Rosé All Day

Where to drink pink around town

Warmer days signify rosé season. But I don’t need a season or a reason to imbibe a bottle of pink-hued wine. I’m not ashamed to admit that Sutter Home White Zin was my gateway drug into the world of wine. Nowadays, I keep a box of rosé in my fridge (the good stuff!) and try new bottles on the regular via local bottle shops—or a visit to Oakwood Pizza Box for #pizzawine. Check out these 10 solid picks at local restaurants and shops, just in time for National Rosé Day on June 12. 

1. Garland Staff Favorite

A staff favorite, Los Bermejos Rosado—produced on Lanzarote, Canary Islands—is always on the menu at Garland, and wine director and buyer Scott Phillippi strongly recommends sipping it alongside chef Cheetie Kumar’s roasted confit chicken legs and strawberry-cucumber chaat. 

Sip it: Garland 

2. Definite Porch-Pounder 

Tazza Kitchen bar manager Mara Sudol turns to this Slovenian rosé, best described as a wildly drinkable “porch pounder.” “Grape Abduction Rosé is sustainably made and so unpretentious and fun,” says Sudol. “It’s fruit-forward and dry”—and best matched with Tazza’s prosciutto and arugula ’za. 

Sip it: Tazza Kitchen Village District 

3. Wine Down After Work

A Southern Italian delight, Tomaresca Calafuria Rosé also features a stunning label created by Italian illustrator Valeria Petrone that represents “Lady Puglia”—Italian women on the beach decked out in sun hats. ”It’s bright, crisp and refreshing with notes of berries, citrus and cherry blossoms,” says Vita Vite owner Lindsay Rice. “It’s the perfect wine to drink on a sunny afternoon, paired with cheeses, salad or a light dinner.” 

Sip it: Vita Vite

4. Skyline Sip

Wye Hill is known for its beer, but co-owner Sara Abernethy (with WSET Level 2 Certification and co-host of Wine Club The Podcast) curates the spot’s small but thoughtful wine list. “One of my favorite options for an afternoon sip on the patio is the Anton Bauer Rosé Assemblage from Wagram, Austria,” Abernethy says. “Rosé is always a food-friendly option and is super-flexible to pair with, but my all-time favorite would be pimento cheese, crudité and crackers… delish!”

Sip it: Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing

5. Party in a Box

Boxed wine has come a long way. “Delicious, organic, Provence rosé waiting in the fridge for by-the-glass anytime I want? Sign me up,” says Wine Authorities owner Craig Heffley. Domaine Pinchinat Vénus de Pinchinat Rosé is an instant party trick—plus it’s the equivalent of four regular bottles in one container.  

Grab it: Wine Authorities

6. Pizza Wine

“Acidity is brilliant,” says Anthony Guerra, owner of Oakwood Pizza Box, of Domaine de Fontsainte Corbières’ Gris de Gris Rosé—especially when eating a slice… or three. “It bangs off the acidity in the tomato sauce, and together they sink,” he adds. Guerra notes that chilled anything works well with pizza, but the tannins in rosé pair especially well because they help cut through all the cheesy goodness (aka fat). 

Sip it: Oakwood Pizza Box 

7. Pink Bubbles

“This Champagne-method organic pinot noir brut rosé is grown on the hillsides just south of Barcelona,” says Wine Authorities owner Craig Heffley. And at $16 a pop, Mas Codina Brut Rosé won’t break the bank. Pair with barbecues, picnic foods and basically everything. 

Grab it: Wine Authorities

8. Picnic Wine

An unplanned Saturday calls for a stop at Weaver Street Market for grazing board provisions like charcuterie, cheese and accoutrements—plus a crowd-pleasing bottle of Domaine de Châteaumar Côtes-du-Rhône Rosé. Think easy-drinking and elegant.

Grab it: Weaver Street Market

9. Quintessential Provence

A bottle of salmon-colored rosé will suffice if you’re looking for a fast favorite. Château des Annibals Rosé is one of the oldest and most respected wineries in Provence—plus it’s certified organic. It’s Guaranteed to impress at any summer soirees. 

Grab it: Weaver Street Market

10. Beer Drinker’s Rosé 

Sour and funky beer drinkers are all about this medium-bodied, flirty Slovenian Gönc Winery Canvas Pet-Nat Rosé. “I love the sparkling effervescence of this rosé,” says Chris Powers of State of Beer and Trophy Brewing Co. “As a brewery owner, I pay attention to levels of carbonation in all types of beverages and the effects it can have on the experience.” 

Sip it: State of Beer 

11. Beat the heat with rosé cocktails 

On sweltering summer days, turn to wine cocktails for a serious chill out. Frosé is making a comeback at Vita Vite this summer, where you can sip on a tempting, blended mix of rosé, housemade simple syrup and puréed strawberries. At Wye Hill, Abernethy turned to rosé for sangria—with Spanish rosé, infused berries, rose petals, rose hips and lots of ice. Don’t forget the ’gram, or did it really happen?