When the calendar marks Labor Day and the leaves start to turn, we instinctively reach for cozy sweaters and fuller-bodied reds. Just like when spring comes, we eagerly shed our winter coats and pop open something crisp and white. It’s comfortable. It’s expected. But let’s be honest — it’s a bit predictable, isn’t it?
Remember that old-fashioned rule about not wearing white after Labor Day? These days it’s about as relevant as a traffic light in Venice. Yet here we are, following the same seasonal wine patterns across America. Rosé in summer, whites for warmer weather, reds only when you can see your breath. Who made these rules, anyway? And more importantly, why are we still following them? At Bonner Private Wines, we care little about points, and even less about these outdated rules.
Now, I’m not saying there isn’t a special pleasure in sipping a chilled rosé on a sweltering summer day. Of course there is. But who says you can’t enjoy that same rosé by a roaring fire in December? Who’s going to stop you from popping open a robust Cabernet on a beach in July?
Developing your palate is like curating your wardrobe. It takes time, experimentation, and a healthy disregard for what others think you should like. You try different things, figure out what works for you, and eventually, you stop caring about trends. You start wearing — and drinking — what you love.
Think about it. We’ve all been there — squeezed into an outfit that’s “in season” but feels about as comfortable as a straitjacket. Or sipping a wine that’s “appropriate” for the weather but does about as much for your taste buds as a glass of tepid tap water. Life’s too short for that nonsense.
Your taste in wine, like your sense of style, should be as unique as you are. It should tell *your* story, not some arbitrary rulebook. That malbec that reminds you of your trip to Argentina? Drink it whenever you want. The riesling that pairs perfectly with your secret curry recipe? Serve it proudly — be it July or January. Champagne with pizza? Be my guest!
Instead of treating your wines like seasonal accessories, you can think of them as your signature pieces, like that vintage leather jacket you wear year-round, or that one piece of jewelry you never take off. Your go-to wines should be like that — always in rotation, always ready to make an appearance, no matter the temperature outside.
Rosé isn’t just for poolside lounging or Instagram-worthy picnics. Its versatility shines year-round. Try it with a holiday ham or pair it with chocolate on Valentine’s Day. Watch as your guests’ eyebrows raise in surprise — right before they ask for a second glass.
Reds aren’t confined to fireside sipping or winter dinner parties. A slightly chilled Beaujolais on a summer evening can be a revelation. It’s like a random rainy day in August — unexpected, but oh so satisfying.
And whites? They’re not just for beating the heat. A rich, oaky Chardonnay can stand up to the heartiest winter stew.
The point is, the best wine isn’t the one that fits the season. It’s the one that fits the moment — the one that brings you joy, creates memories, and pairs well with good company.
And here’s the kicker: it’s not just about your own choices — it’s about removing the judgment around what others drink too. We’ve all been at a dinner party where someone’s wine selection gets side-eyed because it “doesn’t fit the meal” or the season. Why judge? If someone wants to drink a chilled Riesling in December, more power to them. Life’s too short for wine snobbery.
So go ahead — wear white after Labor Day. Wear it head-to-toe in the dead of winter if you want.
Because in the end, the only trend worth following is your own. The only rule worth respecting is to drink what you love, when you love it. Everything else is just noise — the kind easily drowned out by the sound of a cork popping from your favorite bottle.
Here’s to the wine rebels, the palate pioneers, and to you — for daring to drink outside the lines and being part of the Bonner Private Wines Partnership. May your glass always be full of whatever you want, whenever you want it.
Cheers!
Diego Samper
