Three new books help explain the increasing appeal of rosé

WE know rosé has become a phenomenon when we have a pop-up wine bar dedicated to pink wine and three new books extolling its virtues. It's not just a summer sipper any more, and it certainly isn't your grandmother's white zinfandel.

Rosé's acceptance into the wine mainstream is clear with the opening of the Rosé Garden at Whaley's in Washington, DC. The setting combines water views with pink wines, frozen cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired food. It might not be St Tropez, but it's what we got, a hint of Provence along the Anacostia.

"It's really a celebration of spring and summer," says Brian Zipin, wine and beverage director for Whaley's, who developed the wine list with Nick Miller, Whaley's spirits and bar director.