Six sommelier-selected wines to enjoy this summer

Six Summer Wine Picks

by Alanna McIntyre

These summer sippers are easy, uncomplicated, and characterful wines at good price points. Enjoy these light and refreshing wine selections on picnics and patios with lighter food.

Snacks to have on hand

Crackers, cheese, bread, and nuts are great snacks to have on hand to enjoy with your wine. You can make up a small charcuterie or cheese board offering a variety of flavours and textures—cured meat, cheese, nuts, something pickled, and a sweet chutney would be nice.

Tip: Parmesan is a great cheese to keep in stock in the fridge — it tastes great with everything. The saltiness brings out the fruit flavours in the wine.

Local Love

The Nova Scotia wine industry produces distinctive wines and styles that are rich and diverse. Vineyards are never more than 20km from the ocean, and the vines grow in the remains of an ancient seabed. Enjoy these wines from our own backyard.

Benjamin Bridge Pet Nat
A local and organic golden glowing bubbly, Benjamin Bridge Pet Nat comes in a 750ml bottle and a convenient 250ml can. Great for beer drinkers too!

Tidal Bay
Any Tidal Bay will make the day. I picked Domaine de Grand Pre - the quintessential Nova Scotian white wine; aromatic, fresh, easy drinking, just a hint of sweetness makes it perfect on its own, delicious with slightly spicy foods.

Mercator Rose
Mercator is a small winery in Wolfville (part of the Devonian Coast group who own Jost Vineyards and Gaspereau Vineyards) This is a pale pink, delicate rose made in a dry style, similar to the roses of Provence France.

Take a trip abroad

A neat thing about wine is that it allows us to travel — without travelling. Wine will take you there! In our current climate, we may not get too far, so wine is a great way to enjoy a taste of somewhere else.

Masottina Prosecco Rose (Italy)
Make it pink! Prosecco rose is a relatively new style. If you love Prosecco, why not enjoy this pale pink version on a patio this summer and let yourself be (remotely) transported to the Venetian Riviera.

Aveleda Fonte Vinho Verde (Portugal)
This light white wine from Portugal makes a great warm weather aperitif thanks to the lower alcohol level and delicate aromas and body. The price point is a bonus; love this cheap and cheerful style!

Domaine de Malavielle Roc et Lune (France)
Who isn’t dreaming of travelling to southern France in the near future? Pour yourself a glass of this (or something similar) and let savour the scents of a sundrenched and herb laden landscape.

Alanna McIntyre is a self-proclaimed lover of languages, art, and tasty things. A certified sommelier since 2002, with experience in wine education, wine travel, and wine judging, she is also a certified yoga teacher with the Himalayan Institute Teachers Association. McIntyre started working at Bishop's Cellar in 2007 and is still there, using her extensive wine knowledge and product expertise to fulfill several roles within the company.