Cool Wines for Hot Summer Days

These easy-to-find bottles are a delicious starting point for your summer wine adventures, perfect for elevating picnics in Prince’s Island Park, rooftop soirees overlooking the Bow River, or simply unwinding on your own balcony or patio.

From uplifting Vinho Verdes and inspiring rosés to surprising reds, we’ll help you find the perfect harmony for your summer soundtrack. So, uncork a bottle, raise a glass and let’s toast to the lighter side of life – Calgary-style.

Beat the heat with our guide to the coolest summer 2024 sippers. For information on where you can drink alcohol in City of Calgary parks, visit Alcohol in Parks website.

Rosé Wines

Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses Rosé
Hailing from the sunny Languedoc region, Gérard Bertrand’s Côte des Roses Rosé offers a delightful melody for summer sipping. Imagine notes of berries and pear intertwined with a refreshing acidity, all wrapped in a beautiful pale pink hue. This Provençal-style rosé is a perfect choice for Calgary’s warm evenings, enjoyable on its own or paired with lighter fare. The bottle is beautiful, also making this a perfect host or hostess gift.

Luigi Bosca La Linda Malbec Rosé
Crafted from Argentina’s Malbec grapes, Luigi Bosca’s La Linda Rosé strikes a beautiful balance between fruit and floral. Think juicy strawberries and plums harmonizing with delicate rose petals, all lifted by a lively acidity. This expressive rosé is a versatile choice for any summer occasion, from rooftop gatherings to quiet evenings under the vast Canadian sky.

White Wines

Nautilus Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
New Zealand’s sunshine pours into every glass of Nautilus Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Imagine a burst of tropical fruits like passionfruit and grapefruit, mingling with hints of fresh herbs for a vibrant and invigorating summer sip. Dry and crisp with a racy acidity, this Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect partner for fresh seafood or enjoying on a patio basking in the golden light.

Paul Jaboulet’s Parallele 45 Côtes du Rhône
From the Rhône Valley comes Paul Jaboulet’s Parallele 45 Côtes du Rhône White, a vibrant blend singing a summery tune. White flowers and stone fruits harmonize with a touch of honeyed sweetness, all delivered with a refreshing acidity. This organic white is perfect for sipping solo on a warm evening or pairing with cheeses and salads.

Casal Garcia Vinho Verde
Straight from Portugal’s Vinho Verde region, Casal Garcia offers a light and lively summer sip. A symphony of citrus and stone fruit notes dance on your palate, accented by a touch of spritz and invigorating acidity. This refreshing white wine, with its lovely pale yellow hue, is the perfect partner for lighter seafood dishes or simply enjoying on a sunny patio. Vinho Verde is slowly gaining popularity in Western Canada and for good reason, it’s a very enjoyable wine.

Red Wines

Gérard Bertrand Le Chouchou Organic Red Blend
Ditch the robust reds this summer and indulge in the playful melody that is Gérard Bertrand’s Le Chouchou, ‘the darling’ in French. This organic red blend from the Languedoc is anything but heavy with sunshine-kissed strawberries and cherries dancing with a hint of Syrah’s peppery intrigue. Light on its feet and refreshingly low in alcohol, Le Chouchou is perfect for picnics in the park, patio lounging, or wherever your summer adventures take you.

La Linda Private Selection Old Vines Malbec
For those seeking a summer red that will transcend the more light-bodied options, La Linda’s Private Selection Old Vines Malbec delivers a more robust note. Sourced from Argentina’s esteemed Malbec grapes and aged in oak for a touch of complexity, it boasts aromas of dark fruit with intriguing hints of chocolate. Smooth tannins make it food-friendly, perfect for enjoying alongside grilled meats and heartier summer dishes.

Family Tree ‘The Bootlegger’ Baco Noir VQA
Canada’s own Baco Noir grape takes center stage in Family Tree’s The Bootlegger. This medium-bodied red offers a taste of history with its smoky and dark fruit notes, a nod to the clandestine spirits once produced on the vineyard during Prohibition. Expect hints of black olive to add complexity, making it a perfect pairing for grilled meats or venturing beyond lighter summer fare.