Fashion dictates we are in the prime season for wearing white, but in the wine world, although white is year-round, summer is the ideal time to fill that ice bucket to chill a bottle of white wine. As the weather heats up and neighbors, friends, and family gather on patios for entertainment with platters of cheese and crackers, the only question to contemplate is which white wines to serve? Well, look no further, as there is something here for everyone, including a disruptor wine seltzer in the industry.

1. Wente Vineyards 2021 Morning Fog Chardonnay

The first few wines are produced by Wente Vineyards, so here’s some background to start. Founded in 1883, this is the country’s oldest continuously operated family-owned winery. Owned and managed today by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family, the winery draws from its acres of sustainably farmed estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley (San Francisco Bay) and Arroyo Seco (Monterey) winegrowing regions for its portfolio of wines.

Noteworthy News: An important packaging refresh puts its Sustainable Vineyard and Winery certification center-stage on all front labels while transitioning to lighter, more carbon-neutral glass for its bottles.

The Morning Fog label is namesake to the morning coastal fog pushed by Pacific wind streams into the bowl of the San Francisco Bay. Its standing in the wine industry is less noticeable on the label, but Wente Vineyards bottled the first Chardonnay single varietal label planted with the Wente clone, a now-popular clone planted in several California vineyards, including Dutcher Crossing, which you can read about further into this white wine roundup.

Morning Fog is a nicely balanced, crisp white of the Central Coast with notes of Granny Smith apples and baking spices, and a pleasant lingering finish of cantaloupe. It’s priced at $18 and pairs well with slices of Pecorino Toscana served with a French baguette.

2. Wente Vineyards 2021 Eric’s Chardonnay

A Chardonnay without oak? Skeptical? Fear not, as this unoaked version of Chardonnay may be uncommon in the U.S., but it tastes amazing. The label is namesake to Eric Wente, fourth-generation winegrower.

NOTE: this is a limited release from the Livermore Valley where the region’s warm days and foggy cool nights present the best grape-growing conditions. Eric was inspired by his love of the bright, minerally wines of Chablis in northern Burgundy, and decided to ferment in stainless steel and forget about oak. It truly works for this wine, with its green apple and melon bouquet and medium body. $35

3. 2021 Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Chardonnay

Grown in the Riva Ranch Vineyard of Monterey, this single varietal Chardonnay earned 91 Wine Spectator Points in April 2022. It’s easy to understand once you pour a glass and inhale the slight oaky notes of baking spices and then sip this bright and balanced creamy mix of pineapple – the best taste of summer to many – and white nectarine. Priced at $22 a bottle, this is sure to sell out fast.

4. 2019 Fiano di Avellino Feudi di San Gregorio

Feudi di San Gregorio was established in 1986 in Sorbo Serpico, a tiny village in Campania’s Irpinia region, near Mount Vesuvius. The wines produced at this highly acclaimed winery are made with the purpose to connect its tasters to Mediterranean flavors through its indigenous grapes.

On the outside, this imported wine has a small rectangular label with its top a golden square showing an ancient bird motif pixelated by mosaics. On the inside, one pour lends a bright, full-flavor from the terroir of Southern Italy and its grapevines grown in the Campania region’s volcanic ash of Mt. Vesuvius. The first sip proves powerful and complex with strong minerality and mixed floral notes and a touch of citrus. Grab a piece of French baguette and a spread of aged French cheese such as St. Maure’s ash-rind goat’s milk of Loire Valley found at a specialty cheese shop to pair with this exquisite bottle of white ($28).

5. 2020 Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina Del Sannio

Named after the method of vine cultivation in Sannio at the end of the Roman Era using Falangs (“poles”), this Falanghina 2020 is on the dainty side in comparison to the 2019 Fiano di Avellino.

