Summer Wines: Refreshing Picks for Sunny Days

What’s in your glass this summer? Hot weather and summertime vibes call out for something cool, refreshing, and not too heavy – a.k.a. summer wine! 

At Bonterra, we think you shouldn’t have to choose between great taste and staying true to your values. That’s why our summer wine lineup is all farmed at our organic winery, True Zero Waste Certified – and absolutely delicious.

Why Choose Organically Farmed Wines for Summer? 

Organic grapes ripen in ideal conditions, free from synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides like glyphosate (Roundup). Not surprisingly, those grapes capture the purest expression of the vineyards where they are grown – transferring that natural beauty to the wine. Organically farmed wines are also made with fewer additives and sulfites than “conventional” wines, making them a more attractive choice when you’re sweating through the summer heat.

At a time when record-breaking heat waves seem to be happening every month, choosing organic grapes and True Zero Waste Certified products lets you vote with your wallet to protect the world we live in. Join our efforts to make sustainable, regenerative business the new normal!

Bonterra’s Best White Wines for Summer

Bonterra’s fresh, pure winemaking style shines in our white wines. Whether you’re a white wine lover or not (yet), these bottles are fantastic choices for your summer meals and gatherings.

Sauvignon Blanc

This zesty grape is known for its refreshing acidity and bright citrus flavors – which is what everyone’s craving in the summertime! Think of Sauvignon Blanc as the perfect wine version of a margarita: intense, citrusy, and ultra-refreshing. Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc is the pairing for your light summery salads and seafood dishes – but it also makes an incredible partner for hot dogs! The invigorating grapefruit, kumquat and passionfruit aromas brighten and lift everything they come across.  With its slightly rounder texture and even more vibrant notes of pineapple, lime zest and passionfruit, our Estate Sauvignon Blanc pairs seamlessly with more substantial dishes like chicken salad sandwiches, barbecue pulled pork, and hearty salads. Because of their freshness and  intensity, both these wines also make fabulous lower-alcohol wine coolers – just pour them over ice with a splash of sparkling water and a slice of fresh lemon or lime to garnish.

Chardonnay 

For people who prefer whites with a softer acidity and a little more roundness, Bonterra Chardonnay or Bonterra Estate Chardonnay might be the summer wine of choice. Fresh notes of pear, green apple, and citrus are framed by an enticing thread of blooming flowers and spice, with a hint of toast on the finish. Our Estate Chardonnay has greater depth, thanks to the Regenerative Organic Certified grapes we grow to make it, but the slightly fuller texture and mellower acidity make both these the perfect wines for grilled chicken, creamy pasta salads, and shellfish like crab, lobster, and crawfish dunked in butter.

Refreshing Rosé Choices 

For many people, rosé is the official wine of summer – and for good reason! Rosé wine is pink wine that’s made from red grapes using a special process. Red grapes are crushed to release their juice (which is white, even in red grapes), and then left with their skins touching the juice a short time to bring out some of the skins’ color and a tiny bit of their tannin. As a result, rosé offers a completely different flavor profile and structure than white wines. Many people who say they don’t like white wine enjoy rosé, which makes it a crowd-pleaser for guests at any summer gathering.

Bonterra Rosé

Bonterra Rosé  offers up refreshing grapefruit, blood orange, watermelon and cherry notes in a beautiful salmon-colored hue. The unique color and flavor profile make this wine a versatile choice for everything from barbecued meats to picnic snacks – and particularly grilled foods like herb-grilled chicken, grilled watermelon and feta salad, and veggie burgers. Chilled down like a white wine, this rosé can be every bit as refreshing on your next beach day or barbecue.

Light Red Wines for Warmer Weather

While Cabernet Sauvignon probably isn’t your drink of choice in a summer heat wave, other, lighter red wines might be just what you’re craving for in a summer red wine. Try chilling them for 15-20 minutes to boost their freshness factor. A slight chill makes red wine feel lighter and more refreshing, without masking the delicious aromas you know and love.

Pinot Noir

Because of its lighter body, softer tannins, and refreshing natural acidity, Pinot Noir is our top red wine pick when summer turns up the heat. Bonterra Pinot Noir brings the energy with bright red fruit flavors like cherry and pomegranate, and the silky texture won’t weigh you down in the park or the pool. Our award-winning wine’s fresh acidity and sleek texture make it a phenomenally versatile partner for your favorite summer dishes, from grilled salmon and mushroom burgers, to pasta and grain salads, to birria tacos and banh mi sandwiches. Try it with a bit of chill for maximal refreshment. Learn more about the flavor profile with our guide, what is Pinot Noir?

Merlot

When you need a bolder red wine for your summer feasts, reach for Bonterra Merlot. Its velvety texture and medium body feel fine in the heat, and the ripe plum and blackberry aromas keep a fresh edge – especially when you chill the bottle a few minutes first. If you’re grilling up a lot of bold, hearty flavors, a cool glass of Merlot is the way to go. This wine is a rockstar with grilled vegetables, hearty smoke-kissed meats, and lamb kabobs. Read more about what is a merlot wine and learn from our guide!

Enjoying Summer with Bonterra 

Beer and margaritas are not the only summer-ready adult beverages! Organically grown, thoughtfully chosen wines are every bit as refreshing and exciting, and their food pairing prowess can elevate any summer meal to a truly unforgettable feast at your next summer event. 

By supporting Bonterra’s organically grown wines and wide-ranging climate initiatives, you’re making a positive difference in the world – and treating yourself to the pure, natural deliciousness you deserve. Shop our wine online or join our wine club for early access to new releases and exclusive club offers.

Bonterra wine is the perfect summer beverage. Discover three of our top summery picks with our White (and Rosé) Wine Collection, or dive deep into our crowd-pleasing Chardonnays with the Chardonnay Trio! Whichever Bonterra wine you choose this summer, you’re standing up for a healthier, more sustainable planet.