Here's to the Red White and Blue...Summer Wines

Let's be honest, summertime is vacation time. What better way to enjoy vacation than with a wine glass in hand? My thoughts exactly. Here are a couple of my favorites to grab on the go, or sip by the beach.Red: Melville 2010 Estate Pinot Noir- Verna's, Sta. Rita Hills, CA    $26.00/bottleA great 'wind down the evening' wine, this blend is richly aromatic with fruity floral tones mixed with a hint of spice and smoke. Grab your favorite sweater and post up in your favorite rocking chair while sipping.I was lucky to meet the proprietor of Melville at a wine tasting recently, and she is just as lovely as the fruits of her labor. If ever in the Santa Barbara region, visit the Melville tasting room! White: 2010 Uppercut Sauvignon Blanc, North Coast, CA   $12.00/bottleLight, Bright, White! True to that little rhyme, this Sauv Blanc is refreshing on a hot summer afternoon. The crisp, citrusy start rolls off the tongue into a tangy yet smooth finish. Definitely a great complement to a grilled white fish dinner. Blue (well, blue labels...): Surprise, I've got two- Splurge and Save!Splurge: Mumm Santana Brut, Napa Valley, CA   $45.00/bottleWhat's a celebration without a little sparkly? Well, given my affinity for the fine wines of Mumm, there was no doubt that this spunky sparkling would make my list. The Santana, named after the rock legend, is complex and not too sweet. With a fruity start and soft, vanilla-y finish pop open a bottle at your next party. Save: La Marca Prosecco, Northern Italy   $13.00/bottleDon't let the price fool you, La Marca was awarded a 'Top 100 Wines of the Year' nod by Wine Spectator Magazine in 2007.  One of my favorite go-to bottles of bubbly, this Prosecco is slightly sweet and well balanced with hints of honey and apple.