Happy Summer!

It’s been feeling like summer for a while now in DC, with lots of sun, warm nights, and the occasional gust of humidity. Warm weather always makes me crave rosé – although since it’s my favorite type of wine, I definitely don’t limit myself to enjoying it during the summer! Rosé is the perfect summertime drink since it’s typically crisper and sweeter, and pairs well with cool dishes and light summer fare such as gazpacho, grain bowls, or fish. Most of the rosés I picked feature hints of spring and summer fruits and berries, which makes them especially fitting for this season.

Although National Rosé Day was exactly one week ago on June 13th, it didn’t feel right to post something so celebratory when there were so many more important issues to talk about and devote my platform to. I do still want my blog and social media platforms to be spaces where I engage in a dialogue on serious social issues such as racism, homophobia, sexism, etc., but I also would like to continue to have these places be spaces of creativity and collaboration. I want to share my life and my latest obsessions with you all, while encouraging us to unite and stand up for what’s right!

That being said, I wanted to share my personal favorite rosés for this summer – I have a few of my longtime favorites mixed with newer discoveries. Whether you’re enjoying a glass solo, having a social distance picnic with friends in a park, or hosting a small get together at your home, I hope you enjoy these picks and find the right fit for you!

Wolffer Estate, Summer in a Bottle ($26) – my all time FAVORITE! This is the rosé that even people who hate rosé, love! Light but neither too sweet or dry with delicious fruity undertones of pear, papaya, and rose petals!

Garnier Vineyards, Columbia Gorge Rosé ($20) – I discovered this rosé during a trip to the Oregon vineyard in the summer of 2018 and fell in love with this wine during our tasting. While I don’t normally go for dry wines, this one has just enough tangy-ness and a sweet finish to balance it out.

F. Stephen Millier Angels Reserve Lodi Rose ($14) – I’m a big fan of this brand’s Syrah and Pino Grigio, so I was delighted to try the Reserve Rosé. I also love rosés with fruity notes, so the hints of cherry and strawberry make this wine great!

Kris Rosé Veneto IGT ($15 online, but $8 in Trader Joe’s) – such a steal at TJ’s – this light rosé has notes of peach and strawberry, so it’s perfectly refreshing!

Karen Birmingham, Lodi Sangiovese Rosé ($20) – a zestier rosé that incorporates watermelon, white peach, and strawberry, this one was a surprise favorite for me that I discovered last month and am now OBSESSED with.

Alex and Ryan Present: Vin de Provence ($19) – another dry wine that really impressed me – it’s balanced with hints of watermelon and strawberries.

City Winery DC, ROSÉ IS A ROSÉ IS A ROSÉ ($18) – I had to rep a local DC winery! This 100% Syrah (which I love as a red wine) includes notes of pineapple and pomegranate to create a crisp, fresh flavor.

Yian Lu Central Coast Rose ($14) – another zesty wine that includes grapefruit, peach, and pear for a more citrus-y flavor. Really refreshing during the summertime!

Evangelos Bagias Charites Rose of Pinot Noir ($15) – green apple, raspberry, and strawberry mix together beautifully in fresh and fruity rosé!

I hope these recommendations give you some rosé inspiration this summer and encourage you to try something new!

XOXO

Parisa