The Best Summer Wines for Hot Weather & BBQs
When the sun’s out, there’s nothing better than a cold glass of something delicious in hand. Whether you're firing up the grill, lounging in the garden, or planning an alfresco dinner, the right wine can elevate every summer moment. We've rounded up the best summer wines—from chilled red wines for summer to crisp white wines for summer, summer rosé wine, and bubbly that belongs on your ice bucket list.
Here are your go-to summer wine recommendations for 2025.
Crisp White Wines for Summer: Vinyes Ocults Viognier, 2024
A refreshing summer white from Argentina
If you're looking for refreshing summer wines with personality, this hazy Viognier from Mendoza delivers. Made with minimal intervention by garagiste winemaker Tomás Stahringer, it’s zesty, cloudy, and vibrant—exactly the kind of light wine for summer that shines on hot days.
Tasting notes:
Expect citrus zest, white peach, and pear with mouthwatering acidity and a light, breezy finish. It’s ideal with fresh salads, grilled seafood, or solo on a sunny afternoon.
Why it's a top wine for hot weather:
Its crisp acidity and unfiltered charm make it one of our favourite wines to drink in summer—vibrant, cooling, and just a little wild.
Summer Rosé Wine: Villa Melnik Bergulé Rosé, 2023
Light, expressive rosé with Balkan soul
This Bulgarian beauty brings everything we want in a summer rosé wine—crunchy red berries, organic roots, and a story worth telling. Made from local grapes in the Struma River Valley, it’s vegan, organically grown, and bursting with flavour.
Tasting notes:
Strawberry, raspberry, and soft earthy notes mingle with a gentle minerality. Balanced and elegant, it’s perfect for sunny lunches or early evening aperitifs.
Why it's a summer standout:
It’s light, refreshing, and deeply tied to place—making it a must in our summer wine recommendations.
German Sparkling: Weingut Würtzberg Sekt Brut, 2021
The secret to sparkling summer moments
If you haven’t added German Sekt to your summer wines list, now’s the time. This bottle is made in the same traditional method as Champagne, but from Riesling grown on steep slate vineyards in Mosel.
Tasting notes:
Creamy bubbles, crisp green apple, lemon zest, and yeasty complexity—this is elegance with a summer twist.
Why it’s perfect for summer:
Its fine mousse and refreshing lift make it one of the top wines for hot weather, especially when paired with light appetisers or grilled prawns.
Everyday Summer Rosé: Cantine Borga 'Roseveryday', 2023
Italian charm in a chilled bottle
This Veneto rosé lives up to its name—it’s a light wine for summer you’ll reach for every day. With bright fruit and delicate floral notes, it brings a breezy Mediterranean vibe to any setting.
Tasting notes:
Rose petals, wild strawberry, lemon, and a kiss of salinity. Refreshing, joyful, and effortless.
Perfect for:
Lunches under olive trees (or pub gardens), picnics, and weekday wine-downs.
Chilled Red Wines for Summer: Adria Vega Montán Mencía, 2023
A cool red for warm nights
Yes, you can drink red wine in summer—you just need the right one. This light, juicy Mencía from Spain’s Bierzo DO is ideal slightly chilled. Bold fruit, velvety texture, and a fresh finish make it one of the best chilled red wines for summer.
Tasting notes:
Vibrant berry fruit, gentle spice, and silky tannins. Chill it for 30 mins and enjoy the transformation.
Why we love it:
Perfect for tapas, grilled veg, and casual gatherings. It’s also a perfect wine for summer BBQ menus—especially lamb skewers or smoky aubergine.
Your Summer Wine Recommendations in One Place
Whether you’re after crisp white wines for summer, chilled red wines for summer, or the perfect summer rosé wine to serve at your next garden party, the key is freshness, balance, and bottles that bring joy. These top wines for hot weather prove that the best summer wines don’t need to break the bank—they just need to be chosen with care.
So go ahead, chill those reds, ice that bubbly, and load up on vibrant whites. Your summer wine adventure starts now.
