Hot Summer Sippers That Keep It Chill - A Compendium of Summer Wines

DON’T LOSE YOUR COOL

As the months start winding down this summer and the temperatures are holding at scorching levels, I figured this would be a fun time to talk about what wines to lap up on these dog days. When the heat rises and the sun lingers late, wine lovers don’t have to pack away their corkscrews. Drinking wine during the summer is not only possible—it’s a seasonal joy. Summer wines are all about embracing the heat, sunshine, and laid-back vibe. These wines tend to be lighter, crisper, and more refreshing, making them ideal choices for the hotter months. The key is reaching for choices that bring refreshment, lift, and vibrancy to the glass; summer wines add a certain chill approach to any occasion. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or enjoying a lazy picnic, the right wine can elevate the moment without weighing you down. The trick? Think chillable, crushable, and food friendly.

Adding wines like these to your collection is a savvy move for any enthusiastic oenophile. They provide options that are seasonally appropriate and versatile. While richer styles might be perfect for winter, summer wines are like a breath of fresh air, offering something light and invigorating. They’re also a great way to explore different varietals and regions that shine in warmer climates. These wines often feature bright acidity, vibrant fruit flavors, and lower intensity, which not only makes them incredibly drinkable but also perfect for pairing with the lighter food that make up seasonal summer menus—think salads, seafood, and grilled vegetables. For heavier foods like charcuterie, pastas and grilled meats, you can still delight in options that are fruit driven and nuanced but get a huge boost from serving with a chill on them. Let’s dive into the deep end of some choice selections.

NOT ONLY FIREWORKS SPARKLE UNDER THE SUN

For me, sparkling wine doesn’t get any better than when it’s made in the traditional method and comes with a sub-$20 price tag. When they master that then they’ve truly figured out the best way to get the highest quality bubbly to the masses. Don’t take this the wrong way, Champagne, but your juice has gotten a bit too pricey these days! Sure, you can find great value in areas like Spain with Cava or other parts of France (outside of the Champagne region) with Crémant, but for me, there’s a hidden gem tucked away in the high desert of the southwest U.S.—down there in Albuquerque. I was reminded recently just how gosh darn delicious a particular concoction of giggle pop was by a playfully dastardly duo of drinking partners. That’s right, I’m using New Mexico and bubbly wine in the same sentence. (Random fact: the oldest wine-producing region in the United States of America was New Mexico, established in 1629 by Spanish missionaries.)

With roots in France, the Gruet Winery has been making sparkling wine in the area since 1984. They produce a whole lineup of sparkling wines, but when it comes to these hotter months, I want my bubbles to be as bright as that big, shiny solar ball in the sky—so for that, I reach for the Gruet Blanc de Blancs. Aromas of brioche and green apples, with flavors of lemon and tropical fruits, greet the nose and palate. The feel in the mouth is refreshing and alluring, making me want to go in for another sip. It’s the perfect balance of tart and fruity, kind of like that uncle everyone thought was “peculiar,” but you knew had something lighthearted and carefree with an edge of sass about him which is why he was your favorite. This bubbly is an ideal pop-and-pour procurement for these peak punishing months.

TIME TO WEAR WHITE IN THE SUMMER

On the white wine front, summer is a playground for crisp, aromatic varietals. Sauvignon Blanc, with its zesty citrus and herbaceous snap, is a perennial favorite—especially from Marlborough or Sancerre. Albariño from Spain and Vermentino from Italy bring ocean-kissed freshness that’s perfect for seafood, while Grüner Veltliner offers a peppery twist for veggie pairings. Looking to endeavor of an escapade? You can reach for obscure wines like Picpoul de Pinet from the Languedoc in France’s sunny south or Assyrtiko from Santorini in the Greek Cyclades. These wines pair historic charm and coastal beauty with affordable, world-class quality. Like the perfect seaside vacay. 

First up, I’m taking you down to the land of gauchos and parilladas: Argentina. Tucked in the far northwest of the country lies the Salta wine region, renowned for producing some of the highest-altitude wines in the world. At the top of the list of grapes produced in this region is Torrontés, a white aromatic grape with floral and citrus notes—a treasured national gem that Argentines are happy to boast about (surprisingly, since modesty is just as cherished by most Argentines. Note sarcasm). One of the key producers of wines in Argentina is the Zuccardi family, whose ties to winemaking in the area date back to the 1960s. Their Zuccardi Serie A Torrontés is an archetypal example of this grape’s intense profile, with floral aromas of citrus blossom and flavors of citrus fruit and peach. It’s a perfect poolside sipper or can be paired with light hors d’oeuvres.

For the second white selection, let’s stay in the southern hemisphere but jump across the pond to the continent of Africa. Down on the coastal tip of South Africa lies the Western Cape wine region, believed to be the most important wine-producing area in the country. It encompasses several well-known districts, such as Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Walker Bay. In this area, when you talk about summery white wines, there’s no better offering than the Chenin Blanc grape. This grape has found a true home in the Mediterranean climate and diverse environments of the Cape, truly shining with its delicate acidity and minerality alongside full-flavored notes of tropical and stone fruits like peach and apricot. A wonderful example of this wine is the Beaumont Chenin Blanc. A glass of this gratifying grape alongside a grand braai will cool down even the wildest of beasts out on safari.

