What makes a wine perfect for summer drinking? Ones that are crisp, I’d say, refreshing and, of course, easy to drink.

White wines should be dry, light to medium bodied and high in acidity. Albariño, Dry Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc are good choices.

Red wines should also be light to medium bodied, dry with low or refined tannins. Beaujolais, Cinsault and Pinot Noir work well.

In selecting a rosé look for dry, lower tannin varietals, such as Barbera, Grenache and Pinot Noir.

Champagne may make you think of the holidays and formal celebrations but it’s an ideal hot weather libation, too. Its effervescence, bright acidity and versatility make it a good fit for any occasion. Select non-vintage ones that are brut with elegant profiles, citrus and mineral notes, and save Champagne with rich, creamy and yeasty styles for colder weather.

Time to chill the red wine

No, that’s not a typo. Some red wines actually benefit from a little cooling down. Lighter-style higher acidic reds will show their vibrancy and their bright red-fruit characters won’t change with the temperature (full, tannic red wines tend to shut down when they get cold). Try chilling your summer reds for 30 minutes in the fridge or on ice for 20 minutes before serving.

Pairing summer wines with food

In addition to being ideal summer sippers, lighter-style wines showcase the food typically served this time of year:

White wines

Albariño: Fish tacos, grilled artichokes and pesto pasta.

Sauvignon Blanc: Grilled vegetables, lemon-marinated chicken and oysters.

Dry Riesling: Prosciutto-wrapped melon, smoked salmon and Thai curry dishes.

Champagne

Caprese salad skewers, shrimp, sushi and fried or roast chicken.

Rosé

Charcuterie platters, gazpacho and grilled tuna.

Red wines

Beaujolais: Chicken salad, grilled sausages and vegetable pasta.

Cinsault: Smash burgers, grilled lamb chops and wood-fired or grilled pizza.

Pinot Noir: Beet salad with goat cheese, grilled pork chops and smoked beef brisket.

Recommended: 12 great wines to help beat the heat

Ronan by Clinet 2021 Bordeaux Blanc, France. $15, 305 Wines, Miami, 305wines.com.

Honig 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley. $20, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, abcfws.com.

Pazo Pondal Mila Albariño, 2022 Rias Baixas, Spain. $23, Forum Wine Shop, Fort Lauderdale, forumwineshop.com.

Piccoli Zefiro 2022 The Light Breeze Valpolicella, Italy. $24, Small Wine Shop, Fort Lauderdale, smallwineshop.com.

Château Minuty Prestige 2023 Rosé Provence, France. $30, Total Wine & More, totalwine.com.

Barbacan 2022 Rosso Alpi Retiche, Lombardy, Italy. $32, West Palm Wine Co., West Palm Beach, westpalmwine.com.

Quinta do Romeu 2022 Atelier Palhete Biodynamic, Douro, Portugal. $32, Small Wine Shop, Fort Lauderdale, smallwineshop.com.

Alex Foillard 2021 Brouilly, Beaujolais, Burgundy, France. $40, The Wine Wave, Delray Beach, thewinewave.com.

Dog Point 2020 Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand. $49, Virginia Philip Wine Spirits & Academy, Palm Beach, virginiaphilipwineandspirits.com.

Champagne Baron Dauvergne Blanc De Noirs Grand Cru NV. $60, Forum Wine Shop, Fort Lauderdale, forumwineshop.com.

Etude 2022 Carneros Pinot Gris. $32, Crown Wine & Spirits, Doris Markets and Wine Watch, Fort Lauderdale, etudewines.com/products/2020-carneros-pinot-gris.

Beringer Vineyards 2022 Private Reserve Chardonnay. $50, Crown Wine & Spirits, Doris Markets and Wine Watch, Fort Lauderdale, beringer.com/en/2022-private-reserve-chardonnay.

Did someone say cocktail?

If you’re in the mood for a summer cocktail, the White Lotus is a popular choice at City Oyster in Delray Beach.

“This is a nice and refreshing cocktail similar to a piña colada that can be made without a blender,” says Daniel Sobey, City Oyster’s general manager. “The sparkling wine finish lightens up the cocktail, which makes it a great selection on a hot summer’s day.”

White Lotus

2 oz. Papa’s Pilar Rum

1 oz. lemon and lime juice mixture

1 oz. pineapple juice

1 oz. Real brand coconut purée or cream of coconut

Prosecco or sparkling wine

Combine ingredients with ice in a shaker. Shake briskly. Strain into a martini or coupe glass. Top with Prosecco or sparkling wine. Garnish with edible flowers or a lime slice.

 City Oyster is located at 213 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, cityoysterdelray.com.

Peg San Felippo is a certified sommelier who served as a judge at the recent Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirit Challenge, the annual American Fine Wine Competition, South Florida’s home-grown national wine event; and THE Rosé Competition.

Mark Gauert also contributed to the recommended list.

Rhône Valley, France

Considered one of the largest wine producing regions in the world, the Rhône Valley is divided into two distinct vinicultural areas that use different grapes and wine styles.

