Happy 4th of July!

Happy Independence Day!

This is the national day of the United States, and in case you haven't been paying attention, it usually involves fireworks, backyard barbecues, and – of course – beer.

We at La Jolla Wine Tours and San Diego Beer and Wine Tours have a special place in our heart for beer. We think it's delectable, especially something from The Lost Abbey or AleSmith Brewing Company.

Yet, this year, for something different, how about pairing wine with your 4th of July barbecue fare. But not just any wine. Instead of red and white, try orange and green wines on for size.

Green wines, or vinhos verdes, are light, delicate, and fizzy whites – perfect for summer! The “green” refers to the youth of the wine. It's supposed to be consumed a year after bottling at most and as cold as possible.

Orange wine, or vino naranja, is another variety of white, but has been macerated and left in contact with the grape skins for a few days like a red, and thus has a slightly darker orangey hue. The contact with the skins leaves orange wines tannic and complex and best drunk cool but not cold. In other words, another perfect summer drink to sip on while you watch the fireworks.

We hope you won't be “blue” that we're not just sticking with red and white for the Fourth of July. Viva la wine revolucion!

Brooke B., Independent Drinker