STOP AND SIP THE ROSÉS

Let’s start to add a little color to this discussion. The love this category has gotten in recent years is well deserved. Light, fresh, and effortlessly elegant, rosés mirror the season’s energy. Overlooked for years due to the evil stepsister that is White Zinfandel, this style sat in obscurity until the mid-2010s, when it gained serious notice thanks to its rise in popularity in social media and pop culture spheres. But let’s be honest—we’ve all been at a brunch when the infamous three-word phrase, “Rosé all day!”, is blurted out loud, only for you to be drawn in like moths to the flame to your inevitable day-drinking mishaps. With its bright acidity, delicate fruit character, and refreshing finish, rosé pairs beautifully with a wide range of summertime dishes. One of its greatest strengths is its versatility, not only in style and region but also in the wide array of grape varietals used to craft it.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with the giants of this category like Whispering Angel or Miraval, but if you want to delve deeper into the palate with a bolder rosé, then you must ditch Provence, Emily, and get into the region of Tavel. The Château de Trinquevedel Rosé is the perfect summer wine because it masterfully balances vibrant freshness with some serious depth. This rosé is no wallflower; it’s probably the life of the party, since it brings together a blend of so many southern Rhône varietals like Grenache, Clairette, Syrah, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre. Because of this, it’s packed with ripe red berry flavors, a gentle touch of spice, and a beautifully dry finish that sings in the heat like James Brown hollerin’ back at his bandmates to hit him one more time. When you want something that’s both refreshing and substantial enough to hold its own at any summer gathering, ditch the popular kids and jump on the back of a Vespa with this provincial stud.

Next up, we take a trip to the northwest side of Oregon to the famed Willamette Valley. Here, we get Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier in a traditional blend for sparkling wines but showing off how they come together in a still wine rendition. The Argyle Winery Artisan Series Rosé is a blend of old and new, like an undiscovered Beatles tune. The wine’s approach is dry and elegant in the traditional style of European vin but produced in a unique American area to present a collaborative endeavor of equilibrium. Perfect for these sweltering months. Nothing says summer loving like trying this wine with some fresh seasonal seafood like oysters and clams—it won’t matter if they’re roasted, steamed, or shucked out of the shell. The briny, salty elements will sway rhythmically with the fruit-forwardness, like a duo dancing the two-step with the expressive style this wine presents.

HOT RED BLOODED BUT COLD TO THE TOUCH

For red wine drinkers, summer doesn’t mean giving up depth—it means choosing wisely. Go for light- to medium-bodied reds with high acidity and low tannins: think Gamay (Beaujolais) and Pinot Noir. For the wanderer within, consider far-off features like being a little devil with an Aussie red from Tasmania or getting lost in the sound of music in the slopes of Austrian valleys with either a Zweigelt or a Blaufränkisch (native grapes to the region). All these reds are versatile, vibrant, and remarkably grill-friendly.

By now, school’s out and it’s time to jump into the summertime grooves. What better way than with a glass of the Locos Por El Vino Zismero Garnacha? It’s a summer red that doesn’t need an abanico—juicy and just bold enough to keep things interesting. Packed with ripe cherry and currant, kissed with a touch of spice, and finished off with a splash of freshness. The way to let this grape juice loose this summer while breaking the monotony of the hardcore temps is to put a “chill on it.” You want to put these wines in the fridge, or on ice, for at least 20 minutes before serving and keep them cool throughout. A light chill on this Spanish belleza flips your whole outlook on reds upside down, turning into your go-to summer stunner (like a flamenco gitana you met while studying abroad that one summer. You’ll never look at life the same again). This red is the kind of wine that plays nice with grilled fare, patio playlists, and anything served under string lights. Proof that red wine can bring the heat and beat it.

To keep us in a place where the livin’s easy, the Feudi del Pisciotto Cerasuolo di Vittoria is well qualified to represent a superb summer selection. This is Sicily’s answer to the eternal summer wine question: What do I drink when I want red, but it’s hot enough to make a frittata on the sidewalk? This vibrant blend of Frappato and Nero d’Avola grapes brings juicy cherry, wild strawberry, and a whisper of Mediterranean herbs, all wrapped in a silky, food-loving frame. It’s light on its feet but full of flavor—think of it as the red that shows up to the cookout in sunglasses and a linen shirt. Also serve it with a chill, pair it with grilled anything, and watch it steal the show without breaking a sweat.

ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS SWELL(TERING)

So, can you drink wine in summer? Absolutely… and you should! From chilled reds to zippy whites and rosés to sparkly bubbles, summer wine is all about refreshment with personality. These wines provide the proper setting to enjoy during the dog days of summer. They not only enhance your summer experiences but also diversify your palate and elevate your overall wine collection. They’re always a delight to have and bring out the brighter side of the world of wine. Keep the big bombs at bay, stock the fridge with wines that pop with life, and remember there’s no such thing as the wrong wine—just the wrong temperature. Cheers to sunshine, sweat-proof sips, and bottles that keep us staying cool. Ching-ching!