I’ll skip all the clichés. You’re getting enough of them from the mainstream wine media at this point in the summer. Let’s just get right to it: pink wines rock. You might not think so, but you’re wrong. And eventually you’ll see the light. They’re great with food, very tasty, and the good ones don’t taste anything like White Zinfandel.

Which is why it might be fun for you to join those of us who need no convincing at the second annual Rose Avengers and Producers Pink-Out tasting on July 17. Started by a group of winemakers who had finally seen enough aspersions cast at rose, Rose Avengers and Producers is a trade organization focused at promoting pink wines of all kinds. Last year’s event, though a little rocky in some respects, showed promise, so I’m going again. I have endless faith in the possibilities of pink wine.

Held at Butterfly Restaurant on the Embarcadero, the Rose tasting includes the opportunity to taste pink wines from about thirty producers while snacking on Asian fusion bites courtesy of the Butterfly kitchen. This tasting is also an opportunity to see an awful lot of wineries and wine lovers who don’t take themselves too seriously. How stuffy can you be while pouring pink wine?

RAP (Rose Avengers & Producers) Pink Out Tasting
Monday, July 17th 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Butterfly Lounge and Restaurant
Pier 33 on The Embarcadero (at Bay Street)
San Francisco, CA

Tickets are $25 in advance if purchased online. Any remaining tickets (last year sold out) will be available for $35 at the door. Parking in the area is OK around that time of night. More details and the list of producers are available on the event site.

Alder’s brief tips for public wine tastings: Wear dark clothing to hide the sometimes unavoidable stains, wear comfortable shoes, have something to eat beforehand, drink water before during and after, enjoy yourself, and for Pete’s sake, SPIT !