The days are long, the sun is scorching, and sometimes, deciding what to cook feels like a Herculean task. There's that bottle of wine you've been drinking! So, what summer dish goes best with the wine you have on hand? We've got some delightful food and wine pairings to elevate your summer dining experience.

Whether at a backyard BBQ, a lazy picnic in the park, or a fancy al fresco dinner party, the right wine can make all the difference. From crisp whites to refreshing reds and vibrant rosés, there's a bottle for every summer occasion. So, let's dive into some pairing tips that will have you looking like a wine connoisseur at your next get-together, even if you can't tell a Pinot Noir from a Merlot!

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Bottle in the Summer

The ultimate summer wine experience is subjective. However, a few rules exist for picking the perfect wine to maximize your sipping experience.

• Keep it Chill: White wines should ideally be served between 10-12°C (50-54°F), while red wines are best at 18-20°C (64-68°F). As a general rule, pop your wine in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
• Choose Moderate Tannins and Body: Tannins are the compounds that give the wine a dry, puckering sensation and contribute to its mouthfeel. While full-bodied wines have their place, lighter reds and whites are often more refreshing in the summer heat. With their heavier body and complex flavours, Oak-aged wines might be better saved for cooler months.The familiar flavours associated with fuller-bodied wines are anything oak-aged, so if you have an oak-aged vintage on hand, it might be better to put it away for a few more months!
• Always Consider the Food: The general rule of thumb is that the lighter the fare, the lighter the wine, and vice versa. Think about the type of sauce and flavour profile, too! Full-bodied wines pair well with hearty dishes like ribs, steaks, and kebabs, while lighter wines are perfect for dishes like gazpacho, summer charcuterie boards, and garden salads.

Now that you have some basic tips let's dive into specific wines and their perfect summer pairings.

Your Guide to Summer White Wines

Albarino

This Spanish wine's high quality, refreshing citrus flavour and notes of brine make it the perfect partner for seafood. Its light body and low sweetness make it ideal for grilled fish.

Pair with: Grilled fish, seared scallops, and fresh oysters.

Pinot Grigio

Depending on the region, Pinot Grigio can be pretty versatile. It pairs well with white meat and grilled dishes.

Pair with: Grilled chicken and vegetables, garlic grilled shrimp.

Sauvignon Blanc

This wine is a perfect complement with its creamy, spicy, acidic profile and soft finish. Pay attention to individual bottles' notes to create an even more delicious pairing.

Pair with Sushi, roasted vegetables, and Thai curry dishes.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay can be challenging to pair due to its subtle flavour notes. The buttery texture pairs best with rich and mild flavours.

Pair with: Roasted chicken, pork, or light appetizers like a cheese board.

Your Guide to Summer Red Wines

Pinot Noir

With its light body and fruit-forward profile, Pinot Noir is a crisp addition to any dinner and one of the most versatile red wines.

Pair with: Classic bruschetta, pork chops, red sauce pasta

Lambrusco

Lambrusco is quite versatile. Many gravitate towards the sweet and refreshing Lambrusco di Sorbara. For dinner, opt for Lambrusco Secco, which is dry, acidic, and fruity.

Pair with: Grilled sauerkraut, pork sandwiches, duck.

Frappato

A chilled Sicilian wine, Frappato is perfect for any patio setting. With rich mineral flavours, this summer wine is refreshing without heavy tannins. Just remember to chill it before serving!

Pair with: Grilled chicken, fish, fresh tomato, and light cheeses.

Your Guide to Summer Rosé Wines

Grenache

Grenache rosé is perfect for unbearably hot summer days. It wonderfully blends tannins and acidity, leaving you with a refreshing aftertaste. It’s more profound on the rosé scale and full of berry and cherry flavours.

Pair with Shrimp salads and vegetarian flatbreads.

Sangiovese

This rosé bursts with notes of peach, melon, and floral undertones. It’s bold and complex enough to handle a variety of foods.

Pair with Teriyaki chicken, caprese salad, or Thai curry dishes.

Now that you've armed yourself with these fantastic wine-pairing tips for summer, it's time to put them to use! Whether you're hosting a barbecue, enjoying a picnic, or simply relaxing on the patio, there's a perfect wine waiting to complement your summer dishes. We'd love to hear about your favourite summer wine pairings—share them with us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.

Let's toast to a season filled with delicious food, great company, and memorable wine moments. Cheers!