The northern Rhône is known for single varietal wines and produces wines from only four grapes, one red and three whites. The red wines are made from Syrah grapes and are typically tannic, spicy and with pepper and gamey characters. Viognier is full-bodied and aromatic with peach notes, a creamy texture and stone-fruit flavors. The other whites include Roussanne, contributing honey characters; and Marsanne, traditionally used in both white and red wine blends to add depth and texture. Look for selections from Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, and Côte-Rôtie Rhône.

The southern Rhône’s AOC quality wine production is sizable, second only to Bordeaux. Here both the white and red wines are usually blends. The majority is red with Grenache as the main grape in blends; but white and pink wines are on the rise. Fifty percent of the wines shipped to the United States from the Rhône Valley come from the Côtes-du-Rhône – and for good reason. They are approachable, crowd pleasing and food friendly. If you want a little more complexity and elegance, check out wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Piedmont, Italy

Situated on the fringe of the Alps, Piedmont is well-known for its Barbaresco and Barolo wines made from Nebbiolo grapes. While they have the same grape in common, the style and concentration of these wines is very different due to their aging requirements. Traditionally Babaresco has floral and red berry aromas with clove, white pepper and refined tannins; Barolo, with its extended aging, is bold with rosé and tar aromas, dried red fruit, herbal notes and complex tannins. Even though these wines are very popular, they represent less than 5 percent of the region’s overall wine production.

Barbera and Dolcetto are other red grapes from Piedmont you should know. Barbera is the most widely planted red grape there. Its style is normally light and easy drinking with a variety of dark berry flavors, spice notes and moderate to heavy tannins. Dolcetto is medium-bodied and deep in color, with spicy, earthy characters and ripe blackberry and cherry flavors. In shopping for these wines look for the DOCG quality designation on the label, which signifies stricter winemaking guidelines and regulations. Two of the major white varietals from the region are Cortese and Arneis. Cortese is the grape responsible for Gavi wines, which are dry and crisp with vibrant acidity. Arneis is medium-bodied, with apple aromas, stone fruit and light almond flavors. These wines are made for early consumption.

Loire Valley, France

Known as the most diverse wine region in France, the Loire Valley produces a spectrum of wine styles from an array of grapes. Within its four regions are 87 appellations which make still, sparkling, rosé and natural wines. Often overlooked, you will find Loire selections to be fresh, light to medium-bodied and well-valued.

Most of the wines from the Loire Valley are made from single grape varietals. Red wines typically will show floral and red fruit aromas with berry notes, a hint of smokiness and subtle tannins. The whites will generally have apple flavors with mineral and tropical fruit notes, while the rosés are lean with raspberry and strawberry notes produced in both dry and sweet styles.

Loire’s most prominent red grape is Cabernet Franc, with the best examples coming from Touraine. It’s also used in rosé and sparkling wine blends. Other notable red grapes there are Gamay and Pinot Noir. Loire is also making a name for itself with Sauvignon Blanc, a tart wine that’s medium-bodied with light minerality and bright acidity. Muscadet, Chenin Blanc and Melon De Bourgogne are also popular.

Next to Champagne, the Loire Valley is the largest sparkling wine producer in France. Made the same way as Champagne using the Traditional Method, Crémant de Loire has a lot to offer. These wines show light lemon and pear characteristics with a creamy texture and vibrant acidity and are much less expensive. Loire Appellations to remember include Saumur, Anjou, Touraine, Sancerre and Nantes.

Rioja, Spain

Located in the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula of Spain, Rioja has long been synonymous with the full-bodied, big tannin red wines made there. The region includes three divergent areas: Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, Alta and Rioja Oriental. Of the wines produced in Rioja, 86 percent are red; but white and rosé wines also are gaining notoriety.

The dominant grape among red Riojas is Tempranillo, which adds a complexity of plum and dried fruit flavors to the wine. It also has an affinity to oak, which helps with the aging process and integrates the tannins and other characters of the wine. Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo are the red grapes used to blend. If you haven’t had a chance to try it, White Riojas, made from Viura grapes, are a great aperitif.

Both red and white wines from Rioja fall under one of four classifications that are based on bottle aging and time spent in oak. Generico (known previously as Joven) being the youngest and Gran Reserva the most aged. The specific classification of the wine as well as “DOCa” that recognizes the highest quality from the region can be found on the label.

Recommended Old World wines

Cune Rioja 2019, Crianza, Rioja, Spain, $13. Total Wine & More, totalwine.com

Fratelli Ponte Roero Arneis 2022 DOCG, Piedmont, Italy, $19.99. Primo Liquors, primoliquors.com

Domaine Gassier 2020 Côtes-du-Rhône, Rhône Valley, France, $18.99. Forum Wine Shop, Fort Lauderdale, forumwineshop.com

Domaine de la Bregeonette-Folle Blanche 2021, Loire Valley, France,   $22.99. West Palm Wine Co., West Palm Beach, westpalmwine.com

G.B. Burlotto 2021 Dolcetto D’Alba, Piedmont, Italy, $29.99. The Wine Wave, Delray Beach, thewinewave.com

Patient Cottat Sancerre 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Loire Valley, France, $32.99. Virginia Philip Wine Spirits & Academy, Palm Beach.

