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Your Labor Day wines lineup is here. No Guesswork, Just Great Picks

Fri, Aug 29, 25

Labor Day weekend is around the corner, and that means good food, laid-back plans, and the kind of drinks worth sharing. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard, catching up with friends, or just taking time to relax, you don’t need a hundred options. You need a few great ones.

That’s why we’ve pulled together this curated Labor Day collection at Empire Wine & Liquor (Waterbury & Wallingford), a mix of crowd-pleasing wines, easy-to-enjoy spirits, and celebration-ready favorites. Each pick is here for a reason: flavor, versatility, and pure long-weekend vibes. 

Featured Picks for Labor day wines

7 Moons Red Blen

7 Moons Red Blend is a full-bodied California wine made from seven grape varietals, offering aromas of chocolate-covered cherries, baking spices, and vanilla. On the palate, it delivers rich flavors of strawberry preserves, cherry cola, and milk chocolate with a smooth, lingering finish. As one of the most versatile Labor Day wines, it's perfect for relaxed gatherings and late-summer celebrations.

Food Pairing:
It pairs beautifully with barbecued chicken, Caprese salad, or even Chinese takeout. Chill for 30–60 minutes before serving to enhance its balance and depth.

XXL Strawberry & Grapes Moscato

This red sweet liqueur wine features a deep ruby color and is crafted from perfectly ripe, hand-selected grapes. The nose reveals rich aromas of blackberry jam, chocolate-covered cherries, and subtle violet florals. On the palate, it’s intense, concentrated, and well-structured, with a long, lingering finish that makes it a standout among Labor Day wines for those who prefer something bold and sweet.

Food Pairing:
It pairs beautifully with dark chocolate desserts, berry tarts, or a cheese board featuring blue cheese and aged gouda. Serve slightly chilled to enhance its fruit and floral complexity.

Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne

Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut NV is a refined sparkling wine known for its bright fruitiness and elegant maturity, making it a classic choice among Labor Day wines for festive gatherings. It pours a golden straw yellow with amber highlights and offers radiant aromas of apple, pear, yellow peach, honey, and delicate floral notes. Hints of brioche and fresh nuts add depth and complexity to the bouquet.

Food Pairing:
This Champagne pairs beautifully with seafood dishes like shrimp cocktail, oysters, or sushi, as well as soft cheeses and light appetizers. Serve well chilled to highlight its crisp structure and celebratory charm.


Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne

This elegant sparkling wine offers a lightly toasty nose with hints of grilled nuts and smoke, layered over poached pear and pastry cream flavors. Its bright, rapierlike acidity keeps the palate fresh and focused, balancing the richness with precision. The creamy finish is clean and refined, making it an excellent contender among premium Labor Day wines for those who appreciate structure and finesse.

Food Pairing:
Ideal food pairings include crab cakes, smoked salmon, or creamy cheeses like Brie and Camembert. Serve well chilled to enhance its crisp profile and aromatic complexity.

Espolon Tequila Blanco

Espolòn Blanco is an unaged tequila that represents the purest expression of the brand’s craft, delivering bright, clean flavors with subtle notes of agave, pepper, and citrus. Inspired by Mexican heritage, Espolòn is named after the rooster's spur—a symbol of strength, pride, and resilience—making it a bold choice among Labor Day spirits. Its crisp profile makes it ideal for sipping neat or pairing with light grilled fare.

Food Pairing:
Enjoy it alongside grilled shrimp, citrus-marinated chicken, or fresh guacamole with tortilla chips. For the best experience, serve chilled or over ice to highlight its bright, earthy character.

Grey Goose Vodka

GREY GOOSE Vodka is a premium French vodka known for its exceptional smoothness and refined character, making it an excellent choice among Labor Day spirits for elegant gatherings. Distilled only once to preserve its natural flavors, it offers a delicate floral aroma, a sweet and round palate, and a bold toffee finish. Its versatility shines in classic cocktails like the Vodka Martini, Moscow Mule, or Vodka Soda, but it’s equally enjoyable served chilled and neat.

Food Pairing:
Ideal food pairings include artisanal breads, soft cheeses, and smoked salmon or other fish platters. Gluten-free and effortlessly sophisticated, GREY GOOSE adds a refined touch to any Labor Day celebration.


Hennessy Vs Cognac

Hennessy Very Special (V.S) Cognac offers a warm, full-bodied flavor profile with vibrant notes of grilled almonds, fresh grapes, and subtle oak—making it a bold and versatile choice among premium Labor Day spirits. Its intense, fruity character pairs exceptionally well with rich, savory dishes. Ideal food pairings include barbecued ribs, chargrilled steaks, smoked brisket, or even spiced lamb kebabs.

Food Pairing:
For a more refined spread, enjoy it with aged cheddar, roasted nuts, or dark chocolate desserts. Whether served neat, on ice, or in a cocktail, Hennessy V.S elevates any Labor Day gathering with depth and distinction.

Shop the Labor Day Collection Online

This season’s curated drinks aren’t just a list—they’re your long weekend, dialed in. Whether you're the host, the thoughtful plus-one, or the guest bringing the good vibes, these handpicked selections are here to elevate your Labor Day.

Browse online at Empire Wine & Liquor’s Waterbury and Wallingford locations, explore the full collection from the comfort of home, and easily order your favorites. Cheers! 

By Prasad Maganti