The best wines for every season

Wine, like fashion, has its seasons. Just as you wouldn’t wear a heavy coat in the summer, you might avoid sipping a bold red on a sweltering summer afternoon. Knowing how to recommend the best wines for each season can elevate your customers’ drinking experience, whether they’re lounging poolside or cozying up by the fire.

As nature comes back to life in spring, so too do our wine choices. Spring is the time for fresh, lively wines that complement the season’s bright flavors: think green vegetables, fresh herbs, and lighter proteins.

Top spring wine picks:

1. Chenin Blanc 
   With its floral aromas and flavors of quince, apple, and honey, Chenin Blanc is perfect for spring. South African and Loire Valley styles each offer unique takes, pairing well with spring salads, goat cheese, or chicken dishes.
   
   
2. Grüner Veltliner 
   This Austrian varietal is fresh and zesty, with notes of green apple, lime, and white pepper. It’s a great match for asparagus, artichokes, and other spring vegetables that can be tricky to pair with wine.
   
   
3. Viognier 
   Viognier’s fragrant floral and stone fruit notes make it a delightful option for spring sipping. It pairs beautifully with seafood, lighter pasta dishes, and vegetable-forward meals.

When the heat rises, refreshing wines with vibrant acidity and bright flavors become essential. The goal is to find wines that are light on the palate, refreshing, and perhaps even chilled to beat the heat.

Top summer wine picks:

1. Sauvignon Blanc 
   Known for its zesty acidity and citrus notes, Sauvignon Blanc is a summer staple. This white wine often carries flavors of lime, green apple, and tropical fruits, making it a perfect match for fresh salads, seafood, and light fare. Try a bottle from New Zealand for its bold, grassy undertones.

    

2. Rosé 
   Once a niche category, rosé has become synonymous with summer. Its versatility lies in its balance – combining the freshness of a white wine with the slight body of a red. Dry rosés from Provence and Languedoc, with notes of strawberry and watermelon, are perfect on warm afternoons and pair well with grilled vegetables, charcuterie, or Mediterranean dishes.

    

3. Prosecco 
   For those who enjoy bubbles, Prosecco is a lighter, fruitier alternative to Champagne that doesn’t sacrifice any of the celebratory vibe. Its flavors of green apple, pear, and honeydew melon are a cool respite from the sun.

As the leaves change and temperatures drop, our palates shift toward wines with more depth and complexity. Fall is a transitional season, so you’re looking for wines that bridge the gap between summer’s lightness and winter’s heaviness – often those with earthy, spicy, or nutty characteristics.

Top fall wine picks:

1. Pinot Noir 
   Elegant and versatile, Pinot Noir is a great autumn wine. Its light-to-medium body and flavors of cherry, mushroom, and spice make it perfect for cooler evenings and pair well with fall dishes like roasted poultry, mushroom risotto, or even Thanksgiving turkey. Burgundy wines are classic, while Oregon Pinot Noir offers a fruit-forward yet balanced expression.

    

2. Chardonnay (unoaked or lightly oaked) 
   As temperatures cool, a richer white wine like Chardonnay starts to feel more appropriate. Look for unoaked or lightly oaked versions, which offer flavors of apple, pear, and a hint of creaminess without the heaviness of full oak-aged styles. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, butternut squash soup, and creamy cheeses.

    

3. Grenache 
   Grenache, often found in Southern Rhône blends, offers bright red fruit flavors like raspberry and strawberry, combined with earthy notes. It's a versatile red wine for the season and pairs nicely with roasted meats, root vegetables, and even spiced fall desserts.

Winter is the time for comfort – both in our meals and our drinks. The chilly weather calls for robust wines with depth and intensity, complementing hearty stews, roasts, and other winter classics.

Top winter wine picks:

1. Cabernet Sauvignon 
   Known for its full body and dark fruit flavors, Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic choice for winter. It has the tannic structure to stand up to rich dishes like steak, lamb, and slow-cooked braised meats. California Cabernets offer bold, fruit-forward notes, while Bordeaux blends often provide more complexity and elegance.

    

2. Syrah/Shiraz 
   Whether you opt for a French Syrah from the Rhône Valley or an Australian Shiraz, you’ll find rich, dark fruit flavors, black pepper spice, and a hint of smokiness, ideal for cold winter nights. These wines pair well with roasted meats, stews, or even a cozy evening by the fire

    

3. Port 
   For dessert or after-dinner enjoyment, a glass of port is great for the winter months. This fortified wine offers rich, sweet flavors of dried fruit, nuts, and chocolate, making it a perfect match for holiday desserts or a simple cheese plate.

    

Recommending the right wines for each season is more than just following the weather. It’s about enhancing the entire experience of dining and drinking. Each season brings its own flavor profile, and knowing how to pair wines ensures your customers will always have the perfect glass in hand.