After a long, busy day at work, the last thing you want to do is load up your car with floats and towels and head to the pool. Instead, the after work crowd will swing by a local restaurant and sit out on the patio. For the busy adult, the patio has become the new pool. But patio sitting at a restaurant can get expensive from week to week, so I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite wines to sip on at home and still keep some swag in your wallet.
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JCB N°21 Crémant de Bourgogne
Don’t let the fancy name fool you: this is a straightforward, delicious sparkling French wine. It’s not technically a champagne, since it’s not made in the Champagne region of France, but it’s just as decadent and delicious as the real deal...for a much better price! This wine has hints of almond and white flower on the nose, and is full bodied and with a crisp, fresh finish. Pair this with a nice summer salad, or a cheese board with olives and grapes.
Price: You'll feel like you're in France, but you only had to pay $17.99 to get there! If $17.99 is still a bit out of your price point, there are plenty of great options out there for less.
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2016 Ferrari-Carano Pinot Grigio
When it’s hot out, there is nothing quite like sipping on crisp, dry, white wine. The Ferrari-Carano Pinot Grigio hails from the Russian River Valley in California. This wine is packed with crisp and tart flavors of green apple, lime and melon, along with floral notes of peach blossom. The wine is perfect with seafood, or spicy Thai take-out.
Price: You can find it on the shelf at Kroger for only $14.99.
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2016 ViNO Rosé Sangiovese
I love me a good rosé. Rosés are fresh and delightful and pair with just about any food. If I have only one complaint it’s that the wine is so delicious, that you’ll slurp down two glasses before you even know it! They’re what we call “Patio Pounders” in the industry. I recommend saving this bottle for a Friday night so you don’t have to experience that exceedingly awkward “I’m Hungover at Work” moment. This particular wine is dry and crisp, with fruity flavors of tangerine and notes of rose petals on the nose.
Price: At just $10.99 you won't feel badly if you go through more than one bottle in a weekend...not that you've ever done that!
Summertime is meant to be savored, and so is your wine. You work hard for your money, and you want to relax without breaking the bank. These wines will help you do just that! Cheers!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tess is a restaurant professional, home-baker and downtown Dayton dweller. When she's not mixing drinks for restaurant patrons, she's drinking champagne, buying shoes, or writing her blog, Ciao Vella. You can read about her home recipes, party planning tips, and more at www.CiaoVellaBlog.com.
About the Author