Best Wines to Drink During the Summer

summer wine

The weather is heating up across the country and that means it’s time for some refreshing summer wines!

Over the last week we’ve had some crazy temperatures here in Paso Robles where our winery is located. Typically, we tend to see temperatures between 81-87 degrees Fahrenheit during June, with the occasional spike into the 90’s, but earlier this week we had multiple days in the high 90’s and even reached 106-degrees on one day.

To say it’s hot in wine country would be an understatement.

It’s important to stay hydrated while it’s this hot, and alcohol is not the best way to accomplish that, but if you drink in moderation and compliment your wine with a glass of water, there are some really great wines out there that can help you beat the heat.

When it comes to crisp, refreshing, wines on a hot summer day, we tend to lean towards wines that are meant to be served chilled. So even though we are big fans of full-bodied red wines, like our Cabernet Sauvignon, those aren’t going to be your best choices when looking to beat the heat.

Our Favorite Summer Wines

Rosé

While we did say that on those hot summer nights, we gravitate more towards chilled white wines than full-bodied reds, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a little color in your glass.

Rosé wine is a great way to start off any summer dinner party or gathering. It’s made from red grapes, but they are pressed and fermented off the skin like a white wine is. Since the wine is being made from red grapes though, it will retain some of that pinkish hue which is what gives Rosé it’s coloring.

Rose is designed to be served chilled between 46-57 degrees, which makes it perfect for a hot summer day. It’s a very light wine that bridges the gap between white and red wines, so if you’re a fan of red wine, but don’t want to sip on something a little heavier, then this might be a great option for you.

Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio is a very versatile white wine that usually appeals to most wine drinkers and non-wine drinkers alike. Just like rose, it’s meant to be served chilled, which makes it perfect for sitting outside during a nice summer evening.

It’s not as sweet as a Riesling, but still offers that crisp, relaxing flavor that we love from white wines. In addition to that, it contains fruity notes that go perfect with the summer weather.

No matter what the occasion, a nice, chilled bottle of Pinot Grigio will go great with any summer meal, or a nice relaxing evening on the patio.

Sauvignon Blanc

If you’re grilling up some chicken this summer and are looking for the best wine to pair with your meal, then you’re going to want to have a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc on the table.

Sauvignon Blanc is another lighter white wine that is best served chilled. The crisp, fresh taste will impress your guests, while the fruity aromas and textures will complement the warm summer air.  You’ll get hints of grapefruit, peach, and even honeydew. It is slightly more acidic than some of the other wines on our list, and less sweet, but it’s very well rounded and perfect with grilled food.

Pinot Noir

I know we said that hot summer days usually call for lighter wines (in color and texture), but a nice glass of slightly chilled Pinot Noir is also a great option.

Yes, you can chill red wine, in fact a lot of red wines should actually be served slightly under room temperature.

Pinot Noir is best served at a temperature between 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit. So, if the temperature is running in the 80’s or higher, a glass of this red wine is going to feel extremely refreshing.

In addition to being served chilled, Pinot Noir is also a lighter bodied red wine that won’t fill you up too quickly on a hot summer day. The fruity aromas and taste pair well with smoked meats and grilled red meats as well as chicken and seafood.

Summer Wines

When it all boils down to it, the summer is all about doing what you love and being outside as much as possible. If your tastes don’t line up with the wines we mentioned above, there are plenty of other wines to choose from. You know what you like and what you don’t, that’s what’s important.

We prefer chilled wines in the summer just because it makes sense to have a cool beverage while sitting out in the hot summer sun, but if you prefer to have a room temperature wine (which will probably still be cooler than the temperature outside), while you sit on the patio, then don’t let us stop you!

Wine is to be enjoyed and there’s no sense drinking a glass of wine you’re not going to enjoy.

Cellar Select Summer Wine Pack from Austin Hope

If you’re looking for some great summer wines, we have just introduced our Cellar Select Summer Wine Pack filled with some incredible wines that are perfect for a nice summer evening.

This pack will include 2 bottles of each of the following wines:

  • Austin Hope Sauvignon Blanc v 2021
  • Austin Hope Chenin Blanc v 2021
  • Austin Hope Rosé v 2021

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to summer wines, you will not be disappointed in this summer wine pack!