Summer is just around the corner. That means days by the pool, visiting with friends on the patio, and eating lots of delicious grilled foods and sipping yummy drinks. When people start looking for the best summer wines, they usually think white and rosé. And if you love those, that’s great. But at Grovedale Winery, we’re not really into following the rules.
Summer wine is less about color and more about how it drinks. Light, refreshing, easy to enjoy. That’s the goal. Does that mean red wine is out until September? Not if you ask us!
At Grovedale Winery, we’re here to make sure you don’t limit yourself to just one section of the wine list.
The Classic Summer Wines: White and Rosé
Let’s start with the obvious.
White wines and rosés are considered the best summer wines for a reason. They’re crisp, refreshing, and pair well with just about everything from poolside snacks to full backyard dinners.
If you tend to prefer sweeter wines, summer is your season. If you lean more toward dry and crisp, there are plenty of options there, too. We recommend ordering a few and figuring out what you reach for most often.
Summer Wines by Occasion
You may find that there’s not a single best wine for summer. What you want to sip can depend on your mood or activity for the day.
- Poolside or Day Drinking
Think light, slightly sweet, and easy. Wines you don’t have to think too hard about. - Backyard BBQ
You want something that can hold its own with food. Slightly fuller whites or even a fruit-forward red can work here. - Sunset or Porch Wine
This is your “just one more glass” category. Rosé, easy reds, or whatever your favorite is.
Can You Drink Red Wine in the Summer?
Let’s clear something up. Yes, you can absolutely drink red wine in the summer.
Red wine is often served at “room temperature,” but that does not mean your house in the middle of July. Most red wines are best enjoyed slightly cooler, around 65 degrees.
Which means… yes, red wine is absolutely still on the table for summer and can actually be refreshing.
Lighter, fruit-forward reds can be especially good with a slight chill. At Grovedale Winery, this is where experimenting to find the best summer wine really pays off. You might find your favorite summer wine is one you were not expecting.
What Makes the Best Summer Wines?
The best summer wines are not just about color, they are about how they feel. You want something refreshing, easy to drink, and not too heavy. Wines that you can enjoy outside, with food, with friends, or just because it’s Tuesday (we all have weeks like that).
That usually means lighter body, a little more brightness, and something you don’t have to overthink. At Grovedale Winery, we see guests surprised all the time by what actually ends up being their go-to summer wine.
It is less about rules and more about what you reach for again and again.
How To Choose the Best Summer Wine
If you’re not sure what your “best summer wine” is, keep it simple.
Like sweet? Start there.
Prefer crisp and refreshing? Go with a lighter white or rosé.
Love red wine? Try a lighter style and chill it slightly.
There is no perfect answer. Just better guesses based on what you already enjoy.
Summer Wine “Rules” You Can Ignore
Let’s make this easy.
You do not have to drink white wine just because it’s hot.
You do not need to know wine terminology.
You do not need to pair things perfectly.
You are allowed to like what you like.
Shop the Best Summer Wines Online
The best way to find the best summer wine is to try a few and see what you like.
At Grovedale Winery, we offer a variety of wines that make it easy to build your summer lineup, whether you lean toward white, rosé, red, or somewhere in between. Order online and stock your fridge before the next heatwave hits.
Grovedale Winery is located in Wyaslusing, PA. We are a family owned business that prides ourselves in offering guests a unique wine tasting experience in the beautiful Endless Mountains. Our wines are produced in small lots, ensuring exceptional quality and flavor. We are best known for our Sh!tshow wines, but offer varietals for every taste. Visit the best PA winery in person or shop online today!