You don’t need me to tell you it is hot. But, you may need me to tell you the wines to drink this weekend to help you and your palate stay cool. From the wines with a whisper of a pinkish color to those filled with luminous, vibrant coral, Rosé is the key to staying cool this summer.

Fiddlehead Cellars “Pink Fiddle” Rosé of Pinot Noir ($30) from Santa Barbara’s premium Sta. Rita Hills region. Crafted intentionally from hand-selected Pinot Noir vines for producing Rosé, stainless steel fermented, the wine has a nice note of minerality melding with classic flavors of ruby red grapefruit, wild strawberry, cranberry, and watermelon. Luscious and lively, the completely dry wine has a beautiful fruit-forward, juicy palate, with subtle soft herbs and anise on the finish. The wine is perfect for grilled salmon or chicken with tarragon, Thai green papaya salad, or ginger shrimp.

Blending Grenache, Pinot Noir, and Syrah from cool Sonoma Coast, Ram’s Gate Sonoma Coast Rosé ($38) is the perfect combination of richness with energetic freshness. Vibrant and juicy, the wine layers pomelo and cantaloupe with fresh grapefruit, red raspberry, and a touch of white tea. Bright and balanced, this is a pretty wine. It is a delicious wine to enjoy on its own or with fresh shellfish and seafood, roasted duck, summer vegetable risotto, or creamy aged goat cheese.

From Sonoma Valley and Russian River-grown fruit, Anaba Rosé of Grenache ($34) is co-fermented slowly in stainless steel and aged just three months on the lees (yeasts.) The brief aging allows the wine to fully integrate while keeping its zesty freshness. Juicy red apple, ripe grapefruit, and subtle berry mix with floral jasmine, white pepper, and red berry. The perfect picnic wine, or to enjoy with roasted chicken or salmon, plates of prosciutto and charcuterie, or lobster stuffed squash blossoms.

Gastronomic and fleshy, de Negoche Rose of Sangiovese showcases premium quality fruit at an incredible price. The wine is from Alexander Valley within Sonoma, but that is all we know as de Negoche sources quality wines from premium producers that may have a surplus of inventory, often buying before the wine is even bottled, giving them the ability to sell to you at a great price. It is similar to how a negociant works in France and something that American entrepreneur and founder of de Negoche, Cameron Hughes, is masterful with. The Rosé is juicy and luscious, layering ripe strawberry with candied raspberry, wild rose, and a subtle green note of woody herbs. A delicious, fruit-forward, focused, completely dry Rosé is available for a steal, $13 a bottle.

From a blend of mainly Grenache, Barbera, Thompson, and Zinfandel from fruit grown in the Central Coast and Paso Robles to create Day Owl Rosé ($15.) But we know it is refreshing, lively, and crafted by a dedicated team of female winemakers producing approachable Rosé with character. Crushed pomegranate seeds and orange zest melds with ruby red grapefruit and wild berry, creating an easy-drinking wine perfect for cooling off your hot summer day.

And, just because we always like to give a little more than expected, a sixth option for Rosé lovers. Benziger sustainably produces its North Coast Rosé ($26) from sustainably farmed fruit grown in the expansive region north of San Francisco. Easy and fresh, melding candied apple, ripe cranberry, rose petal, and lilac. Balanced and light, with a completely dry, appealing palate.

#Cheers