Who needs to go out… really? Today’s post features tips, recipes and fantastic wines from Flat Top Hills. Let me show you how to create a magical patio oasis for your very own happy hour at home!

I cherish Friday’s. It signals the kickoff of the weekend, and therefore the perfect excuse to have happy hour at home. But, since we’ve been home a lot more lately happy hour happens- well… more than just on Friday’s! And with the warmer temperatures it’s been so nice to be outside. I think home is a destination all in itself. And in this post I’ll show you how to create a magical patio and backyard sanctuary, for a happy hour at home with the help of Flat Top Hills wines.

Happy hour at home is my everything right now.

What time does your happy hour start? Ha! For a lot of us I think wine-o-clock is starting earlier. 😉 But if I can wait for my hubby to get home the first thing we love to do is sit out on our deck or patio, sip on a glass of wine and talk about our day. It literally gives me life! It makes me feel alive, and like I’ve just crossed a finish line to a very long day. Anyone else feeling like they are having extremely long days right now?! But, if you’re going to have happy hour at home I think making your outdoor space or patio a little more magical really elevates the whole experience. An outdoor vibe that is approachable and versatile is key, and that’s why I LOVE the wines of Flat Top Hills. Their wines pair well with so many things.

About Flat Top Hills Wines

For a fun and festive atmosphere we need to make our outdoor spaces a priority AND our happy hour menus! I have had the personal pleasure of experiencing the amazing wines of Flat Top Hills. The wines are made by the fourth generation Mondavi family winery. The Flat Top name comes from the remote hills with unique flat summits where the Mondavi family gathered as children.

The spirit of Flat Top Hills wine is embodied in those memories. A feeling of carefree freedom where your heart can relax because you are truly present in that moment. Maybe that moment is jumping waves at your favorite beach, or rolling the windows down in your car while singing your favorite song. Or maybe its sitting on your back patio and relaxing. The Flat Top Hills mission is to evoke these emotions as you sip and enjoy their wonderful wines.

Today I’m going to feature two of their fantastic wines-

• 2018 Flat Top Hills Sauvignon Blanc
• 2019 Flat Top Hills Cellars Rosé
  –side note! This Rhône-style rosé was awarded 92 points from Anthony Dias of Blue Lifestyle! 

Why you’ll love Flat Top Hills Wines

Both of these wines are surprisingly versatile and approachable. Meaning, they will pair well with just about anything- and both are perfect for assorted appetizers like you would see on a happy hour menu.

The 2018 Flat Top Sauvignon Blanc is an amazing California-style white wine sourced with grapes from 50% of vineyards from the Central Coast. This wine is easy on the palate, and is best known for its approachability. It goes well with SO MANY THINGS! From chips and salsa and fresh tomatoes-to fruit and veggies- and even roast chicken and salad. This is the perfect wine to start your meal with, and that makes it the absolute best choice for your happy hour at home. Oh how I love a good versatile wine!!!

One of our favorite apps to make at home is this tomato caprese that also happens to pair perfectly with this wine. If you’re going to have a happy hour at home you definitely want good wine at an affordable price, and appetizers that don’t require a lot of time in the kitchen! Did I mention that these wines retail at just $14.99?!

Easy Italian Caprese:

Cut heirloom tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella into slices and place cheese on top of tomatoes. Top with a thin slice of basil, a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic and a healthy sprinkle of Himalayan pink sea salt. Serve on a platter and enjoy with the Flat Top Hills 2018 Sauvignon Blanc! A perfect pairing!

Happy hour at home on your magical patio should be relaxing- which means easy apps and great wine!

Another super easy app I like to make- especially during warmer weather is prosciutto wrapped melon. This brings me back to our days in Italy. I just love the mix of salty and sweet! The perfect wine to pair with this delicious and easy appetizer is the fabulous 2019 rosé from Flat Top Hills. This wine is so dang good ya’ll! I love a rosé that pairs well with almost anything and isn’t too sweet. This rosé is smooth, dry and juicy and is one of those wines you’ll want to kick the night off with. Thereby, making it perfect for happy hour!

Prosciutto and melon appetizers:

I love anything quick, easy and fresh– that doesn’t require cooking!!! Less cooking means less time in the kitchen, which means more time relaxing on my magical patio outside.

Cut a melon into cubes. Slice a thin piece of prosciutto in half lengthwise and again crosswise. Wrap one strip around a melon cube. Secure with a toothpick if needed. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the melon.

Check out my other quick and easy appetizers for a fun happy hour at home on my magical patio.

EASY BRUSCHETTA:

I like to buy a baguette and crisp it up in the oven for a few minutes at 400. Then slice it up and place store-bought olive tapenade or red pepper spread on top. It’s even tastier with a slice of goat cheese! This pairs so well with the Flat Top Hills rosé!

ROASTED PEPPERS WITH GOAT CHEESE:

This is by far a show stopper. It’s so unbelievably easy to make and your guests will LOVE IT!

Grill mini peppers in a skillet for 10 minutes on medium heat in avocado oil. Remove from heat, place in a bowl and mix with crumbled goat cheese. The heat from the peppers and the creaminess of the goat cheese make the perfect combination. This pairs perfectly with the 2018 Flat Top Hills Sauvignon Blanc and the rosé!

Now that we have the menu down let’s discuss how you can create your own magical patio experience with the help of Flat Top Hills Wines!

Win a backyard makeover from Flat Top Hills and create your very own magical patio!

Flat Top Hills is hosting a sweepstakes for a backyard makeover valued at just under $4000!!! They’re giving away lots of other backyard and picnic essentials too! To enter just click the link HERE!

Tips for creating a magical patio happy hour experience.

Treat your outdoor space as an oasis or a destination.

Find inspiration from your favorite restaurant or hotel and ask yourself- what did you love about being there? Was it the music? The food, the lighting- or maybe it was the decor? It is possible to recreate the same vibe at home.

Dress the part

If you’re creating a happy hour or date night at home make it extra magical by dressing up for the occasion! I know what you’re thinking. Why dress up when I’m just at home? But the thing is, when we look our best we feel our best. We FEEL more special- and that’s really what all this is about isn’t it? Living our lives to the fullest- even if we’re sitting at home. I truly believe that your space, no matter how big or small, can be truly magical if you take the time to make it that way.

light

For a magical patio experience add lighting through string lights, beautiful lanterns also add tons of ambiance, and CANDLES! Also, a fire pit not only gives you tons of warmth, but also tons of gorgeous light.

plants

I’ve said it before in my deck reveal here, but plants are literally EVERYTHING!!! For both outside and inside. They give so much richness and character to a space while also creating a natural cozy atmosphere.

texture

If you’re gonna be outdoors you need to be cozy. You can easily have all the cozy goodness outside if you add TEXTURE. The easiest way to do this is with rugs (world market and target are my go-tos for outdoor rugs), throws and comfy pillows. If you want your patio or outdoor area to feel magical make it feel as cozy as your indoor space. The stars will add the whimsy you need.

music

You need music outside! Where is your favorite place to dine out? You can recreate that vibe if you pick a similar playlist. When I’m cooking or entertaining at home I love to play Bonobo radio from Pandora and Italian or French cooking music from spotify.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post! I had so much fun decorating my patio to make the most magical experience I could. I really do think making your partner or friend a priority is so important. And remember- you have a chance to win your very own backyard makeover with Flat Top Hills Wines! Enter their sweepstakes HERE– contest ends May 31!

Good luck!

– Follow Flat Top Hills on Instagram –

This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own.

Thank you for reading!

photography: Emily Ream Tabyanan

styling assistance: Shannon Neels

XO