La Crema Monterey Rosé and Chardonnay 

• Panzanella Salad  

• • Rooted in Tuscan tradition, this bread salad brings together hearty chunks of artisan bread with ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs. The addition of creamy mozzarella and crispy bacon elevates the dish, offering a satisfying mix of textures and flavors. La Crema’s Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir complements the rustic charm of this salad beautifully.​ Pair with: La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 

• Peach & Corn Salad 

• • This vibrant salad captures the sweetness of summer with juicy peaches and crisp corn. A touch of heat and a sprinkle of fresh herbs add depth, making it a delightful accompaniment to any outdoor gathering. Pair it with La Crema’s Monterey Pinot Gris for a refreshing finish.​ Pair with: La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 

Sweet Summer Endings: Desserts to Close Your BBQ in Style 

End your BBQ on a sweet note with these indulgent desserts, designed to leave everyone craving more. 

• S’mores Four Ways  

• • Elevate your campfire experience with four inventive takes on the classic s’more: salted caramel, bacon, PB&J, and bananas foster. Each variation offers a unique twist, from the sweet and salty combination of salted caramel to the indulgent richness of bananas foster. These creative s’mores are a delightful way to bid farewell to summer.​ Pair with: La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir 

• Chardonnay Churros with Mexican Chocolate Ganache  

• • Golden, crispy churros infused with La Crema Chardonnay are paired with a rich Mexican chocolate ganache, creating a decadent dessert experience. The warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated churros offer a delightful crunch, while the velvety ganache adds a touch of spice. It’s a fusion of flavors that brings a taste of Mexico to your table.​ Pair with: La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 

• Strawberry Rhubarb Ice Cream  

• • This homemade ice cream combines the sweet-tart flavors of strawberries and rhubarb, creating a refreshing treat perfect for warm days. The creamy base, enriched with whole milk and heavy cream, complements the vibrant fruit mixture. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the season’s bounty in a frozen form. Pair with: La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir Rosé 

• Strawberry Shortcake  

• • A timeless dessert featuring sweetened strawberries layered over flaky shortcake biscuits, topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a beloved choice for summer gatherings. It’s a simple yet elegant way to celebrate the season.​ Pair with: La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Chardonnay 

Closing Out Summer in Style with La Crema Wines 

As summer winds down, there’s no better way to savor the season than gathering with friends, firing up the grill, and enjoying a table full of fresh, flavorful dishes—each perfectly paired with a glass of La Crema wine. Whether you’re serving smoky pulled pork, vibrant salads, or sweet summer desserts, this Labor Day BBQ menu brings together the best of the season. Here’s to making the most of the long weekend—one delicious bite (and sip) at a time. Cheers! 

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