Summer is here! Long days, warm nights, backyard barbecues, and relaxing by the pool demand the right kind of refreshment. When it comes to wine, summer calls for something crisp, light, and utterly refreshing. Forget those heavy reds for a moment – it’s time for wines that cool you down and pair perfectly with sunshine and lighter fare. We’ve curated a list of 10 fantastic summer sippers from WineDeals.com, offering a variety of styles to suit every palate and occasion.
1. La Marca Prosecco NV
Style: Sparkling White (Prosecco)
Why it’s perfect for summer: Nothing says celebration (or just a pleasant Tuesday afternoon) like bubbles! La Marca is a quintessential Prosecco from Italy, loved for its lively effervescence and refreshing profile. Expect crisp notes of green apple, juicy white peach, and delicate floral hints like honeysuckle. Its relatively light body and crisp finish make it incredibly easy to enjoy on a warm day. Perfect as an aperitif, with light appetizers, or for crafting sparkling cocktails like the Aperol Spritz.
2. Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Style: White (Sauvignon Blanc)
Why it’s perfect for summer: Hailing from the renowned Marlborough region of New Zealand, Kim Crawford is a benchmark Sauvignon Blanc recognized worldwide. It bursts with intense, zesty aromas and flavors – think vibrant grapefruit, passionfruit, and characteristic grassy or herbaceous undertones. Its zippy acidity makes it incredibly refreshing and a fantastic pairing for summer salads (especially with goat cheese), grilled fish, and fresh vegetables like asparagus.
3. Banfi Le Rime Pinot Grigio
Style: White (Pinot Grigio)
Why it’s perfect for summer: This Italian Pinot Grigio from Tuscany is a dependable crowd-pleaser. It’s typically dry, light-bodied, and refreshingly crisp, offering delicate notes of pear, green apple, and a subtle hint of citrus. Its straightforward, clean profile makes it an excellent choice for easy sipping on the patio or pairing with light chicken dishes, seafood pastas, or simple summer salads.
4. Peyrassol Les Commandeurs Rosé
Style: Rosé (Provence Blend)
Why it’s perfect for summer: Can summer truly begin without rosé? This offering from the historic Peyrassol estate embodies the classic Provence style: pale salmon pink, elegantly dry, and brimming with refreshing acidity. Look for subtle aromas and flavors of fresh red berries (strawberry, raspberry), perhaps some bright citrus zest, and maybe even a delicate floral nuance. It’s sophisticated enough for a dinner party yet effortlessly refreshing for poolside sipping. Pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, light seafood, and Mediterranean cuisine.
5. Relax Riesling
Style: White (Riesling – Off-Dry)
Why it’s perfect for summer: Don’t shy away from Riesling! This popular German wine offers a delightful balance between gentle sweetness and vibrant acidity, making it incredibly refreshing, especially when well-chilled. Expect appealing notes of crisp green apple, juicy peach, and bright lime, often with a characteristic hint of minerality from its Mosel origins. Its touch of sweetness makes it a great match for slightly spicy dishes (think Thai or Vietnamese takeout) or simply enjoyable on its own as a thirst-quencher.
6. Saracco Moscato d’Asti
Style: Sparkling White (Moscato d’Asti – Sweet)
Why it’s perfect for summer: For those who prefer a sweeter, aromatic experience, Moscato d’Asti is a summer dream. Hailing from Italy’s Piedmont region, Saracco is considered one of the top producers. This wine is lightly sparkling (frizzante), delightfully low in alcohol, and bursting with fragrant notes of ripe peach, apricot, fragrant orange blossom, and a touch of honey. It’s practically dessert in a glass but also shines as an aperitif or paired with fresh fruit tarts or even spicy Asian fare.
7. Riunite Lambrusco NV
Style: Sparkling Red (Lambrusco – Sweet)
Why it’s perfect for summer: A fun, fizzy, and unpretentious classic! Lambrusco is a lightly sparkling red wine from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. Riunite is arguably the most famous name associated with the slightly sweet style that gained popularity worldwide. Expect juicy cherry and berry flavors, a pleasant sweetness, and refreshing bubbles. Serve it well-chilled – it’s a fantastic, uncomplicated companion to casual summer fare like pizza night, burgers off the grill, or tangy BBQ ribs.
8. Campo Viejo Cava Brut Rosé NV
Style: Sparkling Rosé (Cava – Dry)
Why it’s perfect for summer: This wine beautifully combines the refreshing dryness and toasty notes of Cava (Spain’s traditional method sparkling wine) with the appealing red berry fruitiness of rosé. Expect bright flavors of strawberry, cherry, and a hint of citrus, all supported by fine, persistent bubbles and crisp acidity. It’s an excellent value alternative to more expensive Champagne rosé and pairs wonderfully with tapas, grilled chicken, summer salads, or simply enjoyed solo on a sunny afternoon.
9. Aveleda Fonte Vinho Verde
Style: White (Vinho Verde – Dry & Spritzy)
Why it’s perfect for summer: Hailing from Portugal’s Vinho Verde region (meaning “green wine,” signifying its youthfulness), this style is practically designed for hot weather refreshment. Aveleda is a trusted and widely available producer. These wines are typically light-bodied, refreshingly low in alcohol, high in mouthwatering acidity, and often possess a characteristic slight spritz or effervescence (not full bubbles, but a tingle). Expect vibrant notes of green apple, lime zest, and maybe a touch of melon. It’s incredibly thirst-quenching and a perfect match for shellfish, simple grilled fish, and light salads.
10. Barefoot Peach Fruitscato NV
Style: Fruit Wine (Moscato Blend – Sweet)
Why it’s perfect for summer: Sometimes summer calls for something purely fun, fruity, and sweet without pretense. Barefoot’s Fruitscato line excels in this category. This peach-infused version delivers exactly what it promises: bold, sweet, juicy peach flavors layered onto a sweet Moscato base. It’s best served ice-cold. Enjoy it on its own, use it as a base for a summery punch, or pair it with simple fruit desserts. It’s all about easy-drinking, casual enjoyment.