Flor de Muga Rosado 2022 Rioja, Spain, $36.99. Virginia Philip Wine Shop, Delray Beach, virginiaphilipwineandspirits.com

2019 Domaine Philippe Gilbert “35 Rangs” Pinot Noir, Menetou-Salon Loire Valley, France, $59.99. Forum Wine Shop, Fort Lauderdale, forumwineshop.com

Contino Rioja 2015 Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain, $69.99. 305 Wines, Miami, 305wines.com

Diego Pressenda Barolo 2016 DOCG Bricco San Pietro, Piedmont, $79.99. Forum Wine Shop, Fort Lauderdale, forumwineshop.com

Guidelines for using your decanters

While there’s debate which is most important, there are two main reasons to decant:

Decanting separates the wine from the sediment. Sediment naturally forms in wines during the fermentation process and as a wine ages. While it’s harmless, it adds an unpleasant bitter taste to the wine. The goal is to keep the sediment in the bottle so it’s important to pour the wine slowly to prevent it from flowing into the decanter.

Decanting enhances a wine’s characteristics. Aerating a wine not only helps to eliminate unsavory odors, it softens the tannins and integrates the flavors and subtle aromas that add balance and complexity. (Both characteristics which may have remained dormant without decanting it).  There are no hard and fast rules on how long to decant a wine. In general, red wines 15 to 20 years old or older should be decanted 30 minutes to an hour; a younger, tannic full-bodied red benefits from two to three hours. Lighter red wines such as Gamay and Pinot Noir, as well as light-bodied whites, can improve with 20 to 30 minutes. For wines needing longer than 30 minutes, taste them every half hour to ensure they don’t end up becoming over oxidized.

Size matters. Decanters come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Different size decanters should be used for different grape varietals. For example, a large decanter with a wide base works best with full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo and Petite Sirah because there is more oxygen exposure in it.

Durability vs. low maintenance. Decanters are typically made from one of two types of glass, crystal or standard. Standard glass decanters normally come in simple designs with thicker glass while crystal ones tend to be larger and more contemporary styles. While the standard glass decanters are easier to clean, crystal ones are more durable. All bets are off if either of them hits the floor though.

Decanting tips

If you are going to decant a special bottle of wine, plan ahead, especially if you have been storing it horizontally. Make sure the bottle stands upright for one -two days to ensure all the sediment is settled in the bottom before you decant it.

Pour the wine in a slow and steady stream into the neck of the decanter, keeping it at a 45-degree angle. Watch for sediment that may be coming close to the neck of the bottle. If this happens, move the bottle to an upright position, and then begin slowly pouring again. Having a lighted candle or light behind the bottle can assist seeing the sediment moving.

Stop pouring the wine when there is about a half to three quarters of an inch with the sediment left in the bottle.

If you are looking for decanters, there’s a variety of designs.

Mallard Duck 

This duck-shaped decanter features a top handle that keeps the surfaces fingerprint free. The wine also won’t warm from your hands, separated by the handle from the vessel while pouring. Truebrands, $44, amazon.com.

Veloce

A new design with casual dining in mind from Riedel, the Veloce can be used for a variety of red and white wines. $55, riedel.com.

Le Chateau

Created for red wine aeration, the simple lines of this crystal decanter make it versatile for casual and elegant events. Le Chateau, $45, amazon.com.

Mosel

Considered one of Riedel’s more traditional shapes, this easy-to-use decanter works well for young and old wines, holds up to a magnum of wine and is dishwasher safe. $99, riedel.com.

Eve

Named for matriarch Eva Riedel, each decanter is free blown and created to aerate younger, full-bodied wines. $725, riedel.com.

Decanting the decanter

I recently had an opportunity to interview Georg Josef Riedel, the 10th-generation head of Riedel Glass Company, on how decanters can improve the taste of wine.

First, when and why did Riedel decide to make wine decanters?

Riedel pioneered and has been making decanters in Austria since 1957. We began making them simply because they are a crucial aspect of proper wine service, and wine decanters are part of the concept of wine-friendly glassware. We have continued to innovate our decanter offerings year after year.

Does Riedel follow a protocol in making new decanters?

Our glassmakers develop Riedel’s decanters themselves through a workshop of trial and error. Riedel’s most talented glassmakers turn the inspiration that I or my son, Maximilian (11th generation), have into reality. In recent years, with our more unique and intricate designs, the development process has been about fun, functionality, and creativity. We make decanters that are different from the more traditional styles you will find on the market. Our high standards, creativity, innovation and freehand approach set us apart in the industry.

What are things people may not know about using a decanter?

Some people might be intimidated to use a decanter because they fear it is difficult to wash or because they simply do not know how to clean it. It is actually very simple. The process includes an initial rinse and overnight soak in warm, distilled water, followed by a gentle hand wash with soap on the outside of the decanter only. It is important to always use distilled water, which helps to avoid water stains. Following the handwash, the outside of the decanter can be gently dried and polished using microfiber cloths. For an additional tip to avoid water stains, you can simply run your hair dryer over the vessel to complete the drying process. We provide clear instructions on how to clean decanters on our website.

