Summer is almost here, and with it comes the season of easy, breezy sipping—enter rosé, the ultimate summer wine. From pale salmon to vibrant pink, rosé has something for everyone, whether you’re relaxing on the patio, hosting a backyard BBQ, or just dreaming of a sunny getaway.

Oh, she’s popular

Rosé’s popularity isn’t just a passing trend, it’s rooted in a long history. In France, especially Provence, pale, dry rosé has been a summer staple for centuries. In the United States, rosé started gaining serious attention in the early 2000s, riding a wave of interest in lighter, food-friendly wines. Social media and lifestyle culture helped propel it even further, turning “rosé all day” from a catchy phrase into a cultural phenomenon. Today, it’s not just about Instagram-perfect pink; it’s a reflection of a lifestyle that values fun, versatility, and approachable elegance in wine.

And she’s versatile

What makes rosé so versatile? It’s made from red grapes, but with minimal skin contact, giving it that gorgeous pink hue without the tannins of a full red. Depending on where it’s from, rosé can be crisp and citrusy, light and floral, or bright and fruit-forward. Provence in France remains the classic example, but Spain, Italy, California, and other New World regions are producing equally delicious, and sometimes unexpected, styles.

Rosé isn’t just a pretty color; it’s a food lover’s dream. Pair it with fresh seafood, summer salads, grilled chicken, or even lightly spiced dishes; the versatility is part of its charm. And because it’s generally lower in tannin and served chilled, it’s refreshing and approachable, even for casual wine drinkers.

Playful, stylish, and endlessly enjoyable

Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or new to the pink side, rosé is a reminder that wine can be playful, stylish, and endlessly enjoyable. Stay tuned for next week’s post, where we’ll explore the many shades of pink and what they can tell you about flavor, aroma, and style.

Quick Rosé Tip #1

Pale pink often means crisp and delicate, while darker pinks usually offer fruitier, richer flavors—so don’t be afraid to explore!

June Wine Circle

At our upcoming June Wine Circle, we’ll explore the simply fabulous world of rosé: Rosé All Day (And Night). From pale and delicate to bold and fruity, our June Wine Circle will surely have a rosé for every taste.

So come join us to start sipping your way through summer on Thursday, June 18, from 6:00-7:30 pm at a Wilmington location TBD.

The first Thursday of each month (well, this month it’s the third Thursday), up to 8 people get together to enjoy each other’s company as we taste wine focused on a particular varietal, wine style or wine region. There’s no fee to participate in these gatherings. Each month is hosted by a different person who is only responsible for providing glasses and a festive tasting atmosphere. Each participant brings a bottle of wine and a paired snack to share that fits the month’s theme.