Nat’l White Wine Day, August 4

National White Wine Day, on August 4, is a day to draw attention to our favorite while wines, accordingly I’m in. Wilfred Wong Reviews Top Chardonnays on Wine-Blog seems to be the favorite, still there are so many options! California’s White Wines Still Reign Supreme,” is revealing about buying habits, in Wine Enthusiast Magazine, it’s a great read

“With abundant sunshine and warm weather, most of California exudes an endless summer…the envy of many outside its borders. Along with such a bountiful climate, there comes a jaw dropping array of grapes producing some of the world’s best wines.”

National White Wine Day, August 4

California National White Wine Day is August 4, so by all means you’re invited! Summer and white wines go hand-in-hand, but which one to choose? Among the 2,843 registered wineries in California, deciding can be daunting but it doesn’t have to be. We all have our favorite brands, and some of us are more adventurous than others. So decisions, decisions, decisions! Adventurous is always fun, so how about you go out on a limb and try something new? Here’s a fun chart, which also was delivered from the Wine Institute.

California White Wine Grapes

Wine educating also teachers a lot, and here is something I developed over time. Viognier is the hardest for people to grasp, but I grew up with French grandparents. I’ve also studied the language, and I enjoy helping people to remove stumbling blocks, like Viognier, as a tongue twister. How to say “Viognier” like a pro (pros, feel free to use it if you like to educate with fun). Viognier is pronounced V on Yay! Mike drop!

People will be ordering it, just for the fun of it. And when they order it, they might just move beyond Chardonnay!

California’s Wine Institute’s Inspirations for Fun!

The following ideas all seem like a lot of fun, while also sounding really delicious. I hope you enjoy the concepts, as much as I do.

Leisure people having festive picnic in a summer garden party.

A Perfect Picnic

Summer is ideal for outdoor meals with friends. Try pairing a grazing board of artisan cheeses, nuts, and sliced peaches, or nectarines, with a refreshing California white wine. A zesty Sauvignon Blanc or a summery Chenin Blanc, are versatile choices with picnic fare. Or, you might also love a grilled chicken salads or caprese sandwiches, with your white wines.

Table setting for an wedding reception

Summer Soiree

Summer patio or poolside parties call for a variety of white wines, suiting all tastes. Offer rich, round options like California Viogniers or Grenache Blancs, alongside crisp choices like Albariño and peachy Pinot Grigio. These gatherings are also perfect for lighter-style cocktails, which are made with wine instead of spirits.

Friends having lunch together al fresco.

Al Fresco Brunch

California bubbles are perfect for brunch, on the deck or patio or even poolside! Sparkling wines come in many styles, like bone dry (brut zero or brut nature), to sweet (sec). Lightly sweet Muscat sparklers pair well with pancakes, or there’s French toast topped with summer berries and whipped cream! Yum Fun! And, then there’s a dry Chardonnay-based bubbly (blanc de blancs), which complements eggs and other savory dishes.

Glasses of tasty wine and seashell on sand near sea.

Casual Beach or Pool Hangout

Light and bright is perfect for a beach or pool day. Dry California Riesling, with its floral, aromatic profile, is low in alcohol and high in acidity. This makes it ideal for sun and surf. Vermentino, with its racy, mineral-driven profile, is another great choice. Many California wineries now use lightweight, climate-friendly packaging like aluminum cans and bottles, perfect for the beach. Blue Bin wines, as a matter of fact, come in a plastic bottles, which are ideally created for beach and pool parties!

Company of friends having fun at sunset sitting on the grass, close-up beautiful smiling girl on the background of a group of friends, playing guitar, good summer mood

Music or Movies in the Park

Summer evenings in the park are perfect for medium- and full-bodied California whites like floral, honeyed Fiano or honeysuckle-kissed Roussanne. Then there’s the creative touch. Match your wines to the music or movie. Examples could be a zingy Picpoul for a comedy film, or a citrusy Verdejo for a flamenco guitar performance.