There is not a single wine which would not improve with decanting. Decanting makes wine softer and rounder. If a softer perception is something the consumer would like to achieve with their wine, decanting should always be a key step in their wine service.

Overall, what is your favorite Riedel decanter and why?

My favorite Riedel decanter is our Eve decanter because it is truly unique. It is a more advanced decanter and requires the user to thoroughly understand the art of decanting. The Eve’s functionality allows it to ‘double decant’ the wine, making it perfect for young and fuller-bodied wines. This decanter is a true show piece, and it turns serving wine into a theatrical performance.

Peg San Felippo is a certified sommelier who served as a judge at the recent Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirit Challenge, the annual American Fine Wine Competition, South Florida’s home-grown national wine event; and THE Rosé Competition.

While these five entrepreneurs’ wine journeys and business focuses are different, they all share a passion for wine. As a bonus, they also deliver and ship to the rest of us.

Virginia Philip Wine Spirits & Academy

340 Royal Poinciana Plaza, No. 320, Palm Beach; 561-557-4202
75 SE Fourth Ave., Delray Beach; 561-721-6000
virginiaphilipwineandspirits.com

“The wine shop was an epiphany I had from previously working at a wine shop in Aspen,” says Virginia Philip, master sommelier. “I really loved it and promised myself one day I would have a retail location of my own.”

Philip says it was important to her to create a welcoming environment where wine was fun for patrons with all levels of wine and spirits knowledge — and where education was a primary focus, offering classes with top wine makers from around the world.

“I wanted my clients to experience classes that were enjoyable, approachable and educational without having to travel to New York City, Napa or Europe to find them,” she says.

Established in 2011, Philip’s shop carries an array of global wine and spirits, with deep Bordeaux, Burgundy and California selections. In addition to regular education programs, she also does cellar management for those looking to expand, manage or sell their collections.

Wines to try: Honoro Vera Monastrell 2021, Jumilla, Spain, $10 (one of her best sellers); Samsara “Zotovich Vineyards” Chardonnay 2021, Santa Rita Hills, Calif., $45.99; Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé “Bonnes-Mares,” Grand Cru, 2009, Burgundy, $1,300.

West Palm Wine Co.

3131 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; 561-247-7908; westpalmwine.com

Michael Drapkin became interested in wine in his early 20s when he was studying political science at Loyola College in Maryland.

“My professor also happened to be the wine critic for The Washington Post,” he says. “I found his travels around wine to be a little more fascinating than studying Socrates. He shared some introductory books about wine with me and I was hooked.”

After graduating, Drapkin was accepted to law school, but he decided to take a job working in the wine department at a Whole Foods instead and has continued working in the wine industry for over 20 years. He and his partner and wife, Theresa, saw an opportunity to create a special kind of retail wine shop in South Florida, and West Palm Wine Co. opened its doors in June.

The goal of West Palm Wine Co. is to support indie farms and wineries that work on an intimate scale, with small productions of 10,000 cases or less. This includes micro-batch wines making fewer than 100 cases per season. Their emphasis is on European wine from France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and Georgia, with a particularly large selection of German wines.

West Palm Wine Co. offers free in-store tastings with two to three wines every Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m., informal after-hours tastings throughout the month and a monthly wine club.

Wines to try: Stein Riesling Weihwasser Feinherb 2022, Germany, $23;  Arianna Occhipinti Sp68 Rosso 2022, Sicily, $37.99; Chavost Blanc De Noirs Brut Nature NV, Champagne, $53.99.

The Wine Wave

900 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561-276-2076; TheWineWave.com

“Wine became a critical social component when my fiancée, Lindsey, and I started a long-distance relationship from Southern California to Palm Beach,” Jeremiah Flores says. “We shared many bottles of the regional/local offerings wherever we traveled together. Whether those moments were in Sicily, Santa Barbara, Rhône or Paris, the wine bottle itself was the proverbial ‘third wheel,’ and became part of building another memory together.”

When the couple decided to marry, they looked at it as an opportunity to try something different. They found a little wine shop for sale in Delray Beach in 2013, when the couple agreed this was their chance to experiment with a new venture they called The Wine Wave.

The store carries wine and liquor, and its offerings are a combination of market demand and suggestions from the store’s team members, importers and clients traveling in wine country. They also believe there’s a need for more European wines, so they feature regional wines from Italy and France.

The Flores’ first love by far is Champagne. “Diversity of Champagne is what gets us the most excited, and it should be consumed weekly.”

The Wine Wave hosts intimate classes and events for up to 10 people.

Wines to try: Massican Annia White Blend 2022, Napa Valley, Calif., $29.99; Granja Nuestra Señora de Remelluri Reserva  2015, Rioja, Spain, $53.99; Frederic Savart L’Ouverture NV, Blanc de Noirs, Premier Cru Brut, Champagne, $69.99.

Forum Wine Shop, Fort Lauderdale

503 SW Second Ave., Suite 7, Fort Lauderdale; forumwineshop.com 

Michael and Holly Winter had been studying and collecting wine for over 20 years, and their love for travel and visiting wine regions always came back to conversations about opening a wine shop. When they moved to Fort Lauderdale a decade ago, they struggled to find a shop that emphasized smaller, high-quality growers and producers.

