Wine Box Experience - Dustin Mangas

Hot Summer Sippers That Keep It Cool

When the heat rises and the sun lingers late, wine lovers don’t have to pack away their corkscrews. Drinking wine during the summer is not only possible—it’s a seasonal joy. The key is reaching for wines that bring refreshment, lift, and vibrancy to the glass. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a barbecue, or enjoying a lazy picnic, the right wine can elevate the moment without weighing you down. The trick? Think chillable, crushable, and food friendly.

On the white wine front, summer is a playground for crisp, aromatic varietals. Sauvignon Blanc, with its zesty citrus and herbaceous snap, is a perennial favorite—especially from Marlborough or Sancerre. Albariño from Spain and Vermentino from Italy bring ocean-kissed freshness perfect for seafood, while Grüner Veltliner offers a peppery twist for veggie pairings. Looking to endeavor of an escapade? You can reach for obscure wines like Picpoul de Pinet from the Languedoc in France’s sunny south or Assyrtiko from Santorini in the Greek Cyclades. These wines pair historic charm and coastal beauty with affordable, world-class quality. Like the perfect seaside vacay. 

For red wine drinkers, summer doesn’t mean giving up depth—it means choosing wisely. Go for light to medium-bodied reds with high acidity and low tannins: think Gamay (Beaujolais), Pinot Noir, or even a slightly chilled Spanish Garnacha. For the wanderer within consider far-off features like a Frappato from Sicily or get lost in the “sound of music” in the slopes of Austrian valleys with either a Zweigelt or a Braufränkisch. All these reds are versatile, vibrant, and remarkably grill friendly.

Alright, schools out and it’s time to jump into the summer grooves. What better way than with a glass of your first wine this month, the Clos Apalta Red Blend. It’s a summer red that doesn’t need an abanico—juicy and just bold enough to keep things interesting. Packed with ripe dark currants and blackberries, kissed with a touch of spice, and finished off with a splash of freshness. The way to let the grape juice loose this summer while doing something to break the monotony of the hardcore temps is to put a “chill on it”. You want to put these wines in the fridge or on ice for at least 20 minutes before serving and keep them cool throughout. A light chill turns this Chilean beauty into your go-to summer sipper—proof that red wine can bring the heat and beat it. This process converts it into the kind of wine that plays nice with grilled fare, patio playlists, and anything served under string lights.

To keep us in a place where the livin’s easy, we’ll dive into your second wine, the Argiolas Turriga Isola dei Nuraghi which is well qualified to represent the GSC (GrapeFind Summer Collection). This is Sardinia’s answer to the eternal summer wine question: What do I drink when I want red, but it’s hot enough to make a frittata on the sidewalk? This vibrant blend of Cannonau, Carignano, Bovale Sardo, Malvasia Nera brings juicy plum, blackcurrants, and a whisper of herbs and spices, all wrapped in a silky, food-loving frame. It’s smooth on its feet but full of flavor—think of it as the red that shows up to the cookout in sunglasses and a linen shirt. Also serve it with a chill, pair it with grilled anything, and watch it steal the show without breaking a sweat.

So, can you drink wine in summer? Absolutely—and you should. From chilled reds to zippy whites, summer wine is all about refreshment with personality. Keep the big bombs in the bunkers, stock the fridge with wines that pop with life, and remember there’s no such thing as the wrong wine—just the wrong temperature. Cheers to sunshine, sweat-proof sips, and bottles that keep us cool! Ching-ching!