The Refreshing, Sommelier-Approved Wine You Should Buy In Bulk For Your Next Pool Party

“I’m always sipping on Knock on Wood Chardonnay from André Hueston Mack during the summer,” Katie Forbes, Restaurant Manager and Sommelier at Birdcage Bar and The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea, tells TZR.

“Pick up his rosé — Love Drunk — if you can, too,” Forbes continues. “André is a very talented winemaker, and because his wines have a low ABV they’re great for any time of year.”

“Another one for summer is A Tribute to Grace grenache rosé,” Forbes tells TZR. “Angela Osborne is crafting phenomenal grenache out of California with her family, and the rosé is not to miss. Again, low ABV around 12 percent and beautiful aromatics.”

Natalie Pelletier, somm in LA and contributor to VinoHead, says Avaline’s Rosé fits the bill when it comes to an accessible, refreshing summer rosé. “A crisp, dry, easy-drinking bottle (or can!) with notes of salty watermelon, strawberries, nectarine, and tart white cherries. One sip in and you're basically transported to the French Riviera.”

According to sommelier Coly Den Haan, founder of Vinovore, this spritzer is made with white grapes, Meyer lemon, and orange blossom, and is the ideal “poolside individual bottle that’s light, fresh, crisp, and smooth with the perfect dry and bitter bite.”

This one is the “ultimate party-starting, crowd hyper with its low alcohol due to the Piquette style of wine making,” says Den Haan. “A double-dutch jump of orange creamsicle and guava skipping across your mouth with a quenching dryness!”

“The Simply Cutrer wine is juicy, succulent, and has a lingering finish,” says Cheron Cowan, Beverage Director at Maialino Mare, Thompson Hotel. “I’d never think it was a canned wine because I often dismiss them as one dimensional, but this appeals to many palates. I’d feel comfortable serving this at a barbecue or a more formal occasion.”

“Bota Box stores well in a fridge or cooler at the pool,” says Thierry Sighel, Beverage Expert at Restaurant Associates. “It's easy to carry and even easier to pour with wet hands after a swim. The Sauvignon Blanc is a great value for the price and is a fresh, tasty, and light wine; a perfect drink on a hot summer day.”

“Summer pool parties were made for cool, crushable rosés and satisfyingly crisp bubbles. Make a splash at your next event with Wild Child, a 2020 Rosé bursting with zesty watermelon and strawberry notes,” recommends Grace Harper, Marketing Manager at Tank Garage Winery.

“If you’re in the mood for something au natural, reach for a bottle (or two) of our liquid sunshine in a bottle, Fever Dream Pét-Nat Sparkling,” continues Harper. (Or, pro tip: Buy both of Harper’s recommendations together in the occasion-appropriate Pool Party Pack.)

“Grillo's crisp and savory taste, with refreshing notes of citrus, grapefruit, and peach nuances, is a perfect sip for summertime,” says Barbara Tamburini, Duca di Salaparuta and Corvo enologist. “Tanning by the pool, snacking on fresh fruit, or reading a book are great opportunities to enjoy a glass and toast to a long-lasting summer.”

“Valdo Marca Oro Prosecco DOC Brut is the perfect sparkling wine for the summer; easy to drink, refreshing with delicious aromas of ripe wild apple, hints of lemon zest with a crisp finish,” says Matteo Bolla, Valdo Business Development Manager and Vinitaly Italian Wine Ambassador. “The fine, elegant bubbles will delight your palate.”