“We missed our favorite neighborhood bottle shops from Chicago,” Michael Winter says.

“We wanted to create a place for the community to come together to learn, explore, share and make new memories with new friends,” Holly Winter adds.

Fast forward to the pandemic, when the couple say they felt they had exhausted their wine source options, so they took the leap to move ahead with their dream. The Forum Wine Shop, named after one of their favorite places in Rome, opened last year.

At Forum, each wine is hand selected with an emphasis on hard-to-find, high-quality, lesser-known producers. The Winters also believe covering a wide variety of styles, including options from unique places, appeals to a broad wine-drinking audience. Estate-grown and bottled wines are also a priority.

The Winters plan to host a number of events this year as a way to connect their clients with wine and each other, and view Forum as a first step in bringing a new lifestyle element to the Tarpon River area.

Wines to try: Vinos del Panoramico Tinto 2019, Rioja, Spain, $34.99; Azienda Agricola Noah Bramaterra 2018, Piedmont, Italy, $49.99; Domaine de la Cote “Bloom’s Field” Pinot Noir 2021, Santa Barbara, Calif., $119.99.

305 Wines

15904 SW 92nd Ave., Miami; 305-842-6769; 305wines.com

Originally from Brazil, Alessandra Esteves lived in Germany and Switzerland for six years working as a corporate lawyer. While she was there, Esteves dedicated her weekends and holidays traveling to taste wine throughout numerous European regions. Those experiences were life-changing, and she decided to transition from her law career to the wine industry.

In 2016, she and her partner moved to Miami and founded Florida Wine Academy. Needing a variety of wines for the courses, they decided it made sense to open their own shop. Named for Miami’s area code, 305 Wines opened in 2021.

The store specializes in wines from Bordeaux and Japanese sake. They have the largest offering of sake in all of Florida thanks to Esteves’ partner, Guilherme de Macedo, a master sake sommelier. 305 Wines also has a considerable collection of riesling and fortified wines.

If you’re interested in classes, the store hosts wine and sake events throughout the year and has wine clubs.

Wines to try: Kettmeir Pinot Bianco 2022, Italy, $20.99; Rare Wine Co. Historic Series New York Malmsey Madeira, Portugal, $57.99; Appassionata Allegro Pinot Noir 2019, Willamette Valley, Ore., $84.97.

One of the main things that sets champagne apart from other sparkling wines is that it’s aged in the bottle for a minimum of 15 months (3 years for vintage), which contributes to its effervescence, steady stream of bubbles and complexity.

The grapes normally used to make champagne are chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier, and these are terms to describe the different types:

Blanc de blancs is traditionally made exclusively from chardonnay grapes and typically is crisp, light and elegant.

Blanc de noirs are made only from black grapes, sometimes just pinot noir, or a combination of pinot noir and pinot meunier, and they are rich and full-bodied.

Rosé champagne can be made one of two ways – using all three grapes, or just the black ones – and tend to be medium-bodied with bright acidity.

By law if it’s champagne it has to say so on the bottle, but there is other helpful information on each label as well. A vintage champagne, for example, will state the year on the label. It means it was produced from grapes that were all harvested from that year. Non-vintage (NV) champagnes come from a blend of grapes from different years.

Sweetness levels are also indicated on the labels. Most champagnes are labeled as brut and will taste dry or possibly slightly sweet. “Brut nature” and extra brut are also dry. Extra dry is noticeably sweeter, while demi-sec and doux are dessert-level sweet.

If you’re looking to pair your champagne with food, here are some ideas.

Brut blanc de blancs: Pan seared snapper, roast chicken, linguine with clams and popcorn.

Brut blanc de noirs: Cheese stuffed mushrooms, lamb chops and grilled steak.

Brut rosé: Sushi, crab cakes and fried chicken (a personal favorite).

Demi-Sec: Thai food.

Doux: Lemon tart and strawberry shortcake.

Champagne suggestions to get you through the holidays

Voirin Jumel NV Blanc de Blancs Brut 1er Cru, $42.50, Wine Watch, Fort Lauderdale, winewatch.com.

Champagne Chavost NV Blanc de Noirs, $59.99, The Wine Wave, Delray Beach, thewinewave.com.

Jeepers NV Grand Assemblage Brut, $59.99, Virginia Philip Wine Spirits & Academy, Palm Beach, virginiaphilipwineandspirits.com.

Charles Heidsieck NV Brut Reserve, $62, Total Wine & More, totalwine.com.

Moet & Chandon NV Nectar Imperial Demi-Sec, $65.99, Total Wine & More, totalwine.com.

Billecart-Salmon NV Brut Rose, $89.99, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, abcfws.com.

Ruinart NV Blanc de Blancs, $109, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, abcfws.com.

Dom Perignon 2012 Brut, $302, Wine Watch, Fort Lauderdale, winewatch.com.

Louis Roederer Estate 2014 Cristal Brut, $399.99, The Wine Wave, Delray Beach, thewinewave.com.

Seven facts about champagne

29,000 bottles – the equivalent of about 320,000 glasses – of champagne were consumed at Wimbledon last year.

