Must-Sip Summertime Wines

Stuff away your puffy coat, dust off your finest Washington socks and sandals and get ready for long sunny walks on your favorite beach – summer is here in Skagit Valley! And what’s a better way to welcome the warm weather than a picnic with your friends and family?

At the Skagit Valley Food Co-op, we have everything you need to toss together a charcuterie picnic on-the-go: organic crackers and bread, local cheeses, spreads, and sauces, artisan meats, local organic fruits and veggies, and of course, an embarrassment of unique wines from around the world.

If you find yourself in the Co-op pondering the perfect pour for your next summer outing, we’ve got you covered with some warm weather wine suggestions compliments of our very own Wine Department Manager! The only question that remains, is will you Rosé All Day or Wine About It?

Kind Stranger Rosé: If you’re looking for a local wine that features local artists on the label and gives back to the community, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better pick. During COVID, this winery gave back a portion of sales to the Restaurant Workers Guild, supporting those who were out of work at the time. This rosé is pale, dry, and crisp, and has notes of sour cherry, watermelon, and bubble gum.

Famega Vinho Verde: A Co-op favorite for a reason, this bright and affordable wine from Portugal has a fruity aroma and a slightly spritzy feel. It’s on the dry, crisp side, making it a good accompaniment to a DIY charcuterie board.

La Croix Belle Syrah Grenache Rosé: A French rosé perfect for the summer, this pick pairs well with salads, fish, appetizers, and of course, picnic snacks! Dry, yet fruity, this rosé blend is made up of Syrah and Grenache varietals and has notes of strawberry and rhubarb.

Backyard Pinot Gris: Dry, yet fruity, this pinot gris from Vancouver, BC features tropical notes of papaya, nectarine, and guava. It pairs well with cured meat, making it a wonderful companion to a picnic basket.

Faim De Loup Unoaked Syrah: If rosé or white wine isn’t your style, we’ve got a red that’s still a great option for the summer. Succulent, juicy, fruity, and spicy, this Syrah checks all the boxes without being too much at once. An approachable wine with aromas of cherry, blackberry, and plum, pair it with hard cheeses or barbecue food.

Richard Bocking Pinot Blanc: An easy to drink white wine with a clean and crisp palate, this Pinot Blanc goes well with practically any food and has a bright acidity that screams summer. This winery has roots dating back to the early 1600s, and the family still practices traditional winemaking techniques, utilizing only naturally-occurring yeast.

Opta Branco Dao: A tropical and balanced white wine with subtle flavors of lemon curd, this summer wine has an incredible mouth-watering acidity and savoriness. It also has floral aromatics that come from the indigenous grapes of Encruzado.

Cheers to warm and sunny weather, strolls along the river, and all the long overdue picnics with the people you love most!