By Lori Budd of Exploring the Wine Glass
It’s that time of year. The temperatures are climbing and wine lovers begin to instinctively reach for crisp whites and refreshing rosés—and with good reason. These styles of wines shine in the heat. Their bright acidity and vibrant fruit flavors pair perfectly with sunshine and summer shenanigans. But warm-weather wine sipping calls for a little strategy: You just can’t grab a bottle, open and pour. How you serve your wine matters just as much as what you’re sipping and don’t dismiss red wines—they can absolutely be summer-appropriate when served at the right temperature and style. In fact, whether it’s white, rosé, or red, temperature plays a major role in how your wine’s aromas, flavors and all around enjoyment.
See wineries open daily, late and with live music this summer in Paso’s Downtown Wine District.
Why Temperature Matters More Than You Think
Temperature has a formidable impact on a wine’s overall expression. It influences the wine’s aromas, flavors, and overall balance. When wine is served too warm, alcohol becomes more pronounced, muting delicate aromatics and making the wine feel heavier; essentially hiding much of the wine’s characteristics. If the wine is served too cold, the aromas are also suppressed but additionally the acidity can seem overly sharp, the sensation of tannins are increased and the texture flat. Serving within the sweet spot enhances everything you love about a wine—its bouquet, mouthfeel, and finish. For best results, aim to serve white wines between 45–55°F, rosés around 50–55°F, and reds slightly cooler than typical room temperature at 55–65°F. A good rule of thumb is to pop your red wine in the fridge about 15 minutes before serving, and take your white or rosé out of the fridge 15 minutes before pouring.
Whites and Rosés: The Summer Go-To Wines
Refreshing white wines like Chenin Blanc, Picpoul, and Albariño can become your new best friends in warmer weather. Their innate zippiness, fruit-forwardness, and bright acidity makes each sip feel like a cool breeze. Rosés, with their delicate red fruit notes and crisp finish, also find their spotlight as a summer staple. Thanks to their lighter body and vibrant fruit flavors, these wines are naturally thirst-quenching. To keep them perfectly chilled, use an ice bucket with water and ice. If you need to chill the wine faster, add a little salt to the ice bucket, but be sure to avoid over-chilling, which can mute the aromas and flavors. For a fun and functional touch, toss in a few frozen grapes to keep your glass cool without watering the wine down.
Don’t Forget the Reds!
Don’t let summer heat scare you away from red wine! Light-bodied or lower-tannin styles like Cabernet Franc, Gamay, or Pinot Noir can be incredibly refreshing and can be served slightly chilled. These reds offer bright fruit, soft structure, and a smooth finish that complements everything from vegetarian fare to hamburgers right off the grill. The key is avoiding the dreaded “room temperature” pour, which in summer usually means too warm. To avoid this, remember the tip of popping your bottle in the fridge for fifteen minutes before serving to bring it down to a refreshing 55–60°F. Your taste buds will thank you!
Bonus Tips for Smart Summer Sipping
Savoring wine in the summer sun is easy as long as you follow a few smart tips. First, protect your wine from direct sunlight, which can quickly warm it up and dull its flavors. Use thinner glassware to help preserve the wine’s chill, and don’t forget to stay hydrated—especially if you’re sipping outdoors. A rule of thumb (whenever drinking) is one glass of wine to one glass of water. When it comes to food, let your imagination soar. There are so many summer dishes to choose from. Whether you are planning a picnic on the beach, a BBQ in your backyard or a cozy get togetherin the woods, there is a wine to enhance the experience. A little planning goes a long way toward making every summer sip count.
Summer Wines in Paso Robles
Whether your perfect summer dream involves a crisp white alongside a pool, a chilled red in your backyard or a bright rosé while watching the sunset, there is a wide spectrum of wine available to ensure your dream comes true. Don’t be afraid to mix it up and try something new; every bottle has its moment to shine. And as you sip your way through the season, we’d love to see what’s in your glass!
See wineries open daily, late and with live music this summer in Paso’s Downtown Wine District.
About Lori Budd
With a passion for wine that bubbles like the finest Champagne, Lori Budd is a wine educator who loves bringing the joys of vino to others. A certified Spanish Wine Scholar and WSET Level 2 Award holder, Lori has mastered the nuances of wines from Albariño through Zinfandel. As a champagne specialist, she can sabrage a bottle open with flair while explaining what makes the region unique. Lori founded Cabernet Franc Day to spotlight this oft-overlooked Bordeaux variety. Based in Paso Robles wine country, she is dedicated to promoting the extraordinary region. When Lori pours, good times are sure to flow; she promises to never tell you what to drink, but she’ll always share what’s in her glass. Follow along her journey through her award winning blog and nationally ranked podcast; Exploring the Wine Glass.
