It marks the unofficial end to summer, a reason to gather with friends and family and enjoy the fruits of our labor. While some may consider staying at home with children as a break from labor, those who know are aware it is anything but a break. The days are long, we don’t ever clock out, and the paychecks disappear. But this Labor Day, I am celebrating my return to the world of labor. Albeit part-time, I am officially back to work. And that, my friends, make me want to celebrate.

Whether you’re attending a backyard BBQ or donning white linens one last time, Hacienda de Arinzano has a wine for any occasion, for any menu. I recently sampled the Chardonnay, the Tempranillo Rosé, and the Tinto blend.These are beautiful wines from Northeastern Spain. Each a unique take on classic varieties, each a pleasure to drink.

I thought it would be fun to pair each with a classic Labor Day pairing, the good ol’ American burger. But let’s add a twist, shall we? Anyone can throw on a beef hamburger. And sometimes there is no reason to mess with a classic, but if you’re feeling like shaking things up a bit. Try one of these non-beef recipes that make regular rotations on our grill.

Curried Chicken Burgers with Raita paired with Hacienda de Arinzano Chardonnay

Stone fruit, lively acidity, rounded with a hint of oak. This glass keeps you coming back for more. The sweet and spicy notes in curry play well with this wine.

1 lb. Ground chicken

1-2tsps Curry powder

1 egg (helps lean meat bind)

Salt and Pepper to taste

Raita (1 cup plain yogurt, 1 grated cucumber, mint, TBSP finely diced onion, lemon juice, salt)

Serve on Naan or a sweet Hawaiian roll

Greek Turkey Burgers with Hacienda de Arinzano Tempranillo Rose

This wine gorgeous in a glass. The color of a watermelon jolly rancher. Fresh red fruit and floral notes, lively and balanced. Savory and versatile. Great with any fresh herb dish and the creamy, salty cheeses. Or all by itself.

1 lb. Ground Turkey

Chopped fresh herbs (oregano, mint, marjoram, thyme)

1 egg

1/4 cup crumbled feta

Salt and Pepper to taste

Serve with tomato, cucumber, red onion salad. Bun or no bun. Go crazy.

Berbere Lamb Burgers with Caramelized Onion Jam and Hacienda de Arinzano Tinto

This wine doesn’t play around.Mostly Tempranillo with 10% of each Cab and Merlot. Exotic black fruit, cigar box, rich and wild. It can stand up to the bigger flavors so go big. The blend of spices in Berbere is just the smoky sultry partner it needs.

1 lb. ground lamb

2-3 tsps. of Berbere

Salt to taste

Caramelized onion jam (I cook onions forever, add sugar, herbs if I have them, a splash of vinegar and cook some more. Get creative or find a recipe that looks doable)

Serve on a brioche bun with kale salad.

Whether you’re bidding summer goodbye and returning to school or recovering from the new early morning routine, enjoy your day with family and friends. Be safe, get creative, and do your best to NOT labor on Labor Day. Cheers!

{These wines were provided as media samples by Gregory White PR. I received no other compensation. Thoughts, opinions, and recipes are my own. The photo of the wine bottles is stock from the website.}