5 Wines to Try This Summer

Whether you’re sipping by the pool, grilling in the backyard, or just soaking up the sunshine with friends, summer is the perfect season to explore new wines! To help you kick off the 2025 Summer Wine Challenge, I’ve rounded up 5 unique and refreshing wines you should try over the next few weeks. These bottles range from bright and zippy whites to chilled reds and even a little bubbly fun. Let’s dive in!

1. Picpoul
Style: Bright & Spritzy
Origin: Southern France
Picpoul (pronounced peek-pool) is your go-to if you’re craving something crisp and refreshing. Once overlooked, this grape is making a comeback thanks to its mouthwatering acidity and citrus-forward profile. Expect green apple, lemon, citrus blossom, and a touch of salinity that makes it a killer match for fried seafood or salty snacks.
✨ Try this: Anything labeled Picpoul de Pinet—most are under $15! I also love the version from Gramercy Cellars.

2. Roussanne
Style: Rich & Bright
Origin: Rhône Valley & Languedoc, France
For white wine with a little more weight and texture, Roussanne is a gem. Think of it as the white wine for red wine lovers. You'll get beautiful notes of lemon, apricot, beeswax, and chamomile. Oaked versions lean more toward brioche and richness, while unoaked styles are brighter and more citrus-driven.
✨ Try this: The Princess & Bear blend or a bottle from Latta Wines.

3. Godello
Style: Uniquely Salty
Origin: Bierzo, Spain
If you're a fan of Sauvignon Blanc, consider Godello your next obsession. Grown in coastal regions of Spain, this grape delivers tart citrus flavors like grapefruit with a subtle, savory salinity that sets it apart. It’s a serious summer thirst-quencher.
✨ Try this: Anything from Bierzo, especially the bottle by Raúl Pérez—it's a game-changer.

4. Pét Nat Rosé
Style: Bubbly & Fun
Origin: Various Regions
Short for pétillant naturel, this lightly sparkling wine is made using the oldest method of capturing bubbles. Pét Nat Rosé is light, fizzy, and often slightly funky in the best way. It’s summer in a glass and ideal for picnics or beach days.
✨ Try this: The Final Girl Rosé Pét Nat. Or look for a pink sparkling wine with a crown cap!

5. Blaufränkisch
Style: Perfect Burger Wine
Origin: Austria (also Germany, Slovenia, Croatia)
Looking for a red wine that won’t weigh you down in the heat? Blaufränkisch (blau-FRANK-ish) is juicy, peppery, and absolutely delicious with a slight chill. It’s the ultimate burger wine—perfect for grilling season and casual hangouts.
✨ Try this: The bottle from Evolucio is a great place to start.

Ready to sip your way through summer? The 2025 Summer Wine Challenge has officially begun! Your mission: Try 6 new wines in 6 weeks. (You can absolutely do more—overachievers welcome!) Each time you try a new wine, fill out the wine tasting form on my website to track your journey and discover what you love. Use the list above to get started or find your own hidden gems.

Let the tasting begin!