With a slight chill, red wine doesn't care it's summer!
When summer temperatures rise, many wine lovers instinctively reach for chilled whites and perky pinks; however, if red is your wine color, there’s no need to press pause and wait until fall. With a few thoughtful choices and some minor tweaks, reds can be every bit as enjoyable during the warm summer months.
Western North Carolina’s inviting climate plays a big part in setting the stage for enjoying red wine all year. Thanks to our higher elevations, crisp evening air, and reliable mountain breezes, summer heat rarely lingers into the evening hours. For me, the calm, comfortable nights of WNC feel ideally suited for pulling the cork on a bottle of red.
Of course, not all reds are created equal when it comes to summer sipping. In general terms, lighter and fresher reds are your summer friends—think Pinot Noir, Gamay, Zweigelt, Frappato, or an unoaked Tempranillo like Anciano No.3. Thanks to lower tannins and the focus on freshness, these lighter-bodied reds come alive with a slight chill, showing off their supple fruit and bright lift.
Even your full-bodied favorites like Bordeaux, Barolo, or Brunello don’t need to sit on the bench for the summer season. A short chill—just enough to bring them down to cellar temperature (around 60 to 65°F) will tame their tannins without compromising complexity.
My best advice: forget the rules; wine is meant to be enjoyed your way. Whether it’s a zippy white, a playful pink, or a lightly chilled red, pour what feels right. I think you’ll agree that no matter the color, each sip is special when you’re soaking up the serenity of our beautiful Western North Carolina Mountains.