Maybe it’s because I am a California baby and get that good weather or maybe it’s because I love the resurgence of rose variety currently trending, either way I drink it all year long. I would love to make it simple and say that I like rose of Pinot Noir in the spring, rose of Grenache in the summer, rose of Malbec in the fall, rose of Cabernet Sauvignon in the winter, but there are too many variables to make that accurate. So while the northern hemisphere is ready to dust off there red wine bottles that they put aside for summer rose and whites, this house is still drinking whatever whimsy we choose. I had the pleasure of  attending a few rose events this year from celebrating local Sonoma County goods to a good mix of national with international roses available at a favorite local wine and spirits store located by me. There is nothing better than finding a local wine and spirits shop close to you and getting familiar with the offerings they have. Over the years I have established quite a list of go to bottles that I like to have on hand, but I enjoy making new discoveries or mixing it up a bit. This year my favorite rose event was hosted by Bottle Barn and it was a great way to discover new loves while visiting with some of my annual favorites. With the exception of one bottle all of the rose mentions in this post were purchased at Bottle Barn and most were at the event. I would have loved to add more, but a girl can only drink so much.

The event was held in the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country hotel located in Santa Rosa, California. I have attended a few events and seminars at this location and find it a reliable venue even if there is an occasional parking snaffu. A few of these wines are still available on Bottle Barns website, while others are located on the winery websites or to be looked up on Wine Searcher for a shop near you. Following is a highlight of my favorite mixed case of rose wines from 2019 to include rare wine notes from my learning husband as well. Enjoy!

Let’s kick this party off with a bottle that stuck in my mind from the first sip until now. I think this may be my fun find of the year. 2018 Tiny House Vineyard Rose of Pinotage. My first waft of aroma from this class transported me to Funky Town in the best way imaginable. It reminded me of the aroma when sea spray hits wet rocks around you as you step out in the morning while visiting a beach house. I enjoyed that the flavor was light, bright and refreshingly unique. On the nose I got wet white rocks, hint of youthful raspberry, young guava and the white part of the watermelon rind which continued nicely to the palate. The husband agreed with most of my notes adding that the aroma was more like damp clay for him with a little blood orange and cherry skins. Whatever your palate finds I am sure that this will be a fun glass to share from garden to party.

The next bottle I used to purchase by the magnum when they first opened, but found myself in need of a revisit after a few years had passed. Though not at the event, I spied this bottle at my local wine shop when I was purchasing wines I discovered at the event. Finding this with the beautiful blush hued bottles around it and not needing to make an appointment for a tasting at the winery it was easily an add for me. I do love tasting by appointment for the diminished crowd, but only have so much time available to me with my other half so I juggle accordingly. Wine store win for the 2018 Reeve Wines Bybee Vineyard Rose of Pinot Noir. First aromas reached through the glass of unobstructed strawberry that mixed with Tuscan melon on the palate. After the glass was left unattended for a few minutes there was a hint of red apple skin.

As soon as I entered the event floor I discovered one of my must have summer sippers and needed to catch up with the owner. We have known each other for a few years, prior to having his own fantastic wine and rocking PR events. The 2018 Larsen Projekt Grenache Rose should be a household staple for anyone that enjoys the style of rose from Provance. From aroma to palate this wine shares its crisp ruby red grapefruit with a whisper of white peach and I could not put it down. This one my husband shared no differing notes so I will call it the argument stopper, even if we do not ever really argue.