It’s Summer (yay) that means you’re going to be invited to beach houses, pool parties, or dinner parties on the regular. That also means you will be spending tons of time at the liquor store deciding what to bring to all of these occasions. While no one wants to be labeled the “two buck chuck” person, you also don’t want to break the bank to get the best wine. I’ve done the hard work for you (wine tasking is my favorite kind of hard work) and rounded up the best tasting, budget-friendly bottles of wine for summer.
I am more than a wine drinker, I am a wine lover. I am truly passionate about wines. If you have been following along on my Instagram stories you know that I am a very big fan of wine, Hello Wine Wednesday! My husband and I love to plan vacations around visiting wineries. Wine tasting in a beautiful location is my favorite kind of vacation.
We are such wine lovers that we based a good portion of our honeymoon on visiting the Marlborough Valley in New Zealand, my absolute favorite wine region. Additionally, we got engaged in Tuscany, so maybe we just like to celebrate life’s big moments near wine?
When it comes to wine, I can be a bit picky. I always say no to Chardonnay and I want nothing to do with sweet wine. What can I say? I know what I like.
Okay, let’s get down to business. Here are the best wines for summer that you can confidently bring to a party, sip with dinner or just drink on the couch. Cheers!
Best Wine For Summer
Summer Water Rose – $18
The name says it all, this rosé is light and refreshing. This rose has a light pink grapefruit flavor and that is probably why I am such a fan.
Hey Mambo Dry Rose – $15
Hot summer days call for cold drinks and this refreshing rose is high on my list. Notes of strawberry and watermelon make for the perfect refreshing wine.
Miraval Rose – $20
I have only seen Miraval under $20 once or twice but I am counting it. I may not be a huge Angelina Jolie fan but damn this is wine good.
Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc – $12
When we visited Brancott Estate, I enjoyed their Sauvignon Blanc with a creamy, mushroom risotto. and Yum! What a great pairing!
Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc – $13
This wine tastes like summer. It starts with big, bright citrus flavors and ends with a cool, crisp finish.
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc – $14
Probably the most famous New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, pairs great with seafood and grilled vegetables.
My all time, absolute favorite Sauvignon Blanc is Cloudy Bay. Unfortunately, it didn’t make this list because its price point is high above $20.
Casal Garcia Vinho Verde – $7
You are probably thinking a wine that cheap can’t be good oh but it is. It has a nice fizzy, fresh flavor and is only 10% alcohol, the perfect wine for a summer afternoon.
La Marca Prosecco – $12
Because sometimes you just need some bubbles! La Marca is dry and smooth, making it the perfect summer sparkling wine.
Chloe Pinot Grigio – $13
A very light fruit-forward Pinot Grigio. Pinot Grigio has a very mild flavor making it the best wine to make a white sangria! If you are looking for an easy sangria recipe, you can find my favorite here.
Conte Fini Pinot Grigio – $15
This dry, crisp Pinot Grigio is the perfect wine to accompany a nice, summer dinner.
Now go enjoy some wine!
All of these wines are under $20 in California. Alcohol in other states tends to be a bit more expensive. When we lived in Alabama I was always shocked by the alcohol prices, that dang sin tax will get you!
While I love a spicy red wine with a big hearty dinner I think that red wine belongs in every other season. Summer is all about light, bright, fruity flavors and maybe a few bubbles. My perfect summer afternoon is sitting by a lake or in a boat with a VERY cold glass of Marlborough Valley Sauvignon Blanc, PERFECTION.
Keeping this list at my top 10 favorite wines was hard! I could list 100 more, there is just too much great wine for summer! Do you have a favorite wine for summer? Let me know in the comments below, I can’t wait to try!
Thanks for sharing this