Falanghina is the grape varietal in the Campania region of Italy, and it’s a perfect representation of the appellation of Sannio Falanghina. A delicate bouquet of apples and pears… light floral notes lead to a perfectly crisp minerality and delicate, yet complex mouthfeel of soft fruit and hints of almond paste. Fun fact: James Suckling rated this wine 91 points. ($23)

This Falanghina is ideal as an aperitif but is also a perfect pairing with plates of simple fish and vegetables. Bonus: Scan the QR Code to taste with Winery Owner, Antonio Capaldo.

6. 2020 Feudi di San Gregorio Greco di Tufo

If you could bottle summertime, this wine would best represent the season. The Greco di Tufo is a grape that produces a shimmering straw color with enticing aromas of apricot and fiddleheads – just in time for the season. On the palate, expect a balanced minerality and acidity with a slow finish of balsamic. Fun fact: Wine Enthusiast rated this wine 91 points.

“Tufo” is the name of the town where this grape is grown, but it also means “chalk,” which gives an incredible character with a mineral taste that pairs perfectly with raw fish, buffalo mozzarella and white meat dishes. ($28)

7. JETWAY White Wine Seltzer

Infused white wine from Washington State. Just add Yuzu, Fijian Ginger, Elderflower, and Yerba Mate, and yes! It works for those wanting a much lighter version of white wine, or a stronger version of sparkling water. You decide. These 8.4 ounce cans are easy to bring along on a picnic and offer the essence of drinking a glass of wine, yet with only 5% alcohol and 100 calories. You can really taste the herbs and flowers, but what you can’t taste is the history behind the can. Fun fact: Jetway wine seltzers were founded by musician Albert Hammond, Jr. of the band, The Strokes, in a partnership with veteran winemaker Ben Parsons, also founder of the winery, Infinite Monkey Theorem. Another fun fact: JETWAY was served during the recent Coachella… by the keg. $20 for a 4-Pack.

8. 2019 Dutcher Crossing Sauvignon Blanc

Sonoma County continues in its dry spell, which translates to early budbreak and threat of frost. Luckily, the Sauvignon Blanc, grown in the cool climate of Duff Beville’s Hall Road Vineyard in the Russian River Valley, didn’t suffer from weather or wildfires. Sauté those scallops and pour yourself a glass of this exquisite light straw wine. Upon uncorking, a burst of subtle citrus on the nose leads to a favorite springtime bouquet of honeysuckle blossom. Smiling yet? You will be once you taste the mineral and lemon verbena mixed with green apple on your palate. As fresh as the first days of summer, this wine is ready for you. The grapes tell the tale of perfection with most being Sauvignon Blanc, but there is a bit of Muscat from the Alexander Valley, and a touch of Roussanne from Dry Creek. $33 a bottle and worth every penny.

9. 2019 Dutcher Crossing Chardonnay, Russian River Valley

Look for the vintage high wheel bicycle on the label and you’ll know it’s a bottle of Dutcher Crossing. The grapes for this single varietal Chardonnay were harvested from Bacigalupi Vineyard in the Russian River. Yes, that Russian River in Sonoma County, California, where some of the best California wines are made. The best plan of action while this wine is chilling… make your own raviolis and fill them with goat cheese, ricotta, and fresh herbs from your garden, and drizzle it with a brown butter sauce. Go for the gold ($44/bottle) and you’ll be ecstatic with this pairing. On the uncorking, expect a pour emitting aromas of pineapple and pear with a touch of stone fruit. Swirl the wine in your glass and the bouquet intensifies with aromas of fresh-cut flowers, warm baguette, and sweet cream, the latter indicative of the wine’s native malolactic fermentation and barrel aging. Now get ready to taste elegance with a combination of wet rocks, citrus and green apples on the palate.

10. Gancia Prosecco D.O.C. Brut

Gather with the ladies on your deck, present a plate of cheese and crackers – maybe even a fondue with pieces of French baguette, and then toast to summer with a flute of Gancia Prosecco. This Brut version made from soft-pressed Glera grapes of Prosecco delivers a delicate yet full flavor with green apple on the palate and a crisp lemon/orange finish. $14

Charlene Peters is a wine writer and author of “Travel Makes Me Hungry,” available on Amazon.com. Email siptripper@gmail.com