So I’ll admit, I’ve actually had this whole post planned out for like a month, but with summer and everything it’s been difficult to actually sit down and write it. Weirdly, it turned out to be a good thing, because I’ve had a life-altering experience over the weekend that I feel like talking about instead.

So in case anyone missed the memo, it’s hot here. Not quite Alabama hot yet, but it’s getting up there. It’s the kind of day where you basically have two options: hide inside in the air conditioning or haul yourself out to the pool and stay there all day.

I typically fall into the latter category (there is literally nothing better than bobbing around in a pool with a glass of wine), but there are some days that it’s so hot that even I lose my desire. On days like this, there’s really only one solution, and that’s a night swim.

I love night swims almost more than pool days. There’s something magical about a pool at night (maybe something about the lights under the water, or the way everything seems quieter), and I love hanging out with friends, drinking wine and talking about life.

Recently, one of my friends and I invested in some ice-cream cone pool floats as well (which would have been the best five dollars I ever spent except for the fact that they were too puffy, and the only way you can stay on them is to sort of cling to the side like an uncoordinated otter/sloth). However, when paired with this delightfully summery Viognier, it made for a memorable pool night.

GUYS I CANNOT STOP LOOKING AT THESE PHOTOS.

Viognier is probably my favorite white wine, which I realize is a pretty bold claim. I think it’s because it’s a perfect combination of smooth and refreshing— not too acidic, but not too buttery. It was also one of the first wines I drank (21st birthday, which is definitely a story to save for later) so that probably influences my love. It's typically part of a white Rhone blend (the main parts are usually Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Grenache Blanc).

The Leatherwood is actually a South African Viognier, and it's got a fantastic color in the glass, sort of greenish gold (to be honest it kind of reminds me of kelp, but like, pretty kelp). Taste-wise, I got a lot of apricots, and a little pineapple (maybe melon?). It's pretty smooth, but not like, Chardonnay smooth. It's a little softer and fruitier, without being sweet.

Getting ready to serve with some Pad See Ew!

In addition to drinking it on its own, we also paired this one with some Thai food. Like other soft wines, Viognier is perfection with foods like Thai food, Indian food, or anything that's got spices. The fruit of the wine balances out the spice and makes the whole experience perfection!

C'mon baby lemme take you on a night swim (...I promise that's a song!).

OUR RATING: Lovely, easy drinking white that's perfect for pairing or poolside.

I'D DRINK THIS: (To be fair, I kind of cheated with these...)

While on a float that actually lets you float, probably while wearing a cool hat.

While sitting on the floor eating Thai food because your sister and brother-in-law don't have a couch.

While listening to an outdoor show where the band is so good that you don't really care whether or not you actually know any of the songs.

While sitting on the edge of the pool under the moon, talking to your best friends about things they're passionate about (Honestly, that's just as good as the wine).