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Wayne's mom is visiting us from Philadelphia this week so I'm not sure how many new recipes I'll actually get to try over the next seven days (probably none). Instead, in celebration of the official start of summer I'll post some of my current favorite summertime things.

First up: Robert Sinskey Vinyards Vin Gris of Pinot Noir

I came across an article about Robert Sinskey in the most recent wine issue of Saveur magazine (May 2004). The article caught my attention when it kicked off by saying "Robert Sinskey is no tree-hugger".... despite the fact that he uses organic viticulture to produce his wines. It goes on to explore why he thinks the process produces better wines to drink. Great article.

I tried a few different organic wines a few years back and wasn't terribly impressed (I won't name names), and so until I read this article I didn't really pursue educating myself about what sort of selection of organic wines were even available in the market - I just wasn't excited about it. The next day I came across a San Francisco Chronicle article about pink wines -- dry roses in particular. I, like many, swore off roses and pink wines of any other name after sipping off one too many illicit bottles of Boone's Strawberry Hill and my mom's pantry full of cardboard boxed blushes as a teen in the late 80's.

So I took the two articles as a sign and promptly decided to order some wines from Mr. Sinskey including the lovely pink Vin Gris of Pinot Noir touted in the Chronicle. They kindly shipped me six jewel-like bottles of the prettiest pink wine I have ever seen. I put it in the refrigerator, and impatiently waited the few hours until I started to make dinner when I would open it and promptly fall in love.

Since then I have ordered another shipment of the Vin Gris, and am well on my way towards the next. I may just get in the car and drive up to Napa and load up the trunk and avoid shipping charges since the only way you can get it is via their website or by visiting the winery.

I just love everything about this wine and now that summer is here and the days are long, it has become a favorite of mine to take with me just about everywhere I go. Picnics, the beach, showers, I even took it to a book reading two weeks ago (book stores don't like red wines). It is a girly wine, but girly in a sophisticated way -- for girls that like quality, or girls who would opt for a glass of sparkling water over a glass of crappy wine. At $16 a bottle it is priced just right, and it is the perfect bottle to share with girlfriends everywhere.

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