While no one is entirely sure where the rule about not wearing white after Labor Day came from, the best guess is that it has something to do with snobby socialites in the late 1800’s. It appears the same nonsensical rule has now been applied to not being able to drink rose wine once the kids are back in school. I’ve had several friends confess to me how much they’ll miss rose season now that summer is officially over and I’m wondering where they got the notion that the pink party must come to an end. There is nothing in the established etiquette of wine that says you can’t enjoy rose once the temperatures fall below fifty degrees. In fact, I can’t think of a better way to beat the winter blues than by pulling the cork from a bottle of instant vacation. And on that note, I encourage everyone to move beyond rose all day and celebrate rose all year!

I was on NBC 5 Chicago today to spread the gospel of Rose All Year. I’ll post the link to the video segment once it’s ready but here is the lineup!

Illinois Sparkling Company, Ombre, Sparkling Rose, Illinois $20 - Illinois boasts over 105 wineries and you can be standing in a vineyard within 45 minutes of driving outside of Chicago. Visiting Illinois wine country is a fun day trip and ISC in Utica would be at the top of my list for suggestions. Mark Wentzel has been making sparkling wines in the traditional method for almost two decades and with each vintage he perfects his craft. The Ombre Rose is made from Chambourcin grapes and I find it to be the most beautiful shade of pink. Slightly off-dry in style with notes of strawberries, peaches and raspberries. Enjoy it with a plate of charcuterie.

Scarpetta, Frico Rose, Tuscany, Italy $12 - This delightful and dry rose is made by my friend and colleague Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey. He is an award-winning sommelier, restaurateur and lover of all things Italian. Bobby and his business partner, Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson started their own line of wines from Friuli about a decade ago and have since expanded with offerings from Sicily and Tuscany. This rose is made from the same grapes that are used to make Chianti and is chock-full of mouthwatering flavors of watermelon, cherries, strawberries and dried rose petals. Frico refers to a Friulian cheese crisp that is a signature dish at Frasca, the restaurant owned by Bobby, his wife Danette and Chef Lachlan.

Josh Cellars, Rose, California $12 - made from a proprietary blend of California-grown varietals. Lush and fruit forward but still dry with notes of watermelon, strawberries and dried rose petals. Perfect with grilled foods.

Fleur de Prairie Rose, Cotes de Provence $15 - “Fleurs de Prairie” translates as “wildflowers,” celebrating the beautiful fields of wisteria, lavender, poppy, and sunflowers carpeting Provence. It comes in a beautiful bottle that is engraved with flowers as well. Made from mostly Grenache, it’s everything you want from a rose