The official start of summer is just a few weeks away so now is the time to get your taste buds in shape for softer, easier drinking wines. These whites are fresh and fruity perfect for sipping alone or with summer salads or sandwiches. The red is a great bottle for BBQ. All available at local wine shoppes. And don't forget the Thirsty Thursday wine tastings at Perk Up, 6536 Cornell Avenue [C5 on map], on June 14 and 28 from 6-8pm.

2011 Broadbent Vinho Verde-Fresh, fizzy, fun. Subtle flavors of white peach. Low in alcohol and PRICE. Enjoy as aperitif or after a hard day's work in the garden or bike ride or finger numbing day of texting your friends about the latest and greatest in your life.

2010 Antinore Estate, Muller-Thurgau, Willamette Valley, Oregon-(MULE-UR THUR-GOW) is the German grape done well at this Northwest winery that specializes in organic grapes. Enticing aromas and flavors of white tea and lemon balm. Fabulous paired with shrimp scampi or Indian dishes.

2011 Domaine Guindon, Muscadet, Coteaux-de Loire, France-soft notes of mandarin orange, smooth, clean from start to finish. Serve with sweet n sour pork, or sweet tangy BBQ chicken.

2010 Tormaresca "Neprica", Puglia, Italy-"Neprica" is a proprietary name for a blend of wine grapes used by the winery. So... break down Neprica and learn that is is made of negroamaro, primitivo, and cabernet sauvignon grapes. And its yummy. Bold, rustic, great notes of black cherry, dark plum, licorice. Perfect red for burgers, ribs or anything from the grill.