Top Rose Wine Picks for Summer – Buy Now and Sip in Style
- May 8
- 7 min read
Introduction
When the sun’s out and the days get longer, there’s nothing quite like a chilled glass of rose wine to set the mood. Light, refreshing, and effortlessly stylish, drinking rosé wine in summer feels like the perfect match – whether you’re by the pool, enjoying a picnic in the park, or hosting a relaxed Sunday BBQ with mates.
Rose wine for summer isn’t just a trend – it’s a celebration of the season itself. From its delicate blush colour to its crisp, fruit-forward taste, every sip brings a sense of joy and ease. Because when you choose the right rosé, every glass becomes a memory in the making.
At Curtis Family Vineyards, we’re proud to call it as the best wineries in McLaren Vale, South Australia our home – one of the country’s most iconic wine regions, where the coastal breezes and Mediterranean climate create ideal conditions for producing top-quality rose.
Why Rose Wine Is the Ultimate Summer Drink
There’s a reason why drinking rose wine becomes second nature once the warmer months roll in. With its refreshing acidity, crisp finish, and bright fruity notes – think strawberry, watermelon, and citrus – chilled rose wine is like summer in a glass.
Light and easy to enjoy, rosé pairs beautifully with warm weather food, from grilled seafood and fresh salads to charcuterie platters and light pasta dishes. It’s no surprise that it’s often considered the best wine for summer – not too heavy, not too sweet, just perfectly balanced to suit any occasion.
What truly makes rose a crowd favourite is how well it fits into laid-back summer moments. Whether you’re hosting a sunset dinner on the deck, catching up with friends in the backyard, or heading out for a picnic, drinking rosé wine is a go-to choice for summer celebrations and casual get-togethers. It’s versatile, stylish, and brings people together effortlessly.
At Curtis Family Vineyards, we believe the best memories are made with a glass of rose in hand – chilled, vibrant, and shared under the Aussie sun.
McLaren Vale – A Premium Region for Rose Wine
When it comes to producing outstanding rose wine in South Australia, McLaren Vale stands proudly among the best. Nestled between the rolling hills and the coast, this iconic region enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate and nutrient-rich soils – the perfect conditions for growing premium grapes full of flavour and character.
McLaren Vale is especially well known for its Grenache and Shiraz – two varieties that shine in rose production. Grenache brings bright berry notes and delicate spice, while Shiraz adds richness and depth, making every bottle of rosé beautifully balanced and vibrant.
At Curtis Family Vineyards, we’ve been crafting quality wines in McLaren Vale for generations. Our passion for the land and commitment to small-batch winemaking allow us to create premium rose wine Australia can be proud of.
From vine to bottle, our process is driven by care, tradition, and a love for bringing people together over a great glass of wine.
The best rose wine from McLaren Vale is crafted with care in South Australia – and we’re proud to share it with you.
Whether you're new to rose or searching for a signature summer drop, Curtis Family Vineyards rosé wine offers a refreshing taste of everything this remarkable region has to offer.
Top Rose Wine Picks from South Australia
Looking to add the best rose wine to your summer collection? We’ve handpicked a few favourites from Curtis Family Vineyards, each crafted with care in the heart of South Australia’s McLaren Vale. Whether you're hosting a BBQ, relaxing on the deck, or packing a picnic, these drops are made for sunshine and good company.
Curtis Queen of Hearts Rose wine
Flavour Profile:
The Queen of Hearts Rose Wine has a soft coral colour, just like a summer sunset. Its scent is fresh and inviting, filled with sweet strawberries, raspberries, gentle floral notes, and a hint of watermelon. There’s also a little citrus zest that adds a bright, zesty lift. When you take a sip, it’s light, crisp, and refreshing—full of juicy berry flavours that match its beautiful aroma. You’ll also notice a touch of pink grapefruit and a soft, mineral-like edge. It finishes smooth, clean, and just a little dry—perfect for warm days and easygoing moments.
Food Pairings:
Perfectly complements grilled prawns, garden salads, soft cheeses, and light pasta dishes.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer:
Light, refreshing, and fruit-forward, this rosé captures the essence of summer in a glass, making it an ideal choice for beach outings, picnics, or backyard gatherings.
Accolades:
Gold Medal - Melbourne International Wine Competition - Vintage 2024
95 points - Melbourne International Wine Competition - Vintage 2024
Gold Medal - Asia Wine Challenge 2021
95 points - Australian Wine Showcase - Vintage 2023
Curtis Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé
Flavour Profile:
This sparkling pinot Noir rose wine shines with a beautiful salmon-pink colour and fine bubbles that bring it to life in the glass. It smells like fresh strawberries and raspberries, with gentle hints of rose petals and a twist of citrus. When you take a sip, you’ll taste bright red fruits bursting with flavour, balanced by a light, refreshing acidity—kind of like cranberries with a splash of orange. The bubbles feel playful on the tongue, and the finish is smooth, elegant, and just a little bit mineral. It’s a joyful wine that makes any moment feel special.
