As temperatures rise, summer officially arrives and that means it’s time for refreshing summer wines. On a hot day, few things feel better than a crisp, chilled glass in hand. While full-bodied reds have their place, they often feel heavy in warm weather. Instead, summer calls for wines designed to be served cool. So, let’s explore the perfect styles that help you stay refreshed all season long.
Rosé
Rosé sets the perfect tone for any summer gathering. Winemakers produce it from red grapes, but they press and ferment the juice without extended skin contact. As a result, rosé delivers delicate flavor and a beautiful pink hue.
For best results, chill rosé between 46 and 57 degrees. This temperature highlights its light, refreshing character. Rosé also bridges the gap between white and red wines. If you enjoy red wine but want something lighter, rosé offers the ideal compromise.
We offer several rosé options ranging from dry to sweet, including a sparkling rosé. If you prefer sweeter styles, try Catawba, Desire, or Social Butterfly. If you lean dry, we recommend BFF rosé or our Ciao Bolle sparkling rosé.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio remains a go-to white wine for warm summer evenings. Its versatility and refreshing profile make it a crowd favorite. Like rosé, Pinot Grigio shines when served chilled. It works especially well for patio sipping or al fresco dining.
Although it’s less sweet than Riesling, Pinot Grigio still delivers crisp, refreshing flavor. Fruity notes and subtle nuance make it easy to pair with summer meals or enjoy on its own.
We offer two Pinot Grigio options at different price points. Reserve Pinot Grigio features aromas of honeydew and Anjou pear. Braganini Reserve Estate Pinot Grigio offers flavors of apple, honeysuckle, pear, and melon. Both are dry, refreshing, and perfect for summer sipping.
White Blends
White blends do far more than fill a table they help beat the heat. These bright, citrus-forward wines often combine grapes like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. Together, they create wines that feel light yet complex.
With lively acidity and a clean finish, white blends work beautifully on the patio, at picnics, or alongside seafood. Whether you host a backyard barbecue or enjoy a quiet afternoon, white blends fit every summer moment.
We offer white blends across the sweetness spectrum. Popular sweet options include Michigander, Envy, and On the Town. For semi-sweet styles, try Blue Heron, a blend of Vidal Blanc, Seyval, and Riesling that showcases Michigan’s cool-climate character. If you prefer semi-dry, Simply White is an excellent choices. For dry wine lovers, we recommend Coastline and Braganini Reserve Mountain Road White Blend.
Pinot Noir
Although summer often favors lighter wines, one red stands out in warm weather: Pinot Noir. Many people don’t realize that Pinot Noir tastes great slightly chilled. In fact, serving it just below room temperature enhances its freshness.
On a hot day, chilled Pinot Noir feels surprisingly refreshing. Its light body and fruit-forward profile pair well with smoked meats, grilled red meats, chicken, and seafood. Best of all, it delivers red wine flavor without feeling heavy.
If you want to try this style, we suggest Braganini Reserve Pinot Noir. This dry red features medium tannins with notes of raspberry, cherry, and plum, plus hints of cinnamon and white truffle.
Finding Your Summer Wine
Summer is about enjoying the outdoors, relaxing, and spending time with people you love. When it comes to wine, the most important choice is the one that feels right to you.
For us, nothing beats sipping a chilled wine on a hot day. However, there’s no single “right” way to enjoy wine. If you prefer a room-temperature pour while soaking up the sun, that works too. The key is choosing a wine that enhances your summer moments.
Wine exists to be enjoyed. Take your time, explore different styles, and discover what fits your summer adventures best. Stop by one of our tasting rooms, where our wine consultants can help you refine your preferences. They can even help you select a bottle or two to take home and continue your wine journey.