The odds of dying by a stray ejected champagne cork are estimated to be two and a half times greater than being killed by a shark.

If you’re dieting, drink champagne. A 5-oz. pour has at least 20 percent fewer calories than the same size glass of white or red wine.

There are 49 million bubbles in a 750ml champagne bottle.

The velocity of a champagne cork can reach 25 miles per hour.

Winston Churchill was one of the biggest champagne consumers on record. Between 1908 and 1965, he is said to have drunk 42,000 bottles.

Thirty-three percent of all champagne sales happen in November and December.

Don’t forget, wines make great holiday gifts. Here are choices for every budget.

Craggy Range 2022 Te Muna Road Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, $20, Total Wine & More, totalwine.com.

*Nicolas Felizola 2019 Red Blend, Bergerac, France, $24.99, Virginia Philip Wine Spirits & Academy, Palm Beach, virginiaphilipwineandspirits.com.

Bodegas Zarte 2022 Zarate Albariño, Rias Baixas, Spain, $25, The Wine Wave, Delray Beach, thewinewave.com.

Domaine De La Janasse 2020 Terre D’Argile Côtes Du Rhône Villages, France, $34, Wine Watch, Fort Lauderdale, winewatch.com.

Flowers 2021 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, $50, ABC Fine Wine Fine & Spirits, abcfws.com.

Etude 2018 Grace Benoist Ranch Blanc de Noirs, Carneros, Calif., $60, etudewines.com.

Hirsch Vineyards 2020 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, $74.99, Forum Wine Shop, Fort Lauderdale, forumwineshop.com.

Château Gaby 2020 Amphorae Merlot, Bordeaux, $79.99, Forum Wine Shop, Fort Lauderdale, forumwineshop.com.

Diego Pressenda 2017 Le Coste di Monforte Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy, $89.99, Primo Liquors, primoliquors.com.

Silver Oak 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Calif., $99.97, Total Wine & More, totalwine.com.

Faiveley 2018 Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru, Burgundy, $262.50, Wine Watch, Fort Lauderdale, winewatch.com.

*Virginia Philip collaborated with the winery to develop the blend.

Peg San Felippo is a certified sommelier who served as a judge at the recent Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirit Challenge, the annual American Fine Wine Competition, South Florida’s home-grown national wine event; and THE Rosé Competition.

Mark Gauert also contributed to the recommended list.

Elisabetta’s

185 Banyan Blvd., West Palm Beach

561-342-6699; elisabettas.com

Just over a mile from the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Elisabetta’s was built to depict an Italian coastal Mediterranean restaurant — complete with a 25-foot fireplace, pewter fixtures, exposed brick walls, and indoor and outdoor seating.

Wine and beer: Over 50 wines by the glass and more than 150 by the bottle, with a major focus on Italy and some California and New Zealand offerings. Available beers are local, domestic and international.

Recommended cocktails: The Casoni Spritz, with Casoni 1814 Aperitivo Liqueur topped with prosecco; and the Hibiscus Spiced Margarita, made with 4 Copas silver tequila, hibiscus syrup, Fresno infused agave nectar and lime juice.

Le Colonial

601 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach

561-566-1800; delraybeach.lecolonial.com

Five minutes from the Arts Garage, and under 10 from the Delray Beach Playhouse, Le Colonial is decorated and designed to give you the impression you’re in Vietnam in the 1920s. With well-appointed wood accents, old-fashioned ceiling fans and subtle colors throughout, this converted seaside home offers both inside and outside seating.

Wine and beer: Predominantly French with some California vintners, including 22 offerings by the glass and over 100 by the bottle. Beer is also available.

Recommended cocktails: Classics are served with a “twist” here, with a signature Smoked Old Fashioned made with Le Colonial select Maker’s Mark Barrel, house-made enriched syrup and Angostura Bitters. Another to try is the LC Gin & Tonic, with lemongrass-infused Roku Gin, spiced tonic and Thai simple syrup. Some mocktails also are available.

Sushi by Boū

409 SE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton

954-440-5270; Sushibybou.com

Less than a mile from Mizner Amphitheater, the new Sushi by Boū offers a 1920s art deco-nightlife ambiance. The architecture and design have a mix of textures and bold accents paying homage to Addison Mizner, with artistic tiles and monkey adornments throughout.

Wine and beer: The modest wine list has by-the-glass and bottle choices from California and old-world regions. Sake also is available by the glass or bottle.

Recommended cocktails: The cocktail list is diverse with unique ingredients. Try a Yuzu Honey Bee, with Maker’s Mark bourbon, honey syrup, yuzu and pink peppercorn; or the Boca Bang, with El Tesoro Blanco, pineapple and dragon fruit.

The House on The River

301 SW Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale

954-825-2929; thehouseontheriver.com

An easy walk from the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, The House on The River overlooks the namesake New River waterfront. Decorated in an eclectic motif, the restaurant includes vintage furniture, an array of different china and notable fixtures that showcase the historic home and setting. Outside patio seating is also available.

Wine and beer: Choices by the glass and bottle from new-world regions, including California and Washington State; and from Australia and New Zealand.

