The Best Wines for Summertime

As a child, you likely remember how refreshing a cold glass of lemonade was after a hot summer day. Unfortunately, while lemonade remains a staple, even for adults, it doesn’t quite take the edge off like it used to. So instead, many adults enjoy a glass of wine to unwind.

Unfortunately, you may find that your favorite wine feels too heavy after a sweltering day in the sun. This is a common complaint and for a good reason. Wines with high levels of tannins aren’t as thirst-quenching as other options. Likewise, some wines are finicky and affected by high heat more than others. So if you’re looking for a new go-to summer wine, discover our top picks of the best wines for summertime.

1. Chardonnay 

Chardonnay is a white wine from a green variety of grapes native to eastern France. Today, countless Chardonnay options are on the market, and they hail from around the globe. As one of the most popular renditions of white wine, this is an excellent place to start when searching for a summer wine staple. In addition, because it is well-known, it is a great choice to serve at summer gatherings.

Chardonnay is a dry wine with fruity notes, a hint of vanilla flavor, and medium acidity, making it easy to sip all summer. As a bonus, Chardonnay pairs well with summer foods like seafood and vegetables. So if you want to experiment with one of the best wines for summertime, we recommend giving Sweet Oaks 2017 Chardonnay a try. 

2. Rosé

Rosé is another summertime favorite. With high acidity and low tannins, Rosé wines are highly refreshing and light enough to enjoy on the hottest days of the year. Their pale pink hue also makes them a fantastic choice for showstopping wine cocktails when entertaining and serving the best wines for summertime. 

If you haven’t tried Rosé wines, we recommend starting with Sweet Oaks’ Brosé. Brosé is a Rosé typically containing a mix of five grapes, creating a unique flavor profile. Sweet Oak’s rendition marries berries with citrus and savory spice. If you opt for a different Rosé or blend, read the wine label to ensure it contains the flavors you seek for summer. 

3. Viognier 

For a wine that pairs perfectly with all of the seafood, you will enjoy throughout the summer, look no further than a Viognier wine. This refreshing beverage is ideal alongside a shellfish dinner or while lounging poolside on a particularly scorching day. While a full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay, the aromatics and texture of Viognier wines are what sets this blend apart. Expect to take in scents of peach, honeysuckle, and vanilla if aged with oak.

As for taste and texture, these can vary widely depending on when the grapes were harvested. Those harvested later in the season result in a creamier and more decadent wine, while those picked earlier will have a lighter taste and texture. Give Sweet Oaks 2017 Viognier a try if you want an aromatic wine with a crisp, exotic, and delicate fruity flavor.

4. Pinot Grigio

Pinot grigio is a dry white wine with a high acidity level making it a stellar option for hot summer days where you need a highly drinkable wine. Most versions of the wine are also known for their ultra-light and crisp flavors like hints of green apple, citrus, honey, and pear. 

At Sweet Oaks, we offer a 2020 Pinot Grigio featuring apricot and dried peach notes. It is best served chilled and paired with fish, such as salmon, and crisp salads. This affordable white wine is also used commonly in cooking, making it one of the best wines for summertime and an excellent staple to have on hand in the kitchen year-round.

5. Moscato

Within the Moscato wine group, there are many diverse wines with over 200 varieties of Muscat grapes from which the wine is derived. The result is a wine that can range in both color and taste. When it comes to color, you can expect Moscato wines to be white, yellow, pink, or nearly any hue in between. As for taste, it is one of the sweetest varieties of wine.

Low alcohol content paired with fruity flavors like peach and orange makes Moscato a solid choice for wine drinkers in the summer. Even better is that Moscato wines are some of the most affordable on the market, rendering them a fantastic option when entertaining large groups of people at pool parties or cookouts. 

6. Pinot Noir

Most wine enthusiasts think of crisp white wines when visions of summer pool parties or beach days dance in their heads. White wines certainly have their place in the summer, but for those who prefer a ruby red, look no further than Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is a red, fruity wine with high acidity and low alcohol content. This combination means that it will feel refreshing without being overly heavy for outdoor activities.

Sweet Oaks’ 2018 Pinot Noir is particularly suitable for hot summer days. A fruity scent meets the nose while hints of pomegranate, clove, and raspberry encounter the palate. This smooth red wine is one of the best for summertime on its own, as it is easy to drink, but it is also a great addition to many summer wine cocktails. 

Explore Sweet Oak’s Best Wines for Summertime

Whether you prefer a dry white wine or a sweet red one, choosing the best wines for summertime is often a matter of personal preference. So if you’re still searching for a refreshing, thirst-quenching favorite, explore the Sweet Oaks wine collection or schedule your next tasting today.