When summer arrives, the wines people reach for tend to be bright, refreshing, and easy to enjoy. Crisp whites, vibrant rosés, and lighter-bodied reds dominate warm-weather tables – and for good reason. They pair naturally with the fresh, colorful dishes that define the season: seafood, grilled vegetables, summer salads, herb-driven pastas, roast chicken, and anything shared outside with friends.

The general rule when pairing wine with summer food is to match the weight and intensity of the wine to the dish. Delicate salads and fresh seafood call for something with bright acidity and lightness. Richer dishes – grilled salmon, roast chicken, corn risotto – can handle a more textured Chardonnay. For grilled meats or anything with smoky, earthy flavors, a cool-climate Pinot Noir is a natural fit, especially served slightly chilled. Summer pairings don’t need to be complicated. The goal is balance, freshness, and relaxed enjoyment.

At MacRostie Winery & Vineyards, our Sonoma Coast wines are made for exactly this kind of cooking. Here are four pairings to inspire your summer table.

2025 Rosé of Pinot Noir – Salads, Seafood & Picnic Fare

Rosé is the most instinctive answer to “what wine should I drink for summer?” The 2025 MacRostie Rosé of Pinot Noir brings the bright, delicate character of Pinot Noir in a crisp, warm-weather style that works across a wide range of dishes. Its gentle red-fruit character plays well with both sweet and savory flavors, making it one of the most versatile options at the summer table.

Enjoy it with a watermelon and feta salad, a tomato and burrata platter, or a peach and arugula salad with toasted almonds. For seafood, it’s a natural match for shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, grilled prawns, or salmon with a citrus-herb salsa. It’s also the perfect bottle for a picnic board – try it alongside prosciutto, fresh goat cheese, marinated olives, seasonal fruit, and grilled flatbread. Enough character for salty, savory bites; light enough for a warm afternoon.

Try it with: Grilled shrimp skewers, watermelon-feta salad, and a fresh herb vinaigrette.

2025 MacRostie Sauvignon Blanc – Vegetables, Goat Cheese & Herbs

If your summer menu leans toward fresh herbs, bright citrus, or green vegetables, reach for the 2025 MacRostie Sauvignon Blanc from Russian River Valley. Crisp, aromatic, and naturally refreshing, this is the wine for dishes that can be tricky to pair – asparagus, artichokes, snap peas, zucchini, and leafy salads all come alive alongside it.

Sauvignon Blanc’s bright acidity works especially well when a dish includes lemon, vinaigrette, or soft cheese. Try a goat cheese and summer vegetable tart, grilled asparagus with lemon aioli, or a farmers market salad with avocado and toasted seeds. It’s also a classic match for seafood – oysters, ceviche, grilled halibut, fish tacos, or scallops with citrus butter. At a summer wine dinner, it makes an ideal first pour: it wakes up the palate without weighing it down.

Try it with: Fish tacos, lime crema, cabbage slaw, and fresh cilantro.

2023 Nightwing Vineyard Chardonnay – Chicken, Corn & Creamy Dishes

Not all summer meals are light – and that’s where Chardonnay earns its place. The 2023 Nightwing Vineyard Chardonnay brings the depth and elegance Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is known for, with cool-climate acidity that keeps even richer pairings feeling fresh rather than heavy.

This is the wine to serve when the menu includes grilled chicken, roasted corn, creamy pastas, or richer seafood. Its texture complements buttery flavors beautifully – think grilled chicken with lemon and herbs, corn risotto, lobster rolls, or seared scallops with a light beurre blanc. It’s also lovely with dishes that pair summer produce with a touch of richness: sweet corn ravioli, zucchini and ricotta galette, grilled peaches with burrata, or a crab salad with avocado and citrus.

Try it with: Grilled chicken, summer corn salad, fresh basil, and a light lemon dressing.

2023 Day Ranch Pinot Noir — Salmon, Mushrooms & Summer Barbecue

Red wine absolutely has a place at the summer table. Lighter and more elegant than most full-bodied reds, Pinot Noir bridges the gap between warm-weather freshness and the savory, smoky flavors that come off a summer grill. The 2023 Day Ranch Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley brings finesse to summer meals that call for a red with real character.

Grilled salmon is one of the best summer pairings for Pinot Noir – the wine’s red-fruit notes and gentle tannins complement the richness of the fish while its acidity keeps things bright. It’s also excellent with mushrooms (grilled portobello burgers, mushroom flatbread, or summer vegetable pizza with roasted tomatoes and thyme) and lighter barbecue fare like pork tenderloin, chicken thighs, or sausages with fruit-based sauces.

Summer tip: Serve Pinot Noir slightly chilled. About 20 to 30 minutes in the refrigerator before pouring makes it noticeably more refreshing on a warm evening.

Try it with: Grilled salmon, roasted cherry tomatoes, and herb-marinated mushrooms.

Summer Wine Pairing FAQs

What wine should I drink for summer?

Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé of Pinot Noir, cool-climate Chardonnay, and lighter-bodied Pinot Noir are all excellent choices – bright, food-friendly, and made for warm-weather meals.

What’s the best wine for a summer dinner party?

Offer a progression: start with Sauvignon Blanc or Rosé for appetizers, move to Chardonnay with grilled chicken or seafood, and finish with Pinot Noir – served slightly chilled – alongside salmon, mushrooms, or grilled meats.

What wines pair best with summer seafood?

Sauvignon Blanc is ideal with oysters, ceviche, and fish tacos. Rosé of Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with shrimp, crab, and salmon. Chardonnay works with richer seafood like lobster, scallops, or crab salad.

Can you drink red wine in summer?

Yes. Pinot Noir is one of the best red wines for summer because it’s lighter, elegant, and versatile with food. Serve it slightly chilled for best results.

Visit MacRostie This Summer

Whether you’re looking for Sonoma Coast wines to enjoy at home or planning a visit to wine country, MacRostie’s cool-climate lineup is built for summer. Our new Sips of Summer tasting celebrates the season with our favorite summer wines paired with a curated picnic spread. Plan your visit to MacRostie, savor the Sips of Summer tasting, and stock up on the wines you love so you’re ready for your next summer dinner party.