Recommended cocktails: The Tequila on the River, made with 21 Seeds Grapefruit Hibiscus Tequila, lavender, lemon, lime juice, Triple Sec and pineapple juice; and The Shady House, with Shady Vodka, St. Germain liqueur, house-made lemongrass syrup and lime juice.

YOLO Restaurant

333 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

954-523-1000; Yolorestaurant.com

A five-minute drive from the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the recently renovated YOLO Restaurant and O Lounge offer a sophisticated urban feel with a side of Las Olas Boulevard people-watching from the outdoor patio.

Wine and beer: Beer, ciders and a French-centric wine menu, with some new-world selections.

Recommended cocktails: Rita’s Garden, with Patrón Reposado, pressed cucumber, lemon, lime and agave; and the Irrational Confidence, made with Gray Whale Gin, St. Germain liqueur, raspberries, basil and lemon.

Peg San Felippo is a certified sommelier who served as a judge at the recent Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirit Challenge, the annual American Fine Wine Competition, South Florida’s homegrown national wine event; and THE Rosé Competition.

With dozens of Top 40 hits, singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson’s pop and rhythm and blues songs have made him an icon with music lovers for generations.

While he and his wife, Frances, have enjoyed wine most of their adult life, Robinson’s involvement with winemaking didn’t turn serious until 2014 when he and two partners created Grapevine Ventures.

Adamant that his name not be associated with an arbitrary wine, Robinson was involved from the beginning, collaborating with the winemakers to develop wine profiles, and giving input on the packaging design. The first vintages of Smokey Robinson Wines were launched three years later.

While Robinson doesn’t consider himself a wine connoisseur, he says he does know what he likes. Not a big drinker and practicing a Vegan diet, he wanted to create styles of wine like his music: refreshing and enjoyable. Robinson wanted the red wines to be approachable, with a balance of fruit, tannins and savory characteristics. The whites had to be fresh and easy to drink, with good acidity that paired well with food or were good on their own. Produced in Santa Barbara, Calif., Robinson’s brand includes wines named after his most famous hits, such as “My Girl” Chardonnay, “Being With You” Pinot Noir, “Second That Emotion” Cabernet Sauvignon and “Cruisin” Bordeaux Blend.

The cost per bottle is $19.99-$29.99. There are plans to add a sparkling wine to the portfolio for the holidays. Wines are available for purchase online at SmokeyRobinsonWines.com.

“Wine is like a good song — it can bring people together, no matter their language, location, or current situation; raise a glass and toast.” — Smokey Robinson.

Il Palagio

You may be surprised to know the Police song Roxanne is now also the name of a wine.

In 1997, Rock singer Sting and his wife, Trudie Styler, bought Il Palagio, an 850-acre, 16th-century Tuscan estate with vineyards in need of a major restoration. It took seven years to bring the buildings and property back to a majestic state. Sustainability of the vineyards was essential to the couple and all 74 acres were re-planted using organic viticulture.

Styler has always enjoyed a good glass of white wine and Sting will occasionally have a glass of red. They say they’ve learned a lot over the last 25 years as wine producers.

For every vintage they taste all the wines with their winemaker, making the choices for the final blends. Styler also participates in packaging decisions and oversees all the labels. Sting and Styler’s ultimate goal is making wines they enjoy drinking when spending their summers at the estate with family and friends.

Producing 200,000 bottles annually, Il Palagio makes a variety of wines, including “Roxanne” Red Toscana Rosso IGT, “Roxanne” White Toscana Bianco IGT, “When We Dance” Chianti DOCG and “Sister Moon” Toscana Rosso IGT. The winery is releasing a new sparkling wine this fall called “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” made using the traditional champagne method.

Prices range from $19.99-$99 and are available at Wine.com, WineMadeEasy.com and Total Wine & More, Plantation.

“Wine is like a song, it has to tell a story. A good wine like a good song starts with a pleasant note, surprises you in the middle and leaves you wanting more.”- Sting

Z. Alexander Brown Wines

Grammy-award winner Zac Brown has always been fascinated with wine. An avid outdoorsman, he became interested in the connection between wine appellations and the variety of characters different areas bring out in wines.

Introduced through a mutual friend, Brown approached Delicato Family Wines with the idea of developing a wine brand. He went to the Napa winery and met with family member Chris Indelicato and the winemaking team, tasting through dozens of wines and blends. Brown decided he liked the experience, and he began forming a partnership with the family the next day.

Uncaged, the title of Brown’s third album, is also the name of his wines – which he says expresses his intention for how they are made. The owls, which appear on all the wine labels, were also chosen by Brown and are viewed to be guardians of the vines.

Brown, who says he likes wines that are bold and full-bodied, participates in creating all vintages of Z. Alexander Brown wines – even if he’s on the road touring – by having the winemaker overnight sample bottles for his feedback.

The Z. Alexander Brown collection contains five varietals sourced from vineyards throughout California: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. A new addition to the wine lineup late this summer was a second Cabernet aged in whisky bottles.

Prices range from $17-$20. They’re available at The Fresh Market, Total Wine & More, or zalexanderbrown.com.

