The recent bounty of warmer weather has many of our guests seeking advice as to what wines are best enjoyed on a hot summer day/night. So, we decided to compile a short list of some of our food-friendly favorites.

Light crisp whites are the perfect choice with salads, seafood and lighter meats such as simply grilled chicken or pork. Look for varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Verdejo from Spain, and Gruner Veltliner from Austria.

If you are normally a red wine drinker and would prefer to beat the heat with a fuller-bodied wine, then now is the time to try one of the many rose wines being offered at restaurants, grocery stores and wine shops. Tis the season for these refreshing beauties that range in color from pale salmon to dark pink and from off-dry to bone dry in flavor. These days almost any red grape you can think of is being made into this popular summer choice. Wonderful on their own, they are also great accompaniments to barbecued meats, seafood and vegetables.

Feeling creative? Make a Sangria! There are literally thousands of recipes online for this festive warm weather refresher. Google sangria and the name of your favorite chef and see what pops up or satisfy your creative side by simply combining a bottle of your favorite white, red or rose - nothing too precious and a bit of your favorite fruit sliced or chopped (oranges and lemons are popular choices). Many recipes call for a splash of triple sec and then sweeten to taste with sugar or your favorite fruit juice. Let the flavors meld for a couple of hours in the refrigerator and then delight in your creation.

Cheers!