14 Hands Winery Summer Sippers and BBQ Reds

14 Hands Winery makes wines that are approachable, affordable, and great for almost any occasion.

14 Hands Winery Summer Sippers

You know how there are certain wineries that are almost staples at parties? 14 Hands Winery is one of them. Whenever we have a gathering, someone always brings a 14 Hands Wine. Their wines are simply great, Go To everyday wines.

Recently, I had the opportunity to try their latest releases. If you like the Hot to Trot Red Blend, try the 14 Hands 2013 Hot to Trot White Blend Washington State as your summer sipper option.

The 14 Hands Winery Hot to Trot White Blend ($10) is an excellent choice for any summer gathering. This blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Gris grapes is mild all around, with light citrus floral, and melon notes, making it a good companion for almost any picnic or summer soiree spread of fruits, cheeses, and seafoods.

The 14 Hands Winery portfolio of recent white wine releases also includes a slightly buttery Chardonnay, a very crisp Sauvignon Blanc, and one I really enjoy: a juicy, refreshing 2014 Pinot Gris. Each of those wines retails for $10-12. Of the three, my pick would be the latest Sauvignon Blanc. It opens with sweet aromas of citrus and passionfruit, and is an excellent crisp summer wine to sip on its own or to pair with summertime salads and seafood dishes.

14 Hands Winery BBQ Reds

If you're looking for bold red wines to go with your BBQs this summer, the 2012 14 Hands Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is my pick. It retails for $30 - more than the rest of the varietals - but offers a depth of flavor that elevates it from the other everyday wines. I really like the rich berry flavors and full mouth feel that you get with the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

For everyday red wine, go for the 14 Hands 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon ($12) or the 14 Hands 2013 Merlot Columbia Valley ($12) if you're looking for a big, bold red. I'm more of a fan of the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon than the Merlot, but that's because my palette seems to be moving away from enjoying Merlots in general. And, you'll also notice that the Hot to Trot Red Blend that so many people seem to love to bring to parties is not present. To be honest: last year, I found the Hot to Trot Blend to be hit or miss, and I'm not necessarily loving the latest Hot to Trot red blend. It's drinkable, and oddly enough I find it to be enjoyable with decadent chocolate desserts, but it's not one that I personally enjoy drinking on its own. My suggestion would be to spring for the 2012 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - it's totally worth it.

You'll find 14 Hands Winery wines at most grocery stores and many wine shops throughout the country.

I'm looking forward to the cooler temps in the 80s and even upper 70s to come this summer. I much prefer to sit outside without sweating. What about you? What's your ideal summer temperature for sitting outside sipping some luscious summer wines?

Thanks to 14 Hands Winery for sending me their recent releases to try. No other compensation was given, nor was there any expectation of coverage. All opinions, photos are, as always, my own.