The  Summer Solstice occurs in the Northern Hemisphere officially starting at 1:16 P.M. on June 21, 2011.  THE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!  Personally, I think the date could be moved back a little.  Here in Florida, summer has been with us for months!--The temperature in Tallahassee as I write this is 103 degrees F!

The word solstice is a combination of Latin words meaning "sun" and "to stand still".  As summer days lengthen, the sun rises high in the sky til it reaches the point it appears to stand still. 

Such a celestial occurance demands special recognition.  I can think of no better way to celebrate the official beginning of hot summer days and nights than by "popping" the cork on a cold, thirst quenching bottle of German riesling such as the 2009 SELBACH RIESLING SPATELESE PIESPORTER GOLDTROPFCHEN.  I've had this wine quite a few times and find its juicy fruit and crisp refreshing acidity an appealing wine to celebrate the First Day of Summer.  (Any reason or special occurance is a good enough reason to open a good bottle of wine!  Happy Summer!

 Marie Griffin, NW Florida Wine Supervisor