There are not a lot of wineries close to us in Kansas City, but Somerset Ridge not only happens to be a short drive away, they are producing some excellent wines, in my opinion. Every year, they ask volunteers to help them pick grapes. I was lucky enough last year to go with some girlfriends, and this year I was excited to share the experience with Corey. The family-run winery is on a handful of acres near Paola, Kansas.

Here in Kansas City, it has been over 100 degrees everyday for about a week. Though I have been living next to the air conditioner, I can’t stop drinking wine. After hearing and reading some good reviews, I decided to try my first rosé. I had always avoided this wine, simply associating it with boxed wine and cheap dessert wines. However, I when I was looking for something full of fruit flavors, but light and crisp, and I thought a rosé could deliver.

It's warm outside so it's time for summer drinks. Lately I've been straying from my love of full-bodied red wines, diving into the world of white wine. The light-bodied citrus flavors of these wines, like Pinot Grigio, go down so easy when the Midwest humidity thickens the air. Though these wines pair well with food, I find myself craving something a little sweeter and fruitier.

The first week of May, I went to Germany for nine days with my boyfriend Corey. This being my first trip to Europe, I really didn’t know what to expect. I expected to drink beer, see old buildings and not know the language. I didn’t realize how much I would learn and how relaxing and calm the European spirit is. I’ve posted a few pictures here on my website:

http://sarah-partridge.com/travel/germany