Warm weather, beach time, pool visits, barbeques… all of that means it’s summer time! To me, nothing pairs better with summer barbeques and outdoor fun than a good glass of wine. There are some wines that are just meant to be enjoyed during the warmer months, so I am bringing you a list of my favorite summer winesπ
When searching for the perfect summer wine, the key words seem to be “light”, “crisp”, and “refreshing”, as well as “serve chilled” π Not many people, in my opinion, really enjoy a heavy, extremely dry wine while they are sitting outside in hot weather.
(Click on bold links to see specific wine reviews)
Summer Wines
- My favorite wine for the summer is a Sauvignon Blanc. Not too sweet, with a good balance of citrus, this type of wine makes for the perfect summer beverage. It can be served really chilled or only slightly, and the flavor is still wonderful. Kim Crawford makes a FANTASTIC Sauvignon Blanc, along with the Trader Joe’s Coastal Sauvignon Blanc . A new one I recently discovered as well is the 2011 Drylands Sauvignon Blanc, which is perfect for a summer barbeque.
- I recently reviewed the Grand Cadeau RosΓ©, and it has quickly jumped to the top of my summer wine favorites! I love a semi-sweet sparkling wine, chilled and ready to sip during the warmer months.
- Pinot Grigio is an obvious pick for warmer months. With crisp fruit flavors that are best when chilled, it is a great pairing for many different barbecue foods and hot weather. This is by far one of my favorite white wines. Try these out next time you are browsing the wine section: Little Black Dress Pinot Grigio, Green Fin Pinot Grigio (I picked mine up from Trader Joe’s), and these two new finds: King Estate Signature Pinot Gris and Maryhill Pinot Gris. Pair any of these with some grilled salmon and you have the perfect summer meal.
- If you really love sweet, and something that is great when it’s chilled and even over ice if you want, I would go for a pink moscato. This Flip Flop moscato that I reviewed last season is perfect for sharing with girl friends, enjoying outside by the pool, or when you are craving something sweet and refreshing. Another one that really enjoy is RosΓ© over ice. So delicious! These wines are usually accompanied by a cherry and/or strawberry flavor with some citrus.
- Red’s are my favorite type of wine, but a lot of them don’t seem to be as fitting when it’s hotter outside. However, I refuse to give up drinking a good red wine just because it’s hot out. Pinot Noir is a great option since they are usually lighter and can be served slightly chilled if you so desire. Some of my favorites include: Pacific Redwood Organic Pinot Noir, Rex Hill Pinot Noir, and 2009 La Crema Pinot Noir.
- Sangria is ALWAYS a good idea in the summer as well. It isn’t my favorite drink, but I do love a glass by the pool every now and again. I think a staple is the large jugs of Carlo Rossi Sangria… it’s EXTRA classy;)
What are your favorite wines to drink when the weather is hot?
*Cheers to enjoying the warm weather and a chilled glass of wine*
I love a good sangria.. I want to learn how to make it this summer!
Lauren recently posted…Summer Sips: Mango Pineapple Cocktail
I love Sauvignon Blanc!! It’s so refreshing. Thanks for the recommendations.
Tia recently posted…The Sprouted Kitchen Cookbook Review & Recipe – Tahini Kale Slaw & Roasted Tamari Portobello Bowl
Good to know, I love some summer wine!
Miss Angie recently posted…Review & Giveaway: JOJO’s Chocolate
I so love wine and bread for an evening visit with friends in the summer – and this is a great reminder list – thank you
Donna Ward recently posted…What Challenges Are You Solving For Your Audience?
Wine and a good bruschetta appetizer is one of my favorites:)
I am not the BIGGEST wine fan ((ducks and hides)), but i do love sangria and some wines that are sweet with a little bubble to them. There is one that always comes out around summer that we used to take to the pool with us and it is SO good! Obviously, I cannot remember the name now! I served Sangria at my baby shower to my guests though! lol π
ashley recently posted…10 Ways To Recognize the Murder Inn
Hahah that does not surprise me at all:) I am dying for a tasty Sangria right about now with these Arizona heat.
Ohhh man I wish I could still drink alcohol! For some reason I break out in hives when I do nowadays! Even with cough syrup! I miss my “dessert wines” π
Meagan recently posted…The Grandmother I never met.
So sad!!! I love a good glass of wine.
what a fun post! I discovered moscato a couple of summers ago and love them! Pink moscato sounds like heaven!
Angie recently posted…Why Learning How To Garden Is Like Learning How to Cook
Great post…. now I need a glass lol I will take all this into count when buying my next wine!! xx
Ashleigh recently posted…Bikes & Bread *Driving in The Netherlands
Wow,great list! I don’t do wine myself being underage, but I know a few people who would love this π
Since we live smack dab in the center of wine country {Napa/Sonoma Valley} we have so many amazing wines to select. I love anything white and light for summer, maybe even blush. I am not a Chardonay fan at all. A great wine to grab is from Cupcake as they are priced good. We enjoy so many local wines from our fave wineries around here π
Lynda@fitnessmomwinecountry recently posted…Pet Adoption and The Volunteer Job
Which Cupcake wine is your favorite? I have tried one white from the, before but I wasn’t a huge fan.
Pinot Grigio! Yesss! Thanks for sharing this. Definitely enjoyed reading it.
Pink Moscato is my favorite. I tend to pick pinks over any other wines.
Stephanie recently posted…Our Day at Paramount’s Kings Island
I cannot wait to dive into a glass of wine for the summer.
I did learn something here! I love to drink the pink Moscato too…. Great list π
Sangria is my favorite but I want to try the Flip Flop Moscato that you mentioned!
Rose is my favorite! Will have to try your recommendations for sure!
Brittany Graham recently posted…Letβs Talk Sneaks- Summer of Superstars
I just discovered Moscato a month or so ago, but never thought of putting it over ice. That sounds like it may have to happen the next time I’m doing a little yard work π Sangrias.. so happy they made your list! Pinning this to try a a few others.
Summer and wine are technically one word π I love the fruitier, lighter wines that are perfect for the hotter weather. Such a nice post! Making me thirsty at 10 in the morning π xx Adaleta Avdic
I have been on a huge sangria kick this week! I’m usually into dry wines so it’s definitely nice to mix things up every once in awhile.