The first wines that come to mind are from a number of regions that I’ve mentioned in the past. Today, we’re just going to focus on the ones that really fit the summer season.

One of my favorites is Portugal’s Vinho Verde. It’s lighter in alcohol and has plenty of spritzy acidity, with lime and citrus flavors. Vinho Verde is the perfect summer wine, and it’s also pretty painless on the wallet.

Another region that comes to mind is New Zealand and its citrusy, grapefruit-driven Sauvignon Blancs. They offer all of the acidity that you crave with all that citrus…you’re parked on your towel on the beach, or you’re cruising along the lake or ocean…YES!

Next, we’re off to Italy and the Arneis grape. Arneis has a bit more weight than the above wines, but it still offers acidity, citrus and the added bonus of a saline element to add to the beach experience.

One more Italian grape that I enjoy and that’s made for the beach would be Vermentino, from both Sardinia and a few wineries in Sicily. It grows best on vineyards facing the sea of both islands, and it actually absorbs the sea spray, giving it a unique salty edge (even more distinct than the Arneis). This element, along with lime, grapefruit and white peach flavors, screams “seacoast refreshment.”

Now, let’s talk rosé from France. The wines from Côtes de Gascogne, Loire and Provence all offer lovely fruit with berry and cherry flavors…and yes, the acidity we need for that refreshing edge. Gascogne rosés are from blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat and Malbec, while Loire blends are mainly Cab Franc, Pinot Noir and other local grapes. Provence rosés feature Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, but again small amounts of other local grapes can make their way in the blends. Rosé accompanies Tracy and me on pretty much every boating trip.

Next, we’ll make a dramatic change in direction toward ready-to-drink cocktails. These RTDs have become common in the marketplace, and with good reason. Many of them have low alcohol (ten percent or so) and come in cans, which opens up the opportunity to take them to state parks and anywhere that glass is not allowed.

There’s a lot of variety here…blends of vodka and gin with citrus fruit, berry and lemonade, and even a tequila-based line with ranch water and margarita varieties. Super refreshing (and not too dangerous).

So instead of grabbing that six-pack for your beach or boating outing, search out a few of the alternatives…they’re fun and refreshing on a hot summer day!

Mike Stolese is the owner of Vermont Wine Merchants, a wholesale distribution company based in Burlington.