Jonathan and I are visiting friends and family this week in Texas. I knew it would be hot, but I wasn’t prepared for the brutal sun and 90 plus degree temperatures. I went for a jog this morning at 6:45, and it was already hot, humid and sticky. I’ve adjusted quite nicely to summers in the Midwest, and that’s one thing I don’t miss about Texas. I thought it only appropriate to make a few suggestions for wines to enjoy during the summer.

One of my favorite summer activities is to sit on the porch in the evening and sip on a bottle of wine, watching the sunset. Jonathan and I often spend 20 or 30 minutes on the porch reading the newspaper or catching up on the day before we start cooking dinner. Summer is the perfect time to try a few new white or rosé wines as an escape from the heat .

*Vinho Verde: This is one of my favorite summertime wines. From the Minho region in Portugal, Vinho Verde is inexpensive and slightly effervescent. This is a wine to drink young and serve well chilled. Aveleda Fonte is one of my favorite Vinho Verde’s.

*Sauvignon Blanc: For me, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is a must during the summer. The citrus aromas are eye-popping. New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs pop in your mouth with lemon-lime, kiwi and mineral flavors. I like to think of it as sunshine in my mouth. Most New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs can be found for under $25. Some of my favorites include Kim Crawford, Starborough and Oyster Bay.

*Rosé: I will admit it, I used to associate Rosé with the sweet, pink white zinfandel wines made in California. So when I started seeing Rosé wines in tastings and on wine menus I began asking questions. Turns out I was completely wrong. My introduction to Rosé wines began slowly and continues to develop. I find it one of the most intriguing and varied of the lighter bodied wines. Here are a few that I enjoyed recently: Mas de Gourgonnier, Fèlix Massana Rafols Rosé and Crios de Susana Balbo Malbec Rosé.