THE RIGHT WINE FOR 10 SUPER SUMMER SITUATIONS

Here's the Deal:

1. Balcony Wine in the City While Planning Your Summer Holiday

Waiting can be torture, but planning your summer vacation definitely makes it more enjoyable. The countdown is on! So, what's the plan? Where are you heading? Tell us!

When it comes to your wine, though, there's no pressure and no second thoughts. Faune by Moulin de Gassac is a delicious blend of two rockstar grape varieties, Chardonnay and Viognier. Chardonnay contributes freshness, vibrant acidity and structure, while Viognier brings generous apricot fruit and richness. Light, lively and bursting with fruit, it's pure pleasure in a glass. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with fresh white cheeses such as manouri or anthotyro, alongside seasonal fruit.

2. At the Summer House, Waiting for Friends to Arrive

Waiting again, aren't you? What time did they say they'd get here?

Open a bottle of Torresella Pinot Grigio Venezia DOC from Veneto. Light, crisp and effortlessly refreshing, it'll make the wait much more enjoyable. Since you're bound to nibble on something or you've probably planned dinner for when everyone arrives pair it with oregano or thyme breadsticks and some creamy Geremezi or Volaki cheese from Tinos.

Perfect timing they've just arrived!

3. At the Beach, with the Essential Greek Tupperware

A Greek beach without a packed lunch? That should probably be illegal!

There's something uniquely Greek about beachside Tupperware. And who knows what's inside? It could be peaches and salad or homemade meatballs with fried potatoes.

To cover every possible menu, you need a versatile rosé. Suffragette by Ktima Zin Ideos is exactly that: an all-round rosé that can handle whatever comes out of the container. And even if you end up not eating at all, it's more than capable of carrying the afternoon on its own.

4. Back from a Swim, Waiting for Your Turn in the Shower

Now this is a critical moment. You want to enjoy your wine while you're still salty from the sea but you also don't want someone to steal your place in the shower queue.

Our pick is Gaia S Synergy Rosé by Gaia Wines from Nemea. Its refreshing acidity, medium body and juicy strawberry and cherry flavours linger beautifully on the palate, keeping you happily occupied until it's finally your turn.

Then again, it's so enjoyable that you might not even mind letting someone cut in line.

5. Before Heading Out for the Evening

We're big fans of bubbles. Nothing feels more uplifting and carefree than a sparkling wine with French elegance and delicate mousse.

A well-chilled Scaperdas Frères Hommage Rosé by Kir-Yianni Estate is the perfect way to set the mood for a great night ahead. However you look at it, it's hard to think of a better choice.

6. When Everyone Else Is Taking Forever to Get Ready

No problem. We stay patient and keep pouring sparkling wine.

This time, though, why not choose something a little more distinctive? Migma PetNat White by Hatzivaritis Estate is exactly that. A delicious pétillant naturel with generous fruit, floral aromas and refreshing acidity.

Pair it with prosciutto and melon, and you'll thank us later.

7. The Night You Cancel Going Out Because You Stayed Home After the Beach

The sea got the better of your schedule because there was no way you were going to miss summer's golden hour.

We've all done it and honestly, good for you.

Now it's dark, and going out suddenly feels like far too much effort. A relaxed evening on the balcony sounds much more appealing. Throw together something simple for dinner and open a wine that belongs firmly in the comfort-food category.

A lightly oaked Chardonnay is exactly what you need: juicy, textured and aromatic enough to make you forget about the night out you skipped.

If you happen to find yourself in this exact situation, try the Chardonnay from Girlemis Winery. Rich, layered and elegant, it's the ideal companion for an evening spent at home reliving yesterday's stories.

8. When You Decide to Cook for Friends

You've made up your mind. You're cooking.

Since dinner will usually revolve around one main wine, we recommend pouring yourself a glass or even two of your favourite bottle while you're cooking. It gets the meal off to the right start and keeps you company throughout the preparation.

Because, let's face it, sometimes cooking is even more enjoyable than eating.

Ponce Blanco by Bodegas Ponce is refreshing, complex, vibrant and deeply satisfying. It ticks every box and is simply impossible not to enjoy.

9. When You Regret Deciding to Cook for Everyone

The previous section was the romantic version of cooking.

This is the reality.

You're sweating over the oven, frying pans or barbecue while everyone else is splashing around in the sea or the pool. The moment that realization hits, it's not exactly pleasant.

Before you start muttering under your breath, do something bold. Do exactly what you feel like doing.

Pour yourself a glass of X-mf by Tselepos Estate and don't explain yourself to anyone. After all, everyone should be extra nice and perhaps a little cautious around the person cooking their meal.

10. For Cozy Evenings at Home with Someone Special

Cuddles, kisses, smiles and sweet words.

Preferably with the air conditioning set to 19–20°C, because summer heat is no joke.

If you already know your partner's favourite wine, you're all set, we won't interfere.

But if you don't, don't leave it to chance. Between the heat, the mosquitoes and the possibility of choosing the wrong bottle, it's simply not worth the risk.

Instead, pick up a bottle of Rock Angel by Château d'Esclans, created by the renowned Sacha Lichine. It's an outstanding choice that also pairs beautifully with sushi.

Hope this helped. Cheers!

Christina Tsogka