CHEERS

Wines Worth Exploring

When it’s hot out, Southwest Florida hot, most people reach for something refreshing to drink. With beaching, boating and bikinis also part of the equation, healthful and portable beverages are desirable. Finding all three in the adult beverage category can be challenging, especially if you’re a wine drinker.

Two of the fastest-growing categories in the wine world are “natural” and “canned.” Putting the two together is almost unheard of and nearly mind blowing when it comes from grapes grown in Maryland rather than California or Oregon.

In January Drew Baker, vigneron of Old Westminster Winery in central Maryland, packed his cans (as well as a few bottles), left home and arrived at Natural Wines Naples for his Florida debut. The reviews were rave.

The term natural in winemaking refers to a style that goes back thousands of years, using native yeasts, without additives such as sugar, dyes, chemicals and pesticides.

Natural wines are also typically lower in alcohol; the higher the alcohol or ABV count, the higher the calories. That can make a difference during bikini season.