August in the Inland Northwest is a month that invites us to slow down, soak in the sunshine, and savor every last golden hour of summer. At Latah Creek Winery, we know that nothing pairs better with a warm evening on the patio, a picnic by the lake, or a backyard BBQ than a perfectly chilled glass of wine.
Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or gathering with friends and family, choosing the right wine for the heat makes all the difference. In this post, we’re highlighting our favorite wines that shine in August — crisp, refreshing, and bursting with summer flavor.
1. Huckleberry d’Latah: A Northwest Favorite
Let’s start with a wine that’s as uniquely Northwest as it gets — our Huckleberry d’Latah. This semi-sweet fruit wine captures the wild, tart-sweet essence of handpicked huckleberries, blended beautifully with our Riesling base.
Served chilled, it’s a summertime treat that’s both fun and elegant. Its natural acidity balances the sweetness, making it incredibly refreshing without being cloying. It’s perfect on its own or as a base for a wine spritzer or sangria.
Perfect Pairings:
- Fresh goat cheese and berries
- Grilled pork tenderloin with a berry glaze
- A shady porch and a good book
2. Rosé: Light, Bright, and Built for Summer
Rosé and summer go hand in hand — but our Rosé brings a little something extra to the table. With notes of ripe strawberry, watermelon, and citrus, this dry rosé is a crisp, thirst-quenching wine with enough complexity to pair beautifully with summer meals.
The color is vibrant and the aroma practically invites you to take that first sip. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party and easy enough for a poolside picnic.
Try this: Serve it ice-cold with grilled shrimp skewers or a watermelon and feta salad.
Pro Tip: For a fun August twist, freeze some rosé in ice cube trays and blend it into a quick and refreshing frosé.
3. 2023 Riesling: The Summer Classic
Riesling is our go-to for balancing sweet and tart — and our 2023 Riesling is a shining example. Bursting with notes of juicy peach, apple, and honeydew, this semi-sweet white has the kind of acidity that dances on your palate and makes you want another sip.
It’s a crowd-pleaser for wine lovers of all kinds and holds up well in the heat thanks to its bright, clean finish.
Best served with:
- Spicy Thai or Indian dishes
- Fresh fruit salads
- Sunset dinners on the deck
4. 2023 Chardonnay: But Make It Chilled
Chardonnay might not be the first wine that comes to mind on a hot day — but our 2023 Chardonnay is fermented and aged mostly in stainless steel with a small time in Hungarian oak, which gives it a lighter, crisper profile that’s ideal for warm weather.
It offers delicate hints of citrus, green apple, and a whisper of tropical fruit — all without the heavy oak or over-butteriness that can weigh down traditional Chardonnays.
Food match: Pair it with grilled chicken, corn on the cob, or creamy pasta salads for a refreshing balance.
5. 2023 Best Friends Blend: Your BBQ’s Best Friend
If you’re hosting a summer cookout, look no further than our 2023 A Toast to Best Friends Blend. A long-standing favorite among our customers, this off-dry blend offers a vibrant medley of tropical flavors with a hint of sweetness from the Pinot Grigio to complement grilled meats, tangy sauces, and smoky vegetables.
It’s approachable, affordable, and made for moments when you want to impress without overthinking.
Serve it chilled with:
- Pulled pork sliders
- Roasted veggie skewers
- Pasta salad with vinaigrette
Bonus: Make It a Wine Slushie
August is peak frozen-drink season, and many of our wines — especially Huckleberry d’Latah, Riesling, or Rosé — are excellent bases for wine slushies.
Simple Recipe:
- Freeze the wine in ice cube trays overnight.
- Blend with a handful of frozen fruit (berries or peaches work great) and a splash of lemon juice.
- Garnish with mint or a fruit slice and serve in a chilled glass.
Refreshing, fun, and dangerously sippable.
Final Thoughts: Soak Up Summer with the Right Glass in Hand
As summer begins to wind down, August invites us to slow down, gather with loved ones, and toast to the beauty of the season. Whether you’re enjoying a sunset by the river, a leisurely Sunday brunch, or a casual evening in the backyard, choosing the right wine can turn a simple moment into a memory.
At Latah Creek, we take pride in crafting wines that celebrate both flavor and community. We hope this list inspires you to sip something new, pair it with something delicious, and soak in every last bit of sunshine.
Cheers,
Natalie