Last summer, Gabe and I moved to New York City full-time. Lots of things factored into our decision: his family is local, mine just 90 minutes away; we have a fantastic group of friends here; and, well, it’s the Big Apple, there’s no place in the world quite like it.

Eight months in, we’re still convinced we made the right decision. Some days my body wants to argue the point. After two decades in South Florida, this winter (the chilliest in years) has hit me hard, mentally and physically. Apparently, I’m now a snowflake who can’t hack the cold.

Luckily there are remedies to brighten my spirit and warm my bones. The lovely Riesling wines from Smith Madrone in Napa Valley are a tonic in any season. Summer or winter, the aromas and flavors of orange, lime, pineapple, and white flowers bring good cheer. And they are always wonderful partners with whatever’s on the dinner table.

A few nights ago, as I heard the freezing rain pelt my windows, I knew I needed to create summer in my kitchen. Then I remembered a recent post written by my friend Jane Niemeyer at Always Ravenous. Her own case of the winter doldrums led to the creation of a super-fresh and flavorful lunch salad. One I wanted to eat immediately!

Jane’s creativity inspired me to follow suit. I had fresh swordfish filets in the fridge, as well as the fixings for a romaine salad with fresh oranges and walnuts. And damned if I didn’t have a bottle of the perfect wine as well!

2019 Smith-Madrone Napa Valley Riesling (13.3% abv; current release; $40 at the winery)

Color: Bright lemon

Aromas: Orange, lime, and lemon; a hint of petrol, orange blossom, honey. More pronounced as it warms in the glass. Smells like a tropical garden, somewhere I want to be right now.

Palate: Medium-bodied with tangy acidity; flavors of pineapple, green apple, white grapefruit. Long finish with notes of honey and orange.

Pairing: Grilled swordfish and romaine salad dressed with fresh oranges, walnuts, and feta.

Everything on the table channeled warmer weather. In fact, the swordfish and oranges let me imagine I was dining on the beach in Sicily. The Riesling co-signed that notion, doubling down on the fresh orange notes. One of my favorite pairings in a while, this meal transported me back to warm weather, balmy breezes, and utter contentment.

Thank you, Smith-Madrone, for a welcome winter escape!