Operatives, here’s a candidate for the top pink of the season, at least yet. Sonoma Coast is best known for legendary Pinot Noirs (like yesterday’s Bonneau Sangiacomo) and Chardonnays, but there is a “gray area” right between them, a happy place where the delicate red berries of Pinot Noir meet the refreshing crispness of a lively unoaked Chardonnay – Vin Gris!

Made by barely exposing fresh Pinot Noir juice to its skins, this style of rosé is the ultimate Spring to Summer sipper. Well-chilled, it’s the equivalent of liquid strawberry love. Grab your cooler and your friends, the great outdoors is calling.

A shy orange-pink hue glimmers like a flock of flamingos in the sunshine. The nose is reminiscent of raspberry lemonade, with a squeeze of blood orange and a cherry on top. Mouthwatering and extremely vivacious with the first sip, while minerally with almost electric juiciness and focus. The zippy acidity echoes with hints of ruby red grapefruit zest and white peach on the finish. Pair with an acai berry bowl rich in antioxidants or a watermelon, mint, and feta salad.

According to Sonoma Magazine; “La Pitchoune has been gaining its footing as one of the most coveted producers in Sonoma County with their unapologetic wines that are reminiscent of the kind of farmhouse wines you’d find throughout Burgundy, France. Summer is (officially) here and that can only mean one thing for wine lovers: it’s time to pop a bottle of rosé. The hottest thing around when it comes to summer sippers, rosé sales rose 53 percent in 2017 – outpacing all other table wine sales. This year, sales are anticipated to be even higher. No doubt, many of us are now getting ready to rosé all day and make our contribution to the continued increase in pink drink sales. But with so many rosé choices, and so little time, where does one begin? Don’t fret dear reader, we’ve got you covered. We tasted over 65 rosés and picked out the most delicious wines for poolside, riverside, oceanside, patio-side, picnic-side sipping. In short, a rosé for every occasion. Their rosé is a bright and bold sipper with an elegant floral nose and a plentiful mouthful of melon and blood orange. We couldn’t agree more with the winery’s suggested pairing with a game of bocce – just don’t forget a plate of oysters.”