‘Tis the season for al fresco dinners, shorter hemlines, no-makeup makeup, and the best rosé wines. Over the past few years, rosé has risen to become the unofficial BFF for celebrating the longer days and nights, and I think it’s safe to say that rosé wines have officially earned their “summer water” badge of honor—and with good reason.
The popularity of rosé comes from its light, refreshing qualities, plus the fact that it pairs well with just about any summer meal. As long as you steer away from a few of the big brand names, the best rosé wines can be found at an attractive price point that you can pick up at just about any large grocery or liquor store.
So, we’re kicking off the summer season by choosing our favorite bottles that you can score for under $35. We compiled this list by polling our editors and a few industry pros to get the lowdown on the ones they’re picking up on repeat. Start scrollin’ and sippin’—these picks don’t disappoint.
Feature image by Michelle Nash.
Discover the Best Rosé Wines for Summer 2022
If you find yourself in the Pacific Northwest, be sure to add COR Cellars to your bucket list. The tasting room is beautifully modern (in all the best ways) and sits up the hill from the Columbia River. Needless to say, the views are stunning—but their wines? Even better. Dry, but with a refreshing finish, this bold pick is a show-stopper without trying to be too much. Crisp and clean, it basically begs to be your go-to bottle of the summer.
Landmass Wines 2021 Crystal Visions Sparkling Rosé of Pinot Noir
As with books, we’re encouraged never to judge a bottle of wine by its label. In this case though, I encourage you to rebel against the old adage. I love a rosé of pinot noir, because I find the flavor to be a bit tarter and with a fuller body than other options. But this sipper maintains the light and playful effervescence you often come to expect when opening any pale pink bottle.
Landmass Wines 2021 Crystal Visions Sparkling Rosé of Pinot Noir, $26
There’s a reason I alluded to this bottle above. With notes of lime zest, grapefruit, strawberry, and watermelon, this pick epitomizes summer—meriting the name, of course. While a flavor profile like that makes me feel confident sipping it alongside any and all meals (I’m prioritizing this take on the classic Caprese) or even enjoying a glass on its own, the creators of the ubiquitous bottle recommend a plate of crispy fries. Don’t mind if I do.
We can’t let the summer pass us by without trying Cameron Diaz and Katherine Power’s lovely, light, and fresh rosé. It’s an organic wine with notes of melon and a whiff of zest. Avaline features a smooth, floral sip and tastes of tart peaches and berry lemonade. Dry but vibrant, and definitely chic as hell!
Bojo do Luar, Vinho Rosé Luar Rosa
This heavenly organic Portgueuese wine is made from a blend of tinta cão, vinhão, and loureiro. The tinta cão and vinhão grapes are sourced from a small producer practicing organic viticulture in the Vinho Verde region. Spontaneous fermentation occurs in concrete and stainless steel with chestnut flowers and is then combined with loureiro to add zest and even more aromatics. It’s pretty unbelievable that this wine is under $20, and how cute is the label?
Fongoli Montefalco Vino Rosato
If you’ve been wanting to get into organic, biodynamic wines then look no further than this Italian beauty. Free of sulfur and bottled without fining or filtration, this gorgeous rosé is as good as it gets. It’s on the darker side of pink, but it goes down like a refreshing, summery rosé.
We’ve got your next everyday fave coming right up. This fruity and light rosé hails from the South of France and has lovely notes of strawberry and raspberry. On the palate, it’s bright and dry with a hint of apricot on the finish. Perfect for your next beach day, brunch, or light dinner accompaniment.
The Palm Rosé By Whispering Angel 2018
Considered the chic little sister to Whispering Angel, The Palm is a fresh and aromatic wine with subtle fruity notes. The cute, playful label is an added bonus to this delicious wine. It was created by winemaker Sacha Lichine, who was on a quest to create the greatest rosés in the world and is considered by many to have been responsible for the “Rosé Renaissance.” Innovative winemaking techniques revolutionized the styles of rosés being produced from this region and led to the creation of Whispering Angel.
