Summer wines

The perfect summer wine stands up to the heat and goes down well at a barbecue. Anything cloying, heavy or too ‘warming’ won’t feel right, but citrus, fruitiness and crisp acidity will go down great on a hot day.

Quick guide to buying Summer wine

Look for:

Can be chilled	Lighter-body	Crisp and refreshing	Citrus or berry notes

Which you'll find commonly in:

Sauvignon Blanc , Riesling , Rose , Pinot Noir

What wine is best for a Kiwi summer?

During summer, look for chilled, lighter-bodied, crisp and refreshing wines. Citrus pairs well with heat and humidity, as do wines with summer berry notes like raspberry and cherry.

White wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling are great go-to options, and tend to be quite light. Pinot Noir can also be served chilled. Additionally, Rose is very popular in summer, acting as a middle ground between rich reds and crisp whites.

Overall, think cool, fresh and fruity.

Summer whites

Sauvignon Blanc is a safe choice for its citrus punch, but you’ll also find plenty to love in a zesty Chardonnay or a crispy Riesling.

A good summer white wine should be served chilled, won’t feel heavy on the palette, and is full of fresh, fruity flavours. It can be paired easily with light summer favourites - seafood, chicken, cheese platters or light salads.

Our pick of the best summer whites

Summer rose

Rose is a great aperitif (a drink consumed before a meal), and an easy-going sharing wine for parties. Moscato Rose in particular is a delightful dessert wine if you want something sweeter.

A great summer Rose bridges the gap between red and white - adding colour to the glass without sacrificing that cool, refreshing feel. Look for bottles packed with red berries and zest, to pair with salmon, veggies, charcuterie boards and fruit platters.

Learn more: How to pair wine

Our pick of the best summer rose:

Summer reds

Mostly you’ll want Pinot Noir. This wine is full of big red-fruit notes and can be served below room temperature during summer. Malbec is also a great (but less common) choice.

Red wine is commonly thought of as a winter warmer, but chilling certain reds to below room temperature brings out their luxurious fruit flavours and velvety tannin textures (without feeling too heavy).

A summer red also stands up to steak and sausages at the barbie, which could be too rich for whites.

Our pick of the best summer reds

Barbecue wines

Rose is a popular choice for barbies - it can be paired with both red meats and light salads, and it’s a safe option for wine beginners. If not Rose, pick a super-refreshing chardonnay or riesling, or a sparkling Prosecco if you’re celebrating.

Barbecue wines are meant to be shared, so you’ll want something that most people can enjoy - nothing too complex or dry. Given the range and richness of food also present at a barbie, buying more than one bottle might be wise.

Learn more: Best wines for a barbecueOur pick of the best barbecue wines

• Les Jamelles Clair de Rosé
• The Crater Rim Waipara Riesling
• Ruffino Prosecco NV
• O:TU Pinot Gris
• Oyster Bay Pinot Noir

Find wine ideas for every season

Spring Wines Temperamental spring starts crisp and ends up warm, so your wine will do the opposite. Start bold and move towards crisp as the sun heats up.

Summer Wines Summer is all about heat and humidity. Crisp, refreshing wines go down best, with lighter bodies and big fruity notes.

Autumn Wines You’ll get weather from all seasons in autumn. Crisp summer wines will still work great, but you’ll move towards winter warmers as it gets colder.

Winter Wines Look for warmth and comfort in winter. Fuller-bodied wines and higher alcohol volume will feel warming as you drink, especially with toasty or spicy flavours.