8 Best Summer Wines to Catch That Perfect Vibe
Get in the summer mood with these easy and refreshing organic summer wines. Headed to a villa in Italy (can we come?) or simply sipping on your patio oasis? Pop open any of these 8 organic wines to serve with your favorite al fresco bites and summer is served.
Summer wine … and the living’s easy … light, and refreshing. Perfect for long evenings, beach days with besties, boozy picnics, and backyard BBQs — this list of best summer wines is full of classic palate pleasers and exciting new choices.
For even more on one of our favorite topics, see our guide to the top organic wines, and read this fascinating account of acclaimed French winemaker Gérard Bertrand’s biodynamic approach to the art of life. Joie de vivre indeed.
Sign up for the newsletter for more tasty wine recommendations.
Stunning Summer Wines: Sip on These Picks
From a delicious bone-dry California rosé (check out our 33 must-try organic rosé wines) to a fabulous French sparkling red – this list of best summer wines is far from ordinary. Whether you’re hosting an apéro, pool party, or alfresco summer dining, pair these wines with the foods of summer – fresh berry dishes, grilled vegetable platters, oysters, and more. Popping open these bottles will make even spontaneous summer entertaining a breeze. Elevate your playlist and wine list to create the perfect summer vibe.
1. Souleil Vin De Bonté Le Rosé, Vin de France, 2021 $21
A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah grapes, this fabulous classic French rosé by Souleil Vin De Bonté expresses tart red fruit, white cherry, and citrus notes that sing out of the glass. The slight yet refreshing saline finish gives each glass a lift of minerality. It’s perfect as a welcome drink or pair it with a colorful summer tomato bruschetta, salmon, or a sumptuous platter of seasonal grilled summer vegetables.
2. Podere Sapaio, Sapaio, Toscana IGT, Italy 2019, $94
Ruby red with complex notes of wild berries, violets, and spice, this Podere Sapaio easy red wine pairs perfectly with an alfresco summer BBQ. Rich and velvety, it has a full body yet feels elegant and silky in the mouth. This wine is from 25-year-old vines and indigenous yeast. With just the subtlest note of oak, it’s delicious even in high summer temperatures.
3. Gérard Bertrand Orange Gold, Vin de France, 2021 $25
The sensory adventure begins with notes of peach and apricot on the nose. One sip and you’ll notice a balanced, round mouthfeel and delicate texture. A nod to traditionally made orange wines, Gérard Bertrand Orange Gold has a lovely body and delicate expression of a blend of seven Mediterranean grape varietals. Soft tannins complement its mineral vivacity. Pair it with a soft cheese plate or spicy Thai dishes with aromatic spices.
4. Seawolf Fennel and Stone Sauvignon Blanc Yorkville Highlands, 2022 $36
These organic grapes are estate-grown and from the Yorkville Highlands in Mendocino. An early morning harvest keeps the grapes cool, followed by a whole cluster press. The young wine gains remarkable precision and a luscious texture and racy finish thanks to the permeable quality of French oak, which allows for the introduction of oxygen at an early stage. Serve this Sauvignon Blanc with grilled shrimp or a lightly seasoned white fish, cheese, or a vegetarian pasta dish.
5. Mirabella Rose Brut DOCG, Franciacorta, Italy NV, $30
The aroma and depth of the Italian sparkling wine region of Franciacorta rival that of Champagne. Made in the traditional method for a silky mouthfeel, this Mirabella Rose Brut sparkler expresses bread yeast, wild berries, and a touch of vanilla. Pair with oysters, crab, scallops — even French fries.
6. Pinot Noir Rosé Handley Estate Vineyard, Anderson Valley, 2022 $28
Weaving along the picturesque Highway 128 in Mendocino County is the Anderson Valley, whose wines rival those of Napa and Sonoma – California’s most famous wine growing regions.
This wine is seriously refreshing, keeping the alcohol in check while packing loads of fruitiness that leads to a zingy, crisp finale. It brings out the essence of narcissus, fresh strawberries, and cucumbers. On the palate, it’s a full-body wine with lively, mouthwatering acidity, revealing invigorating flavors of watermelon, strawberries, lime, and a hint of wet stone. Pair this Pinot Noir Rosé with an herbed chicken topped salad, grilled fish, and goat cheeses.
7. Pomona Riserva Chianti Classico Sangiovese 2019 $24
With a Decanter score of 90 points, this organic slow wine expresses clean and elegant notes from chalky marl soil. Winemaker Monica Raspi, together with her dachshund Zoe, has her hand in every aspect of the winemaking. This pretty, soft summer red is juicy in the mouth. Medium-bodied, it’s approachable with notes of cherry and lovely acidity. This Pomona Riserva Chianti Classico pairs beautifully with black summer truffles, fresh soft cheeses, focaccia, or a grilled vegetable platter.
8. Foursight Wines, Sparkling Brut Nature, Mendocino, California, NV $35
To wrap up this list of our favorite summer wines, this crisp, delightful, and vibrant low-intervention sparkler has no sugar added. Low in alcohol, it’s the perfect pour for hot summer days. Complementing oysters, sushi, or fish tacos with a squeeze of lime for acidity, this non-vintage blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier makes even a casual summer gathering a festive event.
Read More on Organic Authority
This Fizzy Wine Spritzer Recipe Is Your New Bubbly Backyard Sangria
Wine Region of Italy: Why Terre di Pisa Should Be On Your List
No, Red Wine Isn’t Actually Good For You. And I For One Don’t Care
