Savor the Season, One Sip at a Time
Summer is a season that invites us to slow down, soak up the sun, and gather with friends and family—from backyard barbecues to long weekends at the lake. And of course, with warmer days comes a natural craving for refreshing, easygoing wines that fit the season’s laid-back vibe.
At Latah Creek Winery, we believe that wine is meant to complement your life, and that includes choosing bottles that shine when the temperature rises. While full-bodied reds might be your go-to in the colder months, summer calls for something a little lighter, crisper, and cooler.
Let’s explore the wine styles that truly come alive in the heat—and how to enjoy them to their fullest this season.
1. Crisp Whites: Bright, Zesty, and Totally Patio-Ready
Ideal for: Hot afternoons, seafood dinners, and casual sipping
There’s a reason crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and dry Riesling are summer staples—they’re refreshing, mouthwatering, and often lower in alcohol, which makes them perfect for warm-weather sipping.
These wines typically offer high acidity (that zingy, palate-cleansing quality) and flavors like citrus, green apple, or stone fruits. They’re best served well-chilled and pair beautifully with summer fare like grilled vegetables, salads, seafood, and lighter cheeses.
Try this style if you love:
- Wines that feel energizing and refreshing
- Fresh, herbal notes or citrusy flavors
- Lighter-bodied wines that don’t overwhelm food
Pairing suggestion: A chilled glass of Dry Riesling with grilled shrimp or lemony pasta is a summer dream.
2. Rosé: The Ultimate Summer All-Rounder
Ideal for: Picnics, patio dinners, and happy hour
No summer wine list is complete without rosé. With its pale pink hue and flavors that range from strawberry and watermelon to citrus and herbs, rosé offers the best of both worlds: the structure of a red wine with the crispness of a white.
Rosé is incredibly food-friendly and crowd-pleasing, which makes it a no-brainer for picnics, potlucks, or just sipping while the sun sets. Dry rosés are the most versatile, but even off-dry styles can be wonderfully refreshing when served cold.
Try this style if you love:
- Wines with fruity aromatics but a clean finish
- Easy-to-pair wines for grilled or picnic foods
- Something light, but not too light
Pairing suggestion: Enjoy a chilled bottle of Rosé with a fresh caprese salad or grilled chicken skewers.
3. Light-Bodied Reds (Yes, Served Slightly Chilled!)
Ideal for: Summer dinners, grilled meats, and a cool twist on red wine
Red wine lovers, don’t despair—there’s a place for reds in summer too! The key is choosing lighter-bodied, lower-tannin reds that can handle a slight chill. Grapes like Pinot Noir, Grenache, and Gamay (the grape used in Beaujolais) offer bright fruit flavors and a softer texture that feels just right when the weather heats up.
Lightly chilling these reds (think 55–60°F) brings out their fresh fruit character while toning down any heat from the alcohol. It also makes them more refreshing and picnic-friendly than their bolder, more structured counterparts.
Try this style if you love:
- Red wines but want something more summer-appropriate
- Grilled meats, burgers, or veggie kabobs
- Chillable reds with juicy, red fruit notes
Pairing suggestion: Pop Montepulciano in the fridge for about 30 minutes before dinner and serve it with grilled sausages or portobello mushrooms.
4. Off-Dry or Lightly Sweet Wines: Chill, Sip, Repeat
Ideal for: Spicy food, patio sipping, and dessert pairing
Off-dry wines (with just a hint of sweetness) can be perfect for summer. Not only do they complement spicy or salty foods (think Thai takeout or grilled wings), but they also offer a juicy, fruit-forward profile that feels extra refreshing when served cold.
Wines like Gewürztraminer, off-dry Riesling, or Muscat are lovely when you’re in the mood for something a bit more playful. These wines also work beautifully with summer desserts like berry tarts, lemon bars, or even fruit salad.
Try this style if you love:
- Wines with juicy, floral or tropical fruit flavors
- A touch of sweetness without feeling syrupy
- Sipping wine on its own without needing food
Pairing suggestion: Our Huckleberry d’Latah served well-chilled makes a delightful aperitif or salad wine—especially with fresh fruit or just a sunny afternoon.
5. Sparkling Wines: For Celebrations Big and Small
Ideal for: Brunches, bridal showers, beach days, and spontaneous toasts
Sparkling wine might be associated with New Year’s Eve, but we’d argue it’s just as good—if not better—in the summer. The bubbles make it naturally refreshing, and it pairs with almost anything thanks to its bright acidity and effervescence.
Try Prosecco, Cava, sparkling rosé, or our sparkling wine. Whether you’re toasting a milestone or just making a Monday feel special, bubbles are always a good idea.
Try this style if you love:
- Crisp, dry wines with texture and lift
- Celebratory vibes and brunch menus
- Lighter wine options that still feel festive
Find Your Perfect Summer Pour
Summer is all about simplicity, spontaneity, and slowing down—and your wine should reflect that spirit. Whether you’re drawn to crisp whites, juicy rosés, or lightly chilled reds, there’s a perfect wine for every warm-weather moment.
At Latah Creek Winery, we love helping our guests discover wines that not only taste great, but fit their lifestyle, their meals, and their mood. So, next time you’re stocking your summer wine stash, think beyond just “white or red.” Think about refreshment. About flavor. About sunshine in a bottle.
And most importantly—sip what you love, share it with people you enjoy, and savor the season.
Cheers to summer sips and unforgettable moments!
Cheers,
Natalie