There is no part of the year that is unimportant in the vineyard. That said, some seasons are more important than others, and summer is when the grapes on the vines receive most of the nourishing sunshine they need to attain full ripeness.
I can’t help but think about that every time I open a bottle from the Exemplary Spanish Whites & Lights Collection from Vinesse. These are highly individualistic wines, but all benefited from a problem-free, sunshine-filled growing season in their appellations of origin.
By the way, this is a great collection to have on hand for those hot summer days ahead. Summer temps seem to have arrived early in some locales this year, and these wines are perfect for quenching your thirst — or the thirsts of guests who may stop by (expected or otherwise) in the weeks ahead.
I hope you’re planning at least one excursion to “wine country” this summer, whether it’s to a famous region of California or someplace closer to home. Wine is now made in all 50 states, and literally hundreds of wineries offer extended summer hours, and dozens schedule music performances to enhance the ambience.
A handful of wineries schedule summer-long concert series with big-name entertainment. I’ve had some great experiences at The Mountain Winery, Thornton Winery, Chateau Ste. Michelle and various wineries along New York’s Cayuga Wine Trail.
Other estates invite local musicians to play on a deck or a veranda or a patio for a few hours.
Either way, a winery visit is enhanced when there is music in the air, and summer is the season of music at wineries.
Depending on how you like your weather, the summer of 2017 is shaping up as either ultra-long or not long enough. You can make it a summer to remember — in a good way — with the Spanish Whites & Lights Collection for home enjoyment, and a weekend (or longer) getaway to wine country.
