In years past, I’ve spent my summer blog posts bemoaning the heat and humidity. This year, I’m shifting my perspective. (Well, I’m trying to… it’s a work in progress.) As summer officially arrives in the Northern Hemisphere, I’m focusing on the things I like about this season: al fresco dining, poolside cocktails, tall glasses of unsweetened iced tea, breezy linen, lakeside cabins, bright manicures, gooey s’mores, worn-in sandals, designer sunglasses, and of course, juicy wines paired with summery foods.
To kick off this summer of loving summer, I traveled to Aruba and embraced the island life for a few days. There, I tried a pairing that inspired this blog post: Mahi Mahi tacos with cold Provençal rosé. Simple, yet utterly satisfying. It’s a pairing so harmonious that I enjoyed it not once but twice for lunch.
This pairing, and the others featured here, will turn any summertime meal into a special occasion. The right wines elevate classic, hot-weather dishes and fuel memories, whether you’re on a patio, island, or fire escape. Plus, all of the wines below are $30 or less.
Enjoy your summer! I’ll try to, too.
Main dishes for hot days
BBQ tempeh or ribs with Shiraz from Clare Valley, Australia
Try: Jim Barry Lodge Hill Shiraz, $23 on wine.com
Wine notes: Blackberry, black plum, baking spices, smoke, black pepper
Classic cheeseburger with Cabernet Franc from Loire, France
Try: Domaine de la Pépière La Pépiè Cabernet Franc, $22 on wine.com
Wine notes: Raspberry, bell pepper, gravel, crushed red pepper flakes.
Sausage and peppers with Etna Rosso from Sicily, Italy
Try: Pietradolce Etna Rosso, $28 on wine.com
Wine notes: Cherries, star anise, cinnamon, dried Italian herbs, ash
Fish tacos with Rosé from Provence, France
Try: Commanderie de la Bargemone Côteaux d'Aix en Provence Rosé, $22 on wine.com
Wine notes: Watermelon, strawberry, blood orange, citrus, fresh blossoms
Summery sides
Broccoli salad with Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre, France
Try: Domaine de la Pauline Sancerre, $30 on wine.com
Wine notes: Grapefruit, grass, lemon, lime, passionfruit, chalk
Caprese pasta salad with Fiano from Campania, Italy
Try: La Capranera Paestum Fiano, $20 on wine.com
Wine notes: Yellow apple, Bosc pear, peach, lemon, almond, florals
Grilled zucchini with Albariño from Rías Baixas, Spain
Try: Bodegas Raúl Pérez Atalier a Cruz das Ánimas, $30 on wine.com
Wine notes: Lemon, grapefruit, melon, white peach, sea salt
Mexican street corn salad with Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch, South Africa
Try: Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc, $19 on wine.com
Wine notes: Yellow apple, nectarine, cantaloupe, orange, wax, ginger
Grilled stone fruits with semi-dry Riesling from the Finger Lakes, New York
Try: Hermann J. Wiemer Semi-Dry Riesling, $23 on wine.com
Wine notes: Pineapple, peach, apricot, lime, slate, citrus blossom
