No whites before Memorial Day? Heck no!

White wines are a popular and diverse category of wine typically characterized by their lighter, more refreshing flavors that range from crisp and zesty to smooth and rich which means they can be drank any time of year but the high season is upon us. If you know me, I always try to expand beyond the typical wines people reach for on the shelves so here's your starter guide for some fresh whites under $30 (found at Binny's for my locals but can be found elsewhere) that will broaden your pours.

If you've been watching my recent tastings I've been pouring this Domaine Wachau Gruner Veltliner from Austria a lot because it's so well received and at $14 a bottle, forget about it.

Melanie Pfister Berg Riesling from Alsace France is DRY and pairing with brie would be a dream combo. Female winemaker/owner who I visited last year, woohoo!

Inama Soave Carbonare from Veneto Italy is a dry, crisp white that needs to be put into your rotation. Lean in Sauv Blanc drinkers.

Barone di Villagrande Etna Bianco from the volcanic soils of Etna Rosso in Sicily is going to excite any fruit based wine lovers palate but with a minerality backbone. I hope to drink plenty of this over the summer when I visit this region.

La Cana Albarino from Rias Baixas Spain is for the salinity, minerality lovers. Pair with oysters and you've found the big one. You can literally smell the sea in your glass.

David Finlayson Chenin Blanc from Western Cape South Africa is your new swap out for non-oakey Chardonnay. Clean, fresh yet fuller style that is great for pairing with any non-red meat dinners.

Enjoy my recs and please share your tasting experiences as you sip through these!

Your friend in wine, Jane