Seasonal Wine Pairings: Light Summer Whites to Bold Winter Reds

Wine is agricultural, and agriculture follows seasons. The wines we crave shift throughout the year, reflecting temperature, mood, and what is on the table. Here is how to drink with the calendar.

Spring: Awakening

After heavy winter wines, spring calls for freshness and renewal:

Whites: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadet, and Vinho Verde. Light, green, and alive—like the season itself.

Rosés: The first rosés of the new vintage arrive, perfect for increasingly warm days.

Reds: Lighter styles emerge—Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, Valpolicella. Nothing heavy.

Pairs with: Spring vegetables (asparagus, peas, artichokes), light lamb, fresh salads, first grilled meals of the year.

Summer: Refreshment

Heat demands wines that cool and refresh:

Whites: Albariño, Grüner Veltliner, and unoaked Chardonnay. Cold and crisp.

Rosés: Peak rosé season. Provence-style pale pinks dominate.

Reds: Only light, chillable reds survive summer—Beaujolais, Lambrusco, and Gamay. Keep them cold.

Sparklings: Prosecco, Cava, and Champagne find their moment. Nothing beats bubbles in heat.

Pairs with: Grilled everything, seafood, salads, picnic food, anything eaten outdoors.

Fall: Transition

Cooling temperatures invite richer wines back:

Whites: Richer styles return—Chardonnay, white Rhône, aged Riesling.

Reds: Medium-bodied wines shine—Pinot Noir, Côtes du Rhône, Barbera. Not yet time for blockbusters.

Orange wines: Fall’s amber light matches orange wine’s hue and earthy character perfectly.

Pairs with: Mushrooms, game birds, root vegetables, harvest feasts, Thanksgiving.

Winter: Warmth

Cold weather demands wines with weight and comfort:

Whites: Full-bodied options only—oaked Chardonnay, white Burgundy, Viognier.

Reds: The big guns emerge—Cabernet Sauvignon, Barolo, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Brunello. Winter is for serious reds.

Fortified wines: Port, sherry, and Madeira belong to winter evenings.

Pairs with: Braises, stews, roasts, rich sauces, holiday meals, anything that warms from the inside.

The Year-Round Exceptions

Some wines transcend seasons:

• Champagne: Always appropriate, any temperature
• Pinot Noir: Versatile enough for any season
• Riesling: Dry versions work year-round

Following the Mood

Seasonal wine is not just about temperature—it is about psychology. Bright spring wines match our emerging energy. Lazy summer wines match our relaxed mood. Rich winter wines match our need for comfort.

Drink with the season, and wine feels right.