I know, I know… who drinks wine on St. Patrick’s Day?!? No question that beer rules this day of parades, shamrocks, shenanigans, corned beef, ethnic confusion (drinking your face off and wearing green does not make you Irish) and the dreaded morning after regret. But for those who choose to take a more sophisticated route towards the debauchery, there are still ways to keep in the spirit of the holiday. While dying wine green is just not a real viable option, below are some ideas of how to drink Green Wine this St. Patty’s Day.

In Portugal, Vinho Verde is the white wine of choice for many reasons. It is a wine made from local grapes in a young and refreshing style with lots of citrus flavors and even a bit of effervescence… and it’s cheap! The literal translation of Vinho Verde is “Green Wine”, almost as if they named it on purpose for St. Patrick’s Day consumption. Plus it typically has a lower alcohol level than most wines (around 7-11%) so you can drink this stuff all day and still make it out to the bars after the parade.

Not feeling like the light whites are going to do the trick? How about reaching for some Organic options. While they may not look green in color or have it in the name, they are certainly green in the environmental sense of the word and get the approving nod from Mother Nature. Bonterra’s Cab from the North Coast of CA has to be one of the best values around. For about $15 this fruit driven, approachable wine is loaded with lots of tasty currant and berry flavors surrounded by cedar and spicy nuances.

If you’re looking for something a little more intense and upscale, then check out the wines from Hall Vineyards in Napa. Pound for pound they are producing some of the best wines to come out of the region, and are quite possibly the greenest winery in town.

Still not feeling like these wines have enough Irish in them? How about trying some actual Irish wine? Kidding… that is not a good idea. But trying some wines from the Green Valley of California is a great way to go! A sub appellation in the Russian River Valley, this area is producing some of the best Pinots and Chardonnays in all of Sonoma. Unfortunately because this is such an exclusive and fantastic growing area, these wines fetch a pretty penny. But St. Patty’s only comes once a year so live it up! Some of my favorite wines from the area are made by Dutton Goldfield, Sequana and Iron Horse.

Whatever Green drink you choose to indulge in this St. Patrick’s Day be sure to do it in good health, do it responsibly and to share it with some of your Irish brethren.

Sláinte!