The tables have been set, flowers planted, umbrellas opened, and the twinkle lights are in full effect.  Yes my friends, it is officially patio season here in Atlanta.  And with a new season of al fresco dining in full swing, it’s also time to talk summer sips.  And it’s no secret that we’re big wine lovers here at WOM ,so what better way to usher in our favorite time of year than by sharing the top eight wines for summer we’ll be sipping on all season long?  Tell us, do you have a go-to summer time wine?  Truly, MKR

No. One: Round Pond Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc.  This has been my go-to summer wine for the past four years.  It’s beautifully balanced rich acidic and fruit forward notes never disappoint in satisfying on a warm, sunny day.  

No. Two:  Whispering Angel.  I was introduced to this easy drinking Rose on a recent trip to Turks and Caicos and was immediately smitten.  Not only does it have the most gorgeous pink coloring, but its light, and easy to drink with light notes of strawberry and berries, making it a fast favorite.

No. Three: Miraval Rose.  I won’t lie in saying when I first spied this Rose it was because of the gorgeous bottle and simple packaging.  So I was pleasantly surprised when the wine was just as good as the bottle it was poured from.

No. Four:  Sancerre Anything.  Situated on the left bank of the Loire at the eastern edge of the Loire Valley Sancerre’s vineyards cover a series of hillsides dominated by the “Piton” or peak of Sancerre.  Most well known for their Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre is easy to drink, easy to find, and if it’s on the menu I’ll usually choose it over any other wine.

No. Five:  Blackbird Arriviste.  The pinkest of all the roses, Arriviste is a blend of Cab Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot making it the richest, and most complex of the roses.  So much so that I find myself drinking it in cold and warm weather.

No. Six:  Skipstone Viognier.  A small, organic winery, Skipstone was introduced on my last visit to Napa by our friends at Maisonry.  With an intense aroma and hints of pineapple and even mango that linger, make it crisp and almost mouthwatering.  While it’s harder to find locally, this wine is one that’s worth the expedited cost of shipping. 

No. Seven:  Darioush Viognier.  Years ago ,Darioush Viognier was the first Viognier I had ever tasted, and since then, I’ve become a big fan of this rich, yet exotic, acidic wine.  With exotic fruits balanced by notes of jasmine, this Viognier will become a fast favorite.