The weather has been heating up and that means one thing – summer is finally here and it’s time for some refreshing summer wines! On a sweltering summer day, there's nothing quite like a crisp, chilled wine to quench your thirst. While full-bodied reds are certainly enjoyable, they're not the best choice for hot summer days. Instead, opt for wines that are designed to be served chilled, and get ready to stay cool and refreshed all season long!

Rosé

Rosé wine is the perfect choice to set the tone for your summer soiree. Made from red grapes, but with a twist - they're pressed and fermented off the skin, just like white wine. This unique process yields a wine that's both delicate and delightful, with a subtle pink hue that's sure to impress.

Chill it to perfection between 46-57 degrees and you'll be ready to beat the heat. With its light, refreshing character, rosé is the perfect bridge between white and red wines. If you're a fan of red wine but crave something lighter, rosé is the perfect compromise. It's a wine that's sure to please even the most discerning palates.

For rosé we have several options from dry to sweet for you to explore including a sparkling rosé option! If you prefer your rosé on the sweeter side you may like our Catawba, Desire, Smitten, or Social Butterfly rosés. If you lean more towards dry, we would recommend you trying our BFF rosé or our Ciao Bolle sparkling rosé.

Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio is the perfect white wine to sip on during those warm summer evenings. Its versatility and refreshing taste make it a crowd-pleaser, whether you're a wine connoisseur or just looking to unwind. Like Rosé, Pinot Grigio is best served chilled, making it the perfect companion for al fresco dining or a relaxing evening on the patio.

While it's not as sweet as a Riesling, it still offers a crisp, refreshing flavor that's perfect for hot summer days. With its fruity notes and subtle nuances, Pinot Grigio is an excellent choice to pair with any summer meal or simply enjoy on its own.

We have two Pinot Grigio options for you to try with two price points for those that may be budget conscious – our Reserve Pinot Grigio and Braganini Estate Pinot Grigio. The Reserve features aromas honeydew and Anjou pear while our Bragnini Reserve Estate has flavors of apple, honeysuckle, pear, and melon. Both are deliciously dry white wines that you will be sure to enjoy!

White Blends

White blends are more than just table wine. They are a great way to beat the heat! These crisp and citrusy concoctions are the perfect antidote to a sweltering day, and are often made with a blend of grapes such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. The result is a wine that's both light and complex, with flavors that evoke the sweetness of summer fruits like peaches and apricots.

With their bright acidity and refreshing finish, white blend wines are perfect for sipping on a patio, pairing with a seafood feast, or enjoying as a picnic companion. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or simply looking for a wine to sip on your own, a white blend is the perfect choice for summer sipping. Whether you like sweet, semi-sweet, semi-dry, or dry we have a wide range of white blends for you to try! Our most popular sweet white blends are Michigander, Envy, or On the Town. If you want something more semi-sweet, we suggest you try our Blue Heron which is a blend of Vidal Blanc, Seyval, and Riesling – a delicious example of Michigan’s cool climate white wines. We also have some great semi-dry white blend wines such as Coastline or Simply White. Lastly, we also have several dry white blends for you to enjoy! We suggest our Braganini Reserve Mountain Road White Blend – we are sure you will love it!

Pinot Noir

While it's true that hot summer days often call for lighter wines, there's a red wine that's perfectly suited to beat the heat: pinot noir. You may be surprised to learn that pinot noir can be chilled, and in fact, it's best served slightly under room temperature.

On a sweltering summer day, a glass of chilled pinot noir is a refreshing treat. Its light-bodied texture and fruity aromas make it a great match for smoked meats, grilled red meats, chicken, and seafood. And with its crisp, refreshing quality, you won't feel weighed down by the heat. If this sounds up your alley, we suggest our Braganini Reserve Pinot Noir! This dry red has medium tannins and notes of velvety raspberry, cherry, and plum with hints of cinnamon and white truffles.

Summer Wines

Summer is all about embracing the great outdoors, having fun, and spending time with those that you love. And when it comes to wine, the most important thing is to choose a variety that speaks to you.

For us, there's something refreshing about sipping a chilled wine on a sweltering summer day. But we're not here to dictate how you enjoy your wine. If you prefer to sip on a room temperature wine while basking in the sun on your patio, that's perfectly fine too. The key is to find a wine that resonates with you and makes your summer moments even more special.

At the end of the day, wine is meant to be savored and enjoyed. Take your time, explore different options, and find the perfect wine to complement your summer adventures. Stop by one of our tasting rooms and one of our wine consultants can help you as you learn more and start to tailor your wine preferences. They can even help you pick out a bottle or two for you to take home so you can continue to taste the many wines there are to explore!