We’re only halfway through, but let’s be honest—Summer 2025 is bringing all the feels. From sun-drenched afternoons to starry night hangs, this season is shaping up to be one for the memory books (and the camera roll).

Whether you’re lounging poolside, grilling with friends, or simply soaking up that sweet, sweet vitamin D, there’s still plenty of summer magic to squeeze out of the season. And what’s a great summer moment without the perfect glass of wine in hand?

So grab your sunglasses, cue the playlist, and get ready to savor the rest of summer. We’ve rounded up six of our favorite warm-weather activities, and all the just-right wines to sip alongside the fun. Cheers to keeping the good vibes flowing well into fall!

Summer Wine Guide 2025

Best Wine For a Picnic: Sparkling Wine

Whether you’re casually grazing on a snacky spread of cheese and charcuterie or going all-out with a fancy picnic feast, one thing’s for sure: nothing pairs with sunny afternoon picnics quite like a bottle of refreshing bubbly. Regardless if you’re reaching for a brut style, bubbly rosé, or cuvée blend, you can expect each bottle to bring the festive and food-friendly vibes—adding a little sparkle to every bite.

Wines to try:

1. J Vineyards Brut Rosé (Sonoma County)

   Red berries, rose petals, and a touch of creamy crème fraîche enhance this lively, crowd-pleasing bubbly.

2. MUMM Blanc de Noirs (Napa Valley)

   Made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, this sparkling wine delights with peach, raspberry, and toasty biscuit notes.

3. Argyle Knudsen Vineyard Blanc de Blancs (Willamette Valley, OR)

   This classic 100% Chardonnay from Oregon’s Dundee Hills shines with ripe pear, floral notes, and a welcome crispness on the finish.

Best Wine for the Beach or Boat: Sauvignon Blanc

Sun, salt, and a breeze in your hair—should you be lounging on the sand or cruising on the water, Sauvignon Blanc is your go-to sip for seaside (or lakeside) vibes. Crisp, citrusy, and wildly refreshing, it’s like a splash of cool air in a glass, pairing effortlessly with everything from seafood ceviche to beach snacks and sunshine.

Wines to try:

1. Silverado Vineyards Miller Ranch Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)

   Bright, minerally, and laced with tropical fruit flavors to cool you off in the sun.

2. Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc (North Coast)

   Tart lemon and juicy tropical fruits brighten this always-appealing Sauvignon Blanc.

3. Storm Santa Ynez Valley Sauvignon Blanc (Santa Barbara County)

   This vibrant wine bursts with lemon, gooseberry, and refreshing grapefruit flavors with every sip.

Best Wine For a Bonfire: Cabernet Sauvignon

When the sun dips low and the stars come out to play, there’s no better way to wind down than gathering around a crackling bonfire with friends, cozy blankets, and a glass of something bold in hand. Get to know your go-to bonfire pour: a rich, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. With deep, brooding flavors that match the mood, it’s the perfect wine to wind down with after a full day of summertime fun.

Wines to try:

1. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

   Lush and elegant, this full-bodied wine delivers rich fruit and plush tannins.

2. Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County)

   Rich and layered with enticing notes of leather, plum, pepper, and black cherry.

3. Sequoia Grove Oak Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

   Offering black fruits, vanilla, spice, and dark chocolate, this weighty wine is textural and impressive.

Best Wine for a BBQ: Syrah

Whether you’re flipping juicy steaks, charring corn to golden perfection, or turning out veggie skewers like a backyard grill master, you’ll want a wine that can hold its own against all that smoky, flame-kissed flavor. Enter your BBQ MVP: a bold, peppery and slightly smoky red wine like Syrah.

Wines to try:

1. PEJU Building the Tower Syrah (North Coast)

   This intriguing Syrah features dark fruit and herbal notes, with peppery layers that linger on the tongue.

2. Hess Persson Estates Russian River Syrah (Sonoma County)

   Dark fruit, lush tannins, and a bright finish characterize this lively Syrah.

3. Jaffurs Thompson Vineyard Syrah (Santa Barbara County)

   Red fruit, tobacco, and savory herbs delight in this elegant single-vineyard Syrah.

Best Wine For Lounging By The Pool: Rosé

“Refreshing” is the name of the game when it comes to poolside wines—and when the sun’s blazing and the floaties are out, rosé is always the answer. Crisp, cool, and effortlessly enjoyable, it’s basically summer’s official uniform in a glass.

Wines to try:

1. Banshee Rosé (Sonoma County)

   Highlighting several red varietals, this easy-drinking rosé shines with tutti-frutti bubblegum and watermelon notes.

2. Domaine Ott Cotes de Provence Rosé (Provence, France)

   Bright, mineral-driven, and elegant, it charms with its subtle blend of citrus, floral, and peach flavors.

3. Halter Ranch Estate Rosé (Paso Robles, CA)

   Wild strawberry, honeydew, and juicy raspberries dominate this easy-going, Grenache-based rosé.

Best Wine for Hiking: Canned Wine

When the trail calls, leave the glassware behind and pack a few trusty cans instead. Canned wines are the ultimate hiking companion—lightweight, portable, and totally picnic-blanket optional. Whether you’re summiting peaks or just strolling to your favorite lookout spot, there’s something undeniably satisfying about cracking open a cold can with a view.

Wines to try:

1. Just Enough Chardonnay (Central Coast, CA)

   This cool-climate Chardonnay offers enticing notes of melon and citrus with a hint of toasty brioche from oak aging.

2. Lubanzi Canned Chenin (South Africa)

   Fun and clean, this 100% Chenin Blanc is loaded with ripe summer melon, peach, and lemon characters.

3. Maker Albariño (Santa Barbara County)

   Tropical and citrus fruits bring the summer energy to this natural white wine in a can.