Seasonal Wines

Summer wines

When the sun shines bright, and temperatures soar, it's time to embrace the joys of summer. Crisp, light and refreshing wines are the best choices to beat the heat. Reach for a glass of sparkling wine, such as prosecco or cava, to add a touch of elegance to your summer soirées. These bubbly bottles pair perfectly with fresh seafood, seasonal salads and fruit platters. Rosé is the obvious choice for warm weather. These wines offer a range of styles to match any occasion, ranging from light, mineral-driven Provence styles to plump and juicy. Aromatic Sauvignon Blanc, crisp Verdejo, and fruity Pinot Grigio also make excellent selections for sipping poolside or picnics in the park. Red wine drinkers—have no fear. There are plenty of summer red wine styles, so you won't miss out. Look for lower tannin, fruit-forward reds such as Pinot Noir or Grenache for long sunny days, or break out bolder styles to pair with a classic summer barbecue. Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel and Malbec are full of fruit and spice notes that will stand up to just about anything you can put on the grill.

Firstleaf Tip: Keep your wine chilled with frozen grapes

Adding ice to your wine will dilute its flavor as the ice melts. Avoid this by using frozen grapes instead! Any store-bought grapes will do. Pluck them from the vine and place them in the freezer the night before. You only need about 4 or 5 grapes in your glass to do the job. Now you have perfectly chilled wine and a snack.

Best wines for fall

Fall is a fabulous time of year. As the landscape transforms into a patchwork of warm colors and the air begins to chill, our palates crave richer, fuller-bodied wines. It's time to swap out summery Sauvignon Blancs for fuller whites that complement cooler weather. Reach for supple styles with ripe fruit flavors and creamy textures to suit the season, like Viognier, Grenache Blanc or Sémillon. As for red wines, fall signals the time to set aside light Pinot Noirs and pop the cork on savory reds like Syrah, Tempranillo, Merlot or Carménère. Autumn also brings the delights of harvest! Get outside and visit your local farmer's market to stock up on an array of fall favorites. Freshly-picked apples, root vegetables, squash and leafy greens make delicious additions to colorful charcuterie boards or crudité platters. These seasonal treats shine even brighter when paired with seasonal wines.

Firstleaf Tip: Need pairing help?

No matter the season, the right food and wine pairing will create a lasting memory. Our helpful article will teach you how to pair wine with food and share fun facts along the way.

Wines for winter

Winter's magical atmosphere is filled with cozy nights, snowy scenery and festive gatherings. Tis the season to embrace full-bodied white wines and rich reds. Curl up by the fire with a glass of oaked Chardonnay and indulge its toasty notes of caramel and spice, or savor the smooth textures of sur lie style Chenin Blanc. Warm up with full-bodied red wine styles that are known for their robust flavors and structure. Bold Australian Shiraz, powerful Cabernet Sauvignon and rich Mourvèdre pair beautifully with cold-weather comfort foods like winter roasts or hearty stews. Winter is also a time for celebration as the calendar is packed with holidays. Always keep a bottle of sparkling wine on hand for the season's festivities or simply to save for a snow day.

Sip your way through the snow day

Are you still waiting for the snow to melt? Now is the perfect time to hone your tasting skills at home while enjoying the exciting wines in your shipment. Our Wine Tasting, Made Simple exercise will walk you through each step, from the first pour to the final sip, building your confidence with every swirl. Fill a glass with something new, or grab your go-to red, white or rosé. You can follow along with friends and family or sharpen your senses solo to impress them later.

Spring wine

As nature awakens from its winter rest, spring welcomes us with blooming flowers, fresh produce and sunshine. Celebrate the season of renewal with light whites and rosés. Since spring is the season of new beginnings, it's an excellent opportunity to try new things! Instead of reaching for your usual warm-weather wines, embrace the spirit of exploration and pop a cork on something new! If you are usually a Sauvignon Blanc fan, prepare to fall in love with Torrontés. This Argentinian grape offers similar crisp textures and enchanting aromatics as your French favorite. Is Pinot Grigio your usual pick? Fiano offers similar stone fruit flavors and citrus notes, making it an approachable new go-to. Are you usually scared of Riesling because you think it's sweet? This versatile grape offers amazing dry wine styles with mouthwatering acidity and vibrant fruit notes. Serve spring's seasonal wines well-chilled with simple dishes like grilled vegetables, fruit salads, or tangy Asian-inspired dishes.

Each change in seasons offers an opportunity to enjoy new wines. From sun-soaked summers and fabulous falls to white winters and adventurous springs, there's a way to enjoy seasonal wines all year round.

Still not sure what to pick?

Our professionally trained Wine Concierge team is on hand to assist you so you can get the most out of your wine club experience. They can hand-select wines to your specifications, drawing on their knowledge of our wine offerings and your unique palate profile. We would be delighted to schedule a personal consultation with a team member to discuss your tasting profile.