Food Pairings:
Ideal with seafood platters, smoked salmon, fresh oysters, and festive canapés.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer:
Its vibrant fruitiness and lively bubbles make it a celebratory choice for summer occasions, from brunches to evening soirees.
Accolades:
Silver Medal - London Wine Competition 2024
95 points - Australian Wine Showcase - Vintage 2023
94 points - Andy Lloyd - The Wine Panel - Vintage 2023
How to Enjoy Drinking Rosé Wine This Summer
There’s nothing quite like sipping a chilled glass of rose wine on a warm summer day. To make the most of every glass, here are a few tips on how to serve rose wine and the best ways to enjoy it:
Ideal Serving Temperature: To get the most out of your rose wine, serve it chilled between 8–10°C. This is the sweet spot where its flavours and aromas shine—refreshing, crisp, and ready to impress.
Best Glassware: Use a stemless wine glass or a classic tulip-shaped glass. These allow the wine to breathe, highlighting the delicate fruity notes and keeping the wine cool longer.
Perfect Occasions: Drinking rosé wine isn’t just about the taste – it’s about the experience. Whether you’re lounging poolside, enjoying a lazy picnic, or catching up with friends on beach days, rose is the perfect companion for any summer moment. Planning a BBQ or a fun garden party? Rose wine with seafood or grilled veggies will add that extra touch of elegance.
Food Pairings: Rosé is the perfect match for seafood—think fresh prawns or oysters. It also pairs beautifully with light summer salads and soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese. For a more relaxed meal, try pairing it with a BBQ spread – it complements the smoky flavours of grilled meats beautifully.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer: Drinking rose wine enhances summer moments—whether you're enjoying a quiet evening alone or hosting friends. It’s versatile, refreshing, and effortlessly stylish—just like the season itself.
How Many Calories in a Bottle of Rosé Wine?
If you're watching what you eat and drink but still want to enjoy a refreshing glass of wine, rose is a great choice. So, how many calories in a bottle of rosé wine? Let’s break it down.
On average, one glass of rose wine contains around 120–130 calories, depending on the style and sweetness. A standard 750ml bottle has about 600–650 calories. This makes calories quite similar to white wine, and generally a bit lighter than most reds.
A few things affect the calorie count in rose:
Sweetness: Sweeter roses tend to have more residual sugar, and therefore, slightly more calories.
Alcohol content: The higher the alcohol percentage, the more calories it typically contains. Most rosés sit between 11–13% ABV.
When compared with other types of wine:
Red wine (especially full-bodied styles) can have 125–150 calories per glass.
White wine often has a similar or slightly lower calorie range, around 110–130 per glass.
That puts rose wine right in the middle—refreshing, flavourful, and a great healthier wine option for summer sipping.
If you're looking for one of the healthiest wine options, go for a dry style with moderate alcohol—like the Queen of Hearts Rosé from Curtis Family Vineyards. It's light, crisp, and beautifully balanced.
So yes, you can enjoy wine and cheese pairings without the guilt—just sip mindfully.
Where to Buy the Best Rose Wine from McLaren Vale
Looking for the perfect wine to sip this summer? You don't have to look far. At Curtis Family Vineyards, you can experience the charm of McLaren Vale in every bottle.
Our cellar door in the heart of McLaren Vale is the perfect place to explore our full range of wines, including some of the best award-winning McLaren Vale wines. Whether you're a local or just visiting South Australia’s wine country, we’d love to welcome you in for a tasting.
Prefer to shop from home? No worries—we’ve made it easy to buy best wines online through our website. You can buy wine online in South Australia with just a few clicks and have it delivered to your door, or choose pickup if you're nearby. It’s convenience with a personal touch.
So whether you're planning a summer BBQ, a beach picnic, or simply want to stock up your wine rack, our rosé range has something for every moment. Order the best rosé wine directly from McLaren Vale and bring home a taste of summer.
Conclusion
When it comes to flavour, refreshment, and effortless style, rose wine truly is the drink of summer. Light, vibrant, and full of character, it’s perfect for sunny afternoons, relaxed dinners, and all the unforgettable moments in between.
From McLaren Vale’s rich soils and Mediterranean climate comes a rosé that’s crafted with care and passion—offering quality you can taste in every sip. At Curtis Family Vineyards, we take pride in producing some of the best rosé wine in South Australia, designed to elevate your summer experiences.
So whether you're relaxing at the beach, planning a garden party, or simply enjoying a quiet sunset, the right bottle of rosé makes all the difference.
Buy your favourite bottle of rose wine today and make this summer your most stylish and flavourful yet.
How should I store rose wine during summer?
Store Rose wine in a cool, dark place away from sunlight, ideally at 12–15°C, and chill before serving.
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