“Wine is like music, you’ll never master all of it. You never try it all, you can never; but the journey and the people you meet along the way that you get to do those things with and everything, that’s the good stuff in life.” – Zac Brown

LVE

John Legend loves music and wine, so it should come as no surprise the Grammy and Oscar-winning singer shows enthusiasm for both.

Legend had been thinking about making wine before he met Jean-Charles Boisset, owner of Napa Based winery Raymond Vineyards and the JCB Winery collection through a mutual friend. Boisset was somewhat apprehensive about going into business with a celebrity prior to their meeting, but they got along well and a partnership was quickly born. The LVE wines, short for Legend Vineyard Exclusive, released their inaugural Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay in 2015. Because Raymond Vineyards also owns wineries in France it only seemed fitting to bring on an LVE Rosé in 2019.

LVE wines are meant to be elegant and balanced with complexity and finesse. Legend is part of the LVE decision process when it comes to making all of them. He determines the style of each of the wines, reviews and approves creative support around the LVE brand and participates in business meetings with distributors and buyers.

Legend brings LVE with him on tour, and has created VIP experiences around the wine for concert goers before the show. Last year, LVE went to Vegas for his “Love In Las Vegas” residency; and, recently, LVE was featured at his “An Evening with John Legend” performance at Ravinia in Chicago.

Legend says his favorite wine is Cabernet Sauvignon, which would explain why there are three in the portfolio. Both he and his wife, model and cookbook author Chrissy Teigen, enjoy being in the kitchen and evening meals at home revolve around a cabernet or red blend. However, he wanted LVE to have a range of varietals they liked and could share with friends. Currently the brand offers eight domestic wines and two types of French rosé, a still and sparkling that comes in bottles or cans.

The cost is $20-$110. Available at Total Wine & More and lvewines.com.

“I love wine and I’ve had so many beautiful experiences enjoying it around the world.    I love the rich tradition, the culture of excellence, the subtleties that go into making and appreciating wine.” – John Legend

Peg San Felippo is a certified sommelier who served as a judge at the recent Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirit Challenge, the annual American Fine Wine Competition, South Florida’s home-grown national wine event; and THE Rosé Competition.

Rosé has an alluring style. Its bright fruit, crisp acidity and low tannins make it refreshing, smooth and easy drinking. While these characteristics make rosé especially appealing in hot summer months, its approachability gives it year-round popularity with wine enthusiasts at every level. Rosé is also versatile. It’s terrific as an aperitif and as a dinner wine, pairing as well with sushi as it does with BBQ.

The personalities of rosés are diverse, depending on the grape varietal:

Grenache rosé tends to have flavors of strawberry, blackberry and light orange notes.

Pinot Noir rosé displays more cherry and raspberry characters, with a subtle minerality.

Syrah rosé shows ripe red fruit and white peppercorn aromas and a slight smokiness.

Sangiovese rosé has strawberry and floral on the nose with green melon and light baking spices, such as cinnamon, on the palate.

While French Provence is famous for the best rosés in the world, don’t turn a cold shoulder to lesser known regions. There are high-quality rosés coming from a multitude of places these days, including Italy, Chile and Spain.

Recommendations to keep you cool all summer

Vina Leyda 2021 Pinot Noir Rosé, San Antonio Valley, Chile, $15, wine.com.

G.D. Vajra Rosabella 2022 Rosato Piedmont, Italy, $20, Italianini, Sunny Isles Beach.

Abacela Grenache Rosé 2022, Umpqua Valley, Oregon, $20, Abecela.com.

Piera 1899 Clar Delune 2021 Prosecco DOC Rosé Brut Nature, Friuli, Italy, $24, Primo Liquors, Fort Lauderdale.

Château De Noblesse 2021 Bandol Rosé, France, $24, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits.

Château La Mascaronne 2021 Côtes de Provence, France, $27, Virginia Philip Wine Shop & Academy.

Flowers 2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, $28, Doris Italian Market, North Palm Beach.

*Out East 2021 Cru Classe Côtes de Provence, France, $33, Virginia Philip Wine Spirits and Academy, Palm Beach.

*Locally owned.

We’ll have what they’re having

If you like rosé but are in the mood for a cocktail, Kaysie Rogers, Advanced Sommelier, the Flagler Steakhouse at The Breakers, Palm Beach, created a great drink to keep you cool.

“This cocktail is the perfect summer sipper; it is light, refreshing and big on flavor. The berry, grapefruit and slight bitter notes of the Lillet balance out the prosecco and bright peach flavors of the vodka, while rosemary gives an aromatic lift,” Rogers says. “This is a lower-alcohol cocktail, so you can relax and enjoy without overindulging.”

Riviera Spritz – Glamorous Beach Life in a Glass
•       2 oz. Lillet Rosé
•       1 oz. Grey Goose Essences White Peach & Rosemary
•       2 oz. Prosecco
•       Garnish with a lemon wheel and rosemary sprig

Blend rosé and vodka in a cocktail shaker and pour over ice into your favorite wine glass. Top with prosecco and finish with a lemon wheel and sprig of rosemary.

Peg San Felippo is a certified sommelier who served as a judge at the recent Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirit Challenge, the annual American Fine Wine Competition, South Florida’s home-grown national wine event; and THE Rosé Competition.