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Biltmore Wines for Warm Weather Sipping

Written By Jean Sexton

Posted 06/20/24

Updated 08/27/24

Wine & Winery

Our award-winning Biltmore wines are perfect for warm weather sipping whether you’re packing a picnic, entertaining friends and family outdoors, or simply relaxing on your porch or patio this summer.

Keep it crisp and refreshing

Couple sipping wine on rockers at Biltmore.
Biltmore wines are perfect for warm weather sipping!

Biltmore Estate winemaker Sharon Fenchak recommends focusing on lighter, dryer, more acidic wines during the warmest months of the year.

According to Sharon, these wines refresh your palate in the same way lemonade does when the weather heats up and you feel more thirst.

“Sweeter wines tend to leave you thirsty, while wines with higher acidity such as our own crisp Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc can actually quench your thirst on a warm spring or summer day,” Sharon said.

White wines for warm weather sipping

Couple sipping wine on Patio at Biltmore.
Enjoy warm weather sipping with Biltmore white wines by the glass or bottle.

“Another great choice is Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Fumé Blanc. It features notes of tropical fruit notes with hints of oak, vanilla, and spice,” said Sharon, “and it pairs beautifully with salads, chicken, and grilled fish–the kinds of food you tend to serve in warmer weather.

Sharon also recommends Biltmore Estate® Pinot Grigio with its spicy citrus finish, and our off-dry, approachable Biltmore Estate® Albariño as especially nice options for sipping outdoors on spring and summer evenings.

Prefer a cool, elegant classic white wine for summer sipping? Biltmore Estate® Chardonnay offers crisp fruit flavor and hints of oak to complement everything from grilled vegetables to chicken and seafood.

Pick the perfect rosé for warm weather

Outdoor firepit gathering with wine.
Enjoy summer sipping and entertaining outdoors with your favorite Biltmore wines.

Rosé drinkers will appreciate our Biltmore Estate® Dry Rosé, a surprisingly dry wine with delicate layers of berry flavors. It’s perfect with chicken, pork, salmon, and sausage–serve it along with all those smoky grilled favorites at your next backyard barbecue–or enjoy it as an ingredient in a refreshing cocktail.

Warm-weather sippers for red wine lovers

Biltmore Cardinal's Crest makes a sensational sangria
Add some sparkle to warm weather sipping with our Cardinal’s Crest Sangria!

Sharon recommends mellow, versatile reds for the warm weather sipping; one of the best is Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest—a smooth, easy-to-drink blend.

“Enjoy it by the glass, or mix up a pitcher of fruity sangria to sip in the shade,” Sharon said. “Your friends will thank you!” 

Biltmore bubbles are festive and fun!

Woman sipping sparkling wine by the pool at The Inn on Biltmore Estate
Enjoy our sparkling wine poolside during warm weather, just like this guest at The Inn on Biltmore Estate.

Like something bubbly? Sparkling wines like our Biltmore Estate® Brut, handcrafted in the traditional méthode champenoise style, are perfect for warm weather sipping on their own and as the base of mimosas or other cocktails.

Cool down with the 20-minute rule

Couple cheers their wine glasses while overlooking mountains at Biltmore
Cheers are on the horizon!

“Whatever wine you prefer, make sure you chill it first, even if it’s a red wine,” said Sharon. She suggests that you cool reds for about 20 minutes before you serve them. For white wines, remove from the refrigerator 20 minutes prior to serving so their aromas and flavors can be released.

“The most important rule of wine? Drink what you like, regardless of the time of year!” Sharon said.

Enjoy sipping Biltmore wines all summer long

Two women walking out of Biltmore Winery
Put Biltmore wines on your “bucket list” for summer sipping!

Find your favorite Biltmore wines at Biltmore Estate shops, restaurants, and our Winery—or closer to home with our Retail Locator. You can also order by phone at 800-968-0558, or purchase our wines online through Vivino.

In addition, summer is a great time to explore our Vanderbilt Wine Club®, with seasonal shipments delivered directly to your door, plus invitations to members-only events and more.

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