Take it outside!

Drinking wine al fresco tastes fiiine

By TYLER BALLIET

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Before summer slips away, it's time to start taking full advantage of the warm weather by bringing your libationary pleasures outdoors!

DRINKING AT THE BEACH

Slugging thirst-quenching goodness is essential at the beach, but quantity also counts. That's why we recommend the Hofer Grüner Veltliner, which is packaged in the traditional green, one-liter Austrian bottle. Not only is this white wine topped with a bottle cap for easy opening, its price is also nice on the wallet. But don't confuse this wine with just any cheap plonk. This Grüner has a crispness similar to a Sauvignon Blanc, but rocks a little bit more body (closer to 2-percent milk rather than skim). It's also farmed biodynamically, so you can feel better about yourself while you sip the afternoon away.

[Available for $12 at The Wine Emporium, 607 Tremont St., South End, Boston. 617.262.0379. thewineemporiumboston.com]

PICNIC IN THE CITY

If getting out of town isn't in the cards, you might as well enjoy the many parks Boston has to offer. Enjoy some respite by chowing down on a blanket and popping some bubbles with your summer crush. We suggest the discreet but tasty cans—yes, cans—of Sofia Mini Blanc De Blancs. Francis Ford Coppola's winery, Rubicon Estate, produces some of the most badass wine in Napa, but the man responsible for The Godfather series also makes this great sparkling in a can. The sooner you get over the pink tin, the better, because this is an amazing picnic wine, pairing perfectly with soft cheeses (like brie) and fresh grapes.

[Available for $20/four-pack at Downtown Wine and Spirits, 225 Elm St., Davis Sq., Somerville. 617.625.7777. downtownwineandspirits.com]

GRAVEYARD

Come on, like you haven't thought about it? While running among the dead, it's important to be drinking an ironic, yet delicious wine directly from the bottle. We highly suggest 7 Deadly Zins, a red Zinfandel from Lodi, Calif. The blend of Zins from seven different vineyards fill this bottle with dark, juicy and rich fruit. Bring your Ouija board because this wine will tantalize your taste buds, spark an air of adventure and may even coax the spirits of Boston's hard-boozing past.

[Available for $17 at Blanchards Wines and Spirits, 741 Centre St., Jamaica Plain. 617.522.9300. blanchardsliquor.com]

THE FRONT STOOP

Lacking a yard is no reason to miss out on quality outdoor drinking. Grab some friends, a couple bottles and enjoy the "stadium-style seating" of your building's front stoop. We suggest wasting the evening away with rosé. These are best enjoyed with warm weather, so drink 'em while you can. Try the Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé from South Africa. It's a bright, dry wine with great fruit flavors of strawberry and cherry—a perfect bottle for watching passersby and squeezing the best out of the last lazy days of summer.

[Available for $13 at Bauer Wine and Spirits, 330 Newbury St., Boston. 617.262.0363. bauerwines.com]

DRINK MORE WINE! FOR MORE INFORMATION: THESECONDGLASS.COM