Don’t want to tote around a bottle? No problem. This four-pack of rosé wine has a bright, spritzy palate that’s perfect for your next adventure. The grapes, which were specifically designed for this rosé, were picked early in the season and taken directly to press, (after a few hours of skin contact) the result of which gives it a soft pink hue. It has notes of red berries and citrus, and best of all, it’s recyclable.
This is Brad Pitt’s wine, literally. His vineyard in Provence manufactures it! It’s an elegant, pale pink, fresh wine with notes of fresh fruit, currants, rose, and lemon zest. The minerality and saline notes are perfectly balanced, making it as irresistible as it is affordable. Pair it with a gorgeous charcuterie board and enjoy!
This classic party wine is proof that it doesn’t have to be expensive to taste good. It’s a dry, classic Provençal-style rosé from the south of France. The grenache blend is light, fanciful, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Notes of ripe strawberry, citrus, and stone fruits will make it your go-to for Sunday brunch and picnics. It even comes in cans if you need to sneak it to the beach!
Need another canned option? Babe Rosé is a light, refreshing sparkling delight. Three cans are equal to one whole bottle, making it incredibly convenient to tote around and share with friends.
This dark pink wine is a product of co-fermenting red and white Rhône varieties from a single vineyard. This vintage contains about a third of red and two-thirds white grapes. It goes by the term “California Table Wine,” but it’s a complex and unique wine with an unforgettable flavor. Red grapes give this wine a spicy nose and plenty of texture, while the white grapes add watermelon and rhubarb notes, plus a clean, mineral finish.
This gorgeous rosé wine was foot-stomped and left on the skin for 12 hours. It is what winemakers call a 100% finished wine. That means it was fermented until it went dry using only native yeasts and then went through spontaneous malolactic fermentation. It has a slight spice from the zinfandel, acidity from the Valdiguié, and texture from the Trousseau grapes. It’s a delicious Napa Valley blend!
Hailing from the Getariako Txakolina region of Spain, this lovely rosé is made with 100% Hondarribia Beltza. It’s aromatic, dry, and ever so slightly effervescent. Soft flavors of strawberries, bright acidity, and minerality shine through.
2020 Gerard Bertrand Gris Blanc Rosé
Enjoy this slightly sparkly, pale pink and grey rosé. It’s ultra-fresh and light, making it the perfect beverage for a hot summer afternoon. It’s simply a classic French rosé.
2021 Commanderie de Peyrassol Rose Les Commandeurs Cotes de Provence
This bottle’s pale, rosy appearance is extra dreamy, and it pairs floral notes with a light, crisp, and refreshing flavor. Recommended by the importer as an accessible and tasty introduction to the Peyrassol style, this is a rosé you can sip on all summer and enjoy in any environment, alongside nearly any dish (though we’re partial to grilled fish or a sweet berry dessert).
2021 Commanderie de Peyrassol Rose Les Commandeurs Cotes de Provence, $23.99
This is not your everyday party wine, it’s also a perfect pairing for a light summer meal. This organic zinfandel and petite syrah blend is all about big red fruit and hibiscus. It’s packed with acid and minerality while retaining a super-dry finish. It also has a unique and unexpected texture as a result of destemming the zinfandel and pressing it immediately. The grapes are harvested at two different vineyards in northern California, in the Ukiah Valley and in Redwood Valley.
Kobal Bajta Blaufränkisch Rosé Pet Nat
This natural wine is a total stunner—sustainable, juicy, mouthwatering, and bubbly. It has a moody, romantic, and cloudy appearance but it tastes nice and bright. Strawberries, raspberries, and a touch of yeastiness on the nose give it a creamy, chewy palate with a slightly bitter finish. It’s definitely for those looking to mix up their usual rosé wines with something a little more experimental.
