Whether you’re lying on a beach or packing a picnic, warm summer weather is the best time to sip a cold glass of wine. From a minimal intervention rosé to a Chilean Chardonnay, here are our favorite wines to drink this summer. Oh, and for those who prefer a red, we've added a bonus pick.
The Best Summer Wines
Errázuriz MAX Chardonnay 2019
You might not always think of Chile when buying a Chardonnay, but this wine from Errazuriz will forever change your mind. Founded more than 150 years ago by Don Maximiano Errazuriz in the foothills of Mount Aconcagua, the rich soil and ocean breezes create outstanding conditions for Chardonnay. This one is bright, fresh, and citrus-y with notes of tropical fruit--and ideal for those who aren’t huge fans of super oaky flavors. (SRP $20)
Good Clean Wine Rosé
Good Clean Wine, a woman-owned and operated company, makes wine that’s sustainably farmed and grown with minimal intervention. The brand’s rosé (the wine of summertime) is particularly perfect for warm weather drinking. Made with a blend of Sangiovese and Ciliegiolo grapes, it tastes of peach, strawberry, and melon with a dry finish, and pairs nicely with cheese or a fresh summer salad. The best part? Zero hangover in the morning. (SRP $20)
Catarratto BIO
Founded in 2004 by the Caruso and Minini families, and taken over by Giovanna and Rosanna Caruso (the daughters of third generation winemaker Stefano Caruso), Caruso e Minini created this ideal-for-summer-sipping Cararratto Bio. This wine is produced organically from the catarratto grape variety of Sicily and results in a clean-fresh taste, referred to as “Sicily in a glass." Pair this with white meat, simple pasta, or anything with lemon. It’s also highly recommended as a refreshing aperitif. (SRP $19.99)
Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Dog Point Vineyard in Marlborough, New Zealand is named for the shepherds’ dogs who once roamed this region. Today, you’ll find friendly on-site pups who greet guests in the vineyard. Dog Point's crisp, citrus-y Sauvignon Blanc has hints of white peach and pear with a grapefruit and lemon finish. If you’re looking for a wine to pair with oysters, this is your bottle. (SRP $25)
Juvé & Camps Reserva de la Familia Gran Reserva 2017
If there’s any reason to celebrate this summer, pop open a bottle of the Juvé & Camps Reserva de la Familia Gran Reserva 2017. Made by a family-owned producer that’s been making wine for over 200 years, this Spanish sparkling's name translates into Reserve of the Family. The super light and refreshing bubbly has notes of white fruits followed by hints of fennel, toast, and citrus to create the perfect summer sparkling.(SRP $23)
Bonus Pick: For those who prefer red
Cakebread 2018 Two Creeks Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
Some people just prefer a red wine, even on the warmest days of summer. For those, can we suggest the 2018 Two Creeks Anderson Valley Pinot Noir? This wine blends grapes from the Annahala and Apple Barn estate vineyards in Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley--an area known for exceptional Pinot Noir. This wine is rich, but not at all overpowering---or rather--light but not wimpy, with notes of black cherry, raspberry and rose petal--and a long and tasty finish. (SRP $44.99)