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How to Choose a California White Wine for Any Summer Occasion

Diverse group enjoying white wine at a vineyard table

Raise a glass to National White Wine Day on Aug. 4 with diverse wines from across the state

SACRAMENTO — National White Wine Day is coming up on August 4, so there’s no better time to toast the summer season with a glass of California white wine. White wines are more popular than ever and it’s easy to understand why. They are every bit as complex and delicious as red wines, and with a diverse array of white winegrapes grown across California, there’s a wine for every palate.

Chardonnay has been the top-selling white varietal wine in the United States for decades, yet Sauvignon Blanc is steadily gaining in demand as consumers gravitate toward its crisp and refreshing profile. The selection doesn’t end there; California grows dozens of white grape varieties in 47 of its 58 counties, covering nearly 167,000 acres.

Along with California’s top three most-planted grape varieties — Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris — the state is home to more than 30 different white winegrapes, including Chenin Blanc, Albariño, Vermentino, Riesling and many more. Each grape has its own distinctive profile that lends itself to diverse wine styles, from light and bright to rich and lush. Following are some tips for choosing a California white wine for summer hangouts and gatherings.

Infographic showing acreage of specific white wine varieties

A Perfect Picnic

Summer is the perfect time to get outside and share a portable meal and a bottle of a refreshing California white wine with friends. Assemble a grazing board of artisan cheeses, nuts and sliced peaches or nectarines, then open a fresh, zesty Sauvignon Blanc. Chenin Blanc, with its summery stone fruit profile, is another versatile choice with picnic fare, from grilled chicken salads to caprese sandwiches.

Summer Soiree

Summer parties on the patio or poolside call for a range of white wine options to suit all kinds of tastes. Include wines with a richer, rounder profile, like California Viognier or Grenache Blanc, along with crisp selections like mouthwatering Albariño and peachy Pinot Grigio. Summer soirees are also ideal occasions for mixing batches of lighter-style cocktails made with wine instead of spirits.

Al Fresco Brunch

California bubbles can perfectly enhance brunch gatherings on the backyard deck or a restaurant patio. Vivacious and versatile, sparkling wines come in a wide variety of styles, from bone dry (often labeled as brut zero or brut nature) to dry (brut) to off-dry (extra dry) to slightly sweet (demi-sec) to sweet (sec). Lightly sweet Muscat sparklers are on-point with pancakes or French toast topped with sweet summer berries. Choose a dry Chardonnay-based bubbly (sometimes labeled as banc de blancs) for eggs and other savory dishes.

Casual Beach Hangout

Light and bright is the way to go for a casual day at the beach. Dry California Riesling, with its floral and aromatic profile, is typically lower in alcohol and high in acidity — ideal for a relaxed hangout in the sun and surf. Vermentino is another good choice thanks to its racy, mineral-driven profile. Increasingly, California wineries are adopting lightweight, climate-friendly packaging including aluminum cans and bottles, which are ideal for toting along to the beach.

Music or Movies in the Park

Summer evenings in the park were made for medium- and full-bodied California whites, such as Fiano — a southern Italian grape with a floral, honeyed vibe — and honeysuckle-kissed Rousanne. Or, if you’re feeling creative, take inspiration from the featured genre of music or movie, bring along a zingy Picpoul for a lighthearted comedy film or a citrusy Verdejo for a flamenco guitar performance.

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About Wine Institute

Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of more than 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. The organization works to protect the economic and environmental health of the state through its leadership in sustainable winegrowing and a partnership with Visit California to showcase California’s wine and food offerings and the state as a top travel destination. To learn more about California wines, visit Discover California Wines.

Wine Institute and California Wines’ funding support for marketing California wines was made possible in part by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

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