AUSTIN, TX (May 23, 2013) – Whole Foods Market toasts warm summer fun with a hot lineup of Top 10 Summer Wines – all bargain priced under $16 – that are perfect for backyard grilling and sipping poolside.

These 12 hand-picked wines are sure to appeal to both value shoppers and intrepid wine lovers who will enjoy sipping across the globe with a list that reads like stamps in a passport of a summer dream vacation — California, Washington, France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Portugal. Off-the-beaten-path picks include a citrusy colombard white and a red blend from Portugal’s trincadeira and aragonez (also known as tempranillo) grapes as well as quintessential California favorites like a Mondavi fumé blanc and a bright red cherry pinot noir.

“Whole Foods Market has every campout, beach trip, dinner party, and wedding covered with this year’s value-driven list that’s full of variety – there is definitely a summer sipper for everyone,” said Doug Bell, national wine buyer for Whole Foods Market. “Like Whole Foods Market’s other wine specials throughout the year, these picks offer a little something different that you won’t find at other supermarkets and wine shops. And, at these prices, it’s easy to buy a six-pack or case to have on hand for fun in the summer sun.”

Whole Foods Market invites wine enthusiasts 21 and older to discuss these and other favorite summer wines during two Twitter Tastings on May 30 and June 27. Whole Foods Market will once again co-host the Twitter Tastings with wine expert Leslie Sbrocco’s Thirsty Girl community of women who have a passion for wine, food and travel. Go to wholefoodsmarket.com/wine for more information and use the hashtag #WFMwine to follow the conversation. The online tasting schedule is:

Thursday, May 30, 7-8 p.m. CDT:

·        Vinum Cellars Chardonnay

·        Monte Velho Red

·        H&G Washington State Merlot

Thursday, June 27, 7-8 p.m. CDT:

·        Mont Gravet Côtes de Gascogne

·        Lamatum Ribera del Duero Crianza

·        Chateau Grand Claret Côtes de Bordeaux

·        Pizzolato Moscato

The company’s Top 10 Summer Wines include:

Mont Gravet Côtes de Gascogne, France — crispy white peach and bright lemon flavors from this 100 percent colombard white

Donnafugata Anthilia, Italy — citrus and herbal aromas with a touch of zing on the finish

Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc, California — crisp lime aromas with honeydew, honeysuckle and subtle spice notes. Enjoy this limited bottling in its original vintage 1966 packaging and celebrate the 100th birthday of its iconic creator, Napa Valley’s Robert Mondavi.

Vinum Cellars Chardonnay, California – French oak, vanilla and creamy custard flavors are balanced with a citrusy tang

SeaGlass Santa Barbara Pinot Noir, California — bright red cherry and strawberry flavors with hints of white pepper

Monte Velho Red, Portugal — red berry fruits with earthiness add complexity to this red blend

Icardi Barbera d’Asti, Italy — lively cherry flavors with hints of cocoa and a velvety finish

Lamatum Ribera del Duero Crianza, Spain – full and rich with sweet red fruit flavors and hints of clove and vanilla

H&G Washington State Merlot, Washington — black cherry, blackberry and plum flavors with hints of cocoa

Chateau Grand Claret Côtes de Bordeaux, France — black cherries, caramel and fig flavors with a velvety palate

Cupcake Vineyards Riesling, Germany — bright citrus, lemons and ripe honeydew flavors with a slightly sweet finish, this riesling is perfect for summer cocktails.

Pizzolato Moscato Dolce, Italy — fragrant peach notes penetrate this sparkling dessert wine made with organic grapes.

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