Summer is flying by! I can’t believe it’s already August, and the holiday season is approaching rapidly. While I’m excited about fall, I’m still savoring some delightful late-summer wines and discoveries that can make your transition from late summer to the next season smoother. I recently had a conversation with friends, and we’re all amazed at how quickly this summer is passing by and how many of our planned activities haven’t happened yet. Fortunately, we haven’t run out of good wines, and I’ve compiled a fantastic list of wines perfect for your end-of-summer soirées and more. This selection includes sparkling wines, white wines, rosés, and even some reds, all suitable for any occasion.

Robert Hall Cavern Select Grenache Blanc Brut- A lovely sparkling wine ideal for anytime sipping! Notes of lemon peel, apples, and some flintiness almost stone like with fine bubbles that are so elegantly attractive. Grenache Blanc from Paso Robles, CA is one of a kind and so is this wine. It’s the perfect oyster wine, so be sure to get some oysters and enjoy this one outdoors for a perfect afternoon or early evening. $40

2022 Soliloquy White Wine– Napa Valley- Happen to fall for this white recently from Flora Springs winery! This Napa white spends 7 months in oak barrels and is made from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Malvasia grapes. It’s smooth, beautifully balanced and offers grapefruit, lemon, and some stone fruit followed by some sweet spice on the backend. This blend is just incredible and makes for a perfect evening when enjoyed with grilled swordfish, tuna, or even lighter meat dishes. $70

2020 Conundrum Red Blend- A favorite red blend I like to break out when I am having guests over for game night or a simple get together. Many times my guests enjoy different things so having an easy to drink red blend in the mix is always a must. Great tannins, dark fruit, and hints of cocoa deliver in this wine making it the perfect weeknight wine to pair with your favorite take out. This is my go to pizza wine, besides being a great choice for guests! $21.49

2021 Sea Sun California Pinot Noir– Juicy and delightful this wine recently won my heart and brought me right back to Santa Barbara upon first sip! Sea Sun Winery’s Pinot Noir hails from the sun-kissed vineyards of California, where the coastal influence and rich terroir work their magic on the grapes. This Pinot Noir is a true embodiment of the region’s character, with red fruit, berries, vanilla, and oak. It has a seductive silky texture and well-balanced acidity, making it ideal for anytime of year. $20

2019 Trilogy Red Blend,Napa Valley: The 2019 Trilogy Red Blend is a captivating and highly regarded wine that exemplifies the artistry of winemaking. Crafted from a meticulous blend of premium grape varieties, this vintage boasts a harmonious fusion of flavors, with luscious dark fruits, elegant oak, and subtle spice notes dancing on the palate. Its velvety texture and well-structured tannins make it a standout choice for those seeking a sophisticated and memorable red wine experience. $90

All About Rosé

Planeta Rosé 2022: This famous winery makes one of my favorite rosé’s! I have always loved Planeta and the 2022 vintage was another stunner. The harvest started with the Syrah and the Nero d’Avola which leads to a beautiful tasting wine that’s so “Italian summer in a bottle”.  It’s a friendly wine on it’s own as well as with food and can be enjoyed with a variety of cuisines such as sushi, steak tacos, pulled pork, grilled fish, and salads. I also love breaking this out in the summer with a cheese board as it can stand up to mild and stronger cheeses with the right accompaniments. $20.99

Saracina Rosé of Grenache 2022: From the heart of Mendocino County, CA comes Saracina’s Rosé of Grenache, grown on sustainably farmed vineyards that are home to 140-year-old olive trees, vegetable gardens, beehives, and local birds and wildlife. This lovely rosé encompasses clean and crisp red berry notes, with a long, lively finish. $19.99

Bertani Bertarosé 2022: I’ve been absolutely captivated by Bertani wines ever since I first tasted them. While it’s a dream of mine to one day visit the winery, I’m delighted that I can indulge in the flavors of this iconic Italian winery throughout the year. One standout from Bertani is the Bertarose, a wine with a rich history dating back to the 1930s. Today, it’s crafted from a classic blend of Corvina, Molinara, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes, cultivated in the inland hills surrounding Italy’s Lake Garda, on young Valpolicella vines. The result is a perfectly balanced rosé, graced with fresh aromas of berries and spices, destined to become a favorite, no matter the season. $19.99

Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé 2022: Cape Bleue Rosé showcases a harmonious blend of Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes, carefully harvested in mid-August from the stony, limestone vineyards located to the north of Aix-en-Provence in France. This rosé exudes pure elegance, graced with a delightful pale pink hue that unveils enchanting notes of freshly-picked strawberries, sweet Bing cherries, and succulent raspberries. $15.99

La Chapelle Gordonne Rosé: One of my “porch pounders” because I can literally drink the entire bottle in one sitting with a good book and a wheel of brie! This wine is that good and has great elegance, structure, fruit, and acidity. It’s quite mineral driven and lively and so easy to sip you will not be able to put down this bottle. It’s ample in flavor, has a beautiful light pink color, and a finish thats long and full of strawberry! $23.99

Saget La Perrière “La Petite Perrière” Rosé 2022: This is one of my all-time favorite affordable finds! Over generations, the Saget family has dedicated themselves to crafting this distinctive rosé, predominantly from Pinot Noir grapes sourced from the picturesque Loire Valley in France. Their biodiverse, certified HVE3 vineyard has yielded a wine that boasts fruity vibrancy and refreshing qualities. Expect enchanting notes of tart cherry, zesty gooseberry, and a delightful hint of spiciness that will undoubtedly leave you craving another sip! $13.99

Cote Mas Aurore Rosé 2022: Innovation and an unwavering passion for France’s Languedoc region inspired Jean-Claude Mas to create this exquisite blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah. Nestled within vineyards graced by clay and limestone soils, basking in the embrace of a warm Mediterranean climate, this refreshing rosé emerges with aromatic red fruit and floral notes that gracefully transition into gentle candied fruit nuances. It’s the ideal companion for any springtime gathering. $12.49

Korbel Brut Rosé: Red berries, crisp apple, and years of crafting tradition! This is what embodies the Korbel brut rosé which is ideal for summer sipping. This is a wine I break out for Sangria or extremely hot summer days due to it’s subtle sweetness. This delightful rosé boasts a harmonious blend of Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, and Chenin Blanc grapes, resulting in a vivacious and charming profile. $14.99

 

Edible Entertaining: 

Fortessa Outside Margarita Glasses– This set of 6 plastic margarita glasses are ideal for any outdoor entertainer! They’re bright in color and go great with all types of outdoor patio setups. You can easily use them for any beverage but margaritas are best; of course. Fortessa’s Outdoor Margarita Glasses are designed for al fresco enjoyment, combining the elegance of glass with the durability of shatter-resistant acrylic. With their stylish and practical design, these glasses elevate any outdoor gathering, allowing you to savor your favorite margaritas in the great outdoors without worrying about breakage. $60

Wild Fare Olives with Oranges- Enhance any cocktail, mock-tail, or charcuterie board with these insanely addictive olives! I am a fan of warming these up a bit with some good high quality Olive Oil, (which Wild Fare does have) however chilled for an easy board upgrade works too. These olives are the perfect balance of brine to citrus and add a pop of flavor to everything. mp

Wild Fare Pistachio Butter– Wild Fare’s Pistachio Cream is a culinary gem that combines the earthy richness of pistachios with a luxurious creaminess. This velvety spread offers a delightful balance of nutty flavors and a hint of sweetness, making it an exquisite addition to both sweet and savory dishes. Whether drizzled over desserts, paired with cheese, or used as a unique sandwich spread, Wild Fare’s Pistachio Cream adds a touch of gourmet flair to every culinary adventure, or to the Creppini Crepes below! mp

Crepini Crepes- Perfect for summer brunches with friends and an abundance of wine! One of my favorite ways to enjoy these is by heading to Trader Joe’s to grab some lemon curd, blueberry jam, or even using Wild Fare pistachio butter to create a delectable filling for Crepini Crepes. These pre-made crepes only need a gentle warm-up before you can stuff them with your preferred ingredients. And if sweet crepes aren’t your fancy, fret not; they work equally well with savory fillings too! mp

The Casa Market Hibiscus Marmalade– Move over simple syrup because marmalade is a great new addition to cocktails! Casa Market’s Hibiscus Marmalade is a tantalizing blend of vibrant hibiscus blossoms and rich, fruity flavors. This exquisite marmalade delivers a burst of floral and tangy sweetness, perfect for spreading on toast or incorporating into culinary creations for a delightful twist. mp