The Best Wine for You, Based on Your Summer Vacation Style
We’re just days away from Memorial Day Weekend: the unofficial start of summer! If you’re anything like me, your summer vacation planning is in full gear. From arranging travel to shopping, May is a month of anticipation for me. This year I’m excited for a long weekend at Deep Creek Lake with my family, a weekend in the Poconos with high school friends, and a solo getaway to Aruba. Yes, I LOVE summer vacations! (Honestly, I live for vacations all year.)
Whether you’re still planning, you’ve started packing, or you’re traveling this Memorial Day Weekend, it’s the right time to open a bottle of wine that’s been specially curated to fit your summer vacation style. Below you’ll find 10 vacation styles paired with wine, plus recommendations for under $26 each. Bon voyage!
10 Summer Vacation Styles
Wine region: Local wine
If you’re planning a summer trip to a wine-producing area, pick up a bottle from the region in order to familiarize yourself with the style, grapes, and terroir. Then, once you arrive, immerse yourself in the wines and culture of your destination by only drinking local.
➤ Try Jurtschitsch Terrassen Gruner Veltliner 2022, $20
➤ More to explore in Austria, Bordeaux, Tuscany, and the Finger Lakes
Big city: Bourgogne
In most big cities, you’ll find a wine bar. And in most wine bars, you’ll find a nice glass of Bourgogne Rouge. Yes, even outside of France! A stalwart of wine bars, Bourgogne Rouge is sophisticated, cosmopolitan, and stylish—just like you under big city lights.
➤ Try Frédéric Esmonin Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune Rouge 2021, $26
➤ More to explore in Paris, Philly, and NOLA
Tropical resort: Riesling
If you’re a tropical resort vacationer, you probably love soaking up the sun on the beach or at the pool. For those hot summer days, a cool, crisp wine is key. Enter Riesling. Whether you prefer dry or slightly sweet, Riesling’s refreshing flavors will keep the good vibes going, and its moderate ABV will ensure you make it to dinner.
➤ Try Dr. Konstantin Frank Dry Riesling 2021, $18
➤ More Riesling recommendations
Cruise ship: Muscadet
For a cruise on the open seas, try a wine that is often compared to a sea breeze: Muscadet. From a region close to the Atlantic Ocean, Muscadet tends to have a saline quality, even though there’s no salt in it. It’s also high in acidity and famously pairs beautifully with oysters.
➤ Try Domaine de la Fruitière Muscadet Gneiss de Bel Abord 2021, $20
➤ More French wines for warm weather
Beach town: Rosé
Dear beach bums, it is officially rosé season. Not that I have to tell you: you probably have a glass in your hand! In beach towns across the world, from Southern France to New Jersey, rosé is the fan favorite. This year, up your game to a chic bottle that’s both delicious and photogenic.
➤ Try Studio by Miraval 2021, $19
➤ More summer pairings and rosé recommendations
Road trip: Rhône
If you love a long drive on the open road, I recommend Rhône reds because you need something with a little oomph after hours of driving. Rhône reds are known for body, dimension, and robust flavors of dark fruits, herbs, and spices. Plus, a bottle of wine is the perfect companion for planning the next day’s adventures.
➤ Try Famille Perrin Vinsobres Les Cornuds 2020, $20
National park: Merlot
Are you planning a national park trip this summer? Those nights might get chilly! Wrap yourself in a cozy Merlot blanket while you gaze up at stars. There’s something wondrous and comforting around wide open spaces and nature. Merlot’s plushness is the perfect match.
➤ Try Chateau Clos du Roy 2016, $20
Staycation: Champagne
Staycations are the most underrated of summer vacations! Staycations can be leisurely and luxurious. If you’re unwinding at home or close to it, this is your opportunity to create a personal oasis. Fill your space with candles, treats, and, of course, Champagne. That’s true rest and relaxation!
➤ Try Nicolas Feuillatte Reserve Exclusive Brut (375ML half-bottle), $25
➤ More sparkling wine and Champagne
Theme park: Prosecco
Theme parks are colorful, jovial, and enchanting. Match the vibe with festive, fun, and fruity Prosecco. Like an amusement park, Prosecco doesn’t take itself too seriously—it just wants you to have a good time. Prosecco is also perfect for a little mimosa before you hit the rides.
➤ Try La Gioiosa Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, $25
➤ More on Northern Italian bubbles
Lake house: Cabernet Sauvignon
There’s nothing quite like a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon around a lakeside camp fire. I love everything about it: buzzing bugs, lapping water, crackling flames, and flowing wine under a glowing moon. Best shared with friends and family, Cabernet Sauvignon’s rich flavors and powerful tannins enable conversation and laughter under the stars.
➤ Try Banshee Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, $22
