One of the fun things about being a wine writer is that things change with the seasons. As Summer takes hold, i tend to focus a little more on lighter and more refreshing white wines for my columns and blogs. 

Let's face it, even those of us who love the big reds with all our hearts tend to drink a little more white in July and August. The nice thing these days is that there are a lot of great options and many of them are at incredibly reasonable prices.

As you will see below, there is great diversity in the countries and the varietals they produce. Here's a look at five whites that stood out in a recent round of tasting:

1. 2014 Vigilance Sauvignon Blanc (Lake County, CA)

Clean and bright with citrus floral notes and flavors of lemon, lime and mango.

2. 2013 Charles Krug Napa Valley Chardonnay (Napa Valley, CA)

Rich and viscous with ripe pear, green apple and pineapple flavors with a hnt of vanilla.

3. 2014 Villa Maria Cellar Selection Riesling (Malrborough, New Zealand)

Aromas of citrus, white flowers and oragne blossoms with citrus / sweetness balanced.

4. 2014 Trivento Torrontes (Mendoza, Argentina)

Fresh and fruit forward with tangy citrus and lush tropical fruits with enticing minerality.

5. 2014 Villa Sorona Pinot Grigio (Delle Venezie, Italy)

Fruit forward and fun with light flavors of pineapple, honeydew, and peaches.

Enjoy these whites in your yard, poolside or while dining on your favorite local restaurant patio. They'll be a hit in any setting!