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Cool Whites + Seasonal Plates: What to Drink This Summer

Jun 26, 2025

White wines are too often misunderstood. Some see them as light and forgettable, others think they lack the complexity of reds. But let me assure you—white wine is not the underdog of the wine world. In fact, when summer rolls in, it’s white wine’s time to shine. The best whites are vibrant, expressive, and incredibly versatile, offering everything from refreshing citrus zip to floral perfume and round, elegant textures.

This summer, I'm highlighting three white wines that deserve your attention: Vermentino, Viognier, and Greco di Tufo. Each brings something unique to the table and pairs beautifully with fresh, seasonal cooking. These aren’t just wines to sip—they’re wines to build a meal around, to enjoy with friends, to bring to your backyard table or your favorite shady picnic spot.

So open your fridge, grab your corkscrew, and let’s get into the wines that will change the way you think about white wine.

1. Vermentino – Bright, zippy & endlessly refreshing

Native to coastal Provence and Italy’s Liguria/Sardinia, Vermentino offers crisp citrus, delicate herbs, and a whisper of sea salt—like a sip of ocean breeze.

Top bottles to try:

  • Château Campuget (Provence): zesty lemon with clean mineral finish

  • Cantina Santa Maria Aragosta Spumante: sparkling with lively lime notes

  • Colli di Luni Vermentino Boboli 2023 - Giacomelli (Liguria): notes of lemon verbena, grapefruit, and mint, which then give way to a distinct mineral finish

Perfect pairings:

2. Viognier – Soft, floral & delightfully full-bodied

For when you crave a richer white with aromatic intensity, Viognier delivers stone fruit, floral notes, and a plush mouthfeel, balanced by gentle acidity.

Bottles we love:

  • Jean‑François Jacouton (Condrieu): perfumed peach with elegant minerality

  • Domaine Martin Clerc: classic Rhône grace and texture

  • Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier (Australia): tropical stone fruit with creamy softness

Serve with:

  • Sliced grilled peaches and creamy burrata

  • Heirloom tomato salad with basil

  • Grilled pork chops glazed with apricot or pork tacos topped with peach salsa

3. Greco di Tufo – Bold, bright & flavorful

From Campania, Greco di Tufo is bright with tropical fruit, pear, lemon, apricot—yet crisp and structured. It’s bold enough for dinner, refreshing enough for lounging poolside.

Must-try labels:

  • Claudio Quarta: vibrant citrus-pear character

  • Quinto Decimo: lush tropical notes and a creamy finish

  • Feudi di San Gregorio: polished, dynamic, food-friendly

Paired beautifully with:

White wines aren’t just light refreshers—they're vibrant, expressive companions to the best of summer’s bounty. Whether you're setting the table for a weeknight dinner or hosting friends on the patio, a well-chosen white can elevate the entire experience. This season, reach for the crisp minerality of Vermentino, the aromatic elegance of Viognier, or the lively depth of Greco di Tufo. These wines offer more than just refreshment—they bring nuance, texture, and a sense of place to your glass.

Pair them with bright, seasonal recipes from Farow at Home—dishes full of peak produce, bold herbs, and big flavor—and you’ll find yourself not just eating and drinking, but truly celebrating summer. Here’s to meals that shine, wines that sing, and conversations that linger long after the sun goes down.

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