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(Credit: Vera Chinese)

Picnic season is upon us. So what should you be pairing up with your spring meals?

Well, we asked local wine producers and restaurateurs to select the wines for you to enjoy this spring (and forget about that terrible winter). One rule: They weren’t allowed to choose their own brands.

Read on to find out which wines our team of pros picked out:

(Credit: Vera Chinese)
(Credit: Vera Chinese)

Macari Vineyards 2013 No. 1 Sauvignon Blanc

$27

“To me, what takes a wine beyond ‘good’ to ‘great’ is the draw to keep going back for more. This wine hooks you at first sniff and holds you through unraveling layers of honeydew, brine and dried lime all the way through to a long clover honey finish. This is far more interesting than a typical lean Sauvy.”

Robin Epperson-McCarthy, senior sommelier, Roanoke Vineyards

(Credit: Vera Chinese)
(Credit: Vera Chinese)

Paumanok Vineyards 2014 Chenin Blanc

$28

“It is light, has good aromas and nice acidity. It is a great with a spring seafood type of meal.”

Russell Hearn, director of winemaking, Premium Wine Group

(Credit: Vera Chinese)
(Credit: Vera Chinese)

Bedell Cellars 2012 First Crush White

$25 (2013 price, 2012 may be available upon request)

“I think the spring is about dessert because it is something people love when there is fresh fruit available. I thought this wine would pair really well with a dessert.”

James Junk, executive chef, Bistro 72

(Credit: Vera Chinese)
(Credit: Vera Chinese)

Red Hook Winery 2012 Skin Fermented Chardonnay Reserve

$30 for a 500 ml bottle (made in Brooklyn with grapes from The Lenz Winery’s Dorset Vineyard)

“This wine has an exciting energy from its life on the skins. The luscious texture unravels in deep layers by the second. It will make you hungry considering all the pairing possibilities; I [want to] order out the fried chicken and waffles from Blue Canoe [in Greenport] after the first few sips.”

Dean Babiar, winemaker, Jamesport Vineyards

(Credit: Vera Chinese)
(Credit: Vera Chinese)

Pellegrini Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Franc

$23.99 (2008 price, 2007 may be available upon request)

“In April, I am thinking lamb and red wine. I like the spiciness of this cab franc.”

Brian Pennacchia, owner and chef, Touch of Venice

(Credit: Vera Chinese)
(Credit: Vera Chinese)

Palmer Vineyard’s 2014 Albariño

$24.99

“It is such an interesting and aromatic variety, really floral. And it is great for spring and summer because it is bright on the palate.”

Zander Hargrave, winemaker, Pellegrini Vineyardsx

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