The hot days and warm nights of summer are winding down and soon many of us will begin the transition back to drinking more reds than whites. There's still time to do some investigating and experimenting with off the beaten path whites. 

While New Zealand is relatively well known to Valley wine lovers, most people don't know that the Hawke's Bay AVA is the country's oldest wine region. They make some great reds in Hawke's Bay, especially Syrah, Bordeaux-style blends and Pinot Noir. Of course, they make some great Sauvignon Blanc there too, but it is decidedly different than what most people would identify as "typical" from New Zealand.

The Hawke's Bay style more closely resembles that of a Sancere (France) with an expressive minerality and bright acidity which combine beautifully. The Hawke's Bay Sauvignon Blancs really break the mold and defy the conventional perception of what New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc can be. 

2013 Trinity Hill Sauvignon Blanc ($16.99)

Gentle flavors and aromas of lime, citrus and lemongrass compliment the distinct aroma of stone fruit. The mineral element is lively on the mid palate, providing excellent textural character. The fresh acidity livens up the finish.

South African whites are likely a lot less familiar to most readers of the Drinks Blog, which is too bad, because there is a lot of quality at great prices here. The Western Cape, and particulary the Swartland AVA have ben producing high quality Chenin Blanc for decades now.

Chenin Blanc is an incredibly food friendly varietal and it pairs especially well with lighter summer fare. It also has enough structure and back bone to hold up to heartier foods like spicy chicken dishes, baked galric mushrroms and lighter pork preparations.

Swartland Chenin Blanc is an excellent choice if you're looking for a fun way to take your wine loving friends "outside the box". There is a lot of consistent quality out there at almost unbelievably low price points. These are fun wines to taste blind and see if those in your wine circle can decipher the country and varietal they are enjoying.

2014 Eikboom "Bush Vine" Chenin Blanc ($12.99)

Intense, lively, fruity and beautifully balanced with flavors of pear, lime and minerality. The wine is aged at length on the lees, providing a great mouthfeel and resulting in fruity aromas that are pure and clean.

The next three Drinks blogs will be coming to you live from Europe, as I spend three weeks visiting some of the worlds most historic and respected regions. I'l also be blogging live from the Heineken Brewery! Cheers!!