Wines to survive el Niño weather

Whenever el Niño weather arrives, like the summer we’re experiencing in 2026, it feels as though the heat turns up the volume. Temperatures climb, heat waves linger, and those warm, humid days that seem to follow you everywhere, change everything, including the wines you crave. 

Let’s face it ! This is not your typical summer. The intensity of  El Niño weather forces us to reach for wines that refresh, revive, and invite us to slow down. For wine lovers, it usually means one thing: it’s time to open bottles that are chilled, bright, and made for warm-weather sipping, wines that bring instant relief on a hot afternoon, that make every summer moment feel a little easier. 

And of course, what spells summer better than rosé? This beloved wine remains the unofficial drink of the season, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Rosés stand out for their freshness, versatility, and distinct sense of place, offering everything from delicate floral aromatics to vibrant, fruit-forward expressions in every sip.  Like the following samples below:

Amalaya Rosé, Calchaquí Valley 2025, Salta – $11.99

A blend of 95% Malbec and 5% Torrontés, this juicy rosé reveals aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, and watermelon, lifted by delicate rose petal notes. The palate is fresh and expressive, delivering vibrant red fruit with crisp acidity, culminating in a bright finish. 

Marqués de Cáceres Rosé 2025, DOC Rioja- $12.99

Made from 100% Tempranillo sourced from vineyards in Rioja Alavesa and Cenicero, this silky rosado reveals layers of ripe strawberry, red cherry and raspberry, lifted by a subtle hint of citrus. On the palate, it is smooth and fruit-driven, lively acidity carries through a long, poised finish. 

Mathilde Chapoutier Orsuro Rosé 2025 AOP Côtes de Provence- $19.99

Lovely rosé made from a blend of Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Syrah, and Rolle, this wine opens with aromas of ripe strawberry, pink grapefruit, yellow peach and fragrant Mediterranean herbs. Full-bodied yet refined, it is expressive, balanced, and elegantly structured. 

 

And while rosé may steal the spotlight, summer whites deserve their moment too. For me, the ideal warm-weather whites are light to medium in body, with bright, refreshing acidity, fruit-forward yet dry, and versatile enough to pair with just about anything, from grilled seafood and tacos to fresh salads and all the backyard favorites that define the season. Such as the following:  

Chateau Ste Michelle Eroica Riesling, Columbia Valley - $19.99

A collaboration between Chateau Ste. Michelle and Ernst Loosen, this light bodied, expressive white shows aromas of citrus, orange blossom, pineapple, and subtle spice. The palate is clean and focused, driven by bright acidity, finishing precise and refreshing.

Alois Lageder Misto Mare 2025, IGT Vigneti Delle Dolomiti $19.99

A distinctive blend of 14 different grapes grown from biodynamic vineyards. Misto Mare unfolds aromas of ripe white peach, pineapple, citrus oil, and wet stone. The palate is nuanced and multi-dimensional, balancing ripe fruit notes with fine mineral hints. Zesty acidity leads to lingering, citrusy finish.

Mohua Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Marlborough, New Zealand- 16.99 

A classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, offering ultra concentrated aromas of passion fruit, pink grapefruit and ripe mango notes. Bright and highly aromatic, it delivers layers of ocean acidity and intense fruit purity.

Grgich Hills Estate Fumé  Blanc, Napa Valley- $35.99

A cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc sourced from Carneros and Canyon Vineyards, this Sauvignon Blanc opens with citrusy lime zest, verbena, and crisp green apple notes. The palate is taut and focused, driven by refreshing acidity and a clean, linear structure that leads to a mouthwatering finish.

Joseph Mellot Sancerre “La Chatellenie” 2025 – $37.99

Elegant and refined, this Sancerre from the prestigious La Chatellenie vineyard opens with bright citrus, lime zest, and grapefruit, alongside delicate notes of fresh-cut grass and a refined mineral character. The palate shows ripe pear and yellow peach, adding depth and softness, while a subtle saline finish brings freshness and finesse.  

 

So whether El Niño brings extra heat, extra humidity, or simply more reasons to gather outdoors, my advice is simple: chill a bottle, invite a few friends, and enjoy the easiest pairing of all: sunshine, good food, and a great pour. Until next time. Cheers! Silvina.

#thoughtsoflawina #summerwine #elNiño  

Wines to drink during the World Cup!

This July feels unlike any other. Beyond the record-breaking heat sweeping across the globe, the world is coming together as the United States, Mexico, and Canada host the World Cup, arguably my favorite sporting event of all time.

I still remember being a child, counting down the years until I could once again watch the greatest soccer players on the planet compete on the world stage. The anticipation, the unforgettable stories, the dramatic moments, the goals that become part of history,  nothing quite compares.

This tournament feels even more meaningful as my country, Argentina, enters as the reigning champion, and as Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the game, has already made his mark from the very beginning.

 So, what should we pour before each match?

The answer is simple: celebrate with exceptional wines from the nations competing and hosting this extraordinary event. Whether you are watching on your own, sharing the moment with family, or surrounded by friends, the right wine has the power to transform every match into a lasting memory.

Here is a curated selection of fine wines designed to elevate your World Cup experience.

From France 

Souleil Le Blanc 2025 – $17.99
Predominantly made from Piquepoul with a touch of Terret, this expressive white reveals lively notes of grapefruit, lemon zest, and coastal herbs. Bright and refreshing on the palate, it combines citrus-driven freshness with savory nuances, leading to a beautifully balanced finish.

Lorgeril Ô de Rosé 2025, Languedoc – $17.99
A wonderful Languedoc rosé made from Grenache, Syrah, and Viognier, showing a finely tuned balance of freshness and aromatic complexity. The nose reveals layers of lychee, wild cherry, rosehip, and bright tangerine zest. The palate is precise and vibrant, carrying energy and lift through a lingering finish.

French Bloom Le Rosé NV (Non-Alcoholic) – $43.99

Made from organic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, this alcohol-free sparkling wine is fully dealcoholized while preserving its natural character.  This well-balanced sparkling rosé reveals delicate floral aromas of wild raspberry and citron notes, combining freshness with elegant minerality. Subtle hints of white peach add softness and gentle depth to the juicy, refreshing palate.

From Spain 

Marqués de Cáceres Verdejo 2025, Rueda – $12.99
A refreshing 100% Verdejo showing lifted aromas of orchard fruit, citrus peel, and soft almond notes. The palate is focused and finely textured, combining ripe fruit expression with brisk acidity. It closes on a clean, polished finish, leaving a delicate citrus and nutty nuance.

From Argentina 

Amalaya Blanco, Calchaquí Valley 2025, Salta- $10.99 

A highly aromatic white wine crafted from a blend of Torrontés and Riesling, it offers expressive aromas of lychee and jasmine, layered with vibrant notes of lime zest and fresh ginger. The palate is crisp with lively acidity beautifully balancing its floral perfume with its fruity character.

From the United States 

Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Rosé 2025, Paso Robles - $27.99 

Made from a blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Counoise, with a small portion of Vermentino, this Rhône-style rosé from Paso Robles shows personality. The nose opens with notes of white nectarine, citrus blossom and pink grapefruit zest. On the palate, juicy notes of ripe raspberry and wild strawberry shape a supple, rounded texture.

There you have it! a fine selection of wines to pair with light summer fare. Soccer is a beautiful game, and it deserves a beautiful glass of wine alongside it. I truly hope you give some of these a try. Cheers! Silvina.

#worldcupwines #thoughtsoflawina #summerwine  

 

Happy 250th Anniversary America!