National Rosé Day is this Saturday, June 8!

There’s a holiday for everything it seems…as if we needed a reason to pour a glass of Rosé . If you’re like us, and enjoy Rosé all year long, than this is just another day of the week. But there’s something about the beginning of summer and long, lazy days that just seems like a general cause for celebration. We say, bring it on!

Here are some quick fun facts about Rosé:

Rosé is made from red wine grapes—just about any variety—that is pressed off the skins quickly enough so the wine is colored somewhere in the pinkish range of hues (skins and how long the winemaker lets them soak  together with the newly pressed juice is what give red wines their color).

Rosé comes in still and sparkling styles.

Rosé can range from sweeter to drier. Dry roses are all the rage at the moment, but it’s up to you which style suits best. There are exceptions, but Old World wines (from Europe) tend to be drier; New World wines (anywhere else) tend to be less dry/fruitier. If in doubt, ask your friendly wine merchant about the sweetness level in any given Rosé.

Rosé is generally a good buy. You will find excellent wines for under $20. Expect to pay more for excellent sparkling pink wines made in the classic Méthode Champenoise or small-production Rosé from exclusive vineyards and winemakers.

Rosé is food-friendly. Lighter in alcohol and tannins, well-chilled Rosé is perfect with the many foods of summer such as grilled chicken, fish, ribs, burgers, veggies, salads, cheeses, chips and dips.

Rosé is great for spritzers and wine cocktails, too. Here are a few suggestions.

Some of the dry-style Rosé we’re drinking now:

Space Age Rosé

From Grounded Wine Company and winemaker Josh Phelps from Central Coast Grenache, not only is this wine in a super-space age package commemorating one of summertime’s biggest events, the 1969 moon landing, but has otherworldly flavors of strawberry, cherry and watermelon. Learn more about Space Age Rosé.

Laetitia Sparkling Brut Rosé

A bubbly delight produced by one of the Central Coast’s most beloved wineries. A classic blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this sparkler has flavors of strawberries and cherries from the Pinot Noir and bright citrus from the Chardonnay. Learn more about Laetitia Sparkling Brut Rosé.

French Blue Rosé

A Bordeaux-sourced blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this wine is crisp and light–perfect for very long lunches with friends in the best French tradition. Learn more about French Blue Rosé.

Swanson Vineyards Rosato

Rosato is the Italian name for Rosé, but this elegant, Sangiovese-based Rosé hails from Napa Valley. Deeper in color, with raspberry, strawberry and floral notes, it’s is made by winemaker Robin Akhurst from one of Napa’s remaining plantings of Sangiovese in very limited quantities. Learn more about Swanson Vineyards Rosato.