The Best Rosé Wines to Sip Your Way Through Summer

Let’s be honest, rosé has a bit of a reputation.

For some people, it’s the “easy” wine. The bottle you grab for a barbecue, a picnic or a sunny afternoon because it feels like summer.

But the really good rosés? They’re so much more than that.

A great rosé has freshness, texture, elegance and just enough character to make you pause after the first sip and think, “Oh, that’s actually rather lovely.”

For me, rosé is the wine of moments.

It’s the bottle you open when friends arrive unexpectedly. The one that sits in the middle of the table at a long lunch. The one you pour at the end of a busy day when the sun is still shining and you’re not quite ready for summer to be over.

These are some of my favourite rosés to keep chilled this summer. Château Léoube.

From its beautiful coastal estate near Saint-Tropez, this is a wine with elegance, but also depth.

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Whispering Angel: You can’t talk about summer rosé without mentioning Whispering Angel.It has become one of the most recognisable rosés in the world, and there’s a reason why. Because it put rose on the map for serious wines

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Maison Saint d’Aix: Fresh, elegant and beautifully balanced, Maison Saint d’Aix is a lovely example of why Provence does rosé so well.

Perfect for: Summer salads, grilled vegetables and relaxed evenings outside.

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Mirabeau: Mirabeau is a great reminder that rosé doesn’t need to be intimidating.It’s stylish, elegant and incredibly easy to enjoy.

A crowd-pleaser in the best possible way.

Perfect for: Picnics, garden parties and weekend lunches.

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Kylie Minogue: A little glamour in a bottle. Kylie Minogue’s rosé has become a favourite for many people because it does exactly what a summer rosé should do. It’s fun, refreshing and beautifully approachable.

Sometimes you don’t need to overthink wine. Sometimes you just want something delicious, chilled and ready to share.

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Chateau Saint Marguerite: Chateau Saint Marguerite is a beautifully delicate style of rosé.

Light, crisp and refreshing, it’s the kind of bottle you want tucked away in the fridge for those spontaneous summer moments. Beautiful bottle design too.

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Château Minuty: Château Minuty is one of the great names of Provence.

Known for elegance and finesse, these are wines that show just how sophisticated rosé can be.

Expect beautiful aromas of red berries, peach and citrus, with a silky texture and refreshing finish.

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Babylonstoren: Not all great rosé comes from Provence. Babylonstoren from South Africa offers something a little different.

A brilliant choice if you love rosé but want to explore beyond the classics.

Perfect for: Spicy food, outdoor dining and curious wine drinkers.

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Château de Goloupet: This is everything I love about Provençal rosé.

Elegant, refined and effortlessly stylish, Château de Goloupet comes from the Côtes de Provence and has that beautiful combination of freshness and sophistication.

Think wild strawberries, peach, citrus and a delicate mineral finish.It feels polished without feeling complicated. The sort of bottle that works beautifully whether you’re drinking it before dinner or pairing it with seafood, salads and Mediterranean flavours.

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My Rosé Top Tip:Serve it properly chilled.

Around 8–10°C is perfect.

But my biggest piece of advice? Don’t save rosé for a special occasion.Just open and enjoy with ice if you like.

Elizabeth Hawthornthwaite