Summer in Seattle is in full swing, and what better way to toast the season than with a glass of something cold and delicious in hand? From crisp local wines to cider slushies and sunshine-ready beers, here are a few of our favorite summertime beverages. Best enjoyed al fresco, of course!

Schilling Cider’s Slushies and Excelsior Imperials

Schilling Cider is one of our favorite summer spots for a crisp and refreshing cider in Seattle. Located in the heart of Fremont, Schilling Cider hosts the nation’s largest craft cider selection, with 35 drafts to choose from. Schilling Cider is dog friendly, has a great selection of games, and hosts various fun events like weekly trivia. And for the sunny season, Schilling has brought back their famous cider slushies! With flavors like Dreamsicle (your favorite childhood flavor, with a little adult upgrade!) and Strawberry Pink Lemonade (tart, sweet, and so refreshing), you’re going to want to get over there asap to try them out! We also love their Excelsior Imperial Ciders, especially the mango flavor! Check out all of their ciders here.

Jaine Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc

Rosé is the drink of summer, and this 2024 Jaine Thunderstone Rosé is crafted entirely from Grenache planted specifically for rosé production at Thunderstone Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA. It’s a Provence-style rosé that’s delicate yet full of verve, with an electric core and a refined, mineral-driven finish. Another fantastic summer wine from Jaine is their 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, a single-vineyard wine sourced from Olsen Vineyard in the Yakima Valley AVA. It’s crisp, bright, complex, and is a perfect expression of the summer season.

Matthews Winery Sauvignon Blanc

2022 was a near ideal vintage for Sauvignon Blanc, and the 2022 Matthews Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc proves that. This was the winery’s first vintage sourcing Sauvignon Blanc clones from Horse Heaven Hills. This wine received many accolades and rave reviews from wine experts in the industry. Michael Alberty from Wine Enthusiast describes it perfectly:

“Cue up the yacht rock because it is Sauvignon Blanc boat drinks for everybody. With a creamy texture and crisp acidity, this wine delivers tropical aromas and flavors of lime, guava, lychee and a Pina Colada one-two punch of coconut and pineapple. The ultimate fun refreshment.”

Mercer Wine Estate’s Aromatic White Wines

Earlier this summer, Richland-based winery Mercer Wine Estates released their inaugural aromatic white wines as a part of winemaker Ali Mayfield’s first vintage. This exciting new 2024 vintage collection features five unique offerings: Small Lot Sauvignon Blanc, Sonova Sage Sauvignon Blanc, Small Lot Viognier, Horse Heaven Hills Heritage Series Orange Muscat, and the Mercer Reserve Good Day Chardonnay. We love all five of these delicious wines, but our favorite for summer sipping is the Small Lot Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a vibrant, refreshing wine with crisp notes of grapefruit, green apple, and lemon zest. Perfect for enjoying at the beach, on a rooftop, or with fresh seafood. All of Mercer’s aromatic white wines can be found in both of their tasting rooms in Prosser and Walla Walla, and can also be purchased on their website. 

Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Summer Picnic Experience

Another great way to toast to these warm sunny days is with a Summer Picnic Experience at Washington state’s founding winery, Chateau Ste. Michelle. Enjoy the ambiance of the Chateau’s beautiful rose garden while sipping on wine and indulging in gourmet snacks. Each picnic experience comes complete with designated outdoor seating, Chateau Ste. Michelle wine (we highly recommend getting the crisp rosé!), and a selection of picnic-perfect foods, like their elote dip and charcuterie platter. We highly recommend this fun experience to celebrate summer! Book your Chateau Picnic here.

Avid Cider Co. Rocket Pop Cider

Based in Bend, Oregon, Avid Cider Co. has released a playful, nostalgia-inspired cider for summer sipping. Inspired by the classic flavors of summertime popsicles like raspberry, cherry, and lime, Rocket Pop Cider will transport you back to the carefree days and warm evenings spent chasing the ice cream truck. Like all Avid ciders, its crafted with 100% fresh pressed and fermented fruit, and no added sugar, with ingredients locally sourced in the Pacific Northwest. Other Avid Cider flavors we’re loving are the Blackberry and Peach Lychee. Shop all of their ciders here.

Elysian’s Lemon Daydream

In honor of summer, Seattle’s Elysian Brewing has launched Lemon Daydream, a limited edition lemon blonde ale that puts a bold twist on the popular fruit beer category. Bright and citrusy with a crisp finish, it offers a refreshing alternative to the classic shandy or radler, and a more flavorful option for anyone who enjoys a hint of lemon in their lagers or light ales. Brewed with zesty Idaho 7 hops, Lemon Daydream evokes the taste of an ice-cold glass of fresh lemonade on a hot day. Available all summer in 12oz cans and bottles at select retailers across California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, it’s also on tap at Elysian Brewing’s Capitol Hill and Elysian Fields taprooms